Tony got me up about 6:00 am this morning. I wanted to be at the Knifemaker's Guild business meeting this morning, as they were going to award Tony Bose the Red Watson Award.

The Red Watson Award is awarded each year to the Guild member that most represents the type of man that Watson was. Red Watson was very willing to tell any knife maker how and why about any step in the making of a knife. He was also a good friend to many and was much loved.

Tony Bose is such a man and very deserving of the award. It has special meaning to Tony since it was voted on by his peers, the members of the Knifemaker's Guild.

When I talked to Tony about this he said that early on in his knifemaking career, a knifemaker of many years, refused to discuss the making of a knife. Tony said that he never wanted another person to feel the disappointment that he felt that day. Since that day, he has never refused to share is knife knowledge and ability with anyone.

Tony has been a good friend for over thirty years.

Regards,

Rhett Stidham

Well said and very true......Congrats Tony

Tony mentioned to me the other day that he was told he would be the recipient of this prestigious award. I can't think of anyone more deserving. Congrats, Tony!

Congratulations to Mr. Bose for his truly inspiring contributions to the art of knifemaking. I can not imagine a better candidate for that award.

I consider him a good friend and a true expert when it comes to knifemaking..

It is a pleasure working with you Tony, and I am proud to know you !!!

congrats Tony, I couldn't think of a nicer person to recieve this award! RICH & MYKI

He's not just helpful to knifemakers. When I first got interested in collecting handmade slipjoint knives, Tony patiently explained a lot of the mechanics and history to me. Now when I call, he cracks jokes and gives me a hard time. I don't think there's an award for that.

Congratulations, Tony.

Tony,

Congratulations! This could not have been given to a better person!

Kent

P.S. Enjoy the Guild show!

Well deserved, to say the least!!
Congratulations!

- Joe

Guild members ,(peers) are the ones who decide who receives the award and I believe that is the reason it is such an honor. I would have loved to see Tony accept it.

Yes, well deserved and probably long overdue. Many top knifemakers are benefitting today due to Tony's generous nature and sharing of information. As a new hobby level maker, I am a direct recipient of his willingness to share decades of priceless knowlege and experience.

It's been said that, if it wasn't for Tony, many of the old knife patterns and "secrets" of slip joint knifemaking might have been lost in antiquity. Whether that is true or not might be debated BUT, the fact that it was said at all is a testement to what Tony Bose has contributed to the continuation and popularity of slip joint making and manufacturing today. There should be an award for that too.



Here is Tony receiving the Red Watson Friendship Award from The Knifemakers Guild president Gil Hibben.