eisman
Platinum Member
- Joined
- Sep 9, 2009
- Messages
- 7,025
As I'm writing this the 2018 Oregon Knife Collectors Annual Show for 2018 is winding down. Held in Eugene, Oregon for the past 43 years this is an institution out on the West Coast, and one of the bigger knife shows in the USA period. 350 tables of pretty much anything with points or a cutting edge. You can meet pretty much anyone there, although you never know.
The majority of the displays this year were on Kukri's. There were, at least, six major collections of this type knife with more variations than I thought existed. Some had very detailed histories and I learned a fair amount about a pattern that never previously held much interest to me.
Going to the other end of the spectrum was this impressive display of "Sunday" knives. These fancy little blades are usually called "Lobster" patterns (although there were some other patterns in the display), and were what a gentleman would carry in his waistcoat or fob pocket. Pearl handles, engraving, precise file work, these are the work of master cutlers.
I do wish folks putting time and effort into their displays would spend a little more for "museum" glass. It eliminates the reflections and allows for a better look at the specimens on display.
One of the nicer displays was the work of a couple BF members. waynorth and knowtracks had, across from their tables, a display of old "boys" knives such as were popular back when kids carried knives as an everyday tool. You have to love a knife that shouts "Can't lose me".
Many custom makers attend this show, and Ron Lake, who isn't making that many any more, and who keeps me playing the lottery so I can afford one, had a few to show at his table. Just to give an idea as to how he keeps impacting the industry he was showing off the first knife patent awarded in over 70 years for his latest design.
Gary Martindale had a number of his Loveless pattern knives on display (he has some of the best amber stag around) and they were all sold by noon Saturday. Tom Buckner too had some really nice stuff, and his wooden sheaths were getting a lot of attention. Al Warren was one of the very few custom makers with slipjoints on display, and I spent pleasant time talking with him.
All in all it was a great show, worth traveling to, and hard to see in less than a day. My apologies to those who attended that I haven't mentioned. Please add to this thread if you can. (My phone died halfway thru the show...)
The majority of the displays this year were on Kukri's. There were, at least, six major collections of this type knife with more variations than I thought existed. Some had very detailed histories and I learned a fair amount about a pattern that never previously held much interest to me.
Going to the other end of the spectrum was this impressive display of "Sunday" knives. These fancy little blades are usually called "Lobster" patterns (although there were some other patterns in the display), and were what a gentleman would carry in his waistcoat or fob pocket. Pearl handles, engraving, precise file work, these are the work of master cutlers.
I do wish folks putting time and effort into their displays would spend a little more for "museum" glass. It eliminates the reflections and allows for a better look at the specimens on display.
One of the nicer displays was the work of a couple BF members. waynorth and knowtracks had, across from their tables, a display of old "boys" knives such as were popular back when kids carried knives as an everyday tool. You have to love a knife that shouts "Can't lose me".
Many custom makers attend this show, and Ron Lake, who isn't making that many any more, and who keeps me playing the lottery so I can afford one, had a few to show at his table. Just to give an idea as to how he keeps impacting the industry he was showing off the first knife patent awarded in over 70 years for his latest design.
Gary Martindale had a number of his Loveless pattern knives on display (he has some of the best amber stag around) and they were all sold by noon Saturday. Tom Buckner too had some really nice stuff, and his wooden sheaths were getting a lot of attention. Al Warren was one of the very few custom makers with slipjoints on display, and I spent pleasant time talking with him.
All in all it was a great show, worth traveling to, and hard to see in less than a day. My apologies to those who attended that I haven't mentioned. Please add to this thread if you can. (My phone died halfway thru the show...)
