There was so much interesting stuff going on at the ABS show in addition to all the great knives. I'll mention a few things randomly and then post a couple of pics before hittin' the sack.
One amazing thing that happened was that the photographer hired by the ABS to be at the show didn't show up!!! I better not mention any names but apparently they thought the show was a week later than it was. There was a bit of a panic there for a while until somebody got the photographer who was doing the gun engraver's show downstairs at the Silver Legacy to agree to do some overtime work for the ABS. Sheesh!
Apparently some folks from ESPN are now actively talking with the ABS about doing a short segment that will fit in between some of their major programs! That's really good news because this relatively small high-end knife world needs to grow and specifically grow a secondary market so collectors can move/sell knives and make room for buying mo' betta' knives from all these incredible makers!
I overheard two very well-established and successful luminaries in the ABS saying that it was "scary" to see how truly accomplished many of the young makers had become in such a short time. They were not really being negative about it because they understood that this situation is the direct (and desired) outcome of the ABS's educational mission.
For the first time I saw a maker use a laptop to his advantage at a show. Jason Howell, JS, of Lake Jackson, TX had an informative 'slideshow' running on his table next to all his great knives and it got my attention from all the way across the room. I asked him about it and he explained that he'd noticed that he and many other makers had been in the habit of putting a photo album out on their tables at shows to help educate people about the different knives they make, awards they'd won, pictures of their shop etc. AND that typically most show attendees never really stopped to bend over and look through the album. He figured a laptop slideshow with the same images and info would do the trick and I think he's way right. Jason very generously donated one of his knives to the ABS for auction and I got such a kick out of his use of the computer that I determined to win that knife at the auction, and I did! I'll post a picture of it soon - it's based on his "deer head mosaic damascus." There's something else to admire about Jason too: Many will remember that he suffered a terrible and life-threatening laceration to his leg while testing the edge of one of his knives (rope-cutting) in preparation for his JS test, then subsequently had the guts to 'go public' and talk about how and why it happened. In doing this he provided a great service to everybody who deals with blades!
Well, even though my "attractive wife" shot our wad on that pretty yellow pearl knife, I had a need! You know how it is guys, I had a NEED, can I get a wittness, I'm talkin' 'bout I had a need for what I call a "BFB." That's right, a big f---in' bowie! Yes sir, and I was not going to be denied!!! I knew I had to see a certain man about my need - and that man was Mr. Mike Williams. Mike's business card says he's from Broken Bow, OK but he explained he actually lives outside of a little town near Broken Bow. That little town has a name that I can't even pronounce and Mike told me the name means "Starving Place" which we agreed was appropriate for the home of a real knife-maker. Mike is a driving force behind the ABS's cutting competitions and I've seen how dedicated and hard-working he is in support of the ABS and I respect him for that. Best of all he is a terrific and talented bladesmith. His work is super clean and his designs are ellegantly understated. I wish these photos were better but I didn't want to delay because I know you guys have your needs too - especially YOU, Keith! The blade is forged using what Mike calls his "River" pattern damascus.
) from the Reno show, please feel free to add them here so we can all enjoy them.
