2008 Blade Show Cutting Competition
Once again there was an enthusiastic crowd gathered in the courtyard at the Blade Show to watch the World Cutting Championship. This was the 6th annual World Cutting Championship and the first year that it was presented by Bladesports International.
Bladesports International sanctions a series of cutting competitions around the U.S. where competitors earn points toward the season championship. At then end of the season, the top 8 in points are invited to compete for the World Cutting Championship at the Blade Show in Atlanta, GA. This year, 7 competitors were able to make the event.
From left to
right: Scott Devanna, Mike Eubanks, Donavan Phillips, Jim Crowell, Gary Bond,
Steve Singer, Gayle Bradley.
Donavan Phillips led off the
competition. Here he takes aim at a hardwood dowel.
Donavan slices
a soda can cleanly in half.
Mike Eubanks
chops through a rolling golf ball
Scott Devanna
starts to work on a 2x4
Steve Singer
goes after the rolling golf ball
A judge
inspects Steve's blade after his turn on the course. If there is any damage the
competitor can lose points or be disqualified depending on the severity of the
damage.
Jim Crowell
slices rings from a paper tube
Gary Bond
chopping through a 2x4
Season points
champion Gayle Bradley chops the 2nd 2x4 on this course.
When it was all
over Gary Bond was the 2008 World Cutting Champion and received a custom belt
buckle engraved by Diane Scalese. Gary also placed 3rd in 2008 season points.
Gary Bond's
winning knife and his 2008 Championship belt buckle
Gayle Bradley
receives his trophy from Bladesports International executive director Warren
Osborne for winning the 2008 season points championship.
Warren Osborne presents Donavan Phillips with his trophy for placing 2nd in the 2008 season points.
It was another great competition enjoyed by all!
Look for my coverage of the Cutting Championship in the upcoming issue of Blade Magazine.