“Stellar show,” knifemaker Ernest Emerson grinned on his way out of BLADE Show ’23. “You knocked it out of the park.” Considering the June 2-4 rendition in the Cobb Galleria Centre is within a few long balls of the Atlanta Braves’ home stadium, Truist Park, Ernie’s observation seemed most appropriate. And many who attended the 42nd annual edition of the world’s biggest and most important knife event seemed to agree with the headman of Emerson Knives, Inc.
“There was a buzz, an air of excitement among both attendees and exhibitors this year that I did not pick up on in previous years,” observed ABS master smith Neels van den Berg of South Africa. “People seemed excited to be there. I know I was.” Added Italy’s Oliver Goldschmidt, “The show was great. Can’t wait to be back next year.” Bill Koenig of Koenig Knives wrote, “We had an excellent show. Everything was seamless.” Noted Andy Armstrong of Rosecraft Blades, “Having attended BLADE
