2010 Guild Show

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Sidehill Gouger

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Maybe I missed it but I don't recall any one saying how the 2010 Guild Show was last weekend? Good or bad crowd? Good or bad sales for the average maker? The lack of comments tends to leave me with the impression that it wasn't that memorable?
 
It was a very good show in terms of selection and quality of knives. Like all shows over the past year, some makers sold out some didn't sell much. The crowd was pretty good, not packed, but the room always had a respectable crowd.

Hundreds of knives were sold. Several known collectors were present. I personally know one local collector who bought 16 knives at the show including some of the cream of the crop.

You can see a photo review of the show on my website at http://www.cartertown.com/guild_2010.htm . I will soon be adding more pictures from Edmund Davidson.
 
Mike Carter Custom Knives said:
It was a very good show in terms of selection and quality of knives. Like all shows over the past year, some makers sold out some didn't sell much. The crowd was pretty good, not packed, but the room always had a respectable crowd.

Hundreds of knives were sold. Several known collectors were present. I personally know one local collector who bought 16 knives at the show including some of the cream of the crop.

You can see a photo review of the show on my website at http://www.cartertown.com/guild_2010.htm . I will soon be adding more pictures from Edmund Davidson.
Click to expand...

But were sales good or bad? Was the crowd good or bad? It seems like no one, in doing a show review these days, has a handle on the "bottom line" of the show. Phrases like "good show in terms of selection and quality" makes it sound like it the show sales, overall, were poor.

There are always a few who sell out. Were there more knives left available at the end of the show than, say, three years ago?

Thanks,

Bob

EDIT: Over the last year or two, not much comes out in the way of show reviews. Is that because, overall, the shows are lackluster in terms of turnout, and was that the case here?
 
I enjoyed the show, purchased 7 knives. The feedback I received from most of the attendees was that it was slow but better than last year. I hadn't been to the Guild Show for several years so I cannot offer a comparison. I wanted to give it a try once again since so many of my maker friends attend. I remember when it was the premier show in the nation, 400 - 450 tables and all the best knives and it certainly wasn't that but I did score some nice pieces. Lots of basic hunting knives some top of their class knives also. I think the show has potential to become one of the better shows again if they stay in one place and the top makers support the show by attending. Louisville is tough to get to but a great little town and a wonderful historic hotel.
 
Overall, I think sales were comparbale to last year. Personally, I had more sales last year but I saw my neighbors selling quite a few knives. I did not, and would not, say sales were poor.

Knifeologist, how is it that you feel Louisville tough to get to? One of the reasons Louisville was chosen is the accessibility and proximity to numerous population centers. We have Interstates from every direction and the airport is 10 minutes from the show.

The Guild Show will be in Louisville for at least the next 5 years. I doubt it will be a 400+ table show again in the near future and a lot of us don't want it to be. Since it is all handmade custom knives by Guild members Many of us think 150 tables is a good size for the show.
 
Hi Bob,

I went to the show. First off, the location and hotel is spectacular. If that matters to you. Plenty of restaurants right across the street at "4th Street"

The crowd seemed to be light on Friday...But I didn't get there till about 1:30 PM....so I may missed the initial rush.

Saturday from 10 - 2 was busier than Friday...at least the amount of people walking around.

Seemed to be a lot of newer makers there...nothing wrong with that, just pointing out.

There were some very well known makers in attendance as well.

Several suppliers, 5 dealers from what I can remember, Hank Rummell, AT Barr, Dan Piergallni and two others I wasn't familiar with.

The ever personable Gil Hibben came from behind his table to thank me for coming to the show and to ask about Bob Neal. I suspect he did that to other people as well.

There was a good selection of knives, in several price ranges. Something for everyone from the novice collector to the "High Profile Collector"! :D

I have always been a huge Bill Luckett and Bill Imel fan, so enjoyed looking at their knives. Bill Imel had one of his huge daggers on his table. I used to spend a lot of time looking at those in the late 80's at the Guild Show.

I spent a lot of time talking with new knife makers at the show about their approach to pricing. Talked shows extensively with Bruce Voyles (SOS Show) and Steve Shackelford (Blade Show). They were both there representing Knives Illustrated and Blade Magazine. I didn't see anyone from Knife World or Tactical knives...doesn't mean they weren't there.

Overall I really like the show and its location...but I didn't have a table there either.

One of my favorite parts...no luggage to check. First knife show I ever flew to that I got on the plane and got off the plane and that was it. I was picked up at the Airport by some friends. When I left Saturday the Hotel had a free shuttle to the airport (15 minute ride). Easy in...easy out.

I was truly just a tourist at the show! Shows really are fun when you don't have any responsibilities at them! :D

I know..In no STeven.
 
Les, not a bad little write-up. I know it's hard to quantify sales from show to show and from year to year. But with what Mark, Mike and you have indicated, it sounds like a show that was decently attended. It also sounds like a great place to be, too.

Sure, it's hard to hit the mark and say if sales were up or down, but if all three of you are having a hard time figuring out how sales went, it probably means that they were closer to even than down - which is a good thing in this time of uncertainly.

Thanks to all-

Bob
 
Hi Bob,

There were 4 tables I was standing at talking with the makers....and we were interrupted by "paying customers".

So somebody was selling.

Probably almost impossible to have exact number unless the makers would be willing to provide the Guild with numbers of knives sold, prices and types.

But That would be a hell of a gauge for the show (any show) year to year.

That would be something the Guild could let its membership know. Kind of a glimpse into what the customers are looking for.
 
Les, I don't think it takes a genius to figure out if a show was about the same as before or was a success - or a disaster. Anything in-between becomes hard to distinguish. Sales reporting ain't never gonna happen. Sales reporting = income tax!

So for me, your guys' gut instincts are what I'm personally looking for and your assessments are greatly appreciated.

Bob
 
betzner said:
But were sales good or bad? Was the crowd good or bad? It seems like no one, in doing a show review these days, has a handle on the "bottom line" of the show. Phrases like "good show in terms of selection and quality" makes it sound like it the show sales, overall, were poor.

There are always a few who sell out. Were there more knives left available at the end of the show than, say, three years ago?

Thanks,

Bob

EDIT: Over the last year or two, not much comes out in the way of show reviews. Is that because, overall, the shows are lackluster in terms of turnout, and was that the case here?
Click to expand...

Bob, I don't think whether a show review is done or not done has anything remotely to do with sales, attendance or anything related to such.

I has to do with the amount of time and work required to do a good review especially the ones which include both photos and good commentary.

Most folks go to knife shows to enjoy themselves. It's much harder to enjoy oneself when you are shooting dozens of photos and taking notes on what's going on. Then when you get home the real time consuming effort begins. There's down loading your photos, re-sizing/editing, identifying them, loading them up on a photosite (which can be a real pain in the ass) assembling them in a logical post order, transposing your notes into something resembling a informative, interesting and factual commentary, and finally posting ALL those photos. Then if the reviewer uses the professional show photographer's (Eric's, Coop's, Chuck's, Terrill's) "knife photos" (as I like to do) then there's the communication in getting permission and receiving the photos from the photographer then duplicating the time/effort I described for your own photos.
Ask Murray White how long it takes him to do one of his outstanding "show photo reviews"? Even though Steven doesn't do photos, it's very obvious that he extends quite a bit of effort and thought towards his excellent show commentaries.

Bob, look at my last two show reviews and guess the hours involved.

Larry Bailey's 2009 Ohio Classic
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=687328

ABS Expo 2009 San Antonio
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=670827

I believe the people who have typically been doing them are just getting "burnt out". We need some new folks to step up to the plate and carry a camera to shows.

I've seen your posts in several threads on a couple forums lately questioning why we aren't seeing good show reviews done, so thought I would give you my opinion.
 
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Kevin Jones said:
Bob, I don't think whether a show review is done or not done has anything remotely to do with sales, attendance or anything related to such.

I has to do with the amount of time and work required to do a good review especially the ones which include both photos and good commentary.

Most folks go to knife shows to enjoy themselves. It's much harder to enjoy oneself when you are shooting dozens of photos and taking notes on what's going on. Then when you get home the real time consuming effort begins. There's down loading your photos, re-sizing/editing, identifying them, loading them up on a photosite (which can be a real pain in the ass) assembling them in a logical post order, transposing your notes into something resembling a informative, interesting and factual commentary, and finally posting ALL those photos. Then if the reviewer uses the professional show photographer's (Eric's, Coop's, Chuck's, Terrill's) "knife photos" (as I like to do) then there's the communication in getting permission and receiving the photos from the photographer then duplicating the time/effort I described for your own photos.
Ask Murray White how long it takes him to do one of his outstanding "show photo reviews"?

Bob, look at my last two show reviews and guess the hours involved.

Larry Bailey's 2009 Ohio Classic
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=687328

ABS Expo 2009 San Antonio
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=670827

I believe the people who have typically been doing them are just getting "burnt out". We need some new folks to step up to the plate and carry a camera to shows.

I've seen your posts in several threads on a couple forums lately questioning why we aren't seeing good show reviews done, so though I would give you my opinion.
Click to expand...

Kevin-

The issue of show reviews has nothing to do with you or Murray, so don't jump on the defensive. What you have done has been extensive with respect to all aspects of show attendance.

Sure, there's alot of work. I understand that. And you are right, I've been very verbal about there not being enough of the review end of it. But not from you and not from Murray. So don't take my posts personally.

I would still like to see all associations marshall whatever efforts they can to get some people up to the task besides you and Murray.

I tried to do that mini-review of Solvang. So it's easy to get done, in some form and fashion, but no one is getting it done.

Bob

EDIT: I thought we had talked this one out myself. If you want to start another thread, again, go ahead, but let's not clog up this one, which is about a single show.
 
Bob, I'm certainly not getting defensive (or I didn't mean to) and certainly not trying to draw attention to myself or others.
Just pointing out and giving examples for a simple answer to your question.
 
I can't wait to do a show review:D!
 
well, duh!
 
Les Robertson said:
I spent a lot of time talking with new knife makers at the show about their approach to pricing. Talked shows extensively with Bruce Voyles (SOS Show) and Steve Shackelford (Blade Show). They were both there representing Knives Illustrated and Blade Magazine. I didn't see anyone from Knife World or Tactical knives...doesn't mean they weren't there.
Click to expand...

Hello Les,

I rather fancied meeting you for a chat and even asked several
knifemakers who seemed to know you to mention the fact...
But we missed each other...

See you at BLADE Show 2011? Or maybe the 2011 San Diego AKI?

All the best,
David Darom (ddd)
 
Hi David,

I had a couple mention that to me. When I asked them to point you out...we couldn't find you.

Im sure it is only a matter of time before we meet.

BTW, congratulations on your award.
 
I was at the Guild show. Mark (knifeologist) and Les are accurate in their descriptions. There were a lot of makers of every type of knife and there really was something for everybody. I thought the crowd was pretty good, knives weren't flying off tables but sales were being made. It's a three day show but a buyer could do it in one day. There were lottery knives available at the Gala dinner but I spoke to a couple of makers and they got zero slips dropped in their boxes. I pretty sure they sold the knives the next day. I spoke to a maker from Alaska, he had a lot of knives for sale in the lower price range and I personally don't see how a guy like that can come out ahead due to travel, hotel, and show expenses. Maybe a newer maker that wants to get his knives seen could justify the expense but it seemed to me just by way of casual observation that quite a few guys there selling knives didn't sell too many. Louisville is a nice place for a few days, the hotel is great, comfortable and reasonably priced. I had a great time, bought two knives from Steve Hoel, talked with Steve Thursday evening, and had lunch with Steve and Barry Lee Hands on Saturday. I learned a lot, got two great knives, had a good time in Louisville and would go back. I even met a young local couple (non knife people) at a bar on Saturday night and tried to convince them to go to the show on Sunday. Not sure if they did but I tried.
 
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