New guy signing in

[Guitars and Blades]

Hi, guys,
I'm new to this forum and have recently started my modest collection. I have a 13" AKC Stiletto w/dagger blade and sissu wood scales, a GOM lever lock with brass bolsters and real stag scales and another in honey horn with steel bolsters.
I've had a few cheapies, old mexican blades and Edge Co. junkers over the years, but at 51, I'm a little old for kid stuff and want to buy some decent starter stuff to form the basis of my collection. I'm, drawn to the classic Italian stuff (too many James Dean movies?) and love swinguards and picklocks, but I also enjoy some of the US made stuff like Protech Godfathers and some of the gorgeous custom stuff I've seen.
Without mortgaging my house or any organs I might still enjoy, what recommendations do you more experienced collectors have for me (mfr.'s, knife types, etc..) I see Maniago Italy is the Mecca of the blade world and Frank Beltrame, AKC, AGA Campolin, AB, etc. seem to be the top notch production people, or is it just that they've had such long exposure in the market.
Anything you've got to offer advice-wise is appreciated.
Thanks,
Guitars and Blades

[jarvis]

Welcome, G&B! Check the "Good Ones" thread for tried-and-true state-side sellers.

http://www.talkblade.info/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=1733

Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!

[Vagrant]

Welcome

[tr4252]

Welcome!

Tom

[jim d,]

Welcome! I understand where you are coming from. Do a search here for " cottage industry" and you should get some useful information. Also, take some time to look through the old threads, particularly in the main forum. Regarding sellers, the good ones list contains reliable sellers. There are no doubt other good ones out there, but there are some bad ones as well. One nice thing about the forums is that when you have a specific question, just ask and you will find the members willing to help.

Jim

[TRYKER]

welcum aboard!!!


tryker

[whippersnapper]

Hello!

[Radius]

Welcome G&B !!
Sounds like you're off to a good start already.
If you like the Protech Godfather, I suggest you check out the Brend 1.

[jim d,]

G & B,

One thing I forgot to mention in my last post is that the Book Switchblades of Italy is an excellent resource. One of the authors, Ragtimered, is a member here. Just mention an interest and I'll let him know to contact you about details. Your forum name indicates an interest in guitars. As an aside, Ragtimered is an excellent guitarist, I have one of his cd's and love it.

Jim

[Guitars and Blades]

Thanks, Jim.
Yes, definitely interested in the book and yes, I love guitars, as well. I'm having my hand operated on for carpal tunnel so I won't be able top play for a while, but I can still use a blade one handed!!


G&B



One thing I forgot to mention in my last post is that the Book Switchblades of Italy is an excellent resource. One of the authors, Ragtimered, is a member here. Just mention an interest and I'll let him know to contact you about details. Your forum name indicates an interest in guitars. As an aside, Ragtimered is an excellent guitarist, I have one of his cd's and love it.

Jim[/quote]

[natcherly]

Welcome aboard, Mr. G&B.

[JerrBear]

Greetings and WELCOMENESS, Mr. G&B!

Rather than recommend WHAT to buy, I would say this:

Find something you like. Then come here before you buy it and ask about it (preferrably with a pic)... Chances are there will be someone here who has one and can advise you on price, quality, etc...

[Grim]

Welcome I like the name Guitars and Blades Im into the classic Italians myself too

[ragtime red]

Guitars and Blades... If you are interested in the Switchblades of Italy book, you can find it online at Turner Publishing Co. Here is a link to the page on their website if you choose to order it. http://www.turnerpublishing.com/searchr ... egoryID=25 That's a bummer about the CT. I also make knives and ran the end of my finger into a bandsaw earlier this week... I'm out of comission for awhile on the guitar too and it is driving me nuts! If the link doesn't show up as a link, just go to http://www.turnerpublishing.com and you should be able to find the book.

[Dick Carroll]

Welcome G&B!!!