R.I.P. Brad West

[Bill DeShivs]

I received one of those calls you never want to get from my friend and fellow collector Redeye this afternoon informing me that the great Brad West passed away today.

Brad was instrumental in the renaissance of autoknife collecting. He was responsible for many of the knives featured in the old NKCA Newsletter- the first decent publication about switchblade knives.

Brad was also at all the large knife and gun shows with his huge display of knives for sale. Brad was a very fine gentleman who shared his vast knowledge of knives freely. He was a friend to everyone in the collecting community.
The irreplaceable Brad West will be missed.

[whippersnapper]

That's too Bad. RIP Brad.

[JulesVane]

Wow! That IS very sad news.

[john]

He’ll be always be remembered for his dedication to the switchblade community.

[Tom19176]

I had heard he was ill on FB. RIP Brad.

[fastr19]

brad west.JPG (31.26 KiB) Viewed 5915 times

I saw and spoke with Brad at many of the Atlanta shows. He was missing the last few years and when he was there at the end he was using oxygen. He was a very nice man. Rest in peace Brad.

[jim d,]

Sad news indeed, Brad was a true asset to our community. I have fond memories of my conversations with him at the Atlanta shows.

Jim

[rock-n-roll$$$$$$]

a fine man, we will miss you Brad, may you rest in peace.

[Fishtail Picklock]

RIP

[Bill DeShivs]

Brad coined the term "picklock."

[jim d,]

Wow Bill - that is a significant tidbit of switchblade history, thanks for sharing.

Jim

[Tom19176]

Thanks Bill...I did not know that either.....

[Fishtail Picklock]

Brad coined the term "picklock."

Fascinating. The Fishtail Picklock was my first exposure to the automatic knife world. Most people will never know of or understand his contribution to the knife community.