Davi’s Tip of the Blade 2009
By:
M. Maynard,
MROL’s Roving Punk
Whenever a knife show approaches, I anticipate it
like Christmas is coming. There is a common
bond between men who enjoy looking at shiny, sharp
objects. It cannot be explained, and I will not
try. On August 14th through the 16th, Davi’s
Guns at 4900 Leigh Drive, in Raleigh, N.C. 27616,
held it’s 4th Annual Tip of the Blade Expo. I
packed a bag and took a road trip to check out some
of the top knife makers on this side of the country.
Before I tell you about the show, I need to give
credit to the man whom orchestrated the entire event,
Mr. Richard Snelling of Raleigh, N.C. Richard
is not only a key element to Davi’s, he is a true
gentleman. Richard is very knowledgeable about
both knives and firearms. So, when he is not
raising hell, he is taking care of his wife and kids.
I think Dorothy and that freaking tornado
brought him to this years show though!
Some of the knife makers who attended were The Jones
Brothers, Barry and Phillip; Sean Kendrick; Doug
Hartsook; Phil (Philthy) Smith, and Gerry McGinnis.
The one unique aspect of this show is you have
an opportunity to meet each maker and spend time with
them more than the traditional shows where you are
herded through like cattle. Everyone from
Davi’s staff was extremely helpful and kind. If
this is your first time visiting the store, or a
regular customer, you are treated like family.
They even had raffles for some awesome prizes
and fed all the customers with freshly baked cookies.
Boy, I killed my diet.
The Jones Brothers of Danville, VA. are always at the
top of their game. They come up with unique
ideas which keep their customers coming back for
more. One of the items I was able to obtain is
their “Cuff Links”. Check out their site
at
http://customknives.com/jonesbrothers,
stay tuned for a review of this killer idea.
Sean Kendrick of Aberdeen, OH., makes some
sharp knives. He has been in the game for
twelve years and it shows. You can check out
his work at
www.kendrickhandmadeknives.com.
You will not be disappointed. Phil
(Philthy) Smith of Phil Smith Knives out of Maryland,
makes a fixed knife called the Bottom Feeder.
It is just an awesome knife all around.
Phil also does custom kydex work, so you can
check out his digs at
www.philsmithknives.com.
When you are not looking at knives, Davi’s is fully
stocked with the latest firearms and accessories.
They have plenty to fill up your safe with.
During the show, MROL’s very own Godfather
George, President of Modern Combative Systems, hosts
a tactical pen / kubaton class. This class is
open to anyone, young or old, no matter their level
of training. I partook in the course and George
taught the students something they can use in the
real world and also pass on the information to loved
ones. For an added bonus, George conducted an
Inverted Edge Tactics and Tactical Cane
demonstration. Phil Smith was the victim for
both and we will miss him. Just joking, but all
whom attended the demo were very pleased with what
they saw. To see more on George’s courses,
check out
www.moderncombatives.com.
I will say, this was the best weekend I have had in a
long time. Davi’s knows how to host a show.
Leave some room open on your calendar for next
year so you can partake in this awesome event.
If you are visiting Raleigh, stop in and say
hello to Richard.. Tell him the Punk sent you.
You can also visit the website and make your
Christmas list,
www.davisguns.com.
Don’t let the other half see the list
though. Have fun and stay safe.
The Roving Punk
