I just got back into Vancouver after clearing customs and all I can say is WOW... and OOPS.
Wow because the drive down and back was truly hideous, snow and crappy drivers there and back (11+ hours total) left at 1 this morning, arrived at ~7 after having breakfast.. I was maybe 6th or 7th in line. Met a bunch of people in the lineup, all fantastic people. No forum members though. I mentioned here that I would be easy to spot because I am my screen name.... first person I meet and talk to is 6'9"!!! OOPS!
I saw Thomas and recognized him instantly, and introduced myself and my son. He took the time to talk to me for at least 10 minutes, even though he would have had far better things to do- WOW. I also got my bag (thank you Thomas!), and would have been happy to pay full throttle for it, they're great bags. Just before we went in, the sharpening crew came out and did what was previously mentioned http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=514248&page=2, and I swear at least 2 people brought 4-5 knives each, and all were cheerfully done-another WOW.
The first batch of people, myself included,went in at about 8:30 I think, and I was stunned by the amount of product there. I just stood there for a few minutes trying to absorb it all, when I hear "hey sixfoot7". It's Thomas, waving me over and says "I'd like you to meet Ken Onion". KEN ONION!. Introduces me and my son by our names (yes- another WOW). I mentioned to Ken that I loved his custom work and that my first Kershaw, a Leek, was the reason I got started on this company's products to begin with. And then I said, "well it was very nice to meet you, I better get shopping." And I started shopping. OOPS! I was so impressed That Ken would show up at this sale that I simply couldn't think of any intelligent question to ask him. (got some now though
). Started looking at various blades, and then Thomas showed me some knives where he was standing. Almost everytime he pointed something out, I'd take it. All except one- the Tyrade. OOPS. I still can't believe I did that. So my list of 5 or so knives ended up being:
-Chive 1600
-Scallion "Snap-On" version, pocket clip is a wrench!
-both Ener-Gs
-Cyclone 1630 BLKST (see Dann, I pay attention)
-Speed Bump 1595
- JYD 1725SG2
-Leek 1660TIZDP
-G10 Offset
-3 different Wasabis (I prefer the edge for slicing)
- a Shun knife block
My 15 year old son's first ever knife purchases: Needs Work, JYD II G10, original JYD. I lent him the money for it, but he doesn't know yet that he doesn't have to pay me back as part of his Xmas gift.
Everyone there was courteous, calm, knowledgeable, and fun to talk to. Thomas and the staff made this day easily the best one in the past six weeks (since my wife and I separated), and probably will be for a good long time. I got to spend a great day together with my son, and there are now 2 generations of Kershaw customers for life.
Once again Thomas, thank you (and the entire staff!) for making this a terrific experience for us. I look forward to making this an annual event. I'd do it again in the same weather!
Rik Verra
Wow because the drive down and back was truly hideous, snow and crappy drivers there and back (11+ hours total) left at 1 this morning, arrived at ~7 after having breakfast.. I was maybe 6th or 7th in line. Met a bunch of people in the lineup, all fantastic people. No forum members though. I mentioned here that I would be easy to spot because I am my screen name.... first person I meet and talk to is 6'9"!!! OOPS!
I saw Thomas and recognized him instantly, and introduced myself and my son. He took the time to talk to me for at least 10 minutes, even though he would have had far better things to do- WOW. I also got my bag (thank you Thomas!), and would have been happy to pay full throttle for it, they're great bags. Just before we went in, the sharpening crew came out and did what was previously mentioned http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=514248&page=2, and I swear at least 2 people brought 4-5 knives each, and all were cheerfully done-another WOW.
The first batch of people, myself included,went in at about 8:30 I think, and I was stunned by the amount of product there. I just stood there for a few minutes trying to absorb it all, when I hear "hey sixfoot7". It's Thomas, waving me over and says "I'd like you to meet Ken Onion". KEN ONION!. Introduces me and my son by our names (yes- another WOW). I mentioned to Ken that I loved his custom work and that my first Kershaw, a Leek, was the reason I got started on this company's products to begin with. And then I said, "well it was very nice to meet you, I better get shopping." And I started shopping. OOPS! I was so impressed That Ken would show up at this sale that I simply couldn't think of any intelligent question to ask him. (got some now though
). Started looking at various blades, and then Thomas showed me some knives where he was standing. Almost everytime he pointed something out, I'd take it. All except one- the Tyrade. OOPS. I still can't believe I did that. So my list of 5 or so knives ended up being:-Chive 1600
-Scallion "Snap-On" version, pocket clip is a wrench!
-both Ener-Gs
-Cyclone 1630 BLKST (see Dann, I pay attention)
-Speed Bump 1595
- JYD 1725SG2
-Leek 1660TIZDP
-G10 Offset
-3 different Wasabis (I prefer the edge for slicing)
- a Shun knife block
My 15 year old son's first ever knife purchases: Needs Work, JYD II G10, original JYD. I lent him the money for it, but he doesn't know yet that he doesn't have to pay me back as part of his Xmas gift.
Everyone there was courteous, calm, knowledgeable, and fun to talk to. Thomas and the staff made this day easily the best one in the past six weeks (since my wife and I separated), and probably will be for a good long time. I got to spend a great day together with my son, and there are now 2 generations of Kershaw customers for life.
Once again Thomas, thank you (and the entire staff!) for making this a terrific experience for us. I look forward to making this an annual event. I'd do it again in the same weather!
Rik Verra
)! though i am a bit jealous that you got to meet Ken Onion 
), but as I stated earlier, I'd do it again in a heartbeat!
