Awards Awards Collector displays are encouraged at each of our annual meetings, and awards presented based on voting by all members in attendance. These awards include: William R. Williamson “Best Knife” Award: Presented to the member displaying the single knife on display that receives the most votes. Named for the legendary bowie knife collector, researcher and writer. Robert Abels “Most Educational Display” Award: Presented to the member displaying the most educational display at the annual meeting, as judged by the membership. Named for the pioneering arms dealer and bowie knife collector who wrote the first books for bowie knife collectors in the 1960s. “Best Display” Awards: Awards are presented for the three displays garnering the most votes at each annual meeting. Norm Flayderman Pursuit of Excellence Award: awarded to a member who shows real merit in their display, as well as in their efforts to collect and to educate themselves and others. This award is the only one judged by the active ABKA Board of Directors and can only be won by a given member one time. Named for the famed arms dealer and collector, author of the book The Bowie Knife: Unsheathing an American Legend. American Bladesmith Society Antique Bowie Knife Awards Originally conceived by Dr. James Batson and the late Logan Sewell, who shared an interest in raising awareness of antique bowie knives, these awards were created to encourage today’s bladesmiths to gain a better understanding of these historical pieces. These awards (one for ABS Journeyman Smiths and one for ABS Master Smiths) are presented by the ABS at their annual meeting held at each year’s Blade Show in Atlanta. They are judged by the Antique Bowie Knife Association members in attendance, based on the criteria of “the finest knives created in the style and spirit of the original 19th century bowie knives.” In other words, knives that would not look out of place if they were transported back in time. For a list of past winners of the ABS awards, click here Photo Gallery of Awards: