Custom Knives; Is Your Education Lacking? Part 3
PERIOD OF ENLIGHTENMENT
When I conduct seminars at knife shows I always welcome those in attendance to the period of enlightenment. What makes a knife show a period of enlightenment? Let’s face it most of your friends and relatives to understand your fascination with these edged pieces of art. Explaining it can be difficult, justifying some of the prices more so. Often you will hear from your friends you could have bought a firearm or something else for that kind of money. They generally want to refer you to the local store to peruse their $30 – $40 knives; they are not enlightened.
THE ULTIMATE COMBINATION OF RESOURCES
If being able to handle thousands of custom knives isn’t enough. You can talk with the maker or a dealer and get instant knowledgeable feed back to your questions. Many of those internet experts may be in attendance and be further utilized as a real-time resource. Often these shows feature seminars from those who are recognized as experts in their specialty. Now include the latest in knife magazines and an incredible resource that is the Knife Annual. Lastly, you can utilize your Google-Fu to check after market prices and other factors that may influence your decision.
KNIFE SHOWS ALL AROUND THE WORLD
Knife shows can be found in Africa, China, Europe, South America and North America. Yes, you may have to do some planning and there will be some monetary outlay for attendance. The question then becomes what is your education worth? The reality is that most of us who have bought custom knives have overpaid or didn’t get exactly what you thought you were utilizing the internet only approach.
Knife shows allow you the opportunity to expand your knife education level that will pay benefits moving forward. Usually these shows feature the work of makers from outside the United States. South African Andre Thorburn travels outside his South African home to shows in both the US and Europe allowing you to experience his tactical artistry. Having had the chance to handle and inspect different knives and another makers work. This will allow you to confirm your desire for a particular knife, perhaps change your mind or even send you in a different direction of a makers work you were unfamiliar with. This information could save you thousands of dollars moving forward with your collecting or even those who purchase primarily for use.
Robertson’s Custom Cutlery is your source for custom knives from today’s leading custom knife makers. We only feature the highest quality knives at value prices. Our custom fixed and folding knife selection includes tactical fixed and folding knives, presentation fixed and folding knives, bowies, hunters and skinners, and a large selection of forged blades. Les Robertson, author and owner of Robertson’s Custom Cutlery, is also a Field Editor for Blade Magazine and an instructor at Blade University. If you have questions about the content in this article or about any knife or maker on our website, you can contact Les directly at les@robertsonscustomcutlery.com or (706) 650-0252.
