I began collecting knives about 18 months ago. I was surfing on Ebay, while looking for a Kershaw knife to buy as a birthday gift for a friend. Knives made from Damascus steel with all sorts of beautiful natural material handles astounded me. I purchased an exquisite mammoth ivory handled/ Devin Thomas Damascus blade knife made by Michael Smith. I was HOOKED. I started buying more knives from Bob Lanham at Knife Connection. His knowledge and ensuing friendship got me started on a growing collection. I purchased David Daroms book. I read it cover to cover. I was amazed at the broad range of personalities of the various knifemakers. I had read the bio on Dellana, and discovered that at one time, she was considering veterinary medicine as a career. Being a Veterinarian myself, I emailed her to discuss my new hobby. She suggested that I attend the Art Knife Invitational in San Diego. I was fortunate to receive an invitation from Phil Lobred. At the AKI, I met amazing knifemakers, and made all sorts of new friends. I was particularly impressed with Ray Appleton. What an interesting provocative man. I sparked up a friendship. I wish I had had the resources at that time to purchase one of his knives. Hes in so many ways, in a class by himself. I was lucky to win two Tim Herman knives. My collection was now starting to take a high-end turn. I subsequently attended knife shows in New York, Atlanta, Janesville, Chicago, and most recently Huntington Beach, California. Ive learned a lot, but have so much more to learn.
When in San Diego for the AKI, I met Ed Wormser. What an amazing guy. His knowledge and enthusiasm are in a class by themselves. As it turns out, he lives 3 miles from my home. Ive learned so much from Ed. I am fortunate to have been invited to his Custom Tactical Knife Show in Las Vegas at the end of January, 2005. What is so intriguing about this show, is the way in which knives can be purchased. Just like the AKI and the Plaza Cutlery shows, the knives are sold via a drawing. Everyone has an equal opportunity to purchase any given knife. The lucky ticket holder will have the option of purchasing the knife. Judging by the prices that these knives were resold for AFTER the original purchase at the Plaza Cutlery Show, I think that several lucky winners will be able to finance their trip to Las Vegas (and then some). Although I havent begun collecting tactical knives, they have an unbelievable resale market. I witnessed knives at the Plaza Cutlery Show being sold for FIVE times the purchase price. What A Country. I cant wait for this show. Im also hoping to go to the Milan Show in November. I LOVE THIS HOBBY!
When in San Diego for the AKI, I met Ed Wormser. What an amazing guy. His knowledge and enthusiasm are in a class by themselves. As it turns out, he lives 3 miles from my home. Ive learned so much from Ed. I am fortunate to have been invited to his Custom Tactical Knife Show in Las Vegas at the end of January, 2005. What is so intriguing about this show, is the way in which knives can be purchased. Just like the AKI and the Plaza Cutlery shows, the knives are sold via a drawing. Everyone has an equal opportunity to purchase any given knife. The lucky ticket holder will have the option of purchasing the knife. Judging by the prices that these knives were resold for AFTER the original purchase at the Plaza Cutlery Show, I think that several lucky winners will be able to finance their trip to Las Vegas (and then some). Although I havent begun collecting tactical knives, they have an unbelievable resale market. I witnessed knives at the Plaza Cutlery Show being sold for FIVE times the purchase price. What A Country. I cant wait for this show. Im also hoping to go to the Milan Show in November. I LOVE THIS HOBBY!
It's surely an addiction, but what a way to go. I think that I was initially drawn like you, to the incredible natural materials, which, when they're really good, seem like precious candy that you want to, but can't eat, then, it was the spellbinding precision of the mechanisms of some of the better folders that kept me interested, now it's everything.
