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My Art Knife Invitational 2011 Review....feel free to...
- Thread starter Kohai999
- Start date
- Joined
- Dec 26, 2005
- Messages
- 519
STeven, really nice review of the show. As you know it was my first AKI but far from my last. Glad you did not do any more damage to your hand but it did liven up that portion of the event. I appreciate you going out of your way for us and look forward to next time.
Jon
Jon
- Joined
- Oct 28, 2006
- Messages
- 13,363
Another fine AKI review Steven, thanks for taking the time to share your experence with us!
Since the Hancock Fancy Hunter had been mentioned a couple times here I thought it a good candidate for the special knife/limited exposure thread. So a photo is posted there for anyone who wants to see it.
Since the Hancock Fancy Hunter had been mentioned a couple times here I thought it a good candidate for the special knife/limited exposure thread. So a photo is posted there for anyone who wants to see it.
Kohai999
Second Degree Cutter
- Joined
- Jul 15, 2003
- Messages
- 12,554
Continued from Post #1
Lake, Ron-Ron made three beautiful Orion Folders. All Devin Thomas Spirograph damascus Chute style blades, unetched for some curious reason. One had a black inlay of old Zenith Radio phenolic with fossil ivory inlays, rose gold screws and yellow gold tab release. Another had inlay of black G-10 and ivory colored G-10 with gold inserts, and several square and round gold inlays with different materials. My favorite, shown below, was won by a friend, and has stag inlays with a gold escutcheon. I dropped on all of these knives. The bid up piece was a prototype of aluminum handles, and I love the audacity to do that....make a prototype in aluminum handles and make it the bid up piece!
Loerchner, Wolfgang this maker deserves every piece transcribed from the catalog, as written:
1. Pictorial Folder
Blade-File Worked 440C
Handle-File Worked 416
Length Open-7 5/8", Length Closed- 41/2"
This pattern was originally designed to carry a series of pictorial inlays. This, however is an all steel version, making it a unique piece. Blade and handle scales are sculpted to accent the graceful lines of the profile. A gracefully curved inlay of stainless Damascus compliments the filework.
2. Dolphin Folder
Blade-File worked 440C
Handle-File worked 416
Length open-7 5/8", Length closed-5"
The delicate and graceful profile of this knife is complimented by the lines of a jumping dolphin rendered in solid gold. A nickel damascus background provides a pleasant contrast. The file worked handle and blade convey a feeling of splashing water.
3. Large Dagger Bladed Folder
Blade-File Worked 440C
Handle-File Worked 416SS
Length open-9 1/4", Length closed-5"
This folder features a highly carved handle to compliment the extensive inlay work. Inlays of carved gold, black lip pearl and damascus are carved to create a sculpted appearance.
Obviously to those that know, Wolfe's definition of filework differs from the main. I dropped on the pictorial folder, and knew with Mr. Guild there, not any possibility of getting the sublime Large Dagger, which was a bid up knife, as was the Dolphin. Always good to see Wolfe, he is exuberant and jolly.
Merritt, Jim-Special guest this 2011 AKI, brought 8 Loveless knives-Hidden pin Jr. Bear from Bob Loveless' personal collection, Drop Hunter from Bob's personal collection and Stiff Horn in Stag, Drop hunter in Ivory Micarta, Fighter, Dixon Fighter, Boot and Small boot in stag. All stag amber dyed to perfection. I dropped on the Fighter, Boot and Small Boot, and really would have liked the Small Boot to keep.
Rapp, Steven-Steven chose to really showcase a number of different historical styles this year. The “American Bowie” in a 10” blade featured a political etching from early America and blended it with a handle showcasing the ½ alligator/1/2 horse motif. The “Ring Dagger” was a spot on reproduction of the San Francisco ring dagger but came with a fine example of Julie Warenski-Erickson’s engraving. The “Abalone & Pearl” Mosaic dagger had a 7 ½” blade of CPM 154-CM steel and a Monel sheath and fittings. The handle was 40 pieces of abalone and 40 pieces of mother-of-pearl wrapped around the core in a smooth oval shape and separated by nickel-silver wire. Similarly historically influenced pieces rounded out a spectacular showing by my good friend, including a Push Dagger of 4 3/4” 440C with a piece of fossilized walrus tusk and a stainless steel sheath. Steven often measures original artifacts when possible to get as close to the original blueprint as humanly can be done.
Reverdy, Pierre-Oh man, he keeps trying to take it to the next level. Mosaic “Poetic Damascus” that tells whatever tale he is communicating…..BUT, it falls flat. Pierre handed me “Silver Star” when I came up to his table, Poetic Damascus and pure silver with blue and gold transparent enamels by Nicole Reverdy-Piel, blade of Poetic Damascus in a star pattern, blade 3.5”…..there was nothing for me to say…I don’t get it.
Smith, John W.- is a very good friend of mine.
“Damascus Gent’s Folder”-Hot blued “W” pattern Damascus blade and spacer with 24K gold inlay. The bolsters are hot blued “diamond” W pattern with 24K gold inlay. The screws are 14K gold as is the thumb stud. Liners are file worked and anodized 6AL4V titanium. An emerald is bezel set in the thumbstud which compliments the green in the black lip pearl handles.
“Mosaic Interframe Folding Dagger” The blade and the space are Damascus with 24K gold inlay. Frames are 416 stainless steel, engraved with 24K gold,. The inlays are made up of various types of pearl vith 18K gold dividing each piece. Thumbstud is 18K gold with a bezel set diamond. Liners are fileworked 6AL4V Titanium.
“Damascus Picture Frame Folding Dagger”-The blade and spacer are hot blued Damascus with 24K gold inlay. The space has pearl and gold inlayed on the spine. The frames are hot blued “W” pattern Damascus with picture frame cutouts with shell inserts and 24K gold inlay. The thumbstud and bale are 18K gold. Liners are fileworked and anodized ^AL4V titanium.
All work is sole authorship.
Steinau, Jurgen-Three knives-
“Pointed Knife”-Nr. 110910-1- Measures 9.44” x 1.77” Stinless steel, handle inserts are from gold with inlays from stone, pearl, Bakelite, etc.
“Folding Knife, “Cutter””, Nr. Nr. 110903-1. Measures 7.48” x .78”Stainless steel, handle inserts from gold with inlays made from stone, pearl, Bakelite, etc.
“Pointed Knife”- Nr. 110406-1-Measures 10”x1.8 Stainless steel, handle inserts are from “Nicorros” with inlays from pen shell and Bakelite.
IMO, these are not knives as they are not sharp or sharpened, but VERY nice “knife-like” objects, you all should see for yourselves.
Taylor, C. Gray-Georgian Style Era Horseman’s Knife-15 blades which include Sheep’s Foot Master, pen blade, manicure, cockspur saw(!), fleam, saw, button hook, reamer, bodkin needle, leather punch, corkscrew, awl, gimlet, stone pick, and screwdriver. There were three pullout blades-tweezers, picker and thumb lancet. Blades made of 154CM, handles of antique tortoise shell with 14k gold sheet, inlaid with a 14k gold horses head.
The other knives were of similar magnificence. Evelyn Taylor is a dear friend that I look forward to visiting with whenever possible.
Gray won the Buster Warenski award for the second time, speaks for itself.
Towell, Dwight-Mediterranean Bowie-engraved(I assume, stainless steel blade) 8.25” blade length, African Blackwood handles with 24k and abalone Arabesque inlay. Interfame folder 2.5” blade length, Plume agate handle inlay, engraved handle and laid inlaid with yello, red and green gold. Interframe Folding Dagger with Damasteel 3” blade, interframe handle with engraving, 24K gold and blue Biggs jasper inlays. Always quality work, just not anything that drew me in, to take time and “coon finger”.
Walker, Michael-Three knives-All on top, all of the time.
Crowbar Folder-“This is the second knife with this lock. The first one was made in the early ‘90’s. Stainless Damascus, titanium and 24K gold.
Bladelock-“All stainless Damascus with precious metal inlays”.
New Style Zipper-“Stainless Damascus edge and handles, Pure platinum and 24K gold inays”.
There you have it, simple choice words from The Man. Price paid for the Zipper was the highest yet, and set a new bar. Michael had my vote for the Buster Warenski Award.
Warenski-Erickson, Julie is an artist who has really come into a style that she owns. Her Exquisite Art dagger was something that spoke of a personal connection, with a wasp waisted Rob Thomas reptilian damascus dagger blade featuring a blued steel carved and inlaid panel, hot blued steel guard inlaid adorned with 1 ½ CTW of black diamonds completed with a black and white dendrite agate handle as a sole-authorship piece. Neither her Persian Fighter nor the Persian Style hunter spoke to me, but the Rob Thomas stainless Damascus blades in complimentary patterns, excellent choice of handle material and of course, superlative engraving DID speak of great commitment to excellence. The Fighter was sole authorship, the Hunter collaboration with her husband, Curt Erickson.
The really memorable piece on the table for this writer was the Art Deco Style California Dagger. This is not a piece that Buster would have made unless Don Guild commissioned it. 440C blade with three piece guard of German silver, 24k gold beaded inlays, and engraving. Overlays featured black and gold lip mother of pearl panels and pave’ set diamonds. This is not an antique piece, this is a thoroughly modern, well- thought out and executed piece that said to this writer…..”I work in MY style, not anyone else’s” and man, do I salute that!
It was overall, in speaking to fellow collectors and the AKI makers, perhaps one of the best shows yet, and even so, a very excellent show. Although not perfect(nothing is) the room was very good, with plenty of light, ventilation and room to move around. The food(brunch/heartier lunch, and dinner) was better than the previous show location....this event was held at the Bay Tower of the Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina vs the previous location of San Diego Marriott Marquis & Marina. Bottom line is that the room that I attended at my first show in 2005 was converted into a bar and nightclub a few years ago, and the room that Phil Lobred was given by the Marriott to hold the show was insufficient and hotel staff did not address or make amends to Phil in any way, so he found another venue more willing and able to provide satisfaction.
After the show was over(officially at 3:00 pm) the room turns into "Collectors Buy, Sell and Trade"....from The Catalog "The knifemakers who underwrite this show understand the importance of the secondary market and have added a buy, sell and trade period from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm after the show sale." This is a tacitly approved time for people in the room to sell knives that they have brought with them or purchased at the show, and it does not matter if you are a dealer or collector. There are roughly 175 purchasing buyers at the show, and roughly 100-125 knives available for sale in the draws/bid ups....if there was no additional Buy, Sell and Trade, there would be no reason for as many to show up, as it is a simple matter of fact that not everyone will be drawn, as a matter of fact, in 4 shows attended, I have been drawn.....once. If you don't like the Collectors Buy, Sell and Trade two hour period, it is a perfect time to leave the room, and perhaps take a pre-banquet nap.
I stabbed myself in the hand with a Jason Knight fighter as posted elsewhere, it went 1/2 way through my palm, there is no permanent damage and it will leave a good sized scar. I love this knife and it is not for sale, ever.
As far as collectors/dealers ganging up to stuff the boxes....it happens...get over it, and look at it as a great opportunity to meet new collectors/dealers....the world is not going to change because you have a meltdown.
The banquet would have been great if we had not had a really rude and blowhardy trio join us....whatever...had my lovely wife not been in attendance, the results of the evening may have included jail time....alas, they did not.
There were people I expected to see at the 2011 AKI not there and quite a few people that I did not expect to be there who were. Such is life. Please come to the 2013 Art Knife Invitational and see what the hubub is about!
Best Regards,
STeven Garsson
Lake, Ron-Ron made three beautiful Orion Folders. All Devin Thomas Spirograph damascus Chute style blades, unetched for some curious reason. One had a black inlay of old Zenith Radio phenolic with fossil ivory inlays, rose gold screws and yellow gold tab release. Another had inlay of black G-10 and ivory colored G-10 with gold inserts, and several square and round gold inlays with different materials. My favorite, shown below, was won by a friend, and has stag inlays with a gold escutcheon. I dropped on all of these knives. The bid up piece was a prototype of aluminum handles, and I love the audacity to do that....make a prototype in aluminum handles and make it the bid up piece!
Loerchner, Wolfgang this maker deserves every piece transcribed from the catalog, as written:
1. Pictorial Folder
Blade-File Worked 440C
Handle-File Worked 416
Length Open-7 5/8", Length Closed- 41/2"
This pattern was originally designed to carry a series of pictorial inlays. This, however is an all steel version, making it a unique piece. Blade and handle scales are sculpted to accent the graceful lines of the profile. A gracefully curved inlay of stainless Damascus compliments the filework.
2. Dolphin Folder
Blade-File worked 440C
Handle-File worked 416
Length open-7 5/8", Length closed-5"
The delicate and graceful profile of this knife is complimented by the lines of a jumping dolphin rendered in solid gold. A nickel damascus background provides a pleasant contrast. The file worked handle and blade convey a feeling of splashing water.
3. Large Dagger Bladed Folder
Blade-File Worked 440C
Handle-File Worked 416SS
Length open-9 1/4", Length closed-5"
This folder features a highly carved handle to compliment the extensive inlay work. Inlays of carved gold, black lip pearl and damascus are carved to create a sculpted appearance.
Obviously to those that know, Wolfe's definition of filework differs from the main. I dropped on the pictorial folder, and knew with Mr. Guild there, not any possibility of getting the sublime Large Dagger, which was a bid up knife, as was the Dolphin. Always good to see Wolfe, he is exuberant and jolly.
Merritt, Jim-Special guest this 2011 AKI, brought 8 Loveless knives-Hidden pin Jr. Bear from Bob Loveless' personal collection, Drop Hunter from Bob's personal collection and Stiff Horn in Stag, Drop hunter in Ivory Micarta, Fighter, Dixon Fighter, Boot and Small boot in stag. All stag amber dyed to perfection. I dropped on the Fighter, Boot and Small Boot, and really would have liked the Small Boot to keep.
Rapp, Steven-Steven chose to really showcase a number of different historical styles this year. The “American Bowie” in a 10” blade featured a political etching from early America and blended it with a handle showcasing the ½ alligator/1/2 horse motif. The “Ring Dagger” was a spot on reproduction of the San Francisco ring dagger but came with a fine example of Julie Warenski-Erickson’s engraving. The “Abalone & Pearl” Mosaic dagger had a 7 ½” blade of CPM 154-CM steel and a Monel sheath and fittings. The handle was 40 pieces of abalone and 40 pieces of mother-of-pearl wrapped around the core in a smooth oval shape and separated by nickel-silver wire. Similarly historically influenced pieces rounded out a spectacular showing by my good friend, including a Push Dagger of 4 3/4” 440C with a piece of fossilized walrus tusk and a stainless steel sheath. Steven often measures original artifacts when possible to get as close to the original blueprint as humanly can be done.
Reverdy, Pierre-Oh man, he keeps trying to take it to the next level. Mosaic “Poetic Damascus” that tells whatever tale he is communicating…..BUT, it falls flat. Pierre handed me “Silver Star” when I came up to his table, Poetic Damascus and pure silver with blue and gold transparent enamels by Nicole Reverdy-Piel, blade of Poetic Damascus in a star pattern, blade 3.5”…..there was nothing for me to say…I don’t get it.
Smith, John W.- is a very good friend of mine.
“Damascus Gent’s Folder”-Hot blued “W” pattern Damascus blade and spacer with 24K gold inlay. The bolsters are hot blued “diamond” W pattern with 24K gold inlay. The screws are 14K gold as is the thumb stud. Liners are file worked and anodized 6AL4V titanium. An emerald is bezel set in the thumbstud which compliments the green in the black lip pearl handles.
“Mosaic Interframe Folding Dagger” The blade and the space are Damascus with 24K gold inlay. Frames are 416 stainless steel, engraved with 24K gold,. The inlays are made up of various types of pearl vith 18K gold dividing each piece. Thumbstud is 18K gold with a bezel set diamond. Liners are fileworked 6AL4V Titanium.
“Damascus Picture Frame Folding Dagger”-The blade and spacer are hot blued Damascus with 24K gold inlay. The space has pearl and gold inlayed on the spine. The frames are hot blued “W” pattern Damascus with picture frame cutouts with shell inserts and 24K gold inlay. The thumbstud and bale are 18K gold. Liners are fileworked and anodized ^AL4V titanium.
All work is sole authorship.
Steinau, Jurgen-Three knives-
“Pointed Knife”-Nr. 110910-1- Measures 9.44” x 1.77” Stinless steel, handle inserts are from gold with inlays from stone, pearl, Bakelite, etc.
“Folding Knife, “Cutter””, Nr. Nr. 110903-1. Measures 7.48” x .78”Stainless steel, handle inserts from gold with inlays made from stone, pearl, Bakelite, etc.
“Pointed Knife”- Nr. 110406-1-Measures 10”x1.8 Stainless steel, handle inserts are from “Nicorros” with inlays from pen shell and Bakelite.
IMO, these are not knives as they are not sharp or sharpened, but VERY nice “knife-like” objects, you all should see for yourselves.
Taylor, C. Gray-Georgian Style Era Horseman’s Knife-15 blades which include Sheep’s Foot Master, pen blade, manicure, cockspur saw(!), fleam, saw, button hook, reamer, bodkin needle, leather punch, corkscrew, awl, gimlet, stone pick, and screwdriver. There were three pullout blades-tweezers, picker and thumb lancet. Blades made of 154CM, handles of antique tortoise shell with 14k gold sheet, inlaid with a 14k gold horses head.
The other knives were of similar magnificence. Evelyn Taylor is a dear friend that I look forward to visiting with whenever possible.
Gray won the Buster Warenski award for the second time, speaks for itself.
Towell, Dwight-Mediterranean Bowie-engraved(I assume, stainless steel blade) 8.25” blade length, African Blackwood handles with 24k and abalone Arabesque inlay. Interfame folder 2.5” blade length, Plume agate handle inlay, engraved handle and laid inlaid with yello, red and green gold. Interframe Folding Dagger with Damasteel 3” blade, interframe handle with engraving, 24K gold and blue Biggs jasper inlays. Always quality work, just not anything that drew me in, to take time and “coon finger”.
Walker, Michael-Three knives-All on top, all of the time.
Crowbar Folder-“This is the second knife with this lock. The first one was made in the early ‘90’s. Stainless Damascus, titanium and 24K gold.
Bladelock-“All stainless Damascus with precious metal inlays”.
New Style Zipper-“Stainless Damascus edge and handles, Pure platinum and 24K gold inays”.
There you have it, simple choice words from The Man. Price paid for the Zipper was the highest yet, and set a new bar. Michael had my vote for the Buster Warenski Award.
Warenski-Erickson, Julie is an artist who has really come into a style that she owns. Her Exquisite Art dagger was something that spoke of a personal connection, with a wasp waisted Rob Thomas reptilian damascus dagger blade featuring a blued steel carved and inlaid panel, hot blued steel guard inlaid adorned with 1 ½ CTW of black diamonds completed with a black and white dendrite agate handle as a sole-authorship piece. Neither her Persian Fighter nor the Persian Style hunter spoke to me, but the Rob Thomas stainless Damascus blades in complimentary patterns, excellent choice of handle material and of course, superlative engraving DID speak of great commitment to excellence. The Fighter was sole authorship, the Hunter collaboration with her husband, Curt Erickson.
The really memorable piece on the table for this writer was the Art Deco Style California Dagger. This is not a piece that Buster would have made unless Don Guild commissioned it. 440C blade with three piece guard of German silver, 24k gold beaded inlays, and engraving. Overlays featured black and gold lip mother of pearl panels and pave’ set diamonds. This is not an antique piece, this is a thoroughly modern, well- thought out and executed piece that said to this writer…..”I work in MY style, not anyone else’s” and man, do I salute that!
It was overall, in speaking to fellow collectors and the AKI makers, perhaps one of the best shows yet, and even so, a very excellent show. Although not perfect(nothing is) the room was very good, with plenty of light, ventilation and room to move around. The food(brunch/heartier lunch, and dinner) was better than the previous show location....this event was held at the Bay Tower of the Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina vs the previous location of San Diego Marriott Marquis & Marina. Bottom line is that the room that I attended at my first show in 2005 was converted into a bar and nightclub a few years ago, and the room that Phil Lobred was given by the Marriott to hold the show was insufficient and hotel staff did not address or make amends to Phil in any way, so he found another venue more willing and able to provide satisfaction.
After the show was over(officially at 3:00 pm) the room turns into "Collectors Buy, Sell and Trade"....from The Catalog "The knifemakers who underwrite this show understand the importance of the secondary market and have added a buy, sell and trade period from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm after the show sale." This is a tacitly approved time for people in the room to sell knives that they have brought with them or purchased at the show, and it does not matter if you are a dealer or collector. There are roughly 175 purchasing buyers at the show, and roughly 100-125 knives available for sale in the draws/bid ups....if there was no additional Buy, Sell and Trade, there would be no reason for as many to show up, as it is a simple matter of fact that not everyone will be drawn, as a matter of fact, in 4 shows attended, I have been drawn.....once. If you don't like the Collectors Buy, Sell and Trade two hour period, it is a perfect time to leave the room, and perhaps take a pre-banquet nap.
I stabbed myself in the hand with a Jason Knight fighter as posted elsewhere, it went 1/2 way through my palm, there is no permanent damage and it will leave a good sized scar. I love this knife and it is not for sale, ever.
As far as collectors/dealers ganging up to stuff the boxes....it happens...get over it, and look at it as a great opportunity to meet new collectors/dealers....the world is not going to change because you have a meltdown.
The banquet would have been great if we had not had a really rude and blowhardy trio join us....whatever...had my lovely wife not been in attendance, the results of the evening may have included jail time....alas, they did not.
There were people I expected to see at the 2011 AKI not there and quite a few people that I did not expect to be there who were. Such is life. Please come to the 2013 Art Knife Invitational and see what the hubub is about!
Best Regards,
STeven Garsson
Last edited:
- Joined
- Jan 23, 2007
- Messages
- 8,216
STeven, I am really glad I decided to unfold my computer at the SLO airport right now, before boarding.
I hear you loud and clear on the California Dagger. I spoke at length with Curt a couple days ago about this stupendous piece and it's creation. Julie and Curt labored over this design. It is my favorite piece of the bunch from their table. Yep, it is indeed NEW and something not seen, stylistically, until now. I love that piece. Great to see that it is so admired by many.
Best,
Bob
I hear you loud and clear on the California Dagger. I spoke at length with Curt a couple days ago about this stupendous piece and it's creation. Julie and Curt labored over this design. It is my favorite piece of the bunch from their table. Yep, it is indeed NEW and something not seen, stylistically, until now. I love that piece. Great to see that it is so admired by many.
Best,
Bob
- Joined
- Aug 3, 2005
- Messages
- 42
Thanks for taking the time to review the show.
- Joined
- Oct 28, 2006
- Messages
- 13,363
Really truly a wonderful review
Dear god how do you remember all the details
Great review Steven, thanks!
I wonder the same Joe, it's much easier to do the pictorial reviews.
Kohai999
Second Degree Cutter
- Joined
- Jul 15, 2003
- Messages
- 12,554
Really truly a wonderful review
Dear god how do you remember all the details
Same way I remember The Gatherings in Vegas.....both years....alcohol and information get stuck to my brain in equal proportions.
Best Regards,
STeven Garsson
Last edited:
Kohai999
Second Degree Cutter
- Joined
- Jul 15, 2003
- Messages
- 12,554
He did not attend, Marcel, I am not entirely sure of the circumstances, but he has declined to further participate in the Art Knife Invitational.
Best Regards,
STeven Garsson
- Joined
- Jul 30, 2005
- Messages
- 1,857
STeven, thanks for the explanation. I'm curious about who will take his place, assuming Phil will keep the number of makers up to 25. Time will tell.
Marcel
- Joined
- Oct 8, 2001
- Messages
- 12,348
Good stuff, STeven. Your visual descriptions of the knives take time to remember and post. Like describing a beautiful woman, I am left still hungry.
Thank you.
Coop
Thank you.
Coop
- Joined
- Oct 3, 2002
- Messages
- 12,297
Great review, Steven! Thanks man!