KNEWSLETTTERIN A KNUTSHELL

January 2005

Our membership is happily involved withinternational “Anything that goes ‘cut’!”

� Label 2004 means your lastKnewslettter

Bowie Knife Books

Winter Mini Show Highlites

The Sickness

Custom Knife Competition 2005

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April 2005 Show Knews

Display Award Knives in Hand

Club Knife Enhancement

Last Knewslettter - Applicationenclosed

In this country, anyway, no knife commands interest like the bowieknife. It really is the classic American contribution to the cutleryworld, and it represents a fascinating period in American history –from the late 1820s through the Mexican War, the Civil War, andthe opening of the West. In financial terms, if not historical ones,they are head and shoulders above all other varieties, and are nowas they always have been one of the greatest influences on modernhandmade knives.

I don’t think there’s any better way to get a feel for the classicbowies of the 19th century than to handle as many of them aspossible. Unfortunately, that’s not always easy to accomplish –especially in light of the fact that most of the shows featuringquantities of them are located in the eastern half of the country. Thesecond-best means of learning about them is through books andphotographs, and this option, at least, is available to everyone.

Realizing that my opinions are just that – opinions – here is anannotated list of books that might be useful to those interested inlearning more about antique bowies and their kindred (like dirks,folding bowies, primitive knives, and such). I hope that you find ituseful.[key: HC= hardcover, SC= softcover, OP= out of print (i.e. willtake some searching to find)]

by NormFlayderman, 2004 HC. Recentlyreleased, this is very simply thedefinitive book on the subject, andwill be for many years to come. Tonsof superb photographs of superbknives, and for a real change of pace,an enormous amount of well-researched text. If you buy no otherbooks on bowies, Buy this one.($89.95)

byAdams / Voyles / Moss, 1990 HC. The

book you’ve been hearing about for years. Essentially a picturebook of the best photographs of the best bowie knives in the world,and who can argue with that? OP (expect to pay over $500)

by Bernard Levine, 1977 HC.An exhaustive study of a very important group of makers, a

“The Top Ten”The Bowie Knife: Unsheathing anAmerican Legend

The Antique Bowie Knife Book

Knifemakers of Old San Francisco

thoroughly enjoyable read, and a great influence on their popularity.The current reprint edition replaces many woodcuts with photos ofknives discovered since the original printing. ($39.95)

, Butterfield’s auction catalog - sale 4838A,1992 HC/SC. Two superb collections of bowies, well illustrated,with many important pieces included. Having the auction’s resultsdoesn’t hurt either. OP (expect to pay $200 HC / $175 SC)

, Butterfield’sauction catalog - sale 6552, 1997 HC/SC. The collection of the mostprominent collector of his era. Many important knives, wellillustrated, and of course it doesn’t hurt to have the auction’s results.OP (expect to pay $175 HC / $150 SC)

by Gordon Minnis, 1983HC. While not specifically on bowies, this book deals with them inthe course of covering the range of knives made in America byhands other than those of the professional cutler. The informationand advice for collectors at the beginning and end of the book ispriceless, whether primitives are your thing or not. ($24.50, hard tofind)

byAbel Domenech, 1999 HC. Withphotography and printing that perhapssurpasses even

, this is a remarkable bookdocumenting a remarkable collection.More than just a picture book, it alsoincludes an excellent history of Rodgers,the most famed of all Sheffield firms.Bowies are included amongst a widevariety of other knives. ($89.95)

by WIlliam G. Keener, 1962 SC. By far, the bestphotographs of any of the books on Abels’ collection. OP despitebeing reprinted c. early 1980s. (expect to pay $100 1st ed. / $75reprint)

by Robert Abels, 1967 HC/SC. Abels’ bestgrouping of knives and related items, though photos are marginal atbest. OP (expect to pay $175 HC / $150 SC)

by Paul Holmer, 1998 SC. This one is for seriousbowie nuts only, but for them it’s essential. No pictures. No knives.Not pretty by any stretch of the imagination, but an extremely well

The Antique Bowie Knife Collections of Robert Berryman andChas. Schreiner III

The William R. Williamson Bowie Knife Collection

American Primitive Knives 1770-1870

Exhibition Knives of Joseph Rodgers &Sons, The Samuel Setian Collection

Bowie Knives; From the Collection ofRobert Abels and the Ohio HistoricalSociety

Classic Bowie Knives

A Bibliography of Bowie Knives and Other Cutlery of Nineteenth-Century America

The Antique Bowie KnifeBook

Recommended Reading for Bowie BuffsBy Mark Zalesky

continued on page 4

Page 2

Knotes onUnited StatesMilitary EdgedCutleryby Frank Trzaska

Buying American

Lan-Cay in Color

ParaMarine’s Knives

That’s what they keep saying on the newsevery night, or at least just to buysomething. It will prove to the world thatwe are still going about our regularbusiness. Well I have been doing my part.I don’t know for sure the reason behind it,but in the last few weeks I have not beenable to pass up a knife. Good stuff hasbeen coming out of the woodwork for me,and that doesn’t happen too often. Wellyou heard it here, buy, the market I aminterested in (knives) is great and has notshown the least bit of a slip. For those ofyou that have any fear at all I suggest yousell that collection you have been growingfor the last 20 years or so, my e-mail is atthe bottom of the page.... just kidding!

I don’t know anything about what they arefor or where they are destined, but I doknow you have a choice of colors now.The typical green M9 bayonet is stillavailable as is the typical black one.Added to that we now have white, tan,orange, blue, gray and even a paintedcamouflage pattern in green, urban grayand desert tan. I think it is great; I boughtone of each. As I said above I don’t havethe faintest idea what they are for otherthen commercial sales, but I do know thatthey add color to the collection of thetypical dull military knives. I have heardthat the white is snow camouflage, the tanis for the desert, the orange is for divers(??? underwater bayonets) and thecamouflage is just because! If you collectM9’s you need to add them to your listeven if they are not U.S. military issue.They are legitimate variations made bya government contractor, and you willkick yourself years from now when theyreach unheard of dollar values becausenobody thought they would be worthanything. Buy your flavor of the weekand tuck it away. You won’t be sorryyou did.

I just received a document from ourgood friend, Alec Tulkoff, out of theNational Archives. It is a documentfrom the Depot Quartermaster inPhiladelphia to The Quartermaster of

the USMC in Washington. It recommendsthe purchase of the Western States Cutlery& Mfg. Co. parachutist knife at $1.30 each.(Last one I saw for sale went for $3,500.00,but that is a whole other subject, see theLan-Cay piece above) This much we knewalready but what it continued on with wedidn’t know. It lists the knives submitted,but rejected, by the PhiladelphiaQuartermaster Depot for procurement. Therejections are:

L. Herder & Sons ($1.00 each) blades weremade of carbon steel, not stainless asrequested.

Clyde Cutlery Co. (3 different $0.80,$0.815, $0.83 each) blade too wide andhandle too narrow to afford good grip.

John Chatillion & Sons (no price) no sheathavailable.

Russell Harrington Cutlery Co. ($0.66 each)Not a through tang construction and acarbon steel blade. ($0.78 each) Not athrough tang type. ($0.93 & $0.97) Handletoo small to afford a comfortable grip andsheaths made of too light a weight leather.

Kinfolks, Inc. ($0.84 each) Carbon steelchrome plated blade not stainless, handletoo small. ($1.00 each)Carbon steel blade. ($1.26)Blade and handle too smalland not to the correct shape.

Cattaraugus Cutlery Co.($0.485 each) Blade toolong and not through tangtype. Has molded handleinstead of the two piece hardwood required.

Western States Cutlery & Mfg. Co. ($1.04each) sheath made of light weight leatherand not properly reinforced; ($1.25 each)sheath not properly constructed to preventpoint and cutting edge protruding throughunder excessive shock.

Union Cutlery Co. ($N/A) blade made ofcarbon steel instead of high carbon stainlesssteel, and without leather sheath.

Camillus Cutlery Co. ($0.50) handle 3/4"short and toonarrow toafford goodgrip, bolster(guard) notcorrect design;blade carbonsteel, chromeplated; ($0.70)handle 3/4"short and toonarrow toafford goodgrip; bolster(guard) notcorrect design;

($0.80) carbon steel, chrome plated bladeinstead of high carbon stainless steel andnot fitted with bolster; ($0.90) (a) carbonsteel, chrome plated blade instead of highcarbon stainless steel, handle not properlysecured; ($1.00) handle not properlysecured with large head telescopic rivets.

After all these denials they again sent theproposals out to six more prospectivebidders. It seems as though a test of somesort took place, now all we have to do isfind the test that was attached to thisdocument originally. The document statesthat the attached enclosure was 31 pageslong. What a wonderful find that wouldbe. The full scoop on the USMCparachutist knife is out there, all we haveto do is find it.

Philippine police officers who can’t passthe shooting qualification will have theirguns confiscated and will be issued bolomachetes according to Cebu ProvincialPolice Office Director Jose Salvacion. Itseems the police officers are questioningthemselves on the ability to shoot straightand provide a hit while they are sure theycan do damage with the bolo. As this is

written they are severely short of policeweapons for issue and will not issue gunsto men that can’t or won’t shoot. Copswith Bolo Machetes, WOW!

Rudyard Kipling (1865 -1936)

Drill Instructor on Parris Island

And last but not least I was sent this one,but neither the sender nor I knew where itcame from other then it was attributed toPresident John F. Kennedy. If you knowplease let me know so I can properlycredit it.

“

President Kennedy

Frank Trzaska [trz@mcsystems.net]

Bolo’s

A Great Quote:Gold is for the mistress -silver for themaid

Copper for the craftsman cunning in histrade.

"Good!" said the Baron, sitting in his hall

But steel -cold steel is master of them all.

“Don’t ever apologize for being right andforget about being politically correct, justbe correct.”

...our destinies are sometimes focused onthe small point of a bayonet.”

Page 3January 2005

OKCA Knewsand Musingsibdennis

Membership Dues be due.....

Tables at the Show........

Membership cards and Show badges.....

The web page (www.oregonknifeclub.org )

LarryCriteser

Membership in the Oregon Knife CollectorsAssociation is based on a calendar year. ThisKnewslettter is mailed to all who are 2004 orgreater. The mailing label tells all. 2004means that this is it. No more unless you re-up.

There is a membership application formenclosed so get it in today. So why join? Welike to think that this Knewslettter is reasonenough to be active in our group. In additionyou get free entry into our Show on ALLTHREE days. We are a non profitorganization and we keep dues and feesdown to an affordable level. Help us tocontinue to offer these benefits. Re-up now!

For some reason we are not fully sold out ontables for the April Show as of this writing.We are close but not quite. The reasons aremany with health issues taking the lead. Alsomaybe I did not beat the cymbals loudenough to get people to remember to gettheir tables paid. The boon--everyone on thewaiting list got a table this year. Thedownside--some table holders are not gettingthe same table locations back.

Everyone who is a member paid up for 2005gets a laminated membership card. Thosewho are table holders get a special tableholder’s badge which they will find in theirShow packet when they arrive at the Show.By the way there is something way specialfor those who are table holders when youcome to pick up your packet.

The web page has been taking shape formany yearsnow and isa work inprogress. I

askedto

surf the webfor errors onour pages

and he wastaken aback by the

depth and breath ofthis site. The final word

from Larry wasthis is not aone day

proofing session.

We stuffed and we puffed but we got thejawb done.....

Mike &Barbara Kyle, Larry & Cheri Criteser,Wayne Goddard, Ole Olson and dearelayne.

Monthly Meetings.....

Display Cases for the April Show....Bryan Christensen

Club Knife.........

Articles, articles, articles .....

JimTaylor (Florida), MarkZalesky (Tennessee) andFrank Trzaska (NewJersey)

Knives that make meSmile.......B.K. Brooks

The mailing of 2005 membership cardsand the table confirmations is a toughjawb. Over the last few years we have itlicked (yes, Ole still licks the stamps.) Thework was done in three hours with sevenworkers and me. Thank you

And you say you didn’t get yourcard. Well then you didn’t pay up, thecomputer screwed up or elayne made amisteak. Let us know by email, snail mailor tele-mail (the Alexander Graham Bell.)

Well we seem to have a winner as far asour choices for a monthly meeting here inEugene area. The Sizzler Restaurant fitsthe bill with variety of good food, goodatmosphere and a room that is bright andquiet. Just remember our meetings are thethird Wednesday of every month ceptin’during the summer.

has offered to supplydisplay cases for rental for the April Show.We must have your request for these casesbefore the April Show. These wood casesmeasure 24x30x2 and come with a lock.There are a limited number of these displaycases available so get your request in early.The rental is $30 for the three day weekendand can be paid for at the Show.

The Ford Swauger Club knife is sold out.There are no more sets available but(ibdennis fibbed) as there are two manualknives left as of today. These have been ahuge success and a nice way to add somefunds to our coffers.

.....A big thank you to our writers who helpkeep this Knewslettter alive and well. Thismonth we thank

for theircontribution to theJanuary issue.

submitted agreat smile knife. This isan advertising knife for acompany that specializesin fertilizer. The company

is E.B Buchsieb out of Columbus, Ohio.The knife is old as suggested by the fourdigit telephone number. The horse with fourin the air graphically depicts the nature ofthis business. This knife was made by Geo.Schrade.

We have retained the same price at theValley River Inn as we have for the last fewyears. Ya gotta mention the OKCA Show toget this pricing. Is it too early to reserve aroom? Nope. I checked and they are readyfor you now. Their operators are standingby. Go to our web site for web links to theseplaces.

-(800)543-8266 -(541)687-0123 -Our top recommendation.Fills up fast. A quality place to stay. Officialhome for folks away from home visiting theOregon Knife Show. Special Show rates ifyou mention the OKCA Show.

-A City Inn -(800)264-2519 -(541)343-1119 -ClassicHospitality. A very unique experience. Topquality.

- (888)259-8481 -(541)345-3391 -The closest motel yet to the KnifeShow. A budget motel and special rates ifyou mention the Knife Show.

- (541) 344-8335 - Costeffective and in a delightful setting. Close toa park, the river, the bike trail and in thecity. Call direct for special OKCA rates.

- 800-344-0131 - (541) 344-0001 - Cost effective and close to thecollege campus and downtown. Nice, cleanand a pleasant place to stay.

Places to lay your head down whilsthere......

The Valley River Inn

The Campbell House

Courtesy Inn

La Quinta Inn

Phoenix Inn

Page 4

Recommended Reading for Bowie Buffs (continued from page 1)

annotated bibliography of all things bowie.(Just $25, but you have to be an AntiqueBowie Knife Association member to getone... )

by James R.Johnston (1993, ‘95, ‘97). A series of picturebooks containing some great knives(primarily primitives), many of thempreviously unknown. Book I contains avariety, Book II some superb photos ofAbels’ knives from the Keener book as wellas additional knives, and Book III anexcellent chapter on primitives by GordonMinnis, some fine primitives and moreAbels photos. ($45, $45, $55)

by Harold Petersen(1957). Chock full of errors, I know, butwhat fabulous knives! In some ways, thosetypos have proven beneficial to us anyway(thanks for “Wills & Fink”, H.P.!) (Reprinted. $24.95)

by John D.Hamilton (1983). A superlative treatment ofAmerica’s most important sword makers,who crafted many bowies as well. (Reprinted. $45)

by Robert Abels (early ‘60s).The ‘red book’ as collectors have come tocall it, this is the one with Tah-Chee on thecover. Fabulous knives, and the photos areof decent quality, but they’re quite small.Some interesting related material is alsopictured. OP (expect to pay about $40)

by Palmer /Moran / Phillips (1992). Partof the collection of one of ourpioneers, with some articlesand related material. Currentreprint edition adds manyperiod photographs, amongother items. ($44.95)

by Brad andBrian Witherell (1999). A largenumber of photographs of California knives,no text, but absolutely required for anyoneinterested in the genre. ($89.95)

by Marc Newman (1998).A valuable photographic reference - IF youcan tell the good knives from the bogus andmisidentified ones (some should be realembarrassments). OP (expect to pay $50-60)

byD.E. Henry (1995). While Collins’ productsare not often given due consideration bybowie collectors, they were therenonetheless. Very well researched. OP(expect to pay $20-25)

“20 Honorable Mentions” (in alphabeticalorder)Accouterments I, II, and III

American Knives

The Ames Sword Co. 1829-1935

Bowie Knives

Bowie Knives of the BenPalmer Collection

California’s Best - Old WestArt and Antiques

Civil War Knives

Collins Machetes and Bowies 1845-1965

Early Knives and Beaded Sheaths of theAmerican Frontier

The History of the John Russell CutleryCo.

I*XL Means I Excel

The Knife in Homespun America

Levine’s Guide to Knives and their Values,4th Ed.

New England Cutlery

The Peacemakers

The Sheffield Bowie and Pocket KnifeMakers 1825-1925

Sheffield Exhibition Knives

by John Baldwin(1997). Many photographs and some superbbackground material on American primitiveand early trade knives. ($69.95)

by Merriam et al. (1976). A superblydone history of a firm that has fascinatedcollectors since knife collecting began. Youwon’t find too much on bowies in this bookas the firm tended more towards huntingand skinning knives, but you’ll love thestory. OP (expect to pay $45+)

by William R.Williamson (1970). WRW’s first - and last -book. Seldom seen and often forgotten, thisis an excellent, well written, well illustratedlittle booklet picturing 42 I*XLs and someadditional material. OP (expect to pay$75+)

byMadison Grant (1984). Focuses onprimitives and other knives used in earlyfrontier America. More romantic and lessanalytical (and accurate) than Minnis. OP(expect to pay $50)

by Bernard Levine (1997). Includesa good basic guide to bowies and excellentinformation on makers and dates(particularly for American makers). OP(expect to pay $45)

by PhillipPankiewicz (1986). Good short histories ofNew England cutlers, including those thatmade bowies. OP (expect to pay $20-25)

by R.L. Wilson(1992). Covers thearms of the old west,with several colorphotographs ofpreviouslyunpublished knivesfrom collectionssuch as NormFlayderman’s. OP(expect to pay $45-

50)

by Richard Washer(1974). Very shaky as a dating guide, butgood trademark information and thepictures in the back are a great guide forspotting fakes, although that was NOTWasher’s intent. OP (expect to pay $75+)

by Claussen,McMickle, Adams et al (1999). Abeautifully done book on Sheffield’s finestknives with information on the city, knifemanufacture, and so forth. Few bowies areillustrated, but there are several foldingdirks. ($100+).

The Sheffield Knife Book

Steel Canvas

A Sure Defence; The Antique Bowie KnifeBook

by GeoffreyTweedale (1995) Not much on bowiesspecifically, but a great deal on Sheffieldand the firms that made bowies. Very wellwritten and researched. OP (expect to payabout $60+)

by R.L. Wilson (1993).Covers the gamut of embellished Americanarms, with several color photographs ofpreviously unpublished knives. OP (expectto pay $45-50)

by Ken Burton (1988) The photoswon’t blow you away, but this is a veryuseful reference for the many less expensiveknives pictured therein. ($37.50, hard tofind)

Knife World Books, PO Box 3395,Knoxville TN 37927. 1(800)828-7751,www.knifeworld.comemail: knifepub@knifeworld.com

James D. Hayden Bookpeddler, 88360Charly Lane, Springfield OR 97478, (541)746-1819 email: jhbkpdlr@pacinfo.com

Quality Blade Books, P.O. Box 41854,Eugene, OR 97404 orhttp://www.qualitybladebooks.com

For information on the Antique BowieKnife Association, write them c/o, JoeDennard, PO Box 674839, Marietta, GA30067-0005 or visit antiquebowieknife.com

Knife World.

Where to Get ‘Em:

The author collects antique bowies as ahobby, and sells knife books for a living inhis role with

BOX 2091 • EUGENE, OR 97402

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION AND SHOW TABLE CONTRACT

*PLEASE RETURN THIS ENTIRE PAGE or a photocopy. DO NOT CUT IT UP!*

Name(s) _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Mailing Address ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

City ___________________________________________________________ State __________________ Zip __________________________

Phone: Eve ( _______ ) ______________________ Day ( ________ ) ___________________________ Date _________________________

� Collector � Knifemaker � Dealer � Mfr./Distrib. � Other__________ Email Address_________________________________

OKCA membership includes newsletter, dinner/swap meetings, free admission to OKCA shows,

free OKCA Winter show tables, right to buy OKCA club knife.

__ Start/ ___ Renew my/our OKCA membership ($20 individual/$23 family) $ ________

Page 5January 2005

This will be the twelfth year my wife,

Karen, and I have run the Custom Knife

Competition; and I think I finally have an

idea of what’s going on. For those of you

makers who want to better your chances of

winning: pay heed, those of you who don’t,

go to the next article.

First and foremost, Read the Rules!! These

are the rules that you will find in your Show

envelope when you arrive. Especially those

parts that pertain to categories, disclosure

and new makers.

Every year we get several knives that are

obviously in the wrong category. Before you

choose, think about whether it really fits.

On every entry there is a place to disclose

what part of the knife (if any) was not done

by the person entering it. This would be

things like engraving, scrimshaw,

specialized heat treating, etc. The maker is

responsible for conceiving and executing

the knife, not just assembling parts. The

judges are looking at the basic knife and

will take into account any special

embellishments that couldn’t reasonably

have been done by the maker.

And now for the judges. These guys know

what they’re doing. Knife judging is highly

subjective, so we try to get people with

differing tastes who will balance out.

However, they all know what to look for in

a winning knife. In the last five years they

have differed some on the category winners

but have been unanimous on the Best of

Show.

The judging this year will take place

We will start accepting the knives

at and stop at The

judging takes place starting at 4 PM

and the winners will be announced

after the judging. We expect about

100 entrants and encourage everyone

to enter, but please do your part. Read

the rules that will be included in your

Show packet and enter early.

Friday, April 08, 2005.

2 PM 4 PM.

A WORD ABOUT THE CUSTOM KNIFE JUDGINGBy John Priest

The categories for the Custom Knife

Competition are:

There will be one knife designated as

The Junior maker class is a new category

for this year. Anyone under 18 years old

and has membership in the Oregon Knife

Collectors Association is eligible for this

category. Any category knife is eligible.

This year we will again allow any OKCA

Club member to submit a knife into the

New Maker category. The knife must be

presented in person, and you do not have to

be a table holder for this category. A New

Maker is one who has not entered custom

competition ever before. You must be a

table holder to enter all other categories.

ART KNIFE

BOWIE KNIFE

DAMASCUS KNIFE (You must forge

your own blade)

FIGHTING KNIFE

FOLDING KNIFE

HAND FORGED (Non Damascus)

HUNTING-UTILITY KNIFE

MINIATURE KNIFE

JUNIOR MAKER

NEW MAKER

BEST

of SHOW.

Page 6

December

Raymond Richard, Phil Bailey and Dave Welbon

Tony Berg

Don Hanham

Curtis Boyd & Lily

Jim & Geri Cartier

Shelley & Frank Jacobs

The Crows

Craig

Morgan

Gay Rocha & Dory Silva

Paul & Honey Bug Wellborn

Joshua Hill, Carina & Juanita Conover

Page 7January 2005

Mini-Show

June Morrison

Jolie Rippy, Ginny & Gary Little

Terri, Elayne, Rippy and Jolie

Abigail, Sally and Gene Martin & Ole

Paul Miller

The Marine, The Sailor, The Bryan and Toys for Tots

May Ann Schultz, Wendell & Sandy Fox

Center Dave Schultz & Cameron House Gary Kelley, Wayne & June Morrison

Page 8

The meeting was held December 15 at Sizzler Steak House,Gateway. The attendance was 31.

Thank you’s are in order for the December show and potluck.We had 102 tables set up and about 50 for the potluck.

received special thanks for her work on the potluckand did an outstanding job with thecoordination for pickup of the Toys For Tots. The picture inthis Knewslettter says it all.

This year’s potluck had a special treat--marionberry squaresdonated by the Valley River Inn. They wanted to dosomething special for the OKCA in thanks for our support.

The Club table was very busy and I thankand for their help.

We sold 59 membership renewals, 33 family renewals, 40tables for 2005 and 8 sets of the Club knives.Thanks to and for their work on the2005 membership cards. There is currently a waiting list of 62for 2005 Show.

The video lending library is busy; the only problem with whichI have been plagued is the return of the videos. The videos have beenavailable to the local members only so I have volunteered to mail the videosto any interested parties. I am only too aware that it ain’t possible to “see”the Show while it is happening. Contact the OKCA and I will ship them offto you as they are available. ( Knife Tactics,Sword Fighting, Knife Sharpening,Balisong, Scrimshaw, Saturday Nite Social,Flintknapping and Sharpness Competition.)

Please check your membership expiration date, the date on yourKnewslettter. You will not NOT be admitted to the Show on Friday untilafter 2:00 if your membership is 2004 and you need to renew.

Please be sure we have the correct information for the names that will be onyour table holder badges. You are very welcome to call to confirm the namesyou entered on your application.

Whenever we open an envelop addressed to the OKCA, it is always asurprise. Membership renewal, table reservation, ad for the Knewslettter,letter of complaint, letter of thank you or donation to our cause. ThisDecember we received a donation from for which weare very appreciative. Thank you very much. I also thank all the people whosent Christmas cards to the OKCA.

We have arranged to meet at the Sizzler the third Wednesday of each month.It is a bit of a change but it can be healthy for us ole folks to change ourroutines.

The Saturday Nite Social will be asbefore. It is a very good buy for theprice, $5.00 per person. We have amaximum of 200 so please advise ifyou will attend.

December 26 we (

mailed the table confirmations and2005 membership cards. If you havenot received yours, please contact me.Errors are part of the expected.

JuneMorrison

Bryan Christensen

DaphneWhitmore Sheila Sinks

Ford SwaugerJohn Priest Larry Criteser

Ray Ellingsen Steve GarrsonWayne Goddard Chuck Gollnick

Bob Hergert Martin Schempp

Burton Harrington

Cheri Criteser,Larry Criteser, Wayne Goddard,Barbara Kyle, Michael Kyle, OleOlson, Dennis and Elayne Ellingsen)

The Seek-re-tary Reportby elayne Being enamored of the cutlery arts, and “the ways of

the ancients” can cause one to be labeled a romantic.Perhaps the term certifiable loony would be moreapt?

I have never been at all certain about which camp Ibelong in. I protest the former and yet the doubtlingers. The readers of this Knewslettter are wellaware of my undoubted afflictions and yet, quite afew have seen fit to encourage my sickness byadvocating more of the same. Perhaps I am notalone.

Maybe we of like minds should set up a care group?We could then email each other with steps ofguidance. You know the slogan; “One Day at aTime.” If it works for one group, it should also beconsidered for others! Being a self-confessed, “Lostcause,” I will offer myself as a guinea pig. Readersare invited to email me at the address printed at theend of this plea. Perhaps one of you knows of a cure?Maybe there is a medication that you canrecommend? Sending your wife or significant otherto live with me is not, I repeat, not, conducive to myliving plan.

Having recently “celebrated” the golden anniversaryof “knifitis,” for such is what it is, I feel wellqualified to spearhead a campaign that would try toremedy – some might call it rehab – this ailment. Theindications of which, although well known, havebeen discretely swept under the carpet. I now feelthat disclosure of the major symptoms is imperative.They are:

1. Maintaining a knife buying “slush fund” that iskept confidential.

2. “I just need a couple more for the set.”statements.

3. Arranging time off work that “co-incidentally”matches up with knife shows.

4. Overbidding on eBay.

5. Cringing over other people’s finger marks.

6. Watching for the UPS van.

7. Being one step ahead of your buddy at the fleamarket.

8. Advising your wife that the 11th weddinganniversary is “steel” (hint, hint)

9. Re-reading 20 year old knife magazines.

10. Hating your neighbor who owns a mint Scagel.

11. Forlornly asking; “Do you trade?”

12. Announcing with pride; “It can only appreciatein value.

If one is honest, but then, who is? One must acceptthe fact of true sickness. At this time the malady is

”

THE SICKNESSBy Jim Taylor

Continued on page 10

Page 9January 2005

The 30 Annual Oregon Knife CollectorsShow

TheSaturday Nite Social

free OKCA “T” shirt

a special shirt

The opening ceremonies

demonstrations

th

is fast approaching. As of this time allpaid for table holders should have received aconfirmation of tables form listingguidelines and table locations. Ouradvertising lists that Saturday and Sundayare the public Show hours however the bestof the three day Show is Friday when onlymembers and tableholders are allowedentry. The doors open at10 am for members andrenewal of membershipwill not happen untilafter 2 pm. This is arelaxed show day andtables may be coveredor not, open or not orwhatever. HoweverSaturday and Sundayare non stop alwaysopen times with stiff penalties if you leaveearly or cover your table. Please note thatthose who left early last year are not at thisyear’s Show.

This being our 30 Show we are going out abit further to celebrate this event.

with its new face liftwill be the spot for awards and celebrationswith special treats offered. This is a one hourevent that follows the closing of the Show at6 pm on Saturday. It is located in the roomnext door so travel is not an issue. We hadtrouble with our application forms so noteveryone had a chance to sign up for thesocial. The admission to defray expenseswill be $5 each. Tickets can be purchased atthe Show, but we do have a limited amountso please to give the heads up.

For those who barely open their Show packetenvelope, you will be missing out on aspecial offering of athat can only be redeemed at the Show. Withthe support of Jerry & Kay Whitmore, wewill be giving table holdersthat will depict this event. Enhancements areavailable at the Show to further adorn thisshirt, and additional shirts will be availablefor sale.

have always beena unique event held just before the Show isopen. It is available to members only and isan event that has had everyone talking foryears. This year will be the best of the bestand a surprise beyond compare. Not to miss.

We will also be holding cutlery relatedthroughout the day on

Saturday and Sunday. The scheduling is notset yet but you can be assured of some topnotch events.

th

Last year we had Dick Barber fromCrucible Steel give a seminar on Fridaymorning before the doors opened for theShow. Dick has agreed to do this again forthe 2005 Show.

We have madearrangements with several inns and motelsin the area to help in the “Where to stay??”Our Club associated inn of choice is The

Valley River Inn. It is afour star inn with specialrates for our OregonKnife Collector Clubvisitors. It fills up fast sonow is the time toreserve your room.

, you willget a special rate if yousay the Show or theorganization name. Thatgoes for all the

recommended accommodations that can befound on page three of this Knewslettter.

Friday, in addition to being a members-onlyday, is also the day that we do the judgingfor the .Information about this event can be foundelsewhere in this publication. Knifemakers;Start your engines!!! And as a first for 2005we will have a Junior division category.

I have inEugene, and they will again allow us to usetheir safe to store the knives that you ship tothe Show. We learned a few things from lastyear so we will have more details in a laterKnewslettter. The big thing is that we willallow insured items to come to the OKCA -P.O. Box, and I will personally take them tothe Baron’s Den safe for you. We willrequire that you identify your packages onthe outside as it presented a problem for uslast year.

For years I have

. Wellthere is a new sheriff in town, and we aregoing to have to enforce the ruling that allroll around devices be brought in throughthe back doors. You can carry whateveryour body will take through the front doors,but no wheels. The reason: The floor tilesare quite fragile and it is very expensive torepair and maintain these tiles. If anyonewheels in and we are made to pay forrepairs, we will be contacting those people.Everyone coming in the front door can helpus monitor and advise those that forget.

Well this should be a great Show. Comehave fun and enjoy that which goes “cut.”

Where to stay:

Justlike the duck thatcomes down

hand made knife competition

contacted the Baron’s Den

been told that we cannothave carts, hand trucks or heavy wheeledtransports coming in the front door

To Do With the April Show

The knife blanks for this year’s displayaward knives came from the grindingcontest held at the April 2004 Show. Thesteel is ATS 34 and was a pattern created by

. We are pleased to havefour of these knives in hand at this earlydate. Please visit our web site to see theseknives in colour. We will be placing theseknives in the Excalibur Knife Store inValley River Center Eugene in the next fewweeks. Stop by and see these fantasticknives up close. The knives from top tobottom:

is from Salt SpringIsland B.C. Canada. The handle on thisknife is sodalite in a blue, violet, cream,swirl colour and the bolsters are Mokume’gane. Seth also included a cocobolo woodsheath for this knife.

is from Broadbent Oregon: Thehandle is from stabilized Big Leaf Mapleroot burl. The bolster is made fromnickleloy. The blade is the ATS 34 blankused in the grinding competition.

is from Portland Oregon -Thehandle on this display award knife is PurpleHeart wood. The bolsters are made fromcopper and the pins are nickel brass.

is from Ephrata Washingtonand has executed this knife based on thesame blade pattern blank. Matt deals inDamascus and this is his interpretation ofthe knife that was given him. Pretty coolmethinks. The steel is from Matt’s twistedpeacock Damascus made from 1084 and15n20 steel. The handle material is spaultedMaple. The knife is hollow ground and wasdone by hand without rests. It has brassbolsters and pins.

will be making the woodpresentation plaques for these knives.

will engrave the kniveswith the event information.

has been the guidinghand in getting this project completed.

Larry Criteser

Seth Cosmo Burton

Gary Little

Tedd Harris

Matt Whitmus

Craig Morgan

Jerry Whitmore

Wayne Morrison

2005 Display AwardKnives

PHOTO #4

OKCA ClubWhot-zits & Whos Zits

Darrold (Ole) Olson

Loy Moss

Elayne Ellingsen

John Priest

Dennis Ellingsen

KnewslettterCut-toons

Web page

Club email

President (541) 914-7238

Vice President (541) 747-7600

Sec/Tres. (541) 484-5564

Master at Arms (541) 689-6020

Show Coordinator (541) 484-5564by elayne & dennis

by Judy & Lonnie Williams

http://www.oregonknifeclub.org/okca@oregonknifeclub.org

OKCAPO BOX 2091EUGENE OR 97402(541) 484-5564Copyright (C) 2005 Oregon KnifeCollectors Association. No part of thisKnewslettter may be reproduced withoutpermission of the OKCA. Emailinfo@oregonknifeclub.org. Layout andprinting by Insta-Print - 1208 W. 6th -Eugene, OR 97402

CUT-TOON

Page 10

without antidote. We sufferers, though, cansurely band together? Perhaps our jointexperiences can be shared? Maybe we cancome up with a few simple guidelines thatwill prevent future possible addicts frombecoming infected?

On the other hand, if the right knife comesalong I might just forget the whole thing!

Jim Taylor can be reached at the followingemail address; knifeprincess@bellsouth.net

The Sickness continued from page 8

The beautiful sealed, stabilizedand polished white bone handleson this knife just begged for ascrimshaw design. So we wentto Juanita Conover and askedher for some ideas on what todo for the handles. Afterstudying the knife she designeda beaver that she felt wouldcompliment the knife but wouldbe in keeping with theDamascus blade. The handlesfor the knives will be availableto us before the April Show sowe will have time to ornamentyour knife or knives, should youwant this artwork on your serialnumbered knife.

The design seen is a Haidabeaver. The design ischaracteristic of the Haida (hy'-duh^) Indians from Queen Charlotte Islands of BritishColumbia.

If this scrimshaw design appeals to you, send us $80 per knife to have this scrim done intime for delivery at the April Show.

THE FORDSWAUGERCLUB KNIFE?

OKCA Free Classified AdsFree classified ads will run up to three issues and then be dropped. Available only to paid members. Write your ad on anything youhave handy (except Red Vines) and email or snail mail to the The number and size of adssubmitted by a single member will be accepted or excepted dependent on available space and the mood of the editors.

OKCA, PO Box 2091, Eugene OR 97402.

Page 11January 2005

Display cases for rent

WANTED

Wanted to buy

Wanted

Books on US Military Knives

Wanted -

Knife Maker’s Vise -

Throwing Knives -

Alpha Knife Supply

- Sign up now to reserveyour rental display case for the 2005 Show. Thesespecial made wooden cases w/lock are 24x30 x2and rent for $30 for the three days. BryanChristensen makes these up just for our Show.Contact the OKCA via mail, phone, email.

: I am a collector of Ek knives. I havelimited my collecting to those models madeduring WW2 and Vietnam periods. I am alwaysinterested in purchasing additional piecesincluding original sheaths; silent partner booksand other vintage advertising items. ContactRichard Schechner P.o. Box 181923 Coronado,CA 92178 (619) 437-0564; email:rgs522@san.rr.com J

: Folding bowies larry hogan 253927 3909 email rhogan39@net-venture.net J

- Robeson whittler pattern #633499 inbrown bone. Should say Pocket Eze on the shield.Consideration given to one close to this pattern.ibdennis (541)484-5564 oribdennis@oregonknifeclub.org J

and GovernmentReports. Send $2.00 for a list of over 300declassified govt. reports and current listing ofmilitary knife books in stock. Knife Books - POBox 5866, Deptford, NJ 08096 or free via e-mailat trz@mcsystems.net. J

Folding bowies, no Pakistan. LarryHogan (253)927-3909 email Rhogan@net-venture.net J

Due to the weight of thedarn things, I will be bringing a limited numberof the knifemaker’s vises (the ones with the poolball handles) to the April Show. If you would likeme to bring one especially for you call, write, fax,email, telepath, yell or somehow let me know andI will gladly bring it to you. They are currentlyselling for $150.00 and as the price of steelcontinues to rise this may not last. Anything paidfor before the Show will get this price and willsave $20.00 or so for shipping. And.....youchoose your own balls! Bob Patrick 816 PeachPortal Dr Blaine WA 98230 (604)538-6214 Fax(604)888-2683 email bob@knivesonnet.com J

Anyone wanting to pre-orderPierce Arrow, Vanishing point of the new Claw-Zthrowing knives please contact Bob Patrick. I willbe happy to bring them to the April Show foryou. See Knife Maker’s Vise for contact info orwww.knivesonnet.com J

- Providing knife makerswith the highest quality materials at excellentprices. Visit our website atwww.alphaknifesupply.com and browse throughover 65 different types of wood, carbon fiber,mosaic pins, talonite, titanium, timascus,superglue, Brownell’s Acraglas, blade steels, etc.Almost every piece of wood has a photo link on

our website. We are continually expanding ourknife making supplies inventory. Most recentaddition is series of Knifemaking DVDs by GeneOsborn, Johnny Stout, David Broadwell andCustom Knife Sheath Making with ChuckBurrows. Gift certificates are available. You canreach Chuck, Brenda and Jessica Bybee @(425)868-5880. Look forward to seeing you inApril at the Oregon Show.

Harness Jacks or punch jacks,excellent + or better condition. Will pay cash, ortrade for pocket knives I have. I have about 200folders old and new to trade. Email tocharlie.campagna@telus.net or leave a messageat (604)649-6789 N

2nd edition Randall Made™ Knives'Quick Reference Guide', 12” x 25” laminatedfull-color folding document for identifying anddating most common RMK characteristics overthe years. $20 per delivered copy, payable toSheldon Wickersham, P.O. Box # 9651, SanJose, CA. 95157, or via Paypal tobluestarknives@sbcglobal.net N

Randall Knives, any make, model, orcondition. Buy/Sell/Trade. Contact us at (408)557-9475, eves, PST or via email tobluestarknives@sbcglobal.net N

Two piece canopener with the verticallift for the Remington junior scout the or thejunior RWB. Call Jim at (562) 438-8678 or emailjpitt306@earthlink.net N

SEGUINE KNIVES Call or email Jack@ jh5jh@aol.com (805)489-2222 or (805)431-2222 cell N

(Larry Davis) has moved.We've moved the business from Sacramento toEugene. Although we no longer operate a retailstore, we'd be happy to show knife handle stockby appointment. Please call us (541)747-5725for an appointment. Thanks and it's GREAT tobe home again. O

. For sale: 2 grinders (2" X 72") -1Hardcore Grinder 1 year old variable speed 1.5hp with 10" wheel and other attachments. 1Square wheel with attachments 1 hp. -Forge 3inlets LP - Anvil 130 lb Mankel -Baldor Buffer3/4 hp -Mill/drill machine -Leather Workingtools, lots -Hammers -Handle materials exoticwoods stabilized ivory, etc.-Steels (various) andbrass -Other tools, and woodworking items -Toomuch to list. Lowell C. Lockett JS ABS(541)756-1614 or spur@outdrs.net

O

Case toenails, melon testers, Barlows,peanuts, etc. Have lots of Case memorabilia,catalogs, decals. Have a lot of razor sharpeningstones in original boxes. Plus knife boxes,various brands. Contact Frank Miller (541)822-3458 fshnfrank@aol.com O

WANTED;

For Sale:

Wanted:

Wanted:

Wanted:

Gallery Hardwoods

Closing shop

For Sale:

For Sale:

KNIFE LAWS

For Sale

Rick Dunkerley, MS Knife. Here isyour rare opportunity to own one of Rick’sknives (one of five) submitted for his MS test –the Ironwood Persian Fighter. This knife is thebest of the best, having won "Best Damascus" atthe 1997 Blade Show and the 1997 OKCA Show,as well as the Blade "Handmade Award" in 1997.It utilizes a Three Bar Composite blade with aMosaic core. The guard is Damascus and theironwood handle is fluted. Total length is 15inches; blade length 10 inches. Asking price only$3,499.00 for this unique knife. Robert Zielke(206)340-2008 (day) orRobtZielke@mindspring.com. Digital photoemailed upon request. O

by Norman Flayderman. 512 pages, over260 color plates, hard cover. This book coversthe fact, fiction and folklore of the world’s mostfamous fighting knife. Only $79.95 plus $5.00shipping. James D. Hayden Bookpeddler, 88360aCharly Lane, Springfield OR 97478. Check orVisa/MC orders (541)746-1819. Info emailjhbkpdlr@pacinfo.com O

on-line. Federal, state, local.http://pweb.netcom.com/~brlevine/appr-k.htmBernard Levine (541)484-0294http://www.knife-expert.com/

a new book by EdHolbrook 112 pgs. Boy Scouts ,Girl Scouts,CubScouts, and Camp Fire Girls. Pocket knives,sheath knives, axes, 99% complete from 1910 todate + price guide $25.00 + $3.00 postage EdHolbrook 12150 S. Casto Rd. Oregon City, OR97045

-New book,by Alvin Sellens. Soft

bound, 239 pages, this book is full of usefulinformation on markings, descriptions of theknives, period offered, and a price guide.Illustrations all seem to be taken from KeenKutter catalogs. $19.95 plus $2 shipping.Quality Blade Books, P.O. Box 41854, Eugene,OR 97404 orhttp://www.qualitybladebooks.com

“The Bowie Knife”: Unsheathing an AmericanLegend

Official Scout Blades

KEEN KUTTERPOCKET KNIVES

The views and opinions implied or expressedherein by authors and advertisers are notnecessarily those of the Oregon KnifeCollectors Association, its editors, or itsofficers; and no responsibility for such viewswill be assumed. The OKCA, its officers and itseditors assume no responsibility for claims ofadvertisers for the quality of goods andservices the advertiser provides. The act ofmailing or delivering a manuscript oradvertisement shall constitute an expresswarranty on the part of the contributor that thematerial is original and in no way aninfringement upon the rights of others. The actof mailing or delivering a letter or question tothe editor shall constitute permission to publishthe letter or portion thereof unless the OregonKnife Collectors Association is informedotherwise in that letter.

The KnewslettterOregon Knife Collectors AssociationPO Box 2091Eugene, OR 97402

Page 12 January 2005

January 2005Events Calendar

Contact Dennis or Elayne (541) 484-5564 for additional information on OKCAevents. For non-OKCA events, contact the sponsoring organization. Additionalinfo = (B)lade Mag. -(KW) Knife World - (KI) Knives Illustrated (TK) Tactical Knives

DINNER MEETINGWednesday Evening

January 19, 2005

Sizzler Restaurant1010 Postal Way

Gateway areaAcross from the

Post Office

6:00 PM DinnerFollowed by meeting

Come Knife with us!Bring Show-N-Tell knife!

---------- ----------Jan 28-30 - Gator Cutlery Show -Lakeland FL (KW-B)Jan 28-30 - American Bladesmith Expo -Reno NV (KW-B-TK)Jan 28-30 - Las Vegas Custom Show -Nevada (KW-B-TK)Jan 28-30 - Gateway Knife Show - St Louis MO (KW-B)---------- ----------

Feb 12-13 - Arkansas Custom Little Rock (KW-B)Feb 18-20 - Dayton Ohio Knife Show (KW)Feb 19-20 - West Virginia Knife Expo - Ripley WV (B)Feb 25-27 - Knife Expo 05 - Pasadena CA (KW-B)Feb 26-27 - Keystone Blade Assoc. Show - Lewisburg PA (KW)Feb 26-27 - Atlanta Knife Show (KW-B-TK)---------- ----------

Mar 04-06 - NW Georgia Show - Dalton GA (KW-B)Mar 04-06 - East Coast Custom - NY (B-TK)Mar 19-20 - Western Canada Show -KXA Arena in Kamloops B.C.Mar 19-20 - Canadian Guild Show - Toronto (B)Mar 18-20 - Arizona Custom Show -Scottsdale AZ (KW-B-TK)Mar 18-20 - Ohio Spring Show NW - Wilmington OH (KW-B)--------- ----------

Apr 01-03 - Badger Knife Show -Janesville WI (KW-B)

Apr 09-10 - Bunker Hill Show - Bethalto IL (KW-B)Apr 09-10 - Munich Germany Show (KW-B)Apr 22-24 - NKCA Shepherdsville KY Show (KW-B)Apr 22-24 - Wolverine Collectors Show -Novi MI (KW-B)

January 2005

February 2005

March 2005

April 2005

Apr 08-10 - Oregon Knife Show - Eugene Oregon (KW-B)

--------- ----------April 2005 (Continued)Apr 29-01 - Solvang Custom Knife Show - CA (B)Apr 30-01 - Espolama Knife Show -Lugano Switzerland (B)--------- ----------May 14-15 - NCCA Stamford CT Knife Show (KW)--------- ----------Jun 03-05 - 2005 Blade Show - Atlanta GA (B)Jun 24-26 - Springfield MO Knife Show NKCA (B)--------- ----------Aug 05-07 - Knifemaker's Guild Show 2005 -Orlando FL ( )--------- ----------Oct 14-16 - Montana Knifemakers - Missoula MT

May 2005

June 2005

August 2005

October 2005

FIRST-CLASS

MAIL

US POSTAGE

IP

PAID