Gollnick
Musical Director
- Joined
- Mar 22, 1999
- Messages
- 29,258
I just returned from the Bladeshow in Atlanta. So, for those of you who don't make it, I thought I'd give a little report.
Let's see, Clay and Susan were both there. Having drinks with Susan on Friday night was a memorable experience. I'd love to tell you all about it, but I'm sworn to secrecy. (Don't worry, Susan, I'll keep the secret.)
I met Fred Perrin (that story is posted elsewhere on the forum and finding it is left to the reader as an exercise (it's about time y'all learned to use the search engine)). Ran into Datu Kelly Worden again. Heck, the way we keep running into each other, we're old friends by now. Ran into Les De Asis, but we're acquainted already. Saw many of the rest of the Benchmade crew. Met Bram Frank, Allen Elishewitz, Pat Crawford, Neil Blackwood, Don Rearic, Matt Draper, Laci Szabo, Jerry Hossom, Ralph Turnbull, Ray Kirk, Robert Terzuola, I could go on and on. Saturday night, Clay and I went to one of the bars popular with the knife crowd and met Blues (which has a great story to go with it, but I won't tell it because he's paying me not to get him in trouble with the internal affairs division of his agency), Tim Herman (trying to get him talked into trying to make balisongs, and if he does and they are as elegant as his folders, you will be so happy), Rob Simonich who's going to do a little project for me in Talonite. Man, I could go on and on about the people I met. Everywhere you look there's another famous knife person.
I talked to several custom makers who expressed a strong interest in making balisongs.
I saw the new Spyderco Gunting and the trainer. Saw and played with the new Microtech Ultratech... oh, I like that knife, almost as much fun as a balisong. I got to handle a lot of great knives including some of (well, all of) Jerry Hossom's big fighters. For big knives, they're remarkably ballanced. I, in fact, almost killed at least six people who happened to be in isle as I demonstrated a bit of Arnis-inspired blade swinging. I talked to Kit Carson and handled several of his great knives.
Going to a show like this and seeing so many really great knives really sets your tastes. I don't think I can settle for just any old knife anymore.
I talked to the president of one established knife manufacturer who recognized the balisongs on my waist. He said he had fond memories of the balisong from his younger days. "So," I asked, "Why not make one?" He explained that his company is located in CA and they are illegal if they have blades longer than 2". But, he went on to tell me about how his lawyers had throughly researched the issue and he and his staff had designed a balisong-like knife with a blade longer than 2" which has great manipulation potential AND meets the letter of CA laws. They are planning production by the end of the year. I am sworn to secrecy and can say no more.
I met our generous innkeeper here at Bladeforums.com, Mike, and his robotic assistant Kevin, a.k.a Spark. (He has to be a robot since he never sleeps. Besides, what kind of a mother would call their son "Spark"?) I must say, Mike did a great job. If it weren't for the pink tu tu, I'd have sworn he was a real man (another story that I'll leave to others to share.)
Anyway, after getting over Kevin's dress, Mike and I discussed his balisong plans. Again, I don't want to break confidence, but I will tease you by telling you that he's got quite a product planned.
Again, I'm sworn to secrecy, but I did also talk to one other well-know manufacturer who is considering adding a balisong to their line.
As for balisongs for sale, there weren't that many. There were maybe eight really collectible balisongs in the whole show. I snapped up four of those (including s few one-of-a-kind customs). Susan grabbed a fabulous piece that is also the only one of its breed. I am aware of one Erikson piece that did not sell at the show. (The only collectible balisong not sold at the show). If you are interested, let me know and I'll tell you where to go. The dealer is asking $450.
I tried out Susan's new sheath and I gotta say that it works great. It's a fast draw and holds the knife quite securely. I'm gonna have to get me one.
If you want to buy balisongs, come to the Oregon show. If you want to meet people, go to Atlanta.
I'd like to extend a special thanks to all of the makers who offered bowls of hard candy at their tables. I'm not usually one for a lot of that stuff, but I am suffering a terrible sore throat and the candies were helpful.
Well, I could go on and on, but this is getting long. More stories later. I'm sure Clay and Susan will also share some of theirs.
------------------
Chuck
Balisongs -- because it don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing!
http://www.balisongcollector.com
[This message has been edited by Gollnick (edited 06-06-2000).]
Let's see, Clay and Susan were both there. Having drinks with Susan on Friday night was a memorable experience. I'd love to tell you all about it, but I'm sworn to secrecy. (Don't worry, Susan, I'll keep the secret.)
I met Fred Perrin (that story is posted elsewhere on the forum and finding it is left to the reader as an exercise (it's about time y'all learned to use the search engine)). Ran into Datu Kelly Worden again. Heck, the way we keep running into each other, we're old friends by now. Ran into Les De Asis, but we're acquainted already. Saw many of the rest of the Benchmade crew. Met Bram Frank, Allen Elishewitz, Pat Crawford, Neil Blackwood, Don Rearic, Matt Draper, Laci Szabo, Jerry Hossom, Ralph Turnbull, Ray Kirk, Robert Terzuola, I could go on and on. Saturday night, Clay and I went to one of the bars popular with the knife crowd and met Blues (which has a great story to go with it, but I won't tell it because he's paying me not to get him in trouble with the internal affairs division of his agency), Tim Herman (trying to get him talked into trying to make balisongs, and if he does and they are as elegant as his folders, you will be so happy), Rob Simonich who's going to do a little project for me in Talonite. Man, I could go on and on about the people I met. Everywhere you look there's another famous knife person.
I talked to several custom makers who expressed a strong interest in making balisongs.
I saw the new Spyderco Gunting and the trainer. Saw and played with the new Microtech Ultratech... oh, I like that knife, almost as much fun as a balisong. I got to handle a lot of great knives including some of (well, all of) Jerry Hossom's big fighters. For big knives, they're remarkably ballanced. I, in fact, almost killed at least six people who happened to be in isle as I demonstrated a bit of Arnis-inspired blade swinging. I talked to Kit Carson and handled several of his great knives.
Going to a show like this and seeing so many really great knives really sets your tastes. I don't think I can settle for just any old knife anymore.
I talked to the president of one established knife manufacturer who recognized the balisongs on my waist. He said he had fond memories of the balisong from his younger days. "So," I asked, "Why not make one?" He explained that his company is located in CA and they are illegal if they have blades longer than 2". But, he went on to tell me about how his lawyers had throughly researched the issue and he and his staff had designed a balisong-like knife with a blade longer than 2" which has great manipulation potential AND meets the letter of CA laws. They are planning production by the end of the year. I am sworn to secrecy and can say no more.
I met our generous innkeeper here at Bladeforums.com, Mike, and his robotic assistant Kevin, a.k.a Spark. (He has to be a robot since he never sleeps. Besides, what kind of a mother would call their son "Spark"?) I must say, Mike did a great job. If it weren't for the pink tu tu, I'd have sworn he was a real man (another story that I'll leave to others to share.)
Anyway, after getting over Kevin's dress, Mike and I discussed his balisong plans. Again, I don't want to break confidence, but I will tease you by telling you that he's got quite a product planned.
Again, I'm sworn to secrecy, but I did also talk to one other well-know manufacturer who is considering adding a balisong to their line.
As for balisongs for sale, there weren't that many. There were maybe eight really collectible balisongs in the whole show. I snapped up four of those (including s few one-of-a-kind customs). Susan grabbed a fabulous piece that is also the only one of its breed. I am aware of one Erikson piece that did not sell at the show. (The only collectible balisong not sold at the show). If you are interested, let me know and I'll tell you where to go. The dealer is asking $450.
I tried out Susan's new sheath and I gotta say that it works great. It's a fast draw and holds the knife quite securely. I'm gonna have to get me one.
If you want to buy balisongs, come to the Oregon show. If you want to meet people, go to Atlanta.
I'd like to extend a special thanks to all of the makers who offered bowls of hard candy at their tables. I'm not usually one for a lot of that stuff, but I am suffering a terrible sore throat and the candies were helpful.
Well, I could go on and on, but this is getting long. More stories later. I'm sure Clay and Susan will also share some of theirs.
------------------
Chuck
Balisongs -- because it don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing!
http://www.balisongcollector.com
[This message has been edited by Gollnick (edited 06-06-2000).]
