TKC,
I am glad that you mentioned talking to makers face to face. To me, that was one of the most impressive things about Blade, the big name makers actually took the time to talk to me like I was somebody.

I talked to Sal from Spyderco, Blacky Collins, Chris Reeve, Jerry Busse and a lot of others. Without exception they were courteous, polite and treated me like I was important to them. What a classy group of folks! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

I'll be back if at all possible.