News from Blade....

Here is a pic of Matt's prototype for the prouduction version like I said talented guy
V26DPrototype.jpg
 
I just got back and boy am I tired! I had a blast and met many of the great makers and others that are members here.
I lined up some serious talent for the March of Dimes knife for the next 2 years, had one of my hawks shot by Coop, which is my first pro photo of one that I made solely myself, and came away with a J Neilson knife to make a rawhide sheath for, which I am excited about!
In all it was a great time and can't wait to do it again!:D
 
wow this thread has me pumped to get out there one of these years.
I really appreciate your taking the time to write about your time, especially you, Joe. I can feel your stoke!
 
gajinoz said:
I have to get there at least once before I die. Maybe I could sell my soul or something ... :)


.
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Maybe something just short of that!

This was my first time to go and I can tell you, for me, it was worth every penny (and hardship) it took to get there. I was slightly "foggy" most of the time since my day started by getting up for work at 4am Thursday followed by a red-eye arriving at 7:30am in Atlanta. I flew back home at 9pm Saturday. An all-nighter followed by two very long days is a bit of a stretch for me these days.

I spent pretty much the maximum time I could at the show on Friday and Saturday, but didn't know about the outside events and such. Even so, to get to meet and talk with so many of the "names" we see here, and handle some of the knives instead of only seeing the pictures was one of the treats of my life. There were way too many people to list any, but once again, I found knife people to be some of the best people you could hope to meet- friendly, helpful and courteous.

I must say that the makers (and many, though not all, of the purveyors) were very gracious and friendly. It is a bit overwhelming- I pretty much went nuts Friday and didn't even know how many knives I had bought or how much I had spent until I got back to my room. Luckily, I was only broke and not bankrupt! This is not because I had so much to spend, but there were plenty of nice knives for those of us with limited funds.

This left Saturday for pretty much looking around and the seminars and so on. I missed the first couple- somehow got dyslexic and went looking for room 101 instead of 110- found it too, but it was locked! Did get to catch Daniel Winkler's very informative seminar on the new tomahawk, James Williams making sword handling look much easier than it is, and a good piece of the cutting competition. I didn't get to meet Jerry Fisk, but what a fine gentleman in his handling of the MC duties!

Anyway, more to your point- if you plan ahead, you can maximize your show time and minmize your expenses. The two days of show I got to see only cost me a plane ticket and one night in a hotel. My wife made me batch of "trail mix treats" so I didn't need buy snacks- anyway, you get the idea.

While this was a major expenditure for me, it was a very worthwhile and rewarding experience and I hope to do it again.

I must give a mention to two makers I unfortunately didn't meet until Saturday- Billy Mace Imel (sp?) whose fit and finish on his new slipjoints looked amazing to me (as well as their beautiful design), and Karl Anderson, whose handles were a real standout. They were both great to talk to and if I had found them on Friday (when I still had money) I would have bought knives from them.

my $.02- if there's any way you can make it, go!
 
Joe - it was great meeting you as well - enjoyed our bar chat with Kevin.

Coop - wish we'd had time to socialize, but I know you were as busy as can be and I know that's a good thing for you, your clients and all of us. :) I'll have a few pieces heading your way after Paul gets the sheaths done - just leave 'em be until you clear your massive post-show editing backlog.

I want to say a special thanks to Buddy Thomason for helping me out with taking photos for a couple articles that will be coming out in Blademag - they will be much better for it. :thumbup:

Roger
 
Kohai999 said:
Matt Diskin is a great maker, and a great friend, here is his website, Joe got a knife that is done by V&D:

http://www.volcanknives.com/volcanknives.html

Yeah Joe...borrowing money from your new dad is not cool!:D

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
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I gotta put my two cents in for Matt too.........He is one of the nicest guys I have ever met and has freely shared techniques and free parts with me for many years!!!!!!!!!!!!:thumbup:
 
WOW, what a Blade Show.
I had a great time. Putting faces to the many names and seeing friends who we only see once a year at Blade Show greatly contributing to this. Finally meeting face to face with guys who I have become close friends with such as Joe Paranee. As mentioned, Roger, Joe and I really had a nice get together discussing many things from knives to family.

I always enjoy making the rounds examining new maker's knives and comparing them to previous years. Our newer makers on this forum have really progressed over the last 12 months. I'm not going to single anyone out as I always forget someone. Checking out the ivory is always one of my high points of the show and I can't remember a blade show where I personally saw so many really nice pieces. I purchased some BEAUTIFUL deep blue scales for an upcoming project and Don Hanson brought the creme of his collection so we could finalize selection for a knife he will start for me very soon.

2knife said:
I was talking to Kevin Jones at the CKCA table- he mentioned ticket sales (attendance) was up 16% over last year, and more table holders- i was corrected on this fact, since i noticed a small portion of the show hall was not being used, blocked off.
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A member of the Blade Show staff told us at the CKCA booth that FRIDAY's attendance was up 16% over last year. This surprised us all as the line seemed shorter on Friday and moved into the show much faster than last year. Perhaps entry was just managed better.
There were some great knives and buys to be had on Saturday afternoon, however makers I spoke with said they had a better Sunday than usual with many still finally selling out. I purchased Rodrigo Sfreddo's beautiful MS test hunter on Saturday afternoon. Grabbed it up in a micro second when I noticed it was still available. Not only did the knife impress me but it has a gorgeous alligator inlay semi-cross draw sheath.

Though I was at the show a full 4 days, it seemed to fly by even faster than past shows where I only spend Friday and Saturday morning.
Yes, truly the greatest Knife Show on earth. :thumbup:
 
I sat on a plane for 3 1/2 hrs after the cabin door was closed - until it finally took off. Hard to get there from the Ca coast after adding another 4 hrs to the flight AND still make the dinner - so that's my reason for not showing.

It was absolutely super to meet so many of the CKCA guys. I really wanted to say hello again to Roger P and Coop but never got the chance due to their and my schedules, so HELLO GUYS!!

I myself had a super show and, again, had the pleasure of sitting around the CKCA display table being able to chat, which to me is the best part of the show. Knives are great but it's the ties that bind.
 
RogerP said:
Joe - it was great meeting you as well - enjoyed our bar chat with Kevin.
Coop - wish we'd had time to socialize, but I know you were as busy as can be and I know that's a good thing for you, your clients and all of us. :) I'll have a few pieces heading your way after Paul gets the sheaths done - just leave 'em be until you clear your massive post-show editing backlog.

Roger
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Just wanted to mention quickly as I know quite a few members have Blade Show knives headed for Paul's shop that he has agreed to participate in our CKCA member discount program in offering CKCA members a 10% discount off his sheath prices. Now this is a single 10% discount and is not in addition to any other discount. In other words, (not even sure if this applies) if a member maker were to receive a 10% maker discount, than he doesn't receive a second 10% CKCA discount.

If I can borrow a phrase from Coop, it doesn't cost to be a CKCA member it pays.
For example, if say Roger purchases sheaths and photos for three knives he has already saved in one weekend about $80 of a $100 three year CKCA membership. I saved $37.50 this weekend on two Coop photos and a sheath which will almost pay for a one year membership.

Please be sure to remind our discount partners (whether it be photos, sheaths and/or insurance) that you are a CKCA member at order initiation.
 
betzner said:
IIt was absolutely super to meet so many of the CKCA guys. I really wanted to say hello again to Roger P and Coop but never got the chance due to their and my schedules, so HELLO GUYS!!
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Back at ya Bob - we'll catch up next time.

Kevin - good to hear about Paul's CKCA discount, since he'll be doing 3 or 4 sheaths for me. I did know about Coop's. :thumbup:

Roger
 
I made it back home just a few minutes ago and although this was my third Blade Show it was by far the best, simply because of my friends in CKCA and otherwise, and the best part was getting to get with my adopted kid (Joey Paranee). His twin brother (my other kid) stayed in San Diego, but was in phone contact about every 15 minutes. I knew he would miss me.

I got the only knife I have really lusted for in years from my good friend, and new maker, John White. He really does pretty good work for a novice.
On a serious note.....Thank you John. It is one of the finest knives I own or ever saw! I would post pictures, but John already did in the CKCA Mini show thread.

One brief, but very important word about the sheath discount for CKCA members. I am old and can't remember sh*t, so if you want the discount...................PLEASE remind me of your membership when you send the knife.

Thanks to all my friends for the great time at Blade.

Paul
 
Congrats on the John White piece - it is really beautiful. I love the damascus pattern.

Roger
 
Great Show for me,thanks to all who stopped by to say hello.
Always has been the best of shows and Southern hospitality is a reality!
Dave
 
Paul,

Thanks for the complement on the little "Starry Nite" Gambler's Friend Knife, though I know the real reason you bought it was that sheath that came with it!

Just to repeat, if you missed Blade, you missed getting to talk to folks like Roger and (Dave) Ellis, and missed getting ragged by Paul Long. Don't miss that again next year.

John
 
Personally, it was a great show for me, DUH!!, seriously I want to thank everybody who came by the table and said hello and congratulations. Roger it was great to see you there and thank you for helping Lin and I outside that door Friday, you made the waiting easier. David, it was nice to meet you and thank you for the compliments on the set. Coop, I cannot wait to see the pics and thank you for the compliments and your great work.
All in all a very good show and I am ready for next year.
Thank you all again
Brion
 
John White said:
Paul,

T and missed getting ragged by Paul Long.
John
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LOL.......yeah, that was funny.:D Paul was over pimpin' for the Artisan folks. If his work doesn't help sell some of those big sewing machines, then they should probably get out of the business.;)
 
I forgot to mention Rodrigo. Super nice person and WOW!!!!! what a set of knives. The dagger and bowie were simply stunning. Absolutely beautiful. When we saw those on the table inside the room, everyone just kind of looked at each other went DANG!!!
What a set of knives. Hopefully someone will post some pictures.
Brion
 
Originally posted by MVF
"...

I must give a mention to two makers I unfortunately didn't meet until Saturday- Billy Mace Imel (sp?) whose fit and finish on his new slipjoints looked amazing to me (as well as their beautiful design), and Karl Anderson, whose handles were a real standout. They were both great to talk to and if I had found them on Friday (when I still had money) I would have bought knives from them.

my $.02- if there's any way you can make it, go!"

I, too, greatly enjoyed talking with both Bill and Karl, the latter several times. While I am slowly inching up the price ladder, I have not reached Bill's level yet. I concur, however, in your description of his knives. I especially liked the lock back version. I did buy a take-down knife from Karl; it's a little bigger than I usally buy and the price was amazing. I am sure I was able to obtain it only because I got to his table before the show officially opened! Thanks Karl.

Paul
 
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