The display award knives are a special award knife given to the best displays at the Oregon Knife Show. In the past few years the blades that were used in the grinding competition are given to the grinders or to anyone willing to finish the blades. These are the knives that are truly unique, one of a kind prizes. This emphasizes the tie in the association between knife makers and collectors, we are all involved in the circle of "cut." Twelve knives will be awarded to some 25 displays that grace our Show every year. These displays are museum quality collections that mesmerize and educate visitors to our event. 

Display awards for the 2009 Show were blades that were used in the grinding competition at the 2008 Show. Ford Swauger created the Damascus from 15N20 and 1095 steel. Steven Strauch provided the Japanese style pattern and Larry Criteser modified the pattern to make it compatible for the grinding competition. Larry profiled 12 blanks for the competition.

Jose Diaz from Ellensburg Washington has enhanced this blade to make a knife using stabilized mango wood for the handle. The bolster is colored epoxy. The heat treatment was done in salt bath and quenched in molten salts. His web page is http://www.diaztools.com/