Well 3 days of fun and debauchery, and that's just the show, and I am back home! The show was a gret success, a good time was had by all! I got to meet some of the "biggies" including Ken onion, who let me fondle a nice proto of his next knife tentatively named "The Blur", Ralph Freer, a very nice guy, who even after I told him I was a dealer, gave me such a gonga deal, in my eyes he can do no wrong.

I was literally ODing on all the great knives out on the tables, made me wish I had a million bucks! (I would gone home broke but with a million dollars of knives!

Star alert! Seen on the first day, Steven Seagal action star extraordinaire! Flanked by his "entourage" of body guards, PR men, Steven walked the floor fondling with impunity fondilng some of the best knives.

On a more serious note, there was a raffle to raise monies to help Paul Bausch and his family. As you may know Paul is a great figure in the custom knife community. His dedication and willingness to help new makers has been endless. After, or during the last show he was at he had a major hert attack and has been in the hospital since. Our prayers to out to this great man's family and wish him a speedy recovery. I know over $2000 was raised, with the help of many of the makers donating fine piece of their work for the raffle. Last I counted, 16+ knives and knife related items had been donated! All the makers who selflesly donated their work are to be praised, as well as the promoters of the show.

I got to meet Les Robertson, and I must say the man is uncanny. I walked up to his table, and he looked up and said "Hi Paul" Now I have had some crappy pictures of myself on my old site, but i was blown away. Gave me goose bumps!

All in all I must say, home broke but happy.

So??? what did you bring back??

Only 1 knife, but well worth it. A great Damascus folder from Ralph Freer. I will work on getting a pic on the Display Case soonest!

It is a sweet folder, Damasus blade and bolsters, Ironwood scales, and complete filework, top of blade, complete liner and back spacer. Bacl spacer is plated 18K gold. with the blade closed the filework on blade and filework on liner match up perfectly. Sweet!.

Les Robertson even said I got a great deal, and that is a remark that Les does not give out lightly.

So who wants to trade ? ;-)

Glad you had fun at the show Paul. Show us the knife as soon as you can.

So how was it as an emerging dealer, looking for deals at the show? Was it the place to start doing business or were you just window-shopping?

Roger

Hey Ron! I would say if I was using the conventional business method and practices of the usual dealer, no it is not the place to start. My model is quite a bit different and got a positive(+/- 25 makers) response. My model is simple, the maker is the one who has the say, plain and simple. I don't want to go in depth. But I got some serious interest from many makers.

As for did I go for knives, YES! I got 1, a great knife, great deal (see above). I was there to connect with the makers, and I think I succeeded quite well. Don't know if I would survive it next year, but I want to try.

As for is it worth it for a collector to go to, I say a resounding YES!! Go if you can! It is a great 3 days. I was there all 3 days and only talked to 1/2-2/3 of the makers. But a good time was had!!!