Saturday, 29th October 2005
San Diego Marriott and Marina Hotel
333 West Habor Drive
San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: +1-619-234-1500
On October 29th, 2005 the 10th Art Knife Invitational took place at The Yacht Club of San Diego Marriott and Marina Hotel in San Diego/ California. In one of the most exciting knife shows of the year, 22 of the world’s finest knife makers presented their extraordinary pieces of work. Due to sickness, Bill Moran and Juergen Steinau could not participate this year. In honour to the late Buster Warenski, the organizers dedicated a condign table in memoriam.
175 invited guests had the opportunity to study the exhibited pieces for three hours. Everyone had the chance to leave an “intent to purchase” bidding card at the knife, he or she wanted to buy. A buffet served for everybody’s well-being. Knife makers and collectors discussed in a comfortable atmosphere. Each knife maker presented his/her three to eight most precious pieces. Unfortunately, Dellana’s and Van Barnett’s luggage hadn’t arrived, which forced them to present rough sketches of their work only. At 2.00 p.m. sharp the sound of the gong marked the end of the bidding phase. Tension reached its maximum as the knife makers began to draw the bidding cards. One after the other, the drawn cards of the bidders were assigned to the corresponding knives and the lucky ones could acquire the piece at once.
After the drawing had been completed, general intensive discussion and marvel began. Some of the knives changed hands right away. During the following, informal part of the event, more pieces were exchanged and sold between the collectors. Various creations of phantastic knives changed ownership.
At 7 p.m. the Gala Dinner was opened. Most participants of the show met once more for a mutual meal and socializing. For everyone’s well-being, a rich buffet provided a pleasant atmosphere. At the height of the evening, the organizer of the Art Knife Invitational, Phil Lobred, thanked all participants. The great entertainer Shelley Berman commented the show in his very pointed and amusing way. Furthermore, there was a very emotional obituary on the lifetime’s work of Buster Warenski, who passed away recently.
Alltogether, the organizers succeeded in presenting a knife show of superlatives with this 10th show, which meant joy and delight to all participants. The next Art Knife Invitational is scheduled for end of October 2007.
