Let me respond to the Ryan/ Szabo issue.
I saw the RAD easily more than a year ago. nearly two actually. I saw some refinements
that I thought could be done to the knife that were more of what my concept of the knife I would like, should look like.
I contacted Laci Szabo at Steve's request and told him what I was requesting Steve to do. The Gentleman that Laci is, said no problem. I exclaimed it was a onesey, twosey thing and we in no way were going to market it. Laci knows my line of work and understood my needs and the unselfish gentleman he is accomodated myself. I explanined to Steve that WE had agreen light and proceeded w/ the project.
I contacted Steve who I'm close w/. He and I talked and he really did not want to do it at first. I groveled and coaxed him w/ rediculous bribes. He aggreed and after maybe two phone conversations and one visit to Steve's home WE came up w/ the size and demensions he and I worked out. I personally like the Massiveness and aggressiveness of Steve's work and grinds. I selelcted a Tanto Style right hand grind, to my demensions and it has some modifications that retify some of the qualities I wanted in that type of design. Ichiro Nagata heard about it from Steve while he was making mine. He instantly jumped on it as well. Steve made 4 originals. I went to his house and had first pick of ALL or ANY of them. I opted for the one I designed ansd left the others.
They are all excellent and different from any scales steve has done in the past. I did not allow mine to be shot for Sento Knife Book. It is my treasure and it is a special piece. The others are awesome and not inferior just not my slice of bread for my style. I have seen them and manipulated them. They are superb but unique and one must be very cautious when manipulating them. They are MEGA sharp.
This is not a RYAN forum so I do not want to cross the lines of disrespect. I merely thought I would illuminate w/ clarity how these knives came about. Sorry for the delay.
Hope that helps and no disrespect to the Emerson Moderators.
------------------
"Though a man should conquer a thousand times a thousand men in battle,
He who conquers himself is the greatest warrior."
"This is the law:
There is no possible victory in defense, The Sword is more important than the shield, And skill is more important than either, The final weapon is the brain. All else is supplemental."
