Teaching Kids to Create

I found Jerry in his shop this month with our grandson and had to capture the memory. Look at the concentration as they shape the wood together, creating as a team. I love this!

Some things stay with us for decades, like my appreciation for the skills my father took the time to teach me fifty-some years ago. I wouldn’t trade what he gave me for anything.

I’m sure the returns on Jerry’s investment in this little guy will be just as priceless.

by Kathy Davis

Looking at Knife Storage a New Way

Creative juices have been flowing freely this summer. Jerry set out to develop a holder for a set of kitchen knives and ended up with two beautiful designs.

The first one is a re-design of an old knife block that allowed sharp edges to repeatedly came in contact with wood, like the one I have in my kitchen. Jerry ordered magnets to fix that problem, and made a work of art in the process.

Someone then gave him the idea for a one-knife holder. He spent a few minutes in his shop, scratching his head, then sketched a plan. Here is what he came up with.

We’re not done yet! Creativity is also pouring into the document realm. For a long time we’ve needed a flyer that outlines the care instructions for handcrafted knives. It’s coming together nicely (no photos yet).

Local schools will be starting up soon. We hope you have a happy, satisfying fall season making whatever you enjoy making–to your heart’s content.

by Kathy Davis

And the Winner is . . .

Congratulations are in order for Chase, the raffle winner of the Jerry Davis Knife at the Traditional Archers of Oregon 2019 event near Brownsville last weekend. Jerry doesn’t play favorites, but he was sure happy for his new friend.

Put TAO on your calendar for next year, and come enjoy this friendly archery community. Special thanks to John McCoy for his kind invitation to the evening potluck.

by Kathy Davis

This Year’s Show – A Family Affair

The Oregon Knife Show in Eugene brought some of our kids and grandchildren out to show their support. It was so great to have them come by. Thankfully, it wasn’t one of them who drew blood, it was me, their grandmother! I still don’t know when it happened, exactly, though I remember Jerry warning me to be more careful.
Jerry Davis at his table at the knife show with wife and son in Eugene Oregon with his wife Kathy and son Seth April 2019

Like we do every year, we made some new contacts, and friends who hadn’t visited the annual show discovered they have been missing a fine event. Several promised they’ll be back.

It’s always an interesting crowd, whether attendees are from the Willamette Valley or as far away as China. I suggest you make it a point to come to the next one in April 2020. I’ll have extra band-ades ready, just in case.

by Kathy Davis

The Conception of a Knife

When my knife-making husband describes an idea for his next knife, I have trouble imagining what he sees. He’ll even try to help me by pulling a knife off his rack and explaining how it compares to the yet-to-be-made one. I smile and nod.

The truth is, I don’t see it.

JDKnife blog

He sketches, erases, draws some more, twists the paper around to show me, but still . . . it’s not real to me.

I understand this.

I read voraciously and attend writing conferences every year, working to improve my writing. And though I learn a lot by listening to best-selling authors, I’m far more impressed if I have read one of their books.

It’s all about seeing and handling the finished product.

The Oregon Knife Show is a few weeks away, and it’s a great opportunity to get your hands on one of Jerry’s finished products. Come take a look. I plan to drop by his table often so maybe I’ll see you there.

Kathy Davis

December Knife Show

Our last show of the year was three weeks ago and we’re looking at the start of 2019. It’s hard to let go of good times, but we’re anticipating more adventures in the months to come.

Jerry and I are thankful for our supportive family and friends, and for the collectors and knife enthusiasts who became owners of a Jerry Davis knife this year. We also appreciate those who send us photos and write reviews. Thank you for your generosity.

May you enjoy a happy and prosperous New Year!

Kathy Davis