ABS Expo 2014 Report

[sculver]

I think what is being suggested here is a PANEL of collectors, one from each class.

I agree that a panel of collectors would by far be the best scenario. Not only are there differences in collectors of different genres of knives, but I have also seen a difference in the shopping and purchasing methods of the younger collectors, vs. the older guys.

As for doing this at the Heartland Symposium; it may be challenging for me to pay travel, lodging and demonstrator fees to a bunch of guys. I can afford to bring in one or two; just not certain about the financial aspect of more. Will have to give this some thought.

Here's another idea. The CKCA has its annual banquet, but there isn't any time devoted during this gathering for teaching and sharing. Perhaps it is time for the collectors to have their own seminar on knife collecting. Knife collecting 101. If this knife collector's seminar were held in conjunction with an ABS hammer-in, it would be a simple matter for the two groups to share information and do presentations for each other.

As the coordinator of the Heartland Symposium, I can offer to provide a meeting room for the collector's to hold their seminar. The Heartland is scheduled annually on the first weekend of October. The 2014 Symposium is October 4th & 5th.

I'd think one of the bigger shows in Vegas or Blade would be the right place to do this

I feel that having a meeting between collectors and knifemakers at a show poses some problems. There have been a few seminars by the collectors at past knife shows. These can be difficult for the knifemaker to attend. We are at the show to sell knives. That's pretty hard to do when you're not at your table. And when you plan to go to a seminar at a show, the collector that you have been waiting for all day shows up at your table just as you need to leave.

 

[Bgbdwolf]

After reading through this I have some thoughts and hope I can clear up a couple things.

After being on the show committee for the past 4 years I stepped down following this show. It was time for some new blood. This was planned and was only for personal reasons.

As a committee member I can offer a couple insights into what you are all talking about.

#1 Reno
I went to all of the shows in Reno. It started well but after a few years it was starting to decline. There was talk about moving it to the center of the country to make it a show that would be accessible from either coast. The final year we were there was a nightmare. Many makers and collectors had to take buses from Salt Lake due to dense fog. Flight delays were abundant. Huge snows on Donner pass made it nearly impossible for collectors to drive from California one year. Some people don't seem to be informed about the SCI show and thought we should stay there and chase those attendees. In fact I personlly looked into moving the show right next to the convention center where SCI was held. That was until we found out SCI was moving to Las Vegas. It was only going to be in Reno one more year. SCI was planning on bouncing between Reno and Vegas every couple of years. We decided as a committee that it would be better to host a stand alone show catering to our own knife collectors rather than try to chase another convention from city to city every couple years. SCI has available booths is knife makers want to attend. So many of our makers think we should have stayed when the show they were chasing was already leaving.

#2
Arkansas and Forged Blades
How great would the Arkansas show be if there had never been an ABS? Seems like some makers bite the hand that helped them. I admire people like Dave Lisch who do Arkansas but also attend the ABS show. And Dave had some killer knives in Texas and I'm sure he will in Arkansas.

#3
Travel to San Antonio
Some people make it sound like we are hosting this show in Two Dot, Montana. Look it up, it actually exists. I flew from Missoula, Montana to San Antonio with one stop. Hardly difficult to get to.

#4
Participation?
For any show to be great you need maker participation. Sadly so many makers love to tout their Master Smith stamp and stamp every knife they make. But they can't find a way to attend the only all forged blade show in the world. And so many makers bitch about not selling knives at a show. But rarely stop to ask what they did to make the show better. How many collectors did they bring? How many collectors names did they supply to the committee for mailings?

#5
The Guild
I'm one of the makers that pushed behind the scenes to combine the Guild and ABS Show. However the Guild does not want to team up with the ABS. They just want the ABS Mastersmiths at their show. They don't want Journeyman or Apprentices. So guys like Owen Wood and Rick Eaton would not be allowed to attend. They only offer for Masters to attend their show.

I wanted a very simple format. Pick a neutral city, split the advertising budget, split the room in half. Allow as many makers in as want to attend. And each organization can rent the banquet rooms they need for whatever banquets and meetings they may have. Split any income or debt that may result. Unfortunately egos on BOTH boards get in the way. It could be a huge custom and handmade knife show. It would be a knife collectors paridise.

#5
The ABS

I've gone to bat for the ABS a lot in public. And have again here a bit. But let me be clear. I have big concerns for the ABS and its future. I will not voice them here as I would rather do it directly to the board. But many of their board members are rigid and show no interest in listening to some of the younger makers. In fact I personally went to the board a few years ago and had a not so pleasant exchange. This is not the board as a whole. But certain key members of the ABS board are unwilling to listen to differing opinons.

Sales at this years show were down a bit. But I don't think it was bad. In fact I thought the venue, room, and set up was quite nice. Sadly it seems as though the ABS is a bit fractured and unsure of its direction. Hopefully the ABS board will begin to reach out and realize they have some huge opportunities to expand and be a force in the knife world.

Josh, The ABS has a lot of class, as does your post. There has been a great deal of serious debate here none of which has been unfriendly or mean spirited. It is good to see.

 

[Kevin Jones]

Here's another idea. The CKCA has its annual banquet, but there isn't any time devoted during this gathering for teaching and sharing. Perhaps it is time for the collectors to have their own seminar on knife collecting. Knife collecting 101.

We are on the same page Steve, as the above came to mind while I was writing my last post. I was thinking it may be productive for us to forgo our usually CKCA banquet format this year (with the exception of our Mini Knife Show) and have an open discussion over dinner. We have just the group together in one place to benefit from such a discussion.

 

[billf]

Kevin

I think the "dinner symposium" idea is a great one - hopefully you can get some well known knifemakers from the various genres to attend. Thursday evening would not interfere with sales of course, and I'm betting virtually all the makers are there by then. I think you would get a good attendance from collectors who would get a chance to meet makers in a smaller setting.

As for who to invite - I'm sure you will get a number of great suggestions - I might have a couple myself

Bill Flynn

 

[Bladeandbarrel]

This is a very, very interesting post. What I like about it is the same thing thing I don't like about it. I saw it coming too.
As someone with two Rubbermaid containers of forged blades that I cherish I have enjoyed meeting and befriending many makers over the years but rarely have I seen too many of them prosper in bladesmithing.

Many of the best makers of the ABS have a production problem. They can't make enough top quality knives to support themselves and as a result have become hobby makers/weekenders/whatever that make a handful of knives a year-or they are trying to morph their existing business into a different kind of knife business-production knives/tools/supplies whatever. How many of the best ABS knifemakers can raise a family by selling their handmade, forged knives? I am talking about food, clothing, mortgage, healthcare and a college fund without a wife that makes 6 figures a year? So that leaves us with the majority of forgers who are left. Many of who are retirees, disabled, weekenders, dabblers maybe even artists in other fields. Many superb, great talentedpeople but not as much skin in the game other than that it is their passion. They just get along making a few knives a year-some may spend multiple weekends finishing one simple knife. Unfortunately many of these tenured "Pros" make business decisions for organizations that impact the younger folks that for whatever reason have landed at bladesmithing to make a career/lifestyle and provide for their families.

There are no real solutions. I have told several of my younger bladesmith friends to learn auto cad and learn how to machine/source parts and break into newer technology. Make friends with the tactical makers and start developing customers in the tactical world. Guess what-the world of tactical knives is about 10000000X bigger than the world of pearl handle forged gents bowies with a silver sheath. This is not new. This is not a trend. This is called reality. Most of you who disdain "tactical" knives are confused. You think they are fighting knives or whatever. They are simply technology knives. Knives made with modern technology that enables faster production, better tolerances and better fit and finish. I hate to tell you this but most traditional knifemakers do sloppy work. Many ABS Mastersmiths do sloppy work. Many Guild members do sloppy ASS work. The current knife buyer is not a fan of that. They see right through it. They like precision. They like tight tolerances. They like modern design. They do not care how it was made, sourced or developed. All they care about is what the product stands for, what the maker stands for and the added association with a group that likes that makers work. There is a lot of fellowship involved. Much more so than with the forged community. The USN show is not called a show. It is a "Gathering" of like minded people. That is a clue. People pay makers for their knives to pay homage to the maker and to be part of a subculture of "friends".

One thing I have learned as a collector is the greatest maker in the world who makes 5 knives a year has only touched a handful of collectors in his career. How many collectors has Les George touched? Mike Snody? Allen Elishewitz? Bob Terzuola? Most works that are unobtainable are also uncollectible!!!

I would also ask many forged makers-what is your subculture? What is the culture you have developed? Do you Facebook? Do you Twitter? Do you Pinterest? Do you have a website?

I will also remind people that tactical knives have been hot since Gerber sold the Mark 2 and has not slowed down. Tactical Knives also do well in times of war which we have been in continuously for over 10 years.

All the best to many of my friends-old and new. I am glad Mike V. told me about this thread.

 

[JParanee]

This is a very, very interesting post. What I like about it is the same thing thing I don't like about it. I saw it coming too.
As someone with two Rubbermaid containers of forged blades that I cherish I have enjoyed meeting and befriending many makers over the years but rarely have I seen too many of them prosper in bladesmithing.

Many of the best makers of the ABS have a production problem. They can't make enough top quality knives to support themselves and as a result have become hobby makers/weekenders/whatever that make a handful of knives a year-or they are trying to morph their existing business into a different kind of knife business-production knives/tools/supplies whatever. How many of the best ABS knifemakers can raise a family by selling their handmade, forged knives? I am talking about food, clothing, mortgage, healthcare and a college fund without a wife that makes 6 figures a year? So that leaves us with the majority of forgers who are left. Many of who are retirees, disabled, weekenders, dabblers maybe even artists in other fields. Many superb, great talentedpeople but not as much skin in the game other than that it is their passion. They just get along making a few knives a year-some may spend multiple weekends finishing one simple knife. Unfortunately many of these tenured "Pros" make business decisions for organizations that impact the younger folks that for whatever reason have landed at bladesmithing to make a career/lifestyle and provide for their families.

There are no real solutions. I have told several of my younger bladesmith friends to learn auto cad and learn how to machine/source parts and break into newer technology. Make friends with the tactical makers and start developing customers in the tactical world. Guess what-the world of tactical knives is about 10000000X bigger than the world of pearl handle forged gents bowies with a silver sheath. This is not new. This is not a trend. This is called reality. Most of you who disdain "tactical" knives are confused. You think they are fighting knives or whatever. They are simply technology knives. Knives made with modern technology that enables faster production, better tolerances and better fit and finish. I hate to tell you this but most traditional knifemakers do sloppy work. Many ABS Mastersmiths do sloppy work. Many Guild members do sloppy ASS work. The current knife buyer is not a fan of that. They see right through it. They like precision. They like tight tolerances. They like modern design. They do not care how it was made, sourced or developed. All they care about is what the product stands for, what the maker stands for and the added association with a group that likes that makers work. There is a lot of fellowship involved. Much more so than with the forged community. The USN show is not called a show. It is a "Gathering" of like minded people. That is a clue. People pay makers for their knives to pay homage to the maker and to be part of a subculture of "friends".

One thing I have learned as a collector is the greatest maker in the world who makes 5 knives a year has only touched a handful of collectors in his career. How many collectors has Les George touched? Mike Snody? Allen Elishewitz? Bob Terzuola? Most works that are unobtainable are also uncollectible!!!

I would also ask many forged makers-what is your subculture? What is the culture you have developed? Do you Facebook? Do you Twitter? Do you Pinterest? Do you have a website?

I will also remind people that tactical knives have been hot since Gerber sold the Mark 2 and has not slowed down. Tactical Knives also do well in times of war which we have been in continuously for over 10 years.

All the best to many of my friends-old and new. I am glad Mike V. told me about this thread.

Anthony

Excellent post and thank you for taking the time to put your words down

I could not agree more and I wish I could put my words down as well as you

 

[RogerP]

Anthony very well said in all respects. Really, there's so much of value in that post that people should be printing it out and taping it to a wall. Also, you (and others) are spot on in pointing out the inaccuracy of describing tacticals as a "trend".

 

[Kevin Jones]

Most of you who disdain "tactical" knives are confused.

You really make some good points in your post. It would be interesting to know what % of Tactical Makers are 'full time' as opposed to 'full time' Traditional makers.
I would expect a much larger % for Tactical makers. The fact that such a small % of Traditional Makers can make a living 'full time' should be a 'wake-up' call in itself.

In regard to the quote above, I haven't noticed 'disdain' for Tactical knives in this thread. Seems the general consensus is that they are a large part of the custom knife market and will continue to grow.

 

[Lorien]

perhaps the role of 'sole authorship' in the lives of a growing number of knife makers is becoming less prominent.
Anthony really nailed it, I think. See ya on facebook bro!

 

[North]

Excellent post, Anthony.

Bill

 

[erik markman]

This is a very, very interesting post. What I like about it is the same thing thing I don't like about it. I saw it coming too.
As someone with two Rubbermaid containers of forged blades that I cherish I have enjoyed meeting and befriending many makers over the years but rarely have I seen too many of them prosper in bladesmithing.

Many of the best makers of the ABS have a production problem. They can't make enough top quality knives to support themselves and as a result have become hobby makers/weekenders/whatever that make a handful of knives a year-or they are trying to morph their existing business into a different kind of knife business-production knives/tools/supplies whatever. How many of the best ABS knifemakers can raise a family by selling their handmade, forged knives? I am talking about food, clothing, mortgage, healthcare and a college fund without a wife that makes 6 figures a year? So that leaves us with the majority of forgers who are left. Many of who are retirees, disabled, weekenders, dabblers maybe even artists in other fields. Many superb, great talentedpeople but not as much skin in the game other than that it is their passion. They just get along making a few knives a year-some may spend multiple weekends finishing one simple knife. Unfortunately many of these tenured "Pros" make business decisions for organizations that impact the younger folks that for whatever reason have landed at bladesmithing to make a career/lifestyle and provide for their families.

There are no real solutions. I have told several of my younger bladesmith friends to learn auto cad and learn how to machine/source parts and break into newer technology. Make friends with the tactical makers and start developing customers in the tactical world. Guess what-the world of tactical knives is about 10000000X bigger than the world of pearl handle forged gents bowies with a silver sheath. This is not new. This is not a trend. This is called reality. Most of you who disdain "tactical" knives are confused. You think they are fighting knives or whatever. They are simply technology knives. Knives made with modern technology that enables faster production, better tolerances and better fit and finish. I hate to tell you this but most traditional knifemakers do sloppy work. Many ABS Mastersmiths do sloppy work. Many Guild members do sloppy ASS work. The current knife buyer is not a fan of that. They see right through it. They like precision. They like tight tolerances. They like modern design. They do not care how it was made, sourced or developed. All they care about is what the product stands for, what the maker stands for and the added association with a group that likes that makers work. There is a lot of fellowship involved. Much more so than with the forged community. The USN show is not called a show. It is a "Gathering" of like minded people. That is a clue. People pay makers for their knives to pay homage to the maker and to be part of a subculture of "friends".

One thing I have learned as a collector is the greatest maker in the world who makes 5 knives a year has only touched a handful of collectors in his career. How many collectors has Les George touched? Mike Snody? Allen Elishewitz? Bob Terzuola? Most works that are unobtainable are also uncollectible!!!

I would also ask many forged makers-what is your subculture? What is the culture you have developed? Do you Facebook? Do you Twitter? Do you Pinterest? Do you have a website?

I will also remind people that tactical knives have been hot since Gerber sold the Mark 2 and has not slowed down. Tactical Knives also do well in times of war which we have been in continuously for over 10 years.

All the best to many of my friends-old and new. I am glad Mike V. told me about this thread.

You deserve an award for this post.

 

[The Amazing Virginian]

Anthony - lots of good and interesting remarks in your post. Thanks.

Threads morph and evolve. And I think this one has morphed from a discussion of the ABS Show and why it has not been as well attended or successful as one might hope, into a general discussion of probems with the business of making and selling traditional forged blades - for example compared to the business of making and selling tactical knives. The two topics are definitely interrelated, and I suppose the evolution from one topic to the other is to be expected. However, just for myself, I am much more interested in the former topic than the latter, and I also think that there is a far greater likelihood of finding practical solutions to the problems with the ABS Show, than to the problems with the overall business of making and selling traditional forged blades. At least any time soon. JM2₵.

 

[BenR.T.]

As a complete outsider on this, not part of the ABS (might be if I had room to forge also) or the Knifemakers guild. I have been making knives for just about 3yrs, the first knife I ever made was in Oct 2010.
I make a little bit of everything from bowies to kitchen knives and yes tacticals. Tacticals are simply a knife designed specifically for working. That could mean literally tactical/military/LE, but mostly it is just a hard use tool.
They are normally a simpler finish and durable handle material (G10 or micarta). This not only makes the knife more affordable, but it also makes the end user want to actually use the knife. And when they actually use it, odds are they will show their friends how well it works and how much they like it for certain tasks. This create new customers and may introduce someone to custom knives that has never even heard of custom knives.

I market myself whenever I can. I am on Facebook, Instagram, Bladeforums, knifedogs, USN, and a handful of other related forums. I have made sales through all of these avenues. Most of these venues are completely free and reach thousands of people every time you post a picture of something. It allows you to give people a look at the process of making a knife, and whats coming up out of your shop. A lot of the time I post up a WIP pic, someone sees it and wants to buy it before it is even finished.

Like I said, I have only been at this for about 3yrs. I am going to be quitting my day job and going full time with it in a month or so. I won't be making a hobby wage, I will be supporting my family with an actual living wage. I love making knives, all types of knives, and I will continue to do that as long as people are buying. The customers are out there, but odds are you have to go out there and get them.

Just my .02

 

[gthouse]

Virginian, I agree.

 

[jjtjr]

I agree with most of what Anthony says in his post.

He says this about tactical knives:

They are simply technology knives. Knives made with modern technology that enables faster production, better tolerances and better fit and finish. I hate to tell you this but most traditional knifemakers do sloppy work. Many ABS Mastersmiths do sloppy work. Many Guild members do sloppy ASS work. The current knife buyer is not a fan of that. They see right through it. They like precision. They like tight tolerances. They like modern design. They do not care how it was made, sourced or developed.

I agree that many makers, ABS, Guild, etc. do sloppy work, but many others do exceptional work. The fact that a knife is made with a CNC machine, to tight tolerances does not guarantee better fit and finish or good styling. Some tactical makers slightly modify existing designs and just assemble parts made by a machine, others do design and make exceptional state of the art knives.

I for one like to collect one of kind knives, that show that the maker has superior skill and artistic merit, rather than just knives assembled from machine made parts assembled by the maker.

In my opinion ABS should use modern technology and marketing, but not change their basic promotion of the forged knives that many of us still love.

 

[billf]

I agree this thread has wandered from its original purpose, but I think it continues to be very educational and useful. Anthony very nicely summarized the pertinent issues and I think the most salient point he made is that the "tactical" market has maximized the "cult of personality" effect.

I'm pretty sure I am like most collectors in that I enjoy meeting the makers as well as looking at/purchasing their knives. At a given quality level, I am more likely to purchase from a maker who is interested and personable...not "just" talented. As I mentioned before, I collect forged blades, mostly Bowies and fighters, but also collect some that would be considered "dress tacticals" and even a few "Art Knives". Every knife is from a maker I've met and spoken with, even if all were not purchased at a show.

As a GENERAL rule, and IMHO, the "forgers" tend to be lower key individuals, and clearly not "marketers" for the most part. Again, to generalize, most of the "tactical" makers are a little more "upfront" with their marketing skills. Also, in general, many of them are more active on the various forums and on Facebook, and not just in regard to their knives, but in terms of lifestyles, guns, food - you name it. I think this enhances their appeal to a wider audience if you will.

I had a very interesting discussion with RJ Martin maybe 8-9 years ago, around the time when the "handmade vs assembled" discussion was starting and he had an extremely practical approach to it all...and time has proven his approach right !

As a collector, I want a maker to do what they LOVE doing, because that is how they stay fresh and not burn out. Forgers don't have to start chasing the tactical market, per se, but they can benefit from observing what works and doesn't work in terms of the marketing. Some may wish to pursue "collaboration pieces" with the tactical crowd, and I'm sure they can find interested parties there.

Another aspect that hasn't been explicitly touched on is the fact that there MAY be too many smaller knife shows and these are predominantly attended by what might be termed an "ABS type" crowd - whereas the tactical show market has crystalized around the 2 BIG shows - TKI and the Gathering.
Sort of the "Mom and Pop" versus the "Megashow" approach.

Again, not suggesting one way is right or wrong, but currently the megashow approach with all the "hot" makers does seem to generate more buzz = more enthusiasm = impressive sales. Not saying "forgers" need to become Billy Mays....but many DO need to maximize their marketing.

I realize this post is getting a bit long, so I just want to close with a final thought - Anthony, I agree there are SOME MS whose work is not as good as it should be, but I think it is important to note that applies to a pretty small number of individuals and that there are JS guys whose work is spectacular. Also, without naming names, there are some "tacticals" that are "precise" (ie machined tolerances are good) but that are butt ugly, poorly designed, and way to heavy to be useful "pocket knives"

Bill Flynn

 

[Bladeandbarrel]

I agree with most of what Anthony says in his post.

He says this about tactical knives:



I agree that many makers, ABS, Guild, etc. do sloppy work, but many others do exceptional work. The fact that a knife is made with a CNC machine, to tight tolerances does not guarantee better fit and finish or good styling. Some tactical makers slightly modify existing designs and just assemble parts made by a machine, others do design and make exceptional state of the art knives.

I for one like to collect one of kind knives, that show that the maker has superior skill and artistic merit, rather than just knives assembled from machine made parts assembled by the maker.

In my opinion ABS should use modern technology and marketing, but not change their basic promotion of the forged knives that many of us still love.

I am not disagreeing with your statement but you are reading INTO mine. Technology doesn't guarantee fit and finish but it does make precision more repeatable and easier to achieve after the arduous legwork has been completed.

Part of the issue is that technology is expensive. Programming time, skill, machine time. In order to pay for these variables you can't make 6 knives and recoup your investment unless your last name is Appleton. You need to make 100 knives or 1000 depending on your investment. That requires more investment in materials and time spend sourcing, vendor relationships etc. It also requires a focused and often collaborative marketing relationship with dealers, companies, or other venues that help sell your knives. When you have a 1000 knives a year to sell you tend to spend more time and effort on marketing.

It is a much more complicated business venture to be a "technical" or "Tactical" knifemaker making small batch, high precision $600 knives than making one-off knives in my opinion.

In a country of 300 Million plus people I am sure the market for what we like is far larger than the small number of people on this and other forums of who attend shows. How a maker taps into that market is up to them.

 but not change their basic promotion of the forged knives that many of us still love

From my vantage point the ABS has done a good job of creating traditional makers. What have they done to create customers for the makers? I can see no evidence of that.

 

[Bladeandbarrel]

I realize this post is getting a bit long, so I just want to close with a final thought - Anthony, I agree there are SOME MS whose work is not as good as it should be, but I think it is important to note that applies to a pretty small number of individuals and that there are JS guys whose work is spectacular. Also, without naming names, there are some "tacticals" that are "precise" (ie machined tolerances are good) but that are butt ugly, poorly designed, and way to heavy to be useful "pocket knives"

Bill Flynn

Maybe I am picky. I walk several large shows a year. At the Blade Show this year I was again astounded at the the amount of shoddy work in the Custom and ABS section regardless of the initials on the tang. But unlike many of the older collectors (I am 42) I do have 20-20 vision.

I agree with the design aspects. Forged makers don't have the market cornered on that either. Trust me.

 

[jjtjr]

Anthony,

The purpose of this thread is not the merits tactical versus traditional forged knives, They are 2 different markets and will always remain so.

In my opinion it is about the ABS Show and what the ABS does to helps its makers sell knives. I agree with your statement below.

From my vantage point the ABS has done a good job of creating traditional makers. What have they done to create customers for the makers? I can see no evidence of that.

 

[Alpha Knife Supply]

There is gold in the comments written by Anthony. Unfortunately, some people are refusing to acknowledge what he wrote.

One of the keys to the success of the tactical genre is the secondary market. Most tactical knifemakers have learned to price their knives while totally disregarding the secondary market prices. If the knifemaker makes a popular design, the secondary market price soon is higher than the original price. This helps the knifemaker in multiple ways:

1) The demand for their knives increases
2) Their backlog of orders increases
3) The knifemaker builds a "brand" by actively marketing
4) The knifemaker sells more knives & makes more money
5) The knifemaker can afford more tools to increase production (CNC machinery)
6) Repeat steps 1-5 until the knifemaker is satisfied with their income

Buying CNC machinery does not guarantee success. However, the monthly payment does emphasize the importance of selling knives!

When I buy forged knives, I'm aware I will probably have to wait if I want sell the knife. I'm also aware I may not get back the purchase price. Contrast with the tactical knife secondary market where hundreds of knives sell every day, many at a profit.

Knifemakers have to actively market to collectors at the correct price point if they want to be successful. Good collector attendance at shows is an indication of how well the knifemakers are marketing. Good sales at the show are a result of proper pricing.

BTW, The list of knifemakers posted at the CKCA show is interesting. Some diversification in the type of knifemakers may increase membership.

Chuck