So what were your impressions of Blade?

[Triton]

The title says it all. What were your impressions this year?

Which production shop had the coolest new offerings?

Which was the most overhyped?

Which had a real stinker?

What thing at the show were you most impressed with?

What were you most disappointed in?

What was the neatest thing you saw?

What was the most aggravating thing you dealt with?

Was your favorite maker there?

Did you find someone new to watch for in the future?

Did everyone else see that 26000 dollar knife that Paul Jarvis had?

 

[mycroftt]

My biggest disappointment was that I didn't make it - again.

 

[Bastid]

Saw Pauls knife. And got to hold the 100,000$ plus knife that Dellana and Van made. (a four year project).

Even without knives, Blade is my favorite weekend of the year due to friends.

 

[Triton]

My biggest disappointment was that I didn't make it - again.

Completely inexcusable sir, you are not THAT far away. Seriously mycroft if you ever do decide to go I would like to have a chance to meet you in person. Since the response to this thread has not exactly been overwhelming I'll stir the pot a little and answer the questions myself...

Which production shop had the coolest new offerings?

Hard to say for sure, but I have to say that I REALLY like the Carson M4 that CRKT had there. Also SOG had a very spiffy little knife in their secret stash called the "architect." Very nice little piece of work.

Which was the most overhyped?

Cold Steel of course wins that honor every year (except for that one year that Dark Ops was there).

Which had a real stinker?

There was a whole table full of chinese made knock offs back in the far left corner, they get my nomination. :thumbdn: on them.

What thing at the show were you most impressed with?

A scabbard for a yataghan by Vince Evans. The yataghan took best sword at the show honors, and they should have had a separate category just for sheaths and scabbards. It was a masterpiece.

What were you most disappointed in?

At the risk of starting a flame war, I'd have to say Strider and Busse. I've become much more interested in small knives over the last year and was excited to go check them out and actually pay attention this time. The whole "indestructible" factor appeals to me on some level. However, it would appear that I just don't "get it."

Daggnabbit put away the torches and pitchforks! It's just my opinion sheesh...

What was the neatest thing you saw?

The Janis-song dual handle knives.

What was the most aggravating thing you dealt with?

Traffic getting to the show.

Was your favorite maker there?

Vince Evans hands down.

Did you find someone new to watch for in the future?

Not so much, but honestly got a bit overwhelmed...

Did everyone else see that 26000 dollar knife that Paul Jarvis had?

Yeah... and it was gorgeous, not my cup of tea but gorgeous just the same. Some Saudi Sheik is going to be very pleased with it...

 

[Triton]

Saw Pauls knife. And got to hold the 100,000$ plus knife that Dellana and Van made. (a four year project).

Even without knives, Blade is my favorite weekend of the year due to friends.

Wow... missed that one. Got a picture?

 

[Bastid]

Dellana and Van's 6 figure knife.

Gotta give a huge thumbs up to Vince Evans (Hard to pick my favorite maker since I know so many), but did manage to tote this home.
A Kard by Vince.

 

[Triton]

Dellana and Van's 6 figure knife.

Gotta give a huge thumbs up to Vince Evans (Hard to pick my favorite maker since I know so many), but did manage to tote this home.
A Kard by Vince.

Drat, photo sites are blocked here so I'll have to wait to see it until I get home. You bought the kard??? Good on you sir! You probably already know this, but Mrs. Evans is the one that came up with the scrollwork design on it. I own one VE piece and really want to pick up more. Maybe next year when rumor has it that he will have another migration era sword!

 

[Triton]

Oh I did see that sceptre thingie... I had no idea they were asking that much for it. Makes sense with a gold blade though...

 

[22-rimfire]

I used to go for the Randalls being sold. Now all you see are collector Randalls. I really like the custom knives, but I have been looking more at factory blades for the last couple of years. I can't say that I looked at every table and booth. Things start to blurr together after a while. But, I was most impressed with the SOG Vulcan and the SOG guys are a great bunch in general. I bought another Dozier blade. Really looked over the Spyderco booth carefully. Man! Lots of different models. I was getting educated. Overall, I enjoyed the one day I spent there and will attend next year. Two days would be a lot better.