Plaza Cutlery Custom Knife Show

Neil Ostroff

Neil Ostroff

Joined
Oct 6, 2001
Messages
677
For those of you living in Southern California there is a "VERY" special show coming up in October.

(Actually, this show is worthy of a special trip from anywhere!)

Dan Delevan is hosting the PLAZA CUTLERY CUSTOM KNIFE SHOW. Friday evening Oct 11th and Saturday Oct 12th.

This is a very unique concept and will be one of the "not-to-miss" high-end EXCLUSIVE shows of year.

Each maker was "invited" and the "world" will be represented.

Bill Ankrom, Bailey Bradshaw, Clint Breashears, Joel Chamblin, Terry Davis, Harvey Dean, Al Dippold, Rick Eaton, Allen Elishewitz, Ernie Emerson, John Fitch, Dennis Friedly, Stan Fujisaka, Phil Hartsfield, Howard Hitchmough, Gil Hibben, Jess Horn, Bob Jones, Greg Lightfoot, Dusty Moulton, Ron Newton, Mel Nishiuchi, Ken Onion, W.D Pease, Alfred Pendray, Steve Rapp, Chris Reeve, Bertie Rietveld, Richard Rogers, Zaza Revishvilli, Eugene Shadley, Scott Slobodian, Jim Sornberger, Ken Steigerwalt, Robert Terzuola, Brian Tighe, Howard Viele, Butch & Rainy Vallotton & Owen Wood.

Check this out...

PLAZA CUTLERY CUSTOM KNIFE SHOW

Regards

Neil Ostroff
 
The article at Plaza has a 6/20/02 update stating that John Fitch got his MS rating. Didn't know that happened, but if so that is GREAT NEWS!!

Oh . . . could someone get some pix out?! (if permissible!)
 
Thanks for the heads-up Neil...almost forgot about it....


"Hunters seek what they [WANT].., Seekers hunt what they [NEED]"
 
Frank
I have not been able to get in touch with John as he has been traveling as I wanted to verify he did get his "Master Smith". Turns out he did not apply this year as he did not have the knife ready he wanted to submit. Sorry my mistake as I was told he would make it as everyone in the world feels he is that good & no way he would not! I am looking forward to seeing his work at the show in Huntington Beach!

Dan Delavan
Plaza Cutlery, Inc.
 
Thanks for the verification on that Dan. I had heard that he had decided to pass on the attempt this year because he was not completely satisfied with his blade.

I've got a couple he's made. One I use every chance I get (10" blade) and another bigger one (a hawg) that I got from Danbo with a beautiful ironwood handle that I just admire. Love'em both!!

The one I use . . . oh, does that baby cut!!!
 
Bump

Show is a week from today! There are two door prizes. An Emerson custom folder & Phil Hartsfield Knife. No idea on the models but the drawing will be around 2PM Saturday.

I hope some of you can make it. A lot of good makers! :D

Dan Delavan
Plaza Cutlery
 
Neil Ostroff and all,

Just to clear up a few things. This show is not a unique concept! This seems to me to be an exact copy of the Art Knife Invitational held in San Diego every other year, the odd number years. So please give credit where credit is due.

The AKI show was started in 1983 in Reno, Nevada by Phil Lobred. The concept was simple and easy to understand. The buyers were given a detailed program that included a biography of each knifemaker and a precise description of each knife he or she had for sale, including the price. Also included in the prgram for the buyer were tickets that at specific times, they would put their ticket in the box that was for that knife. When the time for that buy, usually one half an hour was up, the knifemaker would draw a name and if the buyer's name was drawn, he would either purchase the knife or if not a second name was drawn. This method worked extremely well and usually upwards of 95% of the knives were sold. The show is held on a Saturday and lasts about 4-5 hours. There is a fabulous dinner that night for the makers, collectors and significant others, hosted by Shelly Berman. Now, if any of this sounds familiar to Mr. Delevan, perhaps we should redefine the word "unique".

All the makers and collectors are invited and it is limited to 25 of the worlds best makers and is a very difficult show to get into. This show has been very successful and I think to try and copy it and take advantage of its format and success is unprofessional. There is no expense spared at the AKI and the atmosphere of that show cannot be copied, in my humble opinion. Drinks and great food are served throughout the show. There is a dress code for the makers and the surroundings are elegant. This show has always been a great success, even after the horrible tragedy of 9/11, when our overseas makers and collectors could not attend, it was still an overwhelming success.

Now I imagine most will just think I am an uppity jerk whining about a copycat show and that may well be. But I am very proud to have been a part of the AKI show from 1984 and to watch it grow into the most elegant high classed knife show in the world. I have had the priviledge of the past 20 years to have been included in the group of not only the 24 most talented knifemakers in the world but also the true legends of the knifemaking world. We owe this unique experience to one hard working man, who is a legend in his own right, Phil Lobred. He had a vision and he made it happen.
I worked very hard to get there and establish a good name in the knife world. So YES I may get a bit uppity when I see someone wanting to ride the coat tails of a great show and call their own a "unique concept" in knife shows. I see it as a threat to both shows as the collectors themselves told us one a year like this would be too much. I believe that the AKI show is something they really look forward too and the 2 year wait is a big part of that. The makers outdo themselves with pieces they don't do for other shows during the years, so the collector truly is getting something special. I don't believe that the success of the AKI show can be copied but I am worried about the effects another show of this type might do in the long run.

Dan Delevan,

Dan I think this is a very bad idea. The folks involved with the AKI show asked the collectors if they would like a show of this type every year and they all said NO! It is the ultimate knife show for the high end collector and the collectors themselves said once a year would be too much and ruin its prestige and atmosphere. It would then be like every other knife show in the country. I think trying to copy the AKI format and doing it opposite the years of the AKI show is just wrong.
 
Dear Tim:
I read your post and thought very hard about what you said. Why don't you get off your soap box and quit raining on other people's parade. The only reason you are upset about this show is that you are affraid that it might hurt your sales at the AKI show.
You are correct about the AKI show having some of the world's most talented knikemakers. What Dan did was to invite very well known knifemakers that are seen at shows and in publications, makers who are contributing a lot to this industry and setting new trends.
You are correct, this is not a unique concept. But having a one day show after this special evening makes it unique.
This is not a show geared only towards high end collectors but for everyone else also.
I have worked for the past 6 months to make knives for this show and I am very proud to be among the exhibitors. I have also spoken to another dozen makers who feel the same way. Your post is basically a slap in all our faces, it is insulting and uncalled for.
Allen Elishewitz
 
Allen,

I am not on a soapbox and am not worried about this show ruining my sales at the AKI show. I make mostly special pieces for the AKI show and my collectors will buy them whether there is another show the opposing years or not. I merely wanted credit where it was due for the idea of a show like this and that goes to Phil Lobred.

I am sorry if you feel this is a slap in your face, that was not my intention. In fact I hope the show is successful as I would love to see everyone in the custom knife business prosper at every show. But since there are so many shows around at this point and very few new collectors coming in to the business I am just concerned. I just feel there are too many shows and one more geared to the higher end knives will do nobody anygood.
 
Originally posted by HermanKnives
I just feel there are too many shows and one more geared to the higher end knives will do nobody anygood.
Click to expand...

funny, as a collector, I feel that there aren't ENOUGH shows...

RL
 
I'm looking forward to seeing some nice (not necessarily 'Art') knives, and meeting some of these obviously qualified makers!

An outstanding idea for a show, even if it's not completely 'original or unique', as stated by a few here.

See ya there guys!

Mel
 
Tim,
It was good talking to you. I'll see you in New York.
Don't forget to send me the pics!!
I still love you!
Take care,
Allen
 
Edited; Added my name to the top! Posted by Dan Delavan


Well Tim you are entitled to your opinion. If you would step back & take a good look at it before speaking out or would have called\emailed me before ripping me in public you might have learned the reasons. I am glad we are friends.

1) Yes this show is similar to AKI & I have given all the credit to Phil. Sorry I did not call & tell you. I talked to him before going ahead with it & explained what I was thinking about doing. I also did not want to copy him so we made the show two days with most of the printed promotion on Saturday not Friday. Friday was up to the knifemakers to promote. I worked with a few knifemakers & collectors on all the ideas on this show. (Check the stores website for the information)

2) Phil & I also hope at some point some of these knifemakers will eventually be voted into the AKI. Notice that is not how they get into this show so it is different again.

3) We (meaning myself & a few friends) decided it would be best that at this time that none of the AKI members attend this show. I have heard about the meetings they have. I have heard some of the makers comments about this show & was disappointed in them. I also have gotten positive feed back from some of them. I hope they will look at it for it's intend purpose of promoting & selling knives.

4) Someone was going to do a show in the LA area in the Fall. I had a number of people asking me if I was going to do one & after a lot of thought, I decide to do it. I, like Phil love knives & wanted to do something different & to promote knives. If I had not, you would be looking at three shows in the fall of next year. I am sure that would help sales for all.

5) You are afraid it could take away buyers from the AKI? Many people have no idea what it is. I asked Phil to bring information, even talk about it Friday night at our show to create more interest. AKI could use more buyers & is a very small group as you know. It needs growth as does our entire industry. Progression comes form collectors moving up the ladder. Some it will come as they can afford the knives & others as their knowledge increases. This show will help to introduce many collectors to the AKI if that is where their interest is. One helps the other Tim. Some collectors will not be interested in this show but only in the AKI show. Also works the opposite, some are just not interested in the makers who attend the AKI. Not a slam on anyone. Collectors just have their likes & dislikes.

6) As far as the knifemakers are concerned it is a completely different group. AKI is one part of our industry, this is a variety. We did not want all high end art knife makers. We wanted the most popular tactical makers, bladesmiths, folder makers, hunting knives, multi-blades and some art knife makers! AKI does not have that so it does separate the two shows again. These are very important knifemakers & they all have their following just as you do. I also felt I had an obligation to several knifemakers who did all my past shows to allow them to participate in this one. Several said yes & several said no. I think that says something about my loyalty.

Hopefully you will see this show in a different light now. Phil Lobred & I have been friends for 25-27 years? I would never do any thing to harm him or the knifemakers who attend the AKI as many of them are friends also. Phil did not object to the show as long as it was not the same thing. So I did what I could to make sure it was different. He & I both feel this show will help, not hurt. If he was unhappy I do not feel he would be attending. There are very few people like Phil in this industry that want do everything to promote knives. It is to bad more people do not know him for what he has done for knife collecting.

We all know the industry has been flat. Hopefully this show will help to spark some interests. It only hurts our industry when someone try's to tear down, what others are trying to do to build it up. I feel it is in very bad taste to post something like this a week before the show. Just because you did not like Neil's wording is no excuse to now decide it is time to rip on Dan & the makers attending the show. If you had concerns why did you not raise them when the show was first being talked about or when you first hear about it. You know me, you have my home number & if not you know how to get it.

I look forward to seeing many of you at the show. It should be a great time! Tim, I'll see you at the Guild Show & AKI next year. Maybe you will post something here about AKI & hopefully will get nothing but glowing post unlike I received.

Respectfully

Dan Delavan
Plaza Cutlery

PS: The intent of this tread was to promote the knifemakers attending the show & give the collectors the opportunity to meet, buy & see knives. I have talked to many of them & they will have some really neat knives to bring. If I remember correctly new models from Elishewitz (who has worked really hard for this show as have all the others), Terzoula, Lightfoot. Emerson, Horn & Tighe! Some really unique knives from Chamblin, Ankrom, Friedly, Sornberger, Slobodian, Rapp, Fitch & Fujisaka that are different then what they normally do. As each knife is different the impeccable work by Sornberger, Bradshaw, Revishvilli, Eaton, Steigerwalt, Dean, Viele, Newton, Vallotton, Pease, Nishiuchi, Hibben & Hitchmoughth. Also some variations of their normal work from Jones, Breshears, Wood, Davis, Moulton, Pendray, Onion, Reeve, Shadley, Rogers & Dippold. Who would not want to attend? It is a great group of knifemakers which equals great knives!
 
Dan.

Hang in there, more exposure to custom knives will help the maker and collector alike.
I do hope Tim's motives for his post were of the highest order.
Sour Grapes???, I hope not.

:(
 
Dan,

I see nowhere that I ripped aany makers attending your show. Show me where I mentioned anything negative about any maker and I will personally apologize to him.

I also posted earlier that I hope your show is a huge success. Granted I am not the best at expressing myself but I sure didnt rip any makers. I simply said my feelings towards another show of this type.

My post was specifically directed to Neil Ostroff and his stating this to be a "unique concept" in knife shows. I sure had no intention of ruffling so many feathers over it. Also I havent heard any more about this show til I read this post and I simply thought it a bad idea. All just my opinion.

Again, I have no fear of the AKI losing buyers over another show of this type. That show has been successful for close to 20 years and has built a reputation for itself.
 
Tim,
When ever someone supports a show, in this case the makers paying for tables & you rip the show you are ripping them for supporting it. The makers can decide their selves & we each have our opinions.

As for Neil saying it is a unique show, it is. It is also different then the AKI. Maybe not as much as you would like, but it is different. When Phil decided to do the AKI show 20 years ago. He came to me & told me what he was going to do. I said it sounded great. He then told me it would be two weeks after mine. Did you here me complain? More shows equal more buyers & more interest in knives & that is supposed to be more fun! Also where did Phil get his idea for his show? Cowboy artisan show. My original show from NY. Solvang show from mine. Did you ever trace out a knife from another knifemaker & have it end up on the cover of a magazine? Did you give that maker credit? It's all BS, everything comes from some where. Also the show has been advertised in the magazines this year. Still no excuse for not calling me.

As I said this show should help the AKI. All shows should help each other just as most knifemakers help each other & collectors help each other. We are a small group.
 
Tim,
When ever someone supports a show, in this case the makers paying for tables & you rip the show you are ripping them for supporting it. The makers can decide their selves & we each have our opinions.

As for Neil saying it is a unique show, it is. It is also different then the AKI. Maybe not as much as you would like, but it is different. When Phil decided to do the AKI show 20 years ago. He came to me & told me what he was going to do. I said it sounded great. He then told me it would be two weeks after mine. Did you here me complain? More shows equal more buyers & more interest in knives & that is supposed to be more fun! Also where did Phil get his idea for his show? Cowboy artisan show. My original show from NY. Solvang show from mine. Did you ever trace out a knife from another knifemaker & have it end up on the cover of a magazine? Did you give that maker credit? It's all BS, everything comes from some where. Also the show has been advertised in the magazines this year. Still no excuse for not calling me.

As I said this show should help the AKI. All shows should help each other just as most knifemakers help each other & collectors help each other. We are a small group.

Dan Delavan Edit to add name forgot,
Have to go coach some high school hocky!
 
Dan,

Sorry I dont read the knife mags anymore. I apologized already so sorry a thousand more times.
I am also sorry I voiced my opinion in the first place. I should have known better from past experience on forums. I truly hope your show is a success.
 
Apology accepted Tim. I will see you in Orlando or the AKI.

We are all looking to have a good time! I had a High School Hockey game to coach tonight & was also the board member on duty to watch the rest of the games. I had a number of people say they saw the ads in the paper so hopefully we will have some new people come out on Saturday to check us out. Tim or any of you look at Allen's website to see the three knives he is bring to the show. They look sweet!

Knife shows are an opportunity to see old friends meet new people. For those of us that love knives to see some new ones & add to our collection! Neil owes me a drink, I'm looking forward to collecting that also! :D


Dan Delavan

Edit to add my name, forgot again. I did ask if they could change it so hopefully Monday they will. (Please) :cool:
 
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