The venue is better than last year's IMO. More space for people to walk around and no confusion as to there being two rooms. The big room I thought was especially nice, with large windows that let sunlight in. Bright light really makes a difference in showing off a nice grained wood handle, MOP, or damascus.
It seems like several makers sold lots of stuff pre-show. When I got to PJ Tomes table about 15 minutes into the doors opening, all his Scagel style knives were marked sold. R.O. Easler, whose table I always visit, had 3 knives remaining. He seems to be having a good show since when I left around 2 o'clock he only had one knife left. Wally Hayes I noticed was doing well, having sold all but a big sword and some small neckers when I left. I was thinking of getting one of his Kodzuka but they were gone when I made my second fly by. Lots of people checking out Murray Carter's kitchen knives. The Strider table had its usual crowd of fans.
Lots of nice Nordic knives at this show. Last year I remember only Ingemar Nordell being the sole representative of the traditional Nordic knives. This year there are several others along with Nordell. The big four table grouping from Kniv-Per is a puukko lover's dream. Too bad for us that the Scandinavian countries have such a higher standard of living that it causes their custom knives be fairly expensive when compared to the American market. Most of the knives I lusted after at this show were from this grouping of tables.
I don't pay attention much to the tactical and folder offerings, so I hope someone else will come in and report on those ends.
I'll probably head back tomorrow, but I don't think I'll be buying anything that I didn't decide on buying today.
It seems like several makers sold lots of stuff pre-show. When I got to PJ Tomes table about 15 minutes into the doors opening, all his Scagel style knives were marked sold. R.O. Easler, whose table I always visit, had 3 knives remaining. He seems to be having a good show since when I left around 2 o'clock he only had one knife left. Wally Hayes I noticed was doing well, having sold all but a big sword and some small neckers when I left. I was thinking of getting one of his Kodzuka but they were gone when I made my second fly by. Lots of people checking out Murray Carter's kitchen knives. The Strider table had its usual crowd of fans.
Lots of nice Nordic knives at this show. Last year I remember only Ingemar Nordell being the sole representative of the traditional Nordic knives. This year there are several others along with Nordell. The big four table grouping from Kniv-Per is a puukko lover's dream. Too bad for us that the Scandinavian countries have such a higher standard of living that it causes their custom knives be fairly expensive when compared to the American market. Most of the knives I lusted after at this show were from this grouping of tables.
I don't pay attention much to the tactical and folder offerings, so I hope someone else will come in and report on those ends.
I'll probably head back tomorrow, but I don't think I'll be buying anything that I didn't decide on buying today.
