I'd like to add my views on this thread and show why I feel Tracy receiving it is ridiculous .
I was first led to this forum after I had placed a call to Bruce Bump , about a raffle he was doing . He told me there were raffles all the time here so I signed up .
I didn't post till I was looking for some damascus and the internet led me to Delberts sub forum , almost 2 months later . I wound up calling Del and we spoke for well over an hour . He told me about Tracy and the guys he put together to get this forum started .
It was then I found out about the other knife forums , so I checked them out as well .
I was immediatey aware that there were HUGE differences between the sites .
What I was looking for - and I didn't even know I was looking - was here .
The biggest difference on this site was the way new guys , escpecially Ernie was treated . You really felt like there was a Connection between members here . Sure , you couldn't miss who the Big Dogs were , but you also couldn't miss that we're all playing in the same yard .
I love how this forum is a friendly place for new makers and old alike . I myself have felt welcome here from the beginning . I like the fact we're small , it makes it easier to make REAL friends here . I like helping newbies , because nobody would show me , or tell me anything 20+ years ago and that's my way of paying back those who would not share .
Let me point out a few of the things I have received in my short time , PARTICIPATING , on KNIFE DOGS :
1 A geat box of stuff from the MITH
2 Won a block of wood
3 Won a handles worth of leather washers
4 Bought a knifemakers 1st Custom knife-made history with that one
5 Won a great knife - made by a great maker for a great cause
6 Won a raffle for a makers mark
7 Recieved a great print of a famous Bowie FREE
8 Bought some great damascus from a great maker
9 T-shirt from an Knife Dog Icon
10 An order for 2 Bowie knives
But by far the greatest thing is All the Friends I have made through this site . I am constantly humbled by the generosity they show one another , and it makes me want to do the same . This site has become a Huge part of my day , every day .
With Respect To All Dogs , Bill