I attend the Great Eastern Cutlery Rendezvous every year. It’s a gathering of traditional knife enthusiasts at the GEC factory to show and discuss knives, take tours of the factory, and get some unique knives. You can find more information in the following article:
Unfortunately, due to the Corona Virus crisis, Great Eastern Cutlery decided to cancel the Rendezvous this year. It was a big disappointment to me, and I’m sure to many others, but I understand why they had to make the decision.
Relatively quickly after this decision was announced, some regular attendees set in motion to organize an unofficial gathering in place of the Rendezvous. Jesse W. contacted the location and caterer that was always used for the Saturday picnic and, along with contributions from Gary K. and Darren O., set up a replacement gathering. Setting this all up was no small feat, I’m sure, and set the stage for the success of the event.
In the process of being setup the event began to be called “Bootleg”. I decided that if we couldn’t have a Rendezvous Special knife, it would be nice to have at least something to commemorate the event. Since GEC often includes pins with their knives and has been making special pins for the last few years’ Rendezvous, I decided to make pins for all the attendees. I’m no graphic designer, by any stretch of the word, but I came up with something and got a bunch made by Sticker Mule (who I’ve used for several sticker designs). I was happy to make a small contribution, and I was surprised to find Randy (an engineer at GEC and fellow knife enthusiast) laser etching the logo onto all kinds of things: slips, sheaths, and even knives! It was a very nice gesture that allowed people to go home with mementos of the event.
The event was well attended and a whole lot of fun. A significant group of regular Rendezvous attendees, as well as some GEC employees, showed up. The hours rushed by while we all showed and discussed our knives, knife history, and all kinds of knife related topics. I had a great time, and I think others did also.
Still, I’m looking forward to next year and having the full Rendezvous. If you plan to attend next year’s Rendezvous, consider joining this Facebook group. I’ll be there!
