I'd start by saying that my favorite maker had a great day, so much so that I couldn't win on any of my drops into his boxes. And that would be Curt Erickson/Engraving by Julie Warenski-Erickson. And one of his was also a New York Special. I saw the box and it was absolutely loaded with drops. You mention Larry Fuegen. I dropped for the push dagger and, of course, no luck. And, of course, he was a sell-out. As was Ron Newton. As was Ken Steigerwalt. And on, and on, and on. The best makers were, naturally, the most in demand.
My fav makers at the show were (not any any particular order) Curt Erickson, Ron Newton, Emmanuel Esposito (who was accompanied by the lovely AND talented Elizabeth Loerchner), Larry Fuegen, Scott Slobodian, Ken Steigerwalt, Dennis Friedly, Charly Bennica - and on and on.
I might as well add that I saw lots of friends, buddies and acquaintences again, including Mike Talanian, Don Guild, Walter Hoffman, Dave Ellis, Paul Shindler, Dave Nittinger, Dan Favano (I need that drink recipe, Dan), Michael Donato, Dave Harvey (of course!), Mark Strauss, Tom & Gwen Guinn, Ed Wormser and last but not least, Martin Rheingold, Thor Heine and Allan Kidd. I have no idea who I left out, but this is off the top of my head.
Nice, comfortably sized crowd. I can remember the crush to get through the doors, when it wasn't an invitational, and it's great now that the mob doesn't show up like it did in years past. Lotsa sell-outs by the makers you would expect to be sold out. Others, well, you can usually do a run-down of the show attendees and know in advance which makers would leave with knives.
Best,
Bob