I only life a couple hours south of there and have been visiting Nordic knives, the show's sponser, for most of 20 years. I've always thought they were nice people. I think Nordic has the best collection of customs for sale of any place I've ever seen. Finally last April I went to the show and I've been kicking myself ever since for all those years I missed.
I've only been to a few shows including Blade west and the SC Blades show in Buena Park but so far the Solvang show is tops in my mind. It's almost all customs by top makers. It was like walking into a room full of knife legends. The exhibitor list this year looks pretty awesome once again.
Barring family emergencies (Dad's got health issues), I'll be there, although unfortunately my wife has been downsized so I'll have to exhibit some restraint.
It's a beautiful drive to get there and the whole town is pretty touristy, but in a quaint and kitchy sort of way. It's an old Dutch town and that's the theme everywhere. The surrounding area is the central coast wine country (known for great white wines) with plenty of wineries and tasting rooms to visit.
In Solvang proper, there's plenty of shopping, but it's almost all small independent specialty stores, not mall type stuff. Collectables of every sort. There's a great leather store next to NOrdic Knives. My wife loves the place. There's plenty of great bakeries and a variety of food including a great French restaraunt (The Cabernet Bistro). I know the chef uses mostly local ingredients and his wine list has plenty of good California stuff to choose from so you don't hav eto go french. I generally despise the french these days, and am not even sure the owner is french, but his food is awesome and he seems like a nice guy. He was a bit like a knifemaker, I showed an above average interest in his menu and he took me to the kitchen and showed me how he did some of his sauces and stuff. It is a great place for an intimate dinner with the wife if you have one, but is premium priced ($50.00- $100.00 per head and up depending on wine and menu selections).
Last year I was lucky enough to come home with a Lile Combat. 7" of awesome D2 and well formed black linen micarta. I was shocked a few months later to find Lile Handmade Knives had closed and so I may never get that Grey Ghost I'd lusted after. I was hoping to get it this year, but now, who knows?
I'll be the big guy with a goatee and a BladeForums T shirt!
jmx
