OKCA Review

[brownshoe]

Thanks Dave for the writeup and for posting it here rather than at another possibly less inclusive forum.

I particularly like the different take on this show that this thread reflects rather than the negative tone that what was in a previous thread.

I like shows with a mix of knife collectors and purveyors. Customs are fun, but so are old knives. So are productions. One day today's new customs will be old...that's my current fun niche...used customs. Finding old customs knives and giving them new homes can't be done at a show filled with just new custom knives.

 

[Raymond Richard]

thanks for the write up Dave. And ththank you Bruce for the mention.

Don't have a picture of the Mini but will see if I can get a decent one taken if anyone would care to see it.

Bill, Did you win with the little pipe hawk? I think a picture of it would be a good idea.

 

[Bruce Bump]

Thanks Dave for the writeup and for posting it here rather than at another possibly less inclusive forum.

I particularly like the different take on this show that this thread reflects rather than the negative tone that what was in a previous thread.

I like shows with a mix of knife collectors and purveyors. Customs are fun, but so are old knives. So are productions. One day today's new customs will be old...that's my current fun niche...used customs. Finding old customs knives and giving them new homes can't be done at a show filled with just new custom knives.

Thats refreshing to hear. I did find 2 Bruce Bump knives there and neither were for sale. The collectors are many and several display their collections with no intent to make a sale. On all four wall around the room are very well done displays of lifetimes of collections specific to their interests. There is a competition for the "best display" up to 10th place. Their prize is a custom knife donated by 10 custom knife makers. I have donated 4 to the cause and do that every other year. Its well organized and the staff is dedicated.

 

[Kohai999]

Thats refreshing to hear. I did find 2 Bruce Bump knives there and neither were for sale. The collectors are many and several display their collections with no intent to make a sale...

That may be their intent and priority to simply display, Bruce...many collectors have great knives, and wish to display them.

Perhaps Mr. Brownshoe has attended the OKCA Show in the past, or may be inspired to do so in the future. He may choose to participate in possibly less inclusive forums when he chooses to become an identifiably valuable member of this community and step out of his conveniently anonymous posting routine

As you may know, I was a tableholder at the OKCA show starting in 1993, and only missed a year or two until 2005. Perspective is important, so is adding up show costs, and the pleasure that you obtain in attending that show, as valuable resources including time are spent in doing so.

I appreciate Dave's genuine joy with his experience at the OKCA Show, and I used to share it. My experiences have informed the tempering of MY former enjoyment, as have the politics specific to this organization. L.J. Thompson and Thad Buchanan were both in attendance at the Santa Barbara show this weekend.

Why do you think that is?

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

 

[Keith Montgomery]

Don't have a picture of the Mini but will see if I can get a decent one taken if anyone would care to see it.

I'd like to see it.

The politics of shows is something the average attendee knows little about. They just want to go and see a bunch of cool knives, meet makers and other knife people and maybe purchase a knife or two. At least that is the way I was back in the day that I used to attend shows.

 

[Bill Burke]

Bill, Did you win with the little pipe hawk? I think a picture of it would be a good idea.

Here you go Ray.

this won in portland two years ago. the okca winner was a little broadsword.

 

[brownshoe]

Per "L.J. Thompson and Thad Buchanan were both in attendance at the Santa Barbara show this weekend.

Why do you think that is?"

This is irrelevant to whether or not this year's show was fun and successful for its attendees.

Your attendance from 1993-2005 is irrelevant as to whether or not this year's show was fun and successful for its attendees.


What is true is that the NKCA's shows (similar to the OKCA shows) have almost disappeared for a variety of reasons. The fact that the OKCA can still be successful is very good news to knife lovers. By knife lovers I mean those of us who "celebrate lady knife" whether she be plain or fancy, production, midtech or custom, new used or mint.

 

[mdcaldwell&co]

I've been attending the OKCA show for a number of years; originally as a collector/purveyor, and now as a manufacturer. The cost/benefit ratio has always worked out for me. Obviously, that hasn't been true for others, so they've found shows that are better suited to their work. That's just the way it goes in the knife biz. As for politics, you'll find that in almost any club. I don't concern myself with the politics; I'm too busy enjoying the show!