Here's the one I'll use.

The AKA Show is my favorite of all the shows that I go to. Thanks to all who work so hard to put this show on!!

I don't expect to be in town in time to attend the Performance Bowie competition. Good luck to all who participate in the challenge!

Lyn,

That's an awful pretty knife to use for chopping up 2x4s and such!

she still hopes I will find an honest job before I hit sixty!

Mike,

You're not 60 yet???

As you can see, mine is still in progress but I assembled it here dry to give you an idea. I still need to apply another half dozen coats of finish to the walnut handle and do a final polish & sharpen to the blade.

<img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//smile.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' /> It's not nearly as pretty as Lin's but should be a decent cutter.

Gary

Our ABS members earned the following awards at the 2013 Arkansas Custom Knife Show. Congratulations!

Best of Show - Ron Newton

Best Pearl - Ron Newton

Best Damascus - John White

Best Fighter - Mike Williams

Best Hunter - Ron Newton

Best Bird and Trout - Ron Newton

Best Art Knife - Ron Newton

Best Camp Knife - Ben Seward

Best Bowie - David Lisch

Best Miniature - Lee Ferguson

Best Performance - Tim Tabor

Best Folder - Jerry McClure

Best Sheath - Kenny Rowe

Best Historically Inspired Knife - Lin Rhea

Best Historically Inspired Knife - Lin Rhea, MS

Congratulations to everyone who won an award. It is really nice to see bladesmiths taking home all or most of the awards at these shows.

thanks,

Dan

Wow, they all did the ABS so proud. Butch and I congradulate you all.

Congratulations to all. There was a lot of talent and a amongst a lot of knives on the tables so winning ine of these awards was no easy task.

Brian

I would just like to congratulate all of the members who won these awards and put so much work and effort into these amazing pieces of craftsmanship. I went to the Arkansas Knife show and it opened my eyes to a whole new world. It was great meeting so many bladesmiths of such great talent at one event, and just this one weekend made my head swim with knowledge. I would just like to thank all of the smiths and people I met and talked too who make a huge difference to a new member such as myself. I thoroughly can't wait to attend this show again and also any other shows where the ABS is involved. No finer group of people could you ever meet, and for anyone thinking about going to a show like this; don't even think about it twice! Thank you all again and I look forward to seeing you and many more smiths in the future!

Evan

Evan, you are very welcome. It was good meeting you and your father. I could not agree more about the show and level of craftsmanship exhibited. Some amazing work. Enjoy your intro class with Greg and Adam and Haley. You will come away with a lot of knowledge and new friends. If you have any questions don't hesitate to post or e-mail.

Brion

It was a great show but I missed seeing several smiling faces. Dr Batson, Butch and Cindy, Dan and Sally. <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//smile.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' />

Evan, It was a pleasure to meet you and Dad too. You seem to be a very determined young man and I know we'll see some fine things coming from your shop as time goes by.

Evan

It was a pleasure to meet you and your dad. I am glad you enjoyed the show and was able to take home some new knowledge. Your eagerness to learn was evident in our conversations. I would strongly suggest that you look into attending any of the ABS hammer ins that are put on throughout the year. These are great places to learn -- not only in the seminars, but also during the conversations that are going on outside of the seminars.

Take care and keep up the good work

Brian

Brion- I know I will enjoy this class, and I'm ready for it to get here already. I really did enjoy this show and I was very privileged to meet you and your wife, and see and hold that Persian fighter I admired. You two are very nice people and I really appreciate the time that you both gave to talk to me and my dad; we really enjoyed talking about fishing and he still can't believe you know the musicians he was talking about. Again thank you for the advice you have given me, and I will contact you in the future! Keep up the fantastic work!

Lin- It was a pleasure meeting you as well! Congratulations on that award and for 3rd place with the cutting competition. Me and my dad left in a bit of a hurry because he didn't feel very good, but I went away with a little johnny forge and i greatly enjoy it thus far! Thank you again for the advice you gave me because it really did help and will serve as grounds to greatly improving my future blades. I really am a pretty determined individual and don't seem to give up, to a point I can drive myself crazy! <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//laugh.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':lol:' /> I will be contacting you in the future and I can't wait to see the work that also comes out of your shop. Take care and keep up the great work!

Brian- Thank you so much for all of the great information on grinding and the helpful hints. I will definitely be attending some hammer ins in the future and am already putting some down on my calender. I will keep improving and try my best to get photos on here with progress over time! You also keep up the great work yourself. I look forward to talking to you more as time goes on and seeing the work you produce. It was a pleasure meeting you and I wish you all the best.

Evan