[Matthew R.]

Greetings,

I was just hoping someone might know of any sword shows, gatherings, or meetings, whatever one might call them, going on sometime in the near future somewhere in the Seattle or Vancouver area. Basically I am in the market for a sword and would like to handle some vendor wares before I choose a specific one. Any help or information would be greatly appreciated.

All the best,
Matt Resmini

[Andy Bain]

Hi Matthew,

I'm not sure if you're talking about Vancouver, Or. or Vancouver BC. If it's the former then my suggestion will be more helpful than if it's the latter. There's a knife show in Eugene ,Or. each spring. I attended in 2007 and while there wasn't a large number of vendors with swords, there were a few. One of them was Albion. I got to handle a whole bunch of Albions stuff, and as a result I now have a Svante. So if you do go be careful. If Mike sees you wavering he'll keep coming back to you and putting a sword in your hands until your resistance melts away,

[Matthew R.]

H Andy,

Thanksso much for the reply. Yes, I meant Vancouver Canada as that is where I live. I notice that you live in Surrey. Is the show only in the Spring? If so, I guess I missed it. If not, do you know if it might be happening again soon? Thans again.

-Matt

[Andy Bain]

Yeah, the show is held each spring. I didn't go this year, but I'd like to get back down there next year. It's a ways to go just for the weekend, but I guess I'm a sucker for punishment. Last time I took the bus to Seattle, and then train to Eugene. It wasn't bad, but made for a long day. I'm not sure if I'll do that again or just drive.

Another option for you that comes a little sooner is the show in Las Vegas that's held in January. It's a knife and gun show, but I think Albion goes to that one as well. There's some pretty cheap airfares to had right now for going to Vegas, so it might not be such a bad idea.

[R D Moore]

Here's a link to the web site: http://www.oregonknifeclub.org/

Albion didn't go this year. I assume it wasn't cost effective to come all the way to Eugene, but that's just my assumption. The show featured Japanese swords this year and I hear it was a descent show even though it's primary focus is on knives. Almost worth a Beaver entering into Duck territory

[Matthew R.]

Its too bad Albion didn't go, but I understand why they didn't. I basically just need a show I can attend where I can test their stuff before I buy it! Thanks for the link though, maybe next year.

[Andy Bain]

I spoke with Mike from Albion earlier today, and he said they won't be going back to Eugene next year. For the time being Mike said Albion will only be going to the shows in Atlanta, New York and Las Vegas.

So Matt, it looks like Vegas will be your best bet. And least expensive too.

[Matthew R.]

Thanks Andy! I will E-mail Mike and get some dates for the shows. Unless you happen to know them off-hand?