- Joined
- Aug 17, 2010
- Messages
- 883
I was in Pasadena today for the start of the Knife Expo. I've only been to shows in southern California, but I thought this was a really good show with 2 exceptions.
The highlight for me had to be Robert Scheppmann, who had a knife waiting for me. It was a gift for my son - not gifted by me, but by Robert. Robert's knives are great and getting better. I spent a lot of time talking to Robert about his techniques. Robert's father, Dave, is also a very nice and fun to talk to. He is obviously proud of what his son has accomplished in a very short time. Robert sold one of his knives while I was talking to his dad. I would buy that knife.
Meeting Ray Laconico at the first show where he was selling was very exciting. He's been full time since 2006, I believe, but this was his first table. The folders he displayed are awesome and I will have a Laconico folder before too long. Check out Ray's post to see the knives. http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/936326-Pasadena-Knife-Expo-Some-of-My-Knives?highlight=ray+laconico Ray is a class act and very nice person.
David Sharp sets the bar in my opinion for new makers. He is also no slouch among experienced makers. He is very very good. I want one of his knives in my shop as inspiration - something to work toward. As a new maker myself, many may be wondering, "what the hell does this guy know?" I know high quality when I see it, and hold it. I also know what I want to buy. I look at knives with a super critical eye, and I have a good eye for symmetry and fit and finish. I can see minute flaws in almost every knife I hold, David's knives are among the hardest to find flaws, in my small world. David also has a lovely wife, Charlene, who David will tell you is his greatest fan. Awesome. (As a note, there are many other maker's knives I would love to have in my shop).
Mark from Burl Source was there, I really enjoyed talking to him. I will be buying some Koa from Mark at some point. As a bonus, he had knives that both "Butch" Lloyd Harner (seen here http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/936405-New-Knife-by-Butch-Harner) and a traditional styled sushi knife that Stacy made. It was fun to hold knives of folks that I may not meet in person, but respect here on the forum. Both knives were great, BTW. I want to do more kitchen, so these knives were very nice for me to see.
If Ryan Weeks, Brian Goode, Mike Davis, and Jonny Mac were at the show, I would still be there. I would organize an after-show event and everyone would be welcome, but the guys I have listed would be dragged there. I wish we all lived closer to one another.
If you are within a 2-3 hour drive of the show, you may want to make it part of your weekend.
The two problems I had with the show were "no backpacks," so I had to carry a paper bag with the supplies I bought. I was told that it was because of previous theft. The other was "no power," so I didn't get to see Travis Wertz' grinder run.
The highlight for me had to be Robert Scheppmann, who had a knife waiting for me. It was a gift for my son - not gifted by me, but by Robert. Robert's knives are great and getting better. I spent a lot of time talking to Robert about his techniques. Robert's father, Dave, is also a very nice and fun to talk to. He is obviously proud of what his son has accomplished in a very short time. Robert sold one of his knives while I was talking to his dad. I would buy that knife.
Meeting Ray Laconico at the first show where he was selling was very exciting. He's been full time since 2006, I believe, but this was his first table. The folders he displayed are awesome and I will have a Laconico folder before too long. Check out Ray's post to see the knives. http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/936326-Pasadena-Knife-Expo-Some-of-My-Knives?highlight=ray+laconico Ray is a class act and very nice person.
David Sharp sets the bar in my opinion for new makers. He is also no slouch among experienced makers. He is very very good. I want one of his knives in my shop as inspiration - something to work toward. As a new maker myself, many may be wondering, "what the hell does this guy know?" I know high quality when I see it, and hold it. I also know what I want to buy. I look at knives with a super critical eye, and I have a good eye for symmetry and fit and finish. I can see minute flaws in almost every knife I hold, David's knives are among the hardest to find flaws, in my small world. David also has a lovely wife, Charlene, who David will tell you is his greatest fan. Awesome. (As a note, there are many other maker's knives I would love to have in my shop).
Mark from Burl Source was there, I really enjoyed talking to him. I will be buying some Koa from Mark at some point. As a bonus, he had knives that both "Butch" Lloyd Harner (seen here http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/936405-New-Knife-by-Butch-Harner) and a traditional styled sushi knife that Stacy made. It was fun to hold knives of folks that I may not meet in person, but respect here on the forum. Both knives were great, BTW. I want to do more kitchen, so these knives were very nice for me to see.
If Ryan Weeks, Brian Goode, Mike Davis, and Jonny Mac were at the show, I would still be there. I would organize an after-show event and everyone would be welcome, but the guys I have listed would be dragged there. I wish we all lived closer to one another.
If you are within a 2-3 hour drive of the show, you may want to make it part of your weekend.
The two problems I had with the show were "no backpacks," so I had to carry a paper bag with the supplies I bought. I was told that it was because of previous theft. The other was "no power," so I didn't get to see Travis Wertz' grinder run.
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