Mike Talanian/Jon Klein Custom Knife Party

jklein7401

jklein7401

Joined
Dec 26, 2005
Messages
519
Back in August for my birthday weekend my good friend Mike suggested I head to his place in NYC to enjoy his extensive knife collection. For any collector or maker I have to say it was quite impressive. Well based on that experience we did the same this past weekend and I thought I would share some photos from this event. Price of admission - bring some knives to show off. We were fortunate enough to have some very special folks attend from all aspects of custom knife collecting. In addition to Mike and I we had Jon Brand and Jim "Coop" Cooper as collectors, Makers were Mike Ruth Jr. and Sal Manaro, last custom knife designer Liong Mah. Bill Malloy of www.beautifulblades.com also joined us a brought some young makers with him. We had a great time and hope to make this a twice per year event. It is not often the opportunity arises to see so many fine pieces in one place and spend the amount of time we had enjoying them. Not like a typical show (which we all love) as this is not sales driven. That is not to say there was not any wheeling and dealing going on.

If you have some collectors in your area put on a private show, you will not regret it or join us next time!

I not Coop took the photos and did the best I could to represent the feel of the event. In addition to some photos here is a link to the album I created.

Let me know what you think about this.

A big welcome from Mike Talanian to his home. He is quite the host!!

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Here is a link to the rest of the photos, enjoy

Mike T/Jon K Knife Show Pics

Jon
 
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Like a really good time.

Nice pics, Jon...talk soon.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
Man, that looks like a really good time - and what a spectacular assembly of knives. I love "Dogbone Row" in that one display case.

Roger
 
Jon,

It looks like you guys had a great time.

I don't know if 1 weekend is enough time to check out all of those great knives.

Jim Treacy
 
That looks amazing and I'm sure you'll had a great time. I guess next year I'll skip Blade or any other show for that matter, and join you guys for a weekend. That's because I would love to feel and inspect all those knives first hand.

Marcel
 
That IS a fantastic collection and a great idea. I abhor traveling to NYC, but I MIGHT even make that trip to attend an event like that.

Aside from the infinite number of incredible knives, that carved ivory elephant looks divine and that Elise' is very COOL!

Peter
 
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Wonderful thread Jon. I've always wondered what Mikes collection was really like. Its massive and and and expensive. Is that the right word? Wow! I cant believe how many high enders are there.
Hey I see he still has the Tortuga set. They look so happy.
 
Here are some more for those who do not visit the album. Anyone who thinks they may want to attend the next show let me know. We will invite all!!

Some of the gang names from the top down
Mike Ruth Jr, Liong Mah, Sal Manaro, Jon Klein, Mike Talanian, Jim Cooper
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Jim Cooper's amazing Hill Pearce collection
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Larry Fuegen Amazing AKI dagger, Bruce Bump Tortoga Set
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Some Roger Bergh and Andre Andersson art
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A little Tom Ferry and Ron Newton action
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Enjoy, Jon
 
This was a wonderful time. Mike knows how to make a knife man crazy! Great seeing you guys Sat, and sorry to miss ya Coop on Sunday.

Mike Ruth Jr had a sweet fisk nlt sword. This thing was fun..

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wow What a great way to spend your B day it must of been like being at the best knife show ever so many knives so little time. thanks for giving us a little peek.
 
Man, was this a nice surprise. I heard from both Jon and Mike and was asked about attending on thursday.

I juggled some family plans and made the trip. As it turns out it was only one hour--driveway to driveway. (An easy ride in my new Infiniti G37s ;))

Jon Brand: I'm so glad you made it, and sorry we came on separate days. Next time. :D

Mike Talanian: Absolutely a man's man. Forget about the knives for a moment. Mike is passionate about many things, not the least of which is community. Mi casa es su casa! I felt immediately at home and comfortable in any room. Mike doesn't hover around making sure you are OK. He lets you explore and take your time acclimating. I found his gift of warmth to be a highpoint.

And then there are the knives.....

Everywhere. He had tables out and cases filled. All open for scrutiny and handling. What impressed me about his collection is how diverse it is: Mike loves the forged blade, the carved handles, the delicate engraved, and the largest CLACK tacticals on the planet.

As long as they are quality they belong. What a ride!

Jon Klein: No wonder these two guys get along. Jon doesn't do ANYTHING mediocre. Including becoming a friend. Again, the commaraderie was exuding and the conversations bright. A pleasure to inspect his knives and tastes. Thanks, man!

Liong Mah: Not a familiar name on BF, but I've known him for years. A talented tactical knife designer (I'm certain not limited to that, but that's his schtick), who's collaborations can be found among the best makers in this genre.

What I DIDN'T know about Liong was his talent for cooking. While I was spending hours ogling cutlery, he was in the kitchen and BBQ preparing the tastiest 'Chinese pasta' dish and garlic chicken breasts I have EVER eaten. It was so rich and flavorful I disallowed all reservations about portions and ate till it hurt so good. :D Much appreciation!

Sal Manaro: Another long time friend and rare BF presence. Sal's uber-clean tactical knives are in the class of drawings and price doubling purchases. Talking with him is talking with an incredibly gifted machinist and meticulous worker. He works on 20 ton iron beams for his first full time job, while making time in the late eves and weekends to fulfill a backlog of orders. COMPLETELY humble and an easy-to-dialog with person. He deserves all the props he can get.

Bill Malloy: A dealer from Manhattan, who runs a brick and mortor store. Another real knowlegable knife person who understands and admires it all.

Bill and I share the passion of cars, and he took me outside to show me his small Lotus (2005?) Not a huge expensive Lamborghini-type ride, but a solid smaller 1800cc sportabout with some performance mods. After two mins of conversation about the car, he tosses me the keys and off we go. I drove it like I stole it. :D What a pleasure. Thanks!

Mike Ruth, JS: Second time enjoying time with Mike (1st = Blade Show), and here is a young maker who is COMPLETELY absorbed in the skills and designs and passions of our industry.

Mike is taking it all in, and understands the complexities of the craft, probably all through observation. Iis excitement is infectious and I know he impresses all with his personality.

He's bound to make a folder soon enough and I KNOW once he goes there it will be as mind boggling and potentially award winning as his fixed blades have been.

Man, that was SO worth the ride and time. My stomach hurt from the good food and my hand hurt from Mike and Jon's gripping handshakes. Fantastic!

Thanks!

Coop
 
Quite an overload on exceptional pieces. You must have had quite a time! Thanks for sharing.

Gary
 
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