Good Knife Stores in Southern Illinois?

J

JeffLesniak

Joined
Apr 24, 2005
Messages
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Hi, I was just wondering if there are any good knife stores around Carbondale, or Marion Illinois, or within the general southern Illinois. I'm going to SIU in Carbondale, and am thinking about getting a ride out to a good knife store if it's not too far.

I'm getting a Cabela's MiniGriptilian in about a month and would like to buy either a Sharpmaker or a new set of hones for my Lansky; the old ones are all worn out.

Thanks for any help, Jeff
 
JeffLesniak said:
Hi, I was just wondering if there are any good knife stores around Carbondale, or Marion Illinois, or within the general southern Illinois. I'm going to SIU in Carbondale, and am thinking about getting a ride out to a good knife store if it's not too far.

I'm getting a Cabela's MiniGriptilian in about a month and would like to buy either a Sharpmaker or a new set of hones for my Lansky; the old ones are all worn out.

Thanks for any help, Jeff
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Wow, not only do I live in Marion, but my name is Jeff also, small world.

There are not any "knife" stores in the area, Shawnee Trails in Carbondale is an outdoor gear store that carries some Spyderco and Opinel knives, besides that there is the typical Wal-Mart stuff. In Mt. Vernon about 45 minutes north, there is a Dobb's store that has some decent knives, alot of Case and Spyderco. The best store is Grand Praire Knives in Troy, Il. about 1.5 hours away.

When are you coming?, there is a knife show in Mt. Vernon in November and a GREAT gun & knife show in Marion in December.

Welcome to So. Il.!
 
I've spent a lot of time in that area and never stumbled accross a specialty knife shop. You might have luck hitting the local hardware and lumber stores. Otherwise, I suspect that St Louis might be the closest 'real' knife shop.

There are some outdoor stores in Carbondale. I wonder what they have in stock?

How do you like the SIU area? I think it sucks in the summer; Fall and early Winter are the best times for outdoor activities down there. The last I heard, SIU has a very active Outdoor Club - you should look into it. The SIU Student Union even has a climbing wall, and they have a large field campus too.

Happy searching,
-Bob
 
The Last Confederate answered while I was typing...

My family's from near Harrisburg/Eldorado. I'm headed that was in two weeks, trying to go late enough to miss the heat, humidity, and bugs.

-Bob
 
I'm actually a student at SIU, so I've been here for about a month. Unfortunately, I'm limited to as far as my bike can take me until spring, when I get my truck down here. I will check out that Shawnee Trails store for sure.

I love it here, though it is hot and muggy until about October it seems. It was 105 degrees my first day down here and I had to do an engineering team building exercise ALL DAY. That was no fun. But the fall and spring really nice. It'll be a lot better when I get a boat in the spring though.

I will definately check out those knife and gun shows in november and december, if I can somehow manage a ride. Thanks a lot for the info guys!

Jeff
 
If I remember correctly, Shawnee Trails is right downtown in Carbondale. It's definitely within bicycling distance.

My brother flunked out of SIU, repeatedly. Don't forget to study while you're there - college isn't only about drinking beer and shooting pool. :)

-Bob
 
The Last Confederate said:
When are you coming?, there is a knife show in Mt. Vernon in November and a GREAT gun & knife show in Marion in December.
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Could you post or email me some times and dates to the mentioned knife shows? I'd love to try to make it to one or both if I'm not working that day. Thanks!
 
Go Dawgs!!

I'll plan on heading back to SIU for homecoming (as an alumni) in a couple weekends.

If you enjoy the outdoors, be sure to take advantage of all the wonderful parks in the vicinity. Make friends with somebody who has a car. :)

Shawnee Trails-
Isn't that the store right next to Quatro's Pizza, in the 710 Bookstore complex? If so, that's right across the street from campus.
There's a Gold and Pawn shop along Rt. 13 towards Wal-Mart. I don't recall many knives there, but they always had a nice selection of guns.

If you're interested in metal in general, you don't have to leave campus. Go over to the breezeway at Pulliam Hall. (the long enclosed walkway between the clock tower and auditoriums- just follow the sounds of hammering, and look for hippies/art students :D ) This is where the metalsmithing department is located- fine metals on the top level, and blacksmithing in the basement. I assure you you'll find at least a couple folks interested in talking knives, and several master craftsmen. Darryl Meier would drop by occasionally to talk to Richard Mawdsley,(head of the dep't) who has taught fine metals at the ABS school. I made several knives in that shop myself. :thumbup:
 
MJR said:
Could you post or email me some times and dates to the mentioned knife shows? I'd love to try to make it to one or both if I'm not working that day. Thanks!
Click to expand...

I don't know the set times yet, the Mt. Vernon show is usually arounf the middle of Nov. and the Marion gun & knife show is I think the first weekend in Dec., but as soon as I know for sure I will post them.


"The Possum", yes Shawnee Trails is right nextdoor to Quatro's, right downtown across from 710 bookstore.

"JeffLesniak", if you want to get my e-mail address out of my profile and e-mail me, I will be glad to help you find stuff in C'dale!

First cup of coffee is on me. :)
 
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