Well, I just recently found out that Rick had posted this thread here (and in his sub forum). Back in the middle of February I was at a show in Los Angeles when he posted it, and I missed it.
I really liked Rick's designs from the beginning. They have a unique quality to them. While it falls into the "tactical" knife category, there is an artistic quality that isn't usually seen in most tacticals. After a couple of comments by me on the forums Rick gave me a call. Well, after talking with him I found out that he has a pretty serious artist's mentality. That clicked with me. We don't think like all you normal people! I saw Ricks designs as having a compatibility with my carving. Rick already understands how to use carving tools since he uses them to make his bevels, so we could speak the same language. After discussing a collaboration I agreed to do it. Then later on I suggested he just make me one of his Hollow Points in trade for me carving the scales on another one. Figured I'd get one before I had to do a gazillion bucks worth of carving after Rick becomes more famous!
I'll be carving the scales and maybe a couple of other components on a Hollow Point with damascus for Rick to sell. Yeah, he's going to study it so he can learn from it, so you guys encourage him to add carving and sculpting to his resume. We're hoping that it can be displayed in September in Vegas.
Rick, I'm looking forward to adding your knife to my little collection!
David