My Blade West Photos 1

[hdwrlover]

Went to Blade West in Portland, Oregon on Saturday, Sept. 16. A small show and not many high end forged knives, but easy to move around and talk to the makers and dealers that were there.

I purchased two Bill Siegle knives. I had read about Bill on the forums and even have seen pics of some of his knives but this is the first time I ever handled them. I rate his work and prices excellent on the price to value criteria. Bill is on the right, his bud is on the left.

Met Scot Matsuoka who makes Koloa Duck knives in Hawaii. An up and coming star in custom folders, which I told him I knew nothing about. I may have to learn more as his pieces were tempting and his prices reasonable for custom work. I do know that the time to buy custom pieces is before a maker achieves full stardom - whether it be in fixed blades, folders, or swords.

Brian Wagner of Okuden now makes knives as well as kydex ware. I was more interested in his thoughts on kydex so didn't take pics of his knives.

More later.

 

[joeshredd]

Given the shows' size and my limited time there, I thought it was better than last years in terms of tables, but it may have been a little bit slower in terms of traffic.
However, I didn't go for the traffic - I went to see the makers and to see what some of the companies were offering... and I had a great time talking with folks I already knew and meeting some new ones, like Scott Matsuoka and his koa wood handled folders! Nice stuff he's producing!

A little OT:
Now, in light of Raymond Richard's thread on what could be done to help a show, well, a show photographer is an idea - pics like the ones here and some posted by other members from other shows make for great threads! Might get more to show up if they can see what they're missing!

 

[Bill Siegle]

Great pics Thanks for the support too!!! I had a great show and got to hang with a lot of friends all weekend. If I'd asked for more I'd just be a greedy SOB

 

[SpearZ]

That looks great, thanks for the info!

I would have drive down for Canada if I knew the show had so much there.

 

[waredbear]

Thanks for the picture post. I wanted so bad to drive down from Spokane but I had other plans. I will make time next year for the trip. It is nice to see photos and read reviews so I know what I missed and make me not miss it next year.

Reid

 

[cerberus]

The pictures are great. For those of us who can't make it to those shows, we appreciate it immensely.

Congrats on the purchase of those choice Siegle blade:thumbup: Bill's work keeps getting better and better.

Cerberus