It was a great day at the show. Without exception, every maker was informative, educational and very friendly. I came home with 20 business cards and my wife bought a filet knife. The maker of the filet knife is Paul LeBatard from Vancleave, MS. We probaly spent 20 minutes talking to him and his wife. He had a display that showed the steps in creating a knife and explained each step and the time and processes involved. A truly fine individual.
Yep, Gil Hibben is making BIG knives. Wow!
Harv, I talked at length with Doug Stice and told him that you referred me to him. He makes some very nice tactical knives and neck knives. I didn't find Jack Jones. Not sure how I missed him as I methodically went down each row of tables. Perhaps sensory overload.
One very interesting concept was by W.D. Pease, Ewing, KY. On his folders he has a side lock release. It is a small cut out on the slab that is depressed to unlock the extended blade thereby allowing the blade to be closed.
The design of the non blade end of the knife by several makers was incredible. The grain of the wood slabs would flow perfectly from one side to the other. A few names that stood out were Twin Blades of Statesboro, GA, Murray Sterling of Mount Airy, NC and Calvin Nichols of Raleigh, NC.
Calvin Nichols work was incredible. His use of colors and materials was amazing. Many of his knives would never be put in a sheath as they were works of art and not tools. He did have some nice hunters and tanto blade knives though.
Beyond the handle materials were the handle designs. I could see the thought that the makers put into the shape and size of the handles. One maker, whose card I must not have marked, built a fighter with a handle that was designed to be held in a reverse grip (blade up). I believe that is called a military grip. My eskrima trainer and I train with that grip and I thought it was interesting to see a knife built for that grip.
The makers frequently commented on the feel and balance of their handles.
The file finish work on the non cutting edge of the blade was another area that several builders focused their designs. These ranged from functional to artful. J.P Miller of Fairbank, IA had several oustanding examples.
One maker cut notches on the non cutting edge of the tip. This came from his experience of field dressing a deer and cutting his finger while pressing on the tip of the knife.
I could go on as it was a significant learnig experience for all of us. My 12 year old grandson received numerous compliments from the exhibitors. He had been briefed on the etiquette and protocol and followed them perfectly.
Thanks a bunch for the advice. This is my first knife show.