North Suburban Carvers Show

[mediamst]

Went to this show today in Illinois at the DuPage County Fairgrounds. Home

There was a really good turn out. the Woodcraft Shop, The WoodCraft Shop - Online Store was there and were the only substantial shop there selling knives, tools, books etc. They had a nice selection of Denny, Shipley, Flexcut knives etc. Nice folks.

Some great carvers there displaying their work. I especially liked the work of JR Cadawas who is out of Chicago. He is known as the worlds "fastest" carver. He also teaches Individual and group lessons from his Chicago studio. I may try him out.

If anyone is considering going they are open tomorrow as well same time... 1-4PM.

[Allcutup]

I strongly agree with you about JR, he is without any dought the most agressive carver on earth. He swings a mallet to the rythem of music and with unbeleivable accuracy. I work under him each week and he has toaght me so much in no time at all. JR makes his own tools in the Philippines. he owns a blacksmith shop and designs the gouges. Each tool typically has a bass wood handle and is very light. The wood does withstand a stong impact from the mallet. The metals hold an edge as fine as my Pfeil tools. I have have traded many of my Swiss, German and English made tools for his. I have been trying to influense him into importing the gouges but we don't know where or how to start a business of this kind. It will be a sin if we cannot get these great tools out there for fellow wood carvers to enjoy. If you have any suggestions please respond.