Kentucky Cutlery Association

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October 2008 Newsletter
Volume VIII, Issue IX
Jonathan Reasor, Editor

KENTUCKY CUTLERY ASSOCIATION, INC.

2008 KNIFE SHOW

SEPTEMBER 20 & 21, 2008

CANCELLED!!!

Hello KCA Members,

The city of Louisville was hit by a severe wind storm on Sunday, September 14, 2008. It was supposed to be a windy day but this was unlike anything that has hit the area before. The winds gusted up to speeds of 90 miles per hour for a seven hour period. Trees were toppled, homes damaged and destroyed, and over 350,000 homes and businesses were left without power. Louisville Gas & Electric began repairing the damage immediately, but it could be two weeks before power is restored to the entire area.

The National Guard was mobilized to help with the clean up and with the distribution of resources to those without power; the Amory is a key point in the relief effort. It is with deep regret that we must cancel the show. We apologize for any inconvenience and our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by the storm.

KY Cutlery Association Fall Picnic & Knife Swap!

Saturday October 4, 2008  10:00 A.M - 4:00 P.M.

At the Bullitt County Coon Hunters Club Retreat
(Click HERE for Directions)

President's Message

Well it's picnic time again and I would like to invite everyone out to the Bullitt County Coon-Hunter's Club for the KCA Fall Picnic and Knife Swap. The May Picnic was a huge success and I expect this one to be even better. This will be a combined Coon-Hunters and KCA event. There will be a lot of good trading going on at this picnic, so make sure you bring some stuff to show off, or sell, etc.

Please remember to bring a covered dish or dessert to share and something to drink. The Coon-Hunters will be cooking Burgers, Franks, Brats, Fish Sandwiches and Fries; which can be purchased for a very reasonable price. We need members to bring lawn chairs if they have some handy and we could use some card tables to set up for trading. This should be a great time for all who attend, so come on out and bring the family and have some fun. There is a map on page 4 of the Bolster.

I hope to see everyone at the picnic,

Glendon Downing

HUMBLE, HOMELY, BUT HARDY - GEORGE SCHRADE WIRE KNIVES
By BARRY CARITHERS

My first contact with a wire knife was many years ago in a junk box at a Denver gun show. Mint condition, mule-strength lock snap, but certainly not the most beautiful bargain to be had! With the blade etched "Carey Salt" it eventually made its way into my advertising folders collection and was soon forgotten. In recent years I have developed a deeper appreciation for George Schrade's lowly wire knife and a careful examination of one these well-constructed but simple knives will explain why.

Most of us would generally associate George Schrade with the Schrade Cutlery Company of Walden, New York fame. Yes, George and his brothers started that company in 1904 but he left that business several years later to market a shield-cutting machine that eliminated the time consuming process of hand-cutting the shield for the knife handle. Although better known for his switchblades under the Flylock, Presto, or Press Button brands, George received a most unusual knife patent in 1926. This knife was of such simple construction that it actually consisted of only 5 separate parts. The blade, rivet, liner, and two pieces of wire were assembled allowing the wire used in the handle to create a strong spring tension to keep its blade open or closed at any given time. This inexpensively made knife presented a new and innovative addition to the advertising knife market. Numerous 'firms found the blade and / .or liner an ideal location for etching their product name. With the Great Depression upon us in the 1930's, the Boy Scouts took a interest in this knife and the George Schrade Company went on to create the scouting chow kit knives. Consisting of a folding wire knife and fork, tiny metal spoon and leather case, this product was sold among many scout-related organizations for the next several decades.

The simple beauty of the wire knife was not surpassed until the creation of the Spyderco "Q" knife of the 1990s. George died in 1940 and one can only wonder what innovative knives he might have offered to the War Department during WWII. His son and grandson ran the company until its sale to Boker USA in 1958. Still a reasonably priced "find", the G. Schrade wire knife in its many forms and blade styles would create an interesting starter collection for any newcomer to the knife collecting field! Good hunting!

MINUTES .. SEPTEMBER MEETING

Respectfully Submitted by Jonathan Reasor

The meeting was called to order by President Glendon Downing at 7:00 P.M on September 8, 2008 at the V.F.W. Post 8639. Members said the Pledge of Allegiance .

•• The 2008 KCA Knife Show was the first item on the agenda. The knife show and preparations for the show were discussed. Everyone who attended was excited about the upcoming show .

•• August Minutes were accepted as printed in the Bolster. Treasurers' report was accepted as read by Jonathan Reasor.

•• Glendon asked members to check out the armory when they visited the armory for the knife show as a possible new location for knife meetings .

•• Glendon reminded the club about the October Picnic at the Coon Hunters' Club .

•• Members discussed the fact that attendance was half of the normal amount of people. It was suggested that we not put in the Bolster that we will be asking for volunteers at a meeting, so that we can keep attendance up .

•• The 50/50 raffle made $37.00 the Choice knife raffle raised $30.00 .

•• Mac Howard conducted a lively auction with several items being sold.

Glendon adjourned the meeting.

~ KNIFE SHOWS ~

2008 D' Holder Custom Pearl Club Knife with Hand Made Sheath.

Knife is 5 3/8 inches long and has D'Holder, Peoria AZ laser etched on one side and will have the KCA logo or KCA etched on the other side. Limit of one knife per customer.

It's beautifully crafted with a custom sheath. There is only going to be forty of these made. D' has only made club khives once before and that was for his home club.

We only have a few more available and they are being sold on a first come first serve basis. It's a $125.00 to reserve a knife or $250.00 to pay in full. A special thanks goes out to D' Holder and Jerry Bodner for making this special opportunity available to the KCA Members.

Click HERE for printable order form.

Jerry Bodner Miniature Raffle!

Jerry Bodner has donated another beautiful mini knife for the KCA to raffle off as a fundraiser for the club. The knife is a Jerry Bodner Miniature with a 0' Holder style drop point blade that has beautiful file work, a yellow­horse style handle with abalone, coral and turquoise.

It is a gorgeous knife and it comes in an engraved presentation box. This knife will be awarded at our annual Christmas Party. The knife will be at the KCA meeting for viewing. Tickets will be 3 for $5.00. Thanks again Jerry for your generous contributions to the club.

Click HERE for a printable order form.

Mrs. Ruth Foster, mother of Tony Foster, passed away on Thursday, 9/11/08. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to the Ronald McDonald House.

Our Deepest Sympathy and Prayers goes out to the Foster Family.

October 2008 Newsletter

Kentucky Cutlery Association
626 West Woodlawn Ave.
Louisville, KY 40215
Phone: (502) 367-6772
www.kentuckycutlery.com

Jonathan Reasor, Editor
E-mail: kca@insightbb.com

Officers
President - Glendon Downing
Vice-President - Mac Howard (270) 877-5718
Secretary - Jonathan Reasor (502) 367-6772
Treasurer - Gary Reasor (502) 367-6772
Sergeant at Arms - Ben Gray

Board Directors       
Deborah Buchanan - 2
Jim Haberman - 2
Dan Johnson - 2
Bill Medlock - 2
Dale Greenwell - 1
Robert Greenwell - 1
Joe Jones - 1

Meetings are held at the V.F.W. Post.
The address is 4205 Lambert, which is located off Preston Hwy in Okolona.
CLICK HERE for a map.

Be sure to order your 2007 KCA Club and Youth Knives before they are all gone! 

Click HERE for the order form.