Hello Everyone-new to this forum!

I was one of the folks at the blade show with John Clements, and I thought I would add a little more to A-Trims post about the encounter between us.

First though, here's a brief run-down on who I am for a sense of perspective. I am a 31 year old Police Sgt. from the City of Appleton in Appleton WI, I have been a SWAT Operator for 8 years and I am currently assinged as a gang and drug investigator. I am also ex-Military, as I was a combat medic in the National Guard for 6 years.

I discovered Western martial Arts about 3 years ago now, and have been an ARMA member for 3 years as well. ARMA's study approach touched a common thread with me in terms of John's philosophy in teaching this art., and what I know about combat training through Law enforcement and the Military. This is why I have been learning from him, exclusively.

I stay out of these WMA politics as much as possible, but A-trim your account makes the situation sound very different from how I perceived it and I wanted to give you my insight to perhaps help you better understand.

John and about three other ARMA students were walking to Albion's booth to speak with them. We saw (by Chance) the RSW training weapons on the side table and were talking to the rep there about them. I was standing next to the rep, holding one of the trainers, when John who was standing on the end, said to you "are you Angus Trim", there was a pause and no reply from you and John said again "are you Angus Trim as in The Angus Trim" again a pause, then you said "NO" in a very blunt and strange manner. It was not a drawn out noooo like you describe, it was blunt and bazaar!

I was not even paying attention really to what was going on until you said that, at which time all of us kind of, turned and looked at you. You were wearing a name tag that said "Angus Trim" so I for one was kind of confused, We all were looking at you for a few seconds, when John, who was still looking at you, (as we all were) -kind of laughed and at that point you looked down and kind of fuddled with something on the table. John stayed and was talking to the rep for several minutes then, John at that point very casually walked away. The rest of us remained and looked at those trainers for several minutes. We certainly did not " flee towards Albion's booth" that statement is totally false and makes the situation sound much different from what happened. Before "fleeing" John said very loudly to me "I guess he's a jerk in person too" which you also did not reply to.

John and I had just given a full presentation on historical fighting arts, which was very well- recieved. We were also tired as the presentation was verbal as well as physical. I think though, that had you made the slightest effort to at least acknowlegde your own name, we would have talked to you.

I think your reaction was just about the weirdest thing I have seen in a social setting in some time, I understand you may have been tired, but your table, was totally devoid of any customers or people and you were simply standing there by yourself, so that would have been a perfect time to talk things over and not be heard by any other folks.

It's too bad that this is my first post here, but I read your comments on the situation and my Law Enforcement side took over. I also do not think it was some typo or misunderstanding of the words you used, your reply seems to be crafted very carefully given the fact that I was there to witness it. Please do not misrepresent encounters with ARMA folks again, it is not a very honest way to represent yourself. Especially given your past history with your critics, be sure that next year we will be there to be as close to you as possible, we didn't really give this a second thought until we learned of your post-Thanks and good luck to you. Aaron Pyneberg

Hello chad, Thanks for the advice, but I must disagree that I made any veiled accusations. I think what I said was pretty clear.

Aaron, i'm not trying to moderate in any form just putting forth a question, is it possible that when Gus posted his take on it that it was just that his take alone? It been my observation that when two people witness the same thing they will focus in on different aspects of it based on personality-inclination I don't know what but they do pick up on different things. Gus thought it was odd you thought it was odd so everybody thought it was odd but in totally different ways , my point made. I personally would much rather here your thoughts on the show over all, i've never been and so other peoples relates are cool to read.

Gus is a nice guy. He treated me well and was very fair.

As for the RSWs. I only know that the ones made to match my blades are balanced and weighted correctly. As are the European singled handed, longswords (33 & 36 inch), since I have used blades like them.

I trust that Lance got the others right too. I've got to ask him which swords they are based on so I can give a better reply.

Folks,
Let's have more discussion about the show itself and less (read: none) about who looked at who funny, or who said what strange thing to whom and why. I've been to 2 Blade Shows and I'm positive there are better, more on-topic things to discuss. :)

Bill and Russ, thanks for posting those great pics!

I couldn't make it there unfortunately (Chad, did you go?). Was there anyone there selling or displaying antique originals?

There is a lot I'd like to say here about this whole Angus Trim / ARMA interaction, but frankly, none of it fits on this forum so I'll show moderation and refrain.

This isn't the right place for that stuff, just as it's not the right place to have posted some of the things already put here. Simply put: take it elsewhere. I don't want it here. Gus, you should not have brought it up with your original post.

Both parties have their own forums. Why do it it here in my house? It's completely unwelcome here as is any further discussions on the matter.

To be clear: no more about this stuff. No apologies. No final words. Nothing. If you have any questions or comments that you absolutely must get out of your system, send them to me personally via our private message system.

Move on.

Thank you.

My sincere thanks to those who attended the show and shared their impressions and photos.

This question is directed at Russ Ellis, but I guess anyone who was there can answer. The hunting hanger you mentioned, is it the same one that Kevin has on his website under "available?" If yes, I envy you, as the photo from the website indicates a beauty.

http://cashenblades.com/available.html

I particularly like the acorn treatment (and the story Kevin tells of it) and the pattern welded clamshell guard which brings the whole hanger together nicely.

The Cashen hunting sword is pretty spectacular. Wow.

With very few intentional exceptions, all his swords are visually spectacular.

Did anyone get any pics of the Albion table? I'd love to see what they brought with them; I remember it was last year? or the year before when they had brought an all bronze version of the Vinland, with a brown grip, that was lovely to look at. Any special pieces like that, or any other for that matter?