For the past 20 years the Canadian Knifemakers Guild membership has consisted of mainly Canadian makers. Many changes in the knife world have taken place during these 20 years. The Guild is now revising the membership requirements to reflect these changes, and hold members to a high standard. We have also turned into a much more international organization, and are getting a great deal of interest from European and US makers. We are hoping to provide a venue that will provide our Canadian makers with the opportunity to gain international exposure. The show has been moved to a wonderful hotel in the downtown Toronto area. It is close to entertainment, fine dining and art galleries. Niagra falls, the wine region and other attractions are close by. The show is limited to 50 tables, but these table are taken by some of the finest Canadian and international makers. The Guild is excited about the new format and location. For those who are planning their show attendance schedules for this year, please keep us in mind, make it a vacation. Additional information can be found on the Canadian Knifemakers Guild website. A list of some of the exhibitors: Brian Tighe – Canada Jurgen Steinau – Germany Tore Fogarizzu – Italy Paolo Brignone – Italy Salvatore Puddu – Italy Antonio Fogarizzu – Italy Charlie Bennica – France John W. Smith – USA Des Horn – South Africa Wolfgang Loerchner – Canada Rod Olson – Canada Emmanuel Esposito – Italy Elizabeth Loerchner – Italy Wally Hayes – Canada Stephanie Lemelin – Canada Owen Wood – USA Keith Newman Suchat Custom Knives – USA Steven Rapp – USA Eugene Shadley – USA Kirby Lambert – Canada Jose de Braga – Canada Ken Steigerwalt – USA Matthew Lerch – USA Nathan Knowles – Canada Les Couteliers du Valblanc – Canada Koji Hara- Japan Mike Mossington – Canada Murray St.Amour – Canada Shaun and Sharla Hansen – USA James Emmons – Canada Steve Linklater – Canada Steve Vanderkolff – Canada Mark Daley – Canada Gaetan Beauchamp – Canada Paul Savage – Canada Rob Douglas – Canada William Nease – Canada Anthony Marfione – USA Alain Desaulniers – Canada Peter Hammer – Brazil Stepanyan Amayak – Engraver – USA Culpepper & Co. Mother of Pearl – Supplier David Ellis – Knife Purveyor – USA Francesco Pachi – Photography – Italy Paul Shindler, Knife Legends – Knife Purveyor – USA Adam Deschler – Adam Unlimited – Supplier Bill Hall – Knife Purveyor – USA
Wolfgang, my read of the CKG is that it is for established knifemakers. Unlike the ABS where a new knifemaker can join as an Apprentice smith, it seems like the CKG requires a maker to have a certain level of expertise. Quite frankly, that is the only thing keeping me from joining. I have only been making knives, steadily, for about a year. While I am improving by leaps and bounds, I am nowhere near the level as someone like yourself, Brian Tighe or others on that list above. What benefits are there for the newer knifemaker?
Tony, the CKG is going trough many changes. One of these includes revisions to the membership requirements. Traditional Guilds were responsible for setting standards for the trade. They also provided the means for training to permit any dedicated apprentice to meet these standards. CKG membership requirements are set at a beginners level, but do require that the applicant displays a certain amount of dedication, and the willingness to improve. Members of all levels have access to fellow members for advise. We are also in the process of establishing a set of regular workshops, these will provide the opportunity to learn a variety of skills associated to the craft. Recognizing that the downtown Toronto show is expensive, and not desirable for some of our members, we will be adding a regular spring show at the old location. It is more economical, and achievable for members of all levels. Traditionally this show has been attended by mostly Canadian makers, and for that reason is one of my favourite shows. Membership by well known international makers, and a show located in downtown Toronto is necessary to attract top collectors. This does benefit makers who do not attend larger shows south of the border by providing them exposure to a wide range of the collecting public. I hope this answers some of your concerns Tony. Wolfe
One of the reasons, I like the idea of an apprentice designation, is that it shows a willingness on the the part of the maker yet doesn't detract from the standard of a full guild member.
The show is only a few days away. it's looking like I will make it there. Anyone else from here gonna be there?
I am looking forward to it Ilija. I love classic slipjoints, hoping to snag at least one from Eugene Shadley. Wolfe
Unfortunately I probably won't be buying any knives but may pick up some supplies. The big thing I seeing different hand made knives since I have only seen a couple in person.
The show was a success! Sales were well beyond expectations and comments from attendees and makers extremely positive. We are making arrangements for next years show, and already have an impressive roster of makers. In addition we will be holding a 2015 spring show in our old location. This will be an "open" show sponsored by the Guild. Tables will be available to both, Guild members and non members. Table fees will be lower, and factory, custom, handmade and antique knives will be permitted in this show. It will be an exciting year. Wolfe
I had a great time at the show and look forward to the next shows. It was a pleasure meeting you in person Wolf. I am interested in a booth at the spring show so keep us posted on the info as it comes available.
I am also interested in a table at the spring show. Had a great time talked to many of the makers. Everyone i talked to was very nice answered all my questions and then some.
If it is permitted on this forum, I will certainly post details for the show when all have been finalized. I have always loved the more informal atmosphere of the open shows at the old location on the airport strip. Wolfe
A video showing some of the makers at the show. Thank's to Aaron Gough for taking the time to make this available.
That's exactly what this section is all about. We want all the details about upcoming shows. We'd also love to see impressions (and pics!) from anyone who's attended a show.
