Well, I just got off the phone with a knifemaker I have an order in with. Got me to drooling. It will be a lot of firsts for this maker, first damascus blade, first damascus bolster, first screwed on bolster etc. I sort of pushed him into it (but it didn't take that much arm twisting) He called to let me know that he like's it so much and it came out so well that he may have to keep it. NOT. Actually called me to tell me that the wood I picked won't do this knife justice, do I mind if he upgrades to pearl. I told him go ahead. I consider that part of the process, it's the collaboration between custom collector and knifemaker. I was very glad he called, show's me how much he cares about what he does. It also means that I will end up with a better knife, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that.

I hope that you collectors out there have a similar relationship with the bladesmiths that are making stuff for you. You don't have to be on the phone every day, actually if you are somethings wrong. But once in awhile, every month or two or three, depending on your wait time, you should be getting a progress call or e-mail. Gets the juices flowing it does!

Got an e-mail last week from Darrel Ralph, my Mini Madd Maxx, in D2 damascus should be ready any day now, any day now. Then today the phone call. Ahh life is good!

Sounds like you had a nice day!....I agrre on this. I allways try to keep in touch during the progress of a knife. Especiaslly if it is a new design or something else out of the ordinary.

Just be sure to show us in Display Case when it's done Jerry!