Hi Bruce,
Allowing dealers...well right there is a problem.
ABS No
Guild Yes
Interesting side note about the ABS and their "No Dealer" policy.
Let's clarify that statement Les. Dealers are not allowed tables.
I have been to all but one ABS Expo and have seen dealers purchasing thousands and thousands of dollars worth of knives. Now granted, in moving away from the west coast this year it hurt dealer sales as two of the major dealer purchasers did not attend this year.
I do agree with you Les that a new combined show would benefit greatly from having dealers and suppliers set-up.
Guess who has written more articles about the makers in the ABS than anyone else in the last 3 years? Here is a hint...It's a dealer!
The decision for no dealers at the ABS Show was announced by Johnny Perry (collector...at the time...no agenda there). That was then challenged by Jerry Fisk...who pointed out, quite correctly that the ABS Should have a policy like the Guild...dealers can only have members in good standing for sale on their table. No was the answer from Johnny!
I suspect that the reasoning behind it was to keep the show "pure". Just as the show was initially marketed by Jay Hendrickson at the Guild show for "Mastersmiths Only" (I know this to be a fact as I was standing next to Jay listening to him "promote" the show). However, when it was realized that not enough MS makers were interested, then JS makers were added...now the show is open to any member of the ABS who makes knives.
The ABS Has well over 500 members at this point so the question has to be asked...why less than 70 tables at the show? This includes the 2-3 tables in the "Collectors Corner".
The Expo has had a waiting list for obtaining a table. Expect the 70 tables were by design as I'm sure no more would have fit the room. Even the "Collector's Corner" tables were in a separate room that was open to the show room.
Bruce, I know of at least 2 dealers...who buy a fair amount of forged blades...who have never been to an ABS Show.
Given the shows poor sales history over the last two years...the ABS may want to "revisit" the no dealer policy. We both know they won't.
You can blame poor sales to an extent (though I don't believe they were as bad as you would like everyone to believe) to a new show format last year and a new location, poor lighting and horrible economy this year.
I hear those dealers actually attend shows to BUY Knives! And in some cases they buy A LOT OF KNIVES. We all know that you go where you are wanted. Fortunately for them the Arkansas Custom Knife Show, The Spirit of Steel Show and Blade Show allow them to set up. Rumor has it they actually buy TENS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS worth of forged blades at those shows.
The ABS is right who needs those kinds of sales messing up their Expo. Remember theirs is an organization to promote the art of the forged blade. Not provide its membership with the opportunity to actually sell the knives they made.
If they really cared don't you think that they would have listed the JS makers on their website by now....I mean I realize it has only been 3 1/2 YEARS since I brought it to their attention.
Bruce you know I "Loves me some factory knives"!
You know...as you sold them for me as part of your Awesome Auctions! I had just about a complete set of NKCA knives....some Melon Testers and some Canoes!
Unlike Don...sadly I never sell out at the Blade or any other shows.
So given the limited time I have from behind my table I really don't have a chance to look at the factory knives.
Given the amount of time it would take to look at approximately 425 tables of custom knives. I suspect that most custom knife collectors, just don't have enough time to see everything on the custom tables.
Personally, I do think that the factory knives may affect sales of customs in the $200 and under range (similar price point...better known product on the factory side).
Yes, you will need to include suppliers...although the certain items should be prohibited:
Giraffe Bone.
Mokume
Jigged Bone (unless you can prove you make factory designed slip joints, multi-blades and/or lock backs).
Pakawood
Wild Wood
Nickelsilver
Brass
Lets start the show off right in the 21st Century.
I do agree with Kevin, that the focus of this show would differ from Blade in that there would only be custom knives.
First though it would appear someone will have to define what a custom knife is.
Since attending makers of the new combined show would have to be members in good standing of either the ABS and/or Guild, this shouldn't be an issue.
Next is the time of year. The problem with early January is...the Las Vegas Classic already exists. The ABS moved their show from that time slot due to slow sales. And mid January is when most people are paying off their credit cards from Christmas. As well there will be the Tactical Invitational (huge draw for the Tactical crowd) which is then followed up by the SHOT Show. Bruce can attest to how many custom knife makers are at this particular show...NAME Makers.
Perhaps early April. This of course would mean the elimination of the Santa Barbara Show. Given this, maybe Steve D'Lack should be brought in as a "consultant" to help run and organize the show.
Next...where does this show set up at? West Coast and East Coasts...no.
It would have to be centrally located. Kevin's idea of Dallas is a good one. Great Airport, Great Food, Fairly easy to get around. Maybe St. Louis??
To be honest, I don't think there is a good time for a show like this.
Other shows will have to be sacrificed in order to make this one work. I don't think the custom knife community is ready to sacrifice potentially their favorite show(s) to see this once succeed.
