 I
would just like to reflect on the
people and inspiration they have given
me through the years. I know you guys
probably don’t know how much
the little things you do, will serve
to inspire the people you come in
contact with.
1st of all Rodney Campbell he was
at the 1st Knife show I ever went
to; he told me I had better get into
the cutting competitions, so I went
outside and watched Reggie Barker,
John Fitch, and Jim Crowell, put on
a cutting Exhibition, I was shocked
to see what a knife could cut, they
were cutting GOLF BALLS! I still have
the 3 rope bundle Reggie cut, hanging
in my shop. Thanks guys I would have
never known what a knife could do
without, seeing that.
Warren Osborn, took me into his shop,
when I was 53 years old, he showed
me what a 54 year old could do, with
a knife on a 2x4, man is he quick.
I didn’t think a 53 or 54 year
old could compete at that level. I
am now 57; I don’t think age
is a factor. Thanks’ Warren.
I was at the Spirit of steel show
and hadn’t finished my 1st cutter,
I was going up the elevator and guess
who was on it, Gayle Bradley, he asked
me if I was going to compete, I told
him I had not finished my Chopper,
Gayle told me to enter anyway and
he would let me use one of his. I
did, Thanks’ Gayle. Warren broke
the 2x4 record that day 2.97 Seconds,
a record that stood for more than
2- years.
Who would think you could cut 20 water
bottles? Gayle did it twice one day!
With only 2 tries, the camera wasn’t
on the 1st time.
I have some old Blade Magazines there
is an article in one of them about
Ed Schemp, Ed was at a cutting Competition
in the northwest, and cut 11 Ropes.
Without that inspiration who would
know you could cut 11 - 1”ropes
that’s impossible, just try
and cut 1-with a sharp knife. Thanks
Ed. That record lasted 10 or 12 years?
A win is only as good as the competition.
You will have to search long and hard
to beat The top 10 in the Blade show
world championship 2010. Thanks guys
for giving it all you have, Gary,
Donavan, Shawn, Dan, Ian. Ed, Chris,
Doug, and, Jose.
All the folks that worked behind the
seen, bringing the tables, keeping
score, keeping time, setting up the
cuts, the board for all there work,
and all the sponsors that we couldn’t
make it without. That list is, to
long and I know I would leave someone
out, you guys know who you are, thank
you.
Very special thanks to benchmade Knives
for sponsoring me. They have manufactured,
what I think is the best production
Competition cutter on the market.
Thanks Les.
The Blade show promoters along with
Blade magazine, and to Mike Carter;
Mike did a great job on the world
championship cutting competition article.
Bud Robbins for practicing and traveling
with me, and Steve Singer for his
Film work with The You Tube Videos,
Steve has given the sport, a massive
amount of exposure. Dr Edward Seade,
for putting my shoulder back together.
You never know when you can serve
as an inspiration to someone, so no
matter how old you are, or how young
you are, just do what you love, and
who knows, someone may thank you one
day. If I left anyone out I sincerely
apologize, Scott.
Thanks to all!
Ted Ott, 2009-2010 World Champion |
