Never formally introduced myself to the site. Right now, I hail from the Hoosier state of Indiana but live in an area known as Michiana (about 15 minutes from Michigan). I haven't seriously collected knives very long although I have always had a knife in my hands from the time I was five when my father gave my my first knife, a Schrade. I was born in Upstate NY, grew up just south of Pittsburgh, went to school in Ohio, spent the next ten years after that serving in both the Army and the Air Force. I have four great kids; a boy who's 15, a boy who's 13, a boy who's 8 and a girl that's 6 (on a side note, the 6 year old is more work than all 3 boys together and she could make Jesus cuss
). I got into seriously collecting Schrades about 3 months ago but will collect any folder that's made in the USA. I'm not retired, but wish I was. My educational background is in wildlife biology and I absolutely live to hunt and fish anything. I have the greatest Lab, named Steeler, who travels anywhere I go and will retrieve any type of waterfowl. In fact, she and my wife are vying for the greatest lady in my life (I'll let you decide who's winning right now
). I think the hunt for a knife is almost as magical as the knives themselves. I've had an opportunity to talk with and do business with some of the guys here on the forum and when Orvet told me this was the forum to learn and have fun with knives on, I've started to really use the site. I've talked with Dale a couple of times on the phone and have quickly learned when he tells you something, take it to the bank. I'm a newbie and I'm quite sure I'll make some stupid comments but I love the education I've already received in a short time. Additionally, I've learned rather quickly that Bryan runs a top notch site and look forward to dealing with as many on here as possible.
I am sure you'll like it here. Looking forward to seeing you on board 
s-k
