Sportsman's Quest

 Buck Bedard and John Toner

As we come to the end of the winter outdoor trade shows and conventions, it seems appropriate to make a few observations on the state of the industry.
One of the most interesting is the increased interest in knives and the passion for their various technological advances or artistic form by collectors.
Many of us have appreciated a good pocket or sheath knife, perhaps given to us by a parent or friend, possibly a Boy Scout or Case pocket knife like the one my uncle gave me during a fishing trip when I was 11 years old, and still carry. It’s only in recent years society has viewed a pocket knife as a dangerous and feared weapon.
Most of us who enjoy hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation have a favorite Gerber, Buck, Case or Boker we use regularly and perhaps we even have a custom knife costing in the $200 to $300 range, excellent in form and function with special steel and wood, horn or ivory handles.
We’re now commonly seeing an increasing number of knives that are technological and artistic masterpieces costing us $2,000 to $3,000, while at the top of the scale a few Master Knife Makers are commanding $20,000 to $30,000 for their creations as knife collecting increases in popularity.
I’ve been aware of the resurgence in the interest of knives, and collecting, for the past several years, but only fully appreciated its extent at this season’s outdoor conventions.
While knife collecting has become a cultural phenomenon, our fascination and appreciation with them goes back to the earliest humans and their discovery of “the edge.” They found, and then chipped, a few stones with sharp edges creating a tool which made life easier. It could cut and shape other objects as well. It led to tools that allowed him to take larger animals, cut and prepare meat, and hides for clothing.
By attaching the edge (blade) to a stick he created other tools, or projectiles, advancing the efficiency of the new technology. Naturally some individuals had greater talent for shaping or forming these tools and the Master Knife Maker was born.
Over the years, the technology increased in virtually every part of the world with unique variations in each culture.
One of the most advanced of these over the centuries was the Japanese culture that created the steel edge of the sword used by the Samurai, which until recently was unsurpassed.
The newest creations are true art forms rivaling those on canvas, marble or bronze. All have the same beginnings and components. They have progressed from the simple but functional blade, followed by technological advances creating specialized blades with exotic steel formulas. This was followed by creating beauty in form and function by artists who enjoy cult followings like the greatest painters or writers.
Their names are not yet household words, but collectors around the world know the work of Ron Lake, Sal Glesser, John Toner and others.
Ron Lake is one of the most respected knife designers. His name is always the first mentioned when knife makers speak of, “The Masters.” He is known not only for the beauty of his creations, but the technological advances he has invented for his folding knives.
Sal Glesser is another master knife designer respected by all. Many consider him the most knowledgable craftsman with respect to metallurgical creativity. His company Spider Co. is one of the largest custom knife companies with an International reputation.
John Toner has had a fascination with knives his entire life, and although he started custom knife making in his adult years, he has gained a reputation as an extraordinary craftsman. Many of the knives he designs are the ultimate functional tool for hunters and fisherman. They incorporate blades that have special functions for dressing deer or simplifying the fish cleaning process. These knives need to be seen and used to fully appreciate their outstanding performance. John also creates knives which are beautiful works of art, as well as magnificent grips for golf clubs and fly rods.
All of these artists are at the top of their field with many creations in the $20,000 to $30,000 price range, as well as knife tools for the more modest collector, or user of fine knives.
Another interesting cultural phenomenon is the increased popularity of tactical firearms and equipment being shown at hunting and outdoor events. This clearly is a generational shift from traditional firearms and hunting which is perhaps influenced by the continuous military activities for the past generation and impact of technologies such as video games, which encourage greater fire power and physical impact, both auditory and visual. This is best exemplified by the growing interest in .50 caliber rifles shooting at extreme distances for target and hunting enthusiasts.
For whatever reason, this is a growing aspect of the industry and has resulted in a much greater interest and expansion of the shooting sports, to which many of our major manufacturers have responded.
Traditionalists can feel secure, however, as our old friends and manufacturers were all well represented at these events.
All are doing well and showcased their latest products with full lines of equipment we have grown to admire and yes, desire. “If I could just have that one more perfect, and needed, rifle.” Have you heard that one before? You can count on hearing it again following these marvelous shows and banquets.
For more information, go to or contact Ron Lake at www.coastportland.com or rwlake1940@earthlink.net; Sal Glesser at www.spiderco.com or sglesser@spiderco.com, or John Toner at www.cdknives.com or cdknives@msn.com.
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Sportsman’s Quest is conducting a survey and would appreciate your commenting on the types of stories you most enjoy and if you have a recommendation of a destination or event that you think our readers would appreciate. Email me at sportmansquestnews@gmail.com 
Ron Lake, Master Knife Maker

Upcoming events
Safari Club International’s 40th Annual Hunter’s Convention runs through Saturday at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. This convention has everything that a man (or woman) can dream of, with more than 650,000 square feet of exhibitor space.
With many continents under one roof you can book hunts almost anywhere in the world. Come get together with old friends and meet new ones, shop for the latest guns and hunting equipment and talk to notable authorities of the outdoor sports and shooting industries.
There are informative and educational seminars with countless topics that appeal to the hunting sportsman. For more information go to, www.scifirstforhunters.org.
• The 2012 Grand Slam Club/OVIS Hunter and Outfitter Convention will be held at the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino in Reno, Feb. 8-11. For more information go to www.wildsheep.org.
Let’s not forget our local chapters:
• Wildlife and Habitat Improvement of Nevada (WHIN) is an active conservation group dedicated to the betterment of all Nevada’s wildlife and their habitat. Its monthly meetings are held at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month at Werner Family Taxidermy located at 57 Basic Street, Henderson.
• The Las Vegas Woods and Waters Club is the place you’ll want to be if “all you want to do is hunt, fish and talk about it.” They meet at noon on the second Wednesday of each month at Putter’s Grill, 6945 S. Rainbow, Las Vegas.