The photo above is from a study trip I took to India in 2007 for a conference on arms and armor at Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, India and other stops around North India.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mehrangarh_Fort

The conference was organized by Rogert Elgood with the hosting of His Royal Highness Gaj Singhji II Maharaja of Jodhpur. We spoke a bit..he’s actually a really good guy.

http://www.maharajajodhpur.com/

I am in the blue, Drs. David Edge of The Wallace Collection is under the hat, Paul Craddock of the British Museum is in profile and hiding behind him is Susan Kitto of the Royal Armouries (photo by Johnathan Barrett). I had the extreme pleasure of attending this trip with many of the leaders in the arms and armor field in the UK and US and may write something up some day about what I learned, but for now it may be best to give a call or catch me at a show if you would like any information. I will say that I viewed many thousands of blades in many museums and private holdings and learn a great deal from seeing and handling them as well as the discussions during and the years after with my fellow travelers.

I am applying what I have learned in my blade work now and will continue to do so in the future so some of you will be the recipients of that experience as well.

I can not say what a watershed that trip has become nor can I put into words my feelings for the other travelers.

I have had a few adventures before and since and may include them here as time permits; till then have a look around and if you have questions do get in touch and I’ll do what I can to pass on what I have learned.