Western Canada Knife Association

Transcription

1 Western Canada Knife Association Volume 17 Number 3 May 2017 Executive: President: Larry Strandquist Vice President: Bob Turner Treasurer: Rod Olson Membership: Diane Hatt Secretary: Linda Nelson Newsletter Editor: Diane Hatt Darcy Ellis takes top award in the annual WCKA Knife Competition with this beautiful bowie. Read about this and other news from our annual Kamloops Show and the Easter Calgary show.

2 President's Report Larry Strandquist A few thoughts to introduce myself to those of you who don't know me and maybe those who do. My wife Susan and I were born, raised and have lived in the Stettler area all our lives. We have 1 daughter and 1 grandson. Our grandson and son in-law are avid hunters ( have the trophies to show for it) and do a lot of R+D on my knives. I would like to spend more time hunting but seem to always run out of time. I like to make user knives more so than art knives and like to get feedback from the people who use them. I spend as much of my time making the tools I use to make the knives as I do making the actual knives. I have made my own forge, press and grinders. I get a lot of satisfaction from making damascus for my own use and am always excited to see the different patterns that reveal themselves in the end. I had better end for now and get back to cleaning up my shop as I haven't done so for quite some time. I also have to gather up stuff for the Red Deer Gun Show this weekend. In the mean time 'keep'em sharp' and talk to you later. Larry Past President's Report Gerry Kievit Hello to all members, Here I am with my final message as I hand the reins over to the very capable hands of Larry Strandquist. As I think back on my three years of being President of the WCKA, I feel proud of how our group has grown and how so many members have taken on leadership roles to keep our group active and ''together' even though we are so distant geographically. Personally, I feel more confident in public speaking and would definitely recommend this position to others in the future. Thanks for giving me the opportunity. In the meantime, Keep Grinding, Gerry Page 2

3 Member Profile Bob Turner Okotoks, Alberta submitted by Bob Turner Bob grew up in a time and place in the UK where every boy carried a knife of some kind from a very early age. He can remember the first knife he was given at about the age of eight. It went everywhere with him, even to school (try that today) until he lost it. He bought the replacement, a French Opinel, on a school trip to the French seaport of Boulogne at the age of eleven for the equivalent of about 15 cents today. He can t remember when or where he lost that one. At the age of twelve he bought his first fixed blade knife. There followed a succession of folders all of which lasted a few years and then followed that first knife into the great unknown. He has probably owned and lost perhaps a dozen folders over the last 40 years. The fixed blade knife lasted longest but that too mysteriously went missing in the last few years. In the meantime, being a total history freak, Bob had accumulated a collection of swords and bayonets and had often wondered how they were made. On retirement a few years ago, on contemplating what he was going to do with his time, two life changing thoughts came into his head. First, while it would be fun to try making a sword, it might be wise to start on something a little less ambitious. Second, making knives would probably be a good place to start and it would be a lot cheaper to make the knives that he will undoubtedly go on losing. He first tried his hand at making a knife in 2013 working with just hand tools and what resulted was recognizable as a knife but was definitely not a good knife. Three more knives followed over the next year also made largely with hand tools and they were perfectly good knives. Attending a Hammer-in at Jim and Bev s Clow s place in June of 2014, had a profound impact. This was the first time Bob saw incredibly skilled bladesmiths making knives and he was astonished at how willing they all were to share their skills and knowledge with a total novice. He was also amazed at just how much is involved in making a high quality knife. Another trip to Jim and Bev s place later on to make a batch of Damascus set the hook firmly and life hasn t been the same since. Like most members Bob is obsessed with making that elusive perfect knife. The last couple of years have been consumed by building a heated shop to work in and sourcing machinery and tools to both make life easier and speed up production but he has found time to make a few more knives as well. With help from his wife Maggie he does his own leather work. Most recently he took advantage of the generosity of Roger and Diane Hatt and spent a week with them learning to make a folder. It was a great experience and a lot of fun. He is now gearing up to make folders back in his own shop. Bob has no intention of trying to sell knives as a source of income but is getting requests for knives which will be hard to ignore. He has figured out that even if he just charges for the materials in a knife then he can get other people to fund his hobby! page 3

4 2017 AGM Twenty members attended this years AGM on Saturday, April 22nd in Kamloops. Many issues were discussed in a very efficient manner and we were in and out of the meeting in record time. The minutes of the meeting will be published in the next newsletter. We welcome the new vice president, Bob Turner, left, and new president, Larry The members wish to thank the retiring Strandquist, right, who generously offered their outgoing executive Jay Kemble, vice president, time for the next term. Linda Nelson, secretary, on the left above and Gerry Kievit, president, on and Rod Olson, treasurer, continue to serve in the right. Thanks for your time! these positions. Always appreciated!

5 WCKA Club Table The club table is always a gathering point for our members and the general public who are interested in our club and knives in general. The friendliness of Linda Nelson, Jim Clow and Bev Clow (left to right) is appreciated by everyone, including the KTSA Organizing Committee. Below, WCKA Members gather to chat. Left to right, Vi Harder, Linda Nelson, Frank Niro, Ron Nelson, Peggy Niro and standing Cecil Harder. Above Linda accepts the award for third place display in 2017 from Kamloops Show Personnel. At left, this award sits proudly beside last year's award we received in recognition of our continuing support of the show. Thank you to the Clows and other members who kept the club table active for the two day show. Page 5

6 2017 Knife Competition Results There continues to be tremendous interest in the knife competition that is part of our Annual Show in Kamloops. Lee Pierobon, left, Del Corsi, middle, and Roger Hatt, right, enjoyed seeing the wide variety of knives entered this year. As a result of this competition, there was discussion at the AGM to increase the number of categories for this, and there will be some modifications made to the scoring sheet to make scoring easier and fairer. It is always unfortunate that some categories do not get the required two entries to make it into a competition. Consequently there were no awards for tactical or miniature this year. We had four new maker awards this year, which hints at an expanding competition in years to come. Darcy Ellis receives his award for best bowie and best of show from Gerry Kievit. Gerry presents Bob Turner his award for best art knife. He also received a New Member plaque. Gerry presents Elliott Reiter his two winning entries best hunter and best folder. Gerry receives his award from Jim Clow for his entry in the damascus category Page 6

7 Other New Maker awards were presented to Mark Rehman above, Wesley Nielsen, right, and Jesse Bartram who unfortunately has no photo. Also receiving this award was Cal Heinrich who entered his knives via another visiting member. One of the best adjustments to the competition is that WCKA members do not have to be present at the show or be a table holder. This has opened it up to many more members. Elliott's award winning folder and award winning hunter Gerry Kievit's award for Best Damascus Thanks to everyone involved in this event! Bob's award winning pair that won him in the Best Art Knife category. Page 7

8 WCKA Members... Chris Kluftinger page 12 Mike Pisio (with Linda Nelson) Gerry Kievit with new member Marilyn Macalino Maureen and Jay Kemble Bruce Culberson Shane Alexander with brother Mitch Page 8

9 ...promoting their knives!! New member Ed Jensen Rod's friend, left, sitting with members Rod and Wesley Nielsen Jay West Elliott Reiter Roger and Diane Hatt Ron and Linda Nelson page 9

10 What a showing! Blake and Darcy Ellis (photo from 2016 show...sorry!) Jacob and Matt Rehman Randy Reiter, left, with son Elliott Randy had some very interesting handle material for sale on his table Other members with table who did not get a photo were Malcolm Mason of Big Foot Leather and Dave Hardy...Did I forget anyone? George Roberts, second from left, with his crew, Trevor, Vaughn and Gary So many other members visited. Great to see you! Knife People are the Sharpest People around page 10

11 And The Winner Is... Another exciting event at our annual WCKA Show is the club raffle. Tickets are usually a hot item during show hours and the raffle knife is admired and talked about at length. This year was no different. Sunday afternoon at 2:00, cadet helpers at the show helped Jim Clow draw the winning ticket. This years winner is... Dave Rehde from Kamloops. Though we tried to contact him by phone during the show hours, we were unsuccessful. We left the knife in the capable hands of Mike Pisio who delivered the knife safely into Dave's hands later that day. In the words of Mike, That smile he has will be kind of hard to wipe off his face. Very happy! Congratulations, Dave, and thanks Mike for being the happy deliveryman! We thank Roger Hatt, Jay Kemble and Vern Lynes for producing a wonderful item this year......and now we are anxious to get started on the 2018 Collaboration Knife with members Jess Bartram, Larry Strandquist and Jay Kemble sharing the responsibilities. Once again, Ron Nelson took on the job of doing the poster and all the legal paperwork to do this raffle. We could not do it without you, Ron. Thank you so much!! There will be a short report on the raffle in the next newsletter. Page 11

12 Ron Nelson and Cec Harder A young fellow enjoys George Robert's array of knives Jesse Bartram with wife Lindsey and daughter Ruth Jim Clow with knife entries for competition Roger Hatt and a customer with a couple of big ones! One of many people admiring Chris Kluftinger's treasures. Page 12

13 Ed Jensen, left, holds his copper-ended flint-working tool. Below, Jay Kemble shows his pen featuring a depression for holding hearing aid batteries. So much to see... So much creativity to admire! In addition to the actual product that our members create, the artistry involved in displaying their wares is varied and interesting. Rod and Wesley Nielsen had some unique stands for their knives, top, and Matt Rehman had an effective back-lit display for his knives. Page 13

14 Extra Special Tail Gate Celebration... WCKA Members still sharp at Seventy! S Old Members, New Members... Youngsters and Young at Heart... Everyone Enjoys a BarBQ! Left to right Ron Nelson, Bob Turner, Jay West and Jay Kemble Page 14

15 Thank you to Jay, Ron, Roger and Chris for doing the grill work, and to Linda for providing the cake! Such fun!!

16 Adventure Tours Mild to Wild Big Lake, BC Bandit Blades Joins Bushman Adventures In New Collaboration At the Kamloops Show, long time WCKA member George Roberts, announced a new collaboration with friend Trevor Warkentin. Their relationship goes way back, even before they knew each other, when George had a fishing lodge in Northern Ontario and Trevor had his own also in Northern Ontario. They were in effect, competitors in a way. About 18 years ago, Trevor was at a show in the Lower Mainland where he bought one of George Robert's Bandit knives. He loved it. In fact, he has bought many more of George's knives over the years appreciating the quality of the cutting tool. A friendship developed with Trevor visiting the Yukon several times in conjunction with his guiding business. He would connect with George on these trips. As the years passed, Trevor's philosophy began to change, and his guiding turned into Eco-tourism. Still using all his knowledge of wildlife habitat, he now takes groups of people on custom adventures which range from fly fishing, 4x4 tours, jet boating, gold rush tours and wildlife viewings, all without the use of a gun. What makes this business different from most is its unscheduled flexibility. The tour is made exactly to the client's wishes. For example, if a family goes to the camp and members range in age from 10 to 80, the activities can range from a 4x4 ride up into the alpine for the grandparents, fly fishing for Mom and Dad, and jet boating for the kids. If it rains one day, the guides can accommodate the activities for that. It is NOT a one size fits all... instead it is a personally tailored adventure just for the group. The tours run year round. George had joined with Trevor as the exclusive supplier of custom knives for Bushman Adventures. Their relaxed 'back to nature' personalities make this a perfect partnership. Read more about this at bushmanadventuretours.com page 16

17 Trevor Warkentin and the Legendary Betty Frank In speaking with Trevor at the Kamloops Show, it became very evident how important Betty Frank was in his life. Betty Frank was a pioneering woman who arrived in the Cariboo as a school teacher at Alkali Lake Ranch in Her true ambition, however, was to be a guide outfitter and work with horses and pack dogs, something she had read about as a young woman. She did just that, eventually amassing a one million acre guiding and trapping territory in one of the most physically challenging and remote areas of the world...in the interior of British Columbia. She is recognized by the BC Guide Outfitter's Association as holding a guide outfitter license for 56 years, longer than anyone else in the history of BC. In 1998, Trevor went to work for Betty and a deep and lasting friendship developed over the years. He eventually took over part of her business which he has developed into Adventure Tours Mild to Wild. Trevor's most cherished possession is a 350 Remington Magnum (1968) which he received as a gift from Betty. This rifle, which Betty had ordered from Sears and Roebuck, went with her on horseback for years, and traveled thousands of miles with her as she visited her trap lines. As the old saying goes, If only it could talk!' what tales it could tell! What a wonderful role model Trevor has from this long lasting friendship with Betty Frank. She passed away in Betty wrote a book called The Legendary Betty Frank published by Caitlyn Press. It would be a great read for sure! (editors note: this information was taken from a newspaper article found at A legend in her own time) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ There was a young man at George's table this year. His name was Vaughn Warkentin and he is Trevor Warkentin's nephew, who is visiting from Ontario. He is heading up north with George to spend a month or so learning the process of knife making. Vaughn has made a few knives and wants to refine his skills. Where better to do this than under the guidance of George Roberts in the beautiful area of Whitehorse, Yukon. We wish him all the best in his pursuit to become a blacksmith and knifemaker. To the right is George's knife that he presented to Trevor as a commemoration of their new venture together. Trevor has knife #1...George has knife #2! Page 17

18 Calgary's A.A.C.C.A Easter Show a fun time for WCKA members... submitted by Diane Hatt Although exact numbers are not known at this time, it seemed to me that the number of visitors to this show was down from previous years which also resulted in lower sales for many, but not all, of our members. The best part, as usual, was meeting with fellow knifemakers over the course of the two day show and catching up on everyone's news and looking at all their new creations produced over the winter. Above, Jim and Bev Clow manage the Club Table. It was the first time for a club table at this show and it was a great success with members feeling welcome to hang out, and new members to get the scoop on what our club is all about. One of our youngest members of the club, Darby Grady, visits with Jay Kemble above and Ardvan Austin, below. Above Laurie Yeadell visits with Matt Rehman, while below, Linda Nelson (left) chats with WCKA Treasurer, Rod Olson Page 18

19 Above, Clare Broeksma, and below, Dennis Paish, have attractive table displays. Jay West had many knives to chose from on his 2 table display. Bob Sainsbury with his display, above, and a couple of his knives, below, one of which is scrimmed by his very talented wife! Diane Hatt, Maureen Kemble and Linda Nelson made their rounds throughout the show. Page 19

20 Roger Hatt, Linda Nelson and Gerry Kievit Edward Kuznetsov, Jacob Rehman and Matt Rehman having a chat Chris Kluftinger with a special package... Morris Nesdole with his treasures might be a future newsletter article! On Friday night, members enjoyed a wonderful meal and visit at the Keg. Thanks to Jay Kemble for organizing this...editor's note... look at that young fellow at far back right!!!!! Page 20

21 A knife with Heart! As most of you know, long time member Jay Kemble had some very serious heart surgery earlier this year. In normal Jay fashion, he asked his surgeon for the staples from his incision and had his laser guy, laser a heart shape in a knife handle into which he inlaid the staples. Result... a very unique knife which Jay carries in his pocket as a reminder that any obstacle can be overcome and to enjoy each day to the fullest! We are so happy he is as good (and creative) as new! The WCKA has enjoyed watching the Reiter family grow through the years, and this year we welcomed as the newest member Hazel, the young sister to Olivia who stole our hearts a few years ago! This and That...Here and There! After a hard day at the Show, Susan, Bev and Roger enjoy a little beverage before they have a bite to eat. Below, Roger, Cec, Vi and Jim have a little discussion... probably about knives! Above, before the Calgary Show, Ron had some show and tell for the group staying at the same hotel. Page 21

22 Upcoming WCKA events for 2017 Time for members to get out their calendars and mark events to attend in So far we have two confirmed events the Second Annual Raven Knife Show and Sale in June, and a new version of the Stettler Campout, now called the Central Alberta Campout, in July. Remember, if you have an idea for a get together for WCKA members, either big or small, please let the executive and/or newsletter editor know and we will get the word out! The sooner people know about these things, the sooner arrangements can be made to attend. Also in order for the facilitators to make final arrangements, please let them know you are going asap. ********************************************************************************** 2nd Annual Raven Knife Show and Sale June submitted by Susan Neal Allen and Susan Neal are very pleased to announce the 2nd Annual WCKA Raven Knife Show and Sale. Last year was such a success for our first annual campout, we are having another one. There was quite a bit of planning that went into the show and sale. Susan made fliers and posted them all over Central Alberta a couple weeks before the sale. She also made signs and put them at the highway with directions to the hall. Allen and Susan also had plaques make for Best table, People s Choice Folder, and People s Choice Fixed Blade. We will have a similar competition this year. We are also going to have a raffle, so if you could please bring something that you have made or would like to donate to the raffle that would be great. We had an overwhelming response to the raffle last year. Also because there are a lot of ladies at this event, I would like to see some lady's stuff suitable to be raffled off as well. All the proceeds will go towards the additional costs of the hot dogs and expenses for the campout. Activities are as follows: Thursday June 15th Gates to the hall will be open no sooner than 12:00pm. We will have a fire and catch up with what we had been doing for the winter. Bring your own food and drink. Friday June 16th will be a day full of activities. There is Dickson Dam, The Danish Museum, and many things we can do on Friday. Also come join us over at the Double Tree Museum for a wagon ride at 4:00 pm. We will tour through the paths with beautiful draft horses pulling an antique style wagon. We will then tour through the museum itself, learning about historic farming practices and agriculture in the area. This will again be followed with a supplied hot dog roast on the beautiful manicured grounds of the museum. Cost is $10.00 per person. Ray will also give an opportunity for whoever wants to assist him in hitching the horses, and learn a bit about what raising and training these gentle giants is all about. Saturday June 17th We will have the Knife Show and Sale. It will be outside again weather permitting. The show will start at 10am in the morning, and end at 3pm in the afternoon. Deadline for camping and entries for the knife show and sale is June 1, Entries must be received by s.neal@outlook.com Responsibility is on everyone to make sure they pay for the camping and the show. If you have not paid, you will not be eligible for the prizes so make sure you find Susan and pay her. Camping is 10 dollars per night. You must be a paid up WCKA member in order to participate in the knife show and sale. page 22

23 Last year we were invited to go over to the Valley of Hope RC Fun Fly. It is a big event around these parts. Some of us went over to watch for a while last year, and I would certainly like to go watch again this year. There were many people from the Fun Fly who attended our show. We will have another potluck on Saturday night. The Neals will supply the meat. We hope that any of you who play an instrument will bring it and play by the fire Saturday night. We hope Rob Ridley will bring his Canon again this year. We had a fantastic time with that last year! Sunday, June 18th In the morning we will have a community breakfast. I am inviting people to help with the supplies for this. Last year someone brought eggs, someone else brought bacon, and everyone pitched in to help make a huge meal... Let me know if you would like to help or bring some stuff. Susan: We will wrap up our weekend around noon on Sunday after breakfast. We have had overwhelming response from both our fellow knife makers and a huge response from the community who are looking forward to the 2nd Annual Raven Knife Show and Sale. Please let us know if you would like to participate in helping put on a great show again this year! We hope to see more knife makers at this function in Wall St. Cattle will supply the firewood for the weekend. The facilities have a washroom; however no shower facilities. There are a couple of different motels, one in Spruce View, and another in Caroline. Contact me for information. We are also located only about 20 minutes away from Canadian Knifemaker Supply Ltd. If you have any questions or concerns please don t hesitate to call Susan Neal or s.neal@outlook.com Reynolds-Alberta Museum Metal Art Show and Sale "Because Custom is Classic!" September 16 and 17, Call for Artists and Exhibitor Application Metal artists from across Western Canada present and sell their work at this exceptional show. More than 40 artists display and sell stunning jewelry, custom knives, chainmaille, steam punk, and sculptures; creations from sterling silver, copper and Damascus Steel. Donʼt miss this rare opportunity to own one-of-a-kind, hand crafted works of art! This is one of our favourite places to showcase custom knives. Members of the WCKA have participated in this event since its inception several years ago. If you wish to participate please contact: Jim Takenaka jim.takenaka@gov.ab.ca Head, Visitor Services Reynolds-Alberta Museum A Dynamic Exploration of our Mechanical Heritage page 23

24 Central Alberta Campout (formerly known as the Stettler Campout) submitted by Larry and Susan Strandquist July Channel your inner the Spady ranch, owned by our daughter and son in law, north of Castor on highway 36 Friday arrival meet and greet Saturday morning we will tour the trophy room at the ranch Saturday lunch we will take a short drive to a scenic overview. Drivers needed and there is some travel on gravel -bring your coolers, lunch, drinks, cameras, binoculars, lawn chairs etc. After lunch, we will take a short site seeing tour before returning to the ranch where we will break out some instruction on roping for those interested. There will be a dummy roping competition for those with a competitive spirit Pursuit of the wily gopher is encouraged! Target practice will be available if you wish and a black powder demo if interested Saturday Pot Luck Supper - BYO Meat and a dish to share. We may need extra grills for those who don't have one Also bring your custom knives and display tables for a show and tell as some of the neighbors will probably join us for the roping and supper If you are bringing your own horses (Vern) there will be corral space available. The ranch dogs are people friendly but don't know about strange dogs. If weather turns bad we can adjourn to the new shop. Sunday breakfast and??? Directions: coming from south, travel north of highway 12 on #36. At approx 12 miles, there is a farm with a gray barn on the left. Slow down as you go down a hill into a small valley. At the bottom, turn left into the ranch. From the north, south of highway 13 on #36, cross the Battle River. After you come out of the valley, the highway levels out for approx. 1 mile before you start down into the small valley. Turn right into the ranch at the bottom. There are no facilities so this is a true boon docking campout. The bush is close by. No cellphone service in the valley. No fees There is a small motel in Alliance 10 minutes away and also in Castor 20 minutes away. Please let me know if you are coming and need further info. lsknives@xplornet.com or phone Hope to see you all Larry, Sue and the Spady's page 24

25 Knifemakers are MORE than knifemakers: April question: Which member has visited all 7 continents, 52 countries and flown more than 1.2 million miles? Answer: BobTurner Please send me your trivia question for a future newsletter! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ WCKA DVD LENDING LIBRARY submitted by Jim and Bev Clow A reminder that we have 14 DVDs that are available to WCKA members in good standing. They are sent to members who wish to view them and hopefully find information that they can use when making a knife. We ask that after a month that the DVDs be returned to the Clows. Call Jim or Bev at or j.clow@live.ca to check on the availability of a particular title. The lending will be on a first come basis and there is a limit of 2 DVDs at any one time. Titles are listed on the WCKA website. ******************************************************************************** A 2 part question on Knife making supplies; 1) Not sure if anyone else has noticed the huge difference in Canadian VS USA dollars? 2) Do you foresee it getting any better? I for one would be interested in exploring greater accessibility for knife making supply purchase in our Canadian market, and possibly put some cost effective resources together. Maybe even some collaboration with other metal arts? Please reply Rita at wiebe.bc@gmail.com or call with your ideas. ******************************************************************************** ################################################################################# Some final thoughts from the Editor: Whew... what a whirlwind of a month! Traveling to Calgary for the Easter Show the weekend after the Penticton Show, and then going to the Kamloops Show the weekend after that hardly gave us time to do laundry! But what a great time we had everywhere! Once again, we are reminded that knife people are the best people around. After the Kamloops Show, we had a few WCKA visitors, including Cecil and Vi Harder. Cecil brought up his new surface grinder that he had just finished making with the help of his milling machine. As you can see in the photo, Gerry and Ron were quite taken with it, as was Roger and Jay. On the right, Jay and Roger pose after Jay finishes a flipper he made while visiting. Now the busy summer season begins with lots of opportunities to get together at various events. Remember to give lots of notice to those who are organizing to help then out. Till next time, keep those stories coming and thank you to those who helped out this month. page 25

26 WCKA Membership Application For 2017 New member Renewal member Year 2017 Membership Fee Structure January 1 to December 31 Knifemaker/Associate Single...$20.00 Knifemaker/Associate & Family...$25.00 *Family members must all reside at the same residence to qualify for Family Membership. Associate members include: Collectors, Dealers, Mfr./Distributors (WCKA Membership includes Newsletters) Name(s): (Please include all names for family membership) Address: City: Prov./State Postal Code/Zip Code: Phone: Fax: address: Payment enclosed: $ Date: Membership list, complete with member information, will be sent to all members. Do you want your name to appear on this list? Yes No Return to: WCKA, 2862 Mabel Lake Road, Enderby, B.C. V0E 1V5