Report on 2010 Sharpeners Jam

We just finished the 13th Annual Sharpeners Jam here in Atlanta and once again it was the best ever. There was more education, more vendors, more people and an even stronger spirit of sharing, caring and learning. One sharpener (Bobby Harris) emailed me this, "The Jam this year was totally great, I learned so much. I am very impressed with the depth of knowledge each instructor displayed. It is wonderful when you can go to a big event and feel like you are right at home. You guys are the best, and I do not say this lightly, Heidi and I love you!!!!!!!! We cannot wait till the next time we can get together!"
Gene is even now looking into the meeting place for next year because we have outgrown our current location.

Here are the winners of the best ideas:

1. Jim Turner - Red Neck Scissor Hone. Jim put psa abrasives on a arosal can to work the ride on curved shears. Congrats to Jim!



2. David Trissel - Shared what his account told him about signage on his vehicles to make the tax deductable.



3. Chad Gillihan - Uses unique band-aid holders to pass out to his clients.



4. Bobby Harris - makes what he calls a "Graded Corrugation" for groomers and babers by using a 60 micron and lighhtly sharpening one side at a 30 degree angle.



5. Ken Buken - stretches too small insert rings using a oil funnel.

In all 34 ideas were formally shared at the Jam while there were a host of others shared in small groups and one on one throughout the week-end. Only 59 folks made the group photo, but our total head count was 101 for the week-end. Many could only make a portion of the Jam.

Two of the most notable speakers at the Jam was Casper Kiser from Oster and Denise Russell from Belson. Plans are underway to have both of these individuals back next year. DVD's of the Jam will be out most likely in September since the editing process takes a while. We'll let you know as each comes available.

I'll elaborate on some of the ideas in future blogs as well as details for next year's Jam. the tentative dates are July 23-25, 2011 for year 14. Check out all the photos from the Jam. I will be making a scrapbook of this year. If you are interested in a quote on a copy for yourself, let me know.