I had a great day yesterday at the annual exposition. Many of the vendors who will be at the Spring Southern next weekend were there. This deal was designed years ago with that in mind obviously, because it is held one week from the Southern each year. Pretty smart on the part of the promoters, as it allows vendors who have to drive a long ways to combine the two events with a little break in between.
Shot a round of clays with a couple of buddies that I hadn't seen for a couple years, then had some good pulled pork bbq and beef brisket for lunch. I couldn't make up my mind which I wanted so she gave me both. I need to remember that for the future...............might work again.
Spent a good bit of the afternoon with Lou at the CSMC tables. I had asked him weeks ago to bring me one of their LOM cases, and one of the damascus boot knives, for examination. Well, the quality was so good on them both that I bought them. That is a really nice LOM case, shearling lined, with several features that set it apart from most others. Really nice looking and substantial. It came home with me, but the knife didn't. Just across the aisle from CSMC was Geoffroy Gournet, tapping away at his engraver's block on some work. Lou and I walked over and asked him if he would consider doing a little engraving on it for me. He said he would and I asked him to put my initials on the little medallion, and a small amount of scroll on the bolsters and butt end. He will send it back to me soon, and I'll have a personalized version of the knife. This was my first opportunity to meet Geoffroy, and it was no small pleasure for me. What a gracious gentleman he is. Ever smiling, patient, and helpful to a fault. I have been privileged to be able to meet and watch some great engravers in my life, Lynton McKenzie, Lew Sanchez, but Geoffroy is just a genuine pleasure.
Also spent time enough to enjoy a great Montecristo cigar with Lou. Gregor of Braeval joined us, and when I asked, he related the history of the company. Great to get to know the people behind the products. Always great to get to see Steve Barnett and look over his splendid gathering of fine doubles ...........and I do mean fine. There were some outstanding pieces there. Many others I won't try to mention, but you who get to the Southern this coming weekend will get to enjoy many of the same vendors. Thanks to Lou, and Gregor, for putting up with me for awhile.
I won't make the Southern next weekend. We will be starting to plant peanuts and the queen and I have a wedding to attend Saturday evening. You guys have fun there. Maybe I can make it next year.
GG beginning preliminary measuring and layout on the knife:
Best, SRH
