ABS Reno Expo 2008 review

Excellent comments. Steven. John Perry does some incredible work, but what would you expect from a guy who sits around and hand rubs everything with 8000+ grit jewelers polishing paper?:D He showed me that little trick at Blade. Glad to hear that Mr. Pendray was there. He was one of the guys that got me excited about forged blades back in the early 90's when I saw his wootz blades at the '93 or '94 Guild Show in Orlando. I have an early wootz/stag integral hunter of his. Cliff Parker is a great guy too. The funny thing is that, relatively speaking, he lives right around the corner from me and yet I met him for the first time in Paris this past year. I eventually need to take him up on his invite to visit his shop.
 
Kevin Jones said:
As good a review as I have ever seen STeven, however I totally disagree with your "A" game assumption.
Many makers had as good of pieces as I have seen from them. Could name examples but won't as I don't want to risk leaving anyone out.
Click to expand...

Kevin...."A" doesn't just mean good or great execution, it also means design and materials....like not enough fighter patterns in the room, for starters. One maker lamented "probably not enough money in the room"...but there WAS enough money in the room, and some of it walked out the door..never to be spent.

Some makers, including Harvey, brought some of the best stuff that I have ever seen....many brought work that you would expect to see at a small, regional show...trust me, I looked at probably 75% of the tables in the room.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
Kohai999 said:
Kevin...."A" doesn't just mean good or great execution, it also means design and materials....like not enough fighter patterns in the room, for starters. One maker lamented "probably not enough money in the room"...but there WAS enough money in the room, and some of it walked out the door..never to be spent.

Some makers, including Harvey, brought some of the best stuff that I have ever seen....many brought work that you would expect to see at a small, regional show...trust me, I looked at probably 75% of the tables in the room.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
Click to expand...

Defining "A" game including maker selection of knife to bring, than we agree. As that was what I was getting at in my less than expected quantity/selection statment. Not many BIG Southwest Bowies either.

I define "A" game as degree of fit/finish/design/execution/material selection/overall proportion, however not types/styles of knives a maker brings.
As you and I prefer "fighters" however many others may not, so I would not base an "A" game assumption on that.

Have you ever been to "major show" where so many makers brought just 2 maybe 3 knives?

As you know, I'm a major Harvey fan, but you should have seen the super pieces he brought to Jerry's Micro Show (3 fighters, including an extremely nice El Diablo, a beautiful amber stag folder and a upper scale big SW Bowie). This past weekend he had your extremely nice EL Diablo and one hunter.
 
Tell you what, Steven.
You learn to take a couple of pics to go with your reviews,
and I'll give you a couple of glasses of whisky when you come to visit.

howzzat?
 
Kevin Jones said:
Defining "A" game including maker selection of knife to bring, than we agree. As that was what I was getting at in my less than expected quantity/selection statement. Not many BIG Southwest Bowies either.

I define "A" game as degree of fit/finish/design/execution/material selection/overall proportion, however not types/styles of knives a maker brings.
As you and I prefer "fighters" however many others may not, so I would not base an "A" game assumption on that.

Have you ever been to "major show" where so many makers brought just 2 maybe 3 knives?

As you know, I'm a major Harvey fan, but you should have seen the super pieces he brought to Jerry's Micro Show (3 fighters, including an extremely nice El Diablo, a beautiful amber stag folder, and a upper scale big SW Bowie) . This past weekend he had your extremely nice EL Diablo and one hunter.
Click to expand...

To simplify my post above, when I hear someone speak of "A" game, quality of knife immediately comes to mind. There was most definitely "quality" in the room, however I agree with STeven in that there could have been more fighters and Southwest Bowies on hand at a ABS Reno show.

Makers hate not to sell out at a show, so for a one day show you can expect TOP quality, but less selection.
 
Hi Kevin,

I wasn't there, however I don't think the One Day format had anything to do with it.

Most makers are part time. Hence they don't make a lot of knives to begin with.

A lot of makers have "Christmas Orders" that they have to finish...well before Christmas.

From what I understand there were plenty of knives still for sale at the end of the show.

So it appears the time frame was not the problem.

STeven,

Whether a maker sells all or none of their knives. The decision for them to come back should be strictly a "BUSINESS" decision.

According to the show chairman, Harvey Dean. The show is open to all "Active Bladesmiths". He never said to me "just ones whose work is good enough to impress everyone who walks through the door and will sell out".

Is there any reason you and Kevin think this show is any different from any other show (exception the AKI)?

There will be makers who sell out, some who sell some and some who sell none.

Les Robertson
Custom Knife Entrepreneur
www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com
 
Kevin Jones said:
To simplify my post above, when I hear someone speak of "A" game, quality of knife immediately comes to mind. There was most definitely "quality" in the room, however I agree with STeven in that there could have been more fighters and Southwest Bowies on hand at a ABS Reno show.
Click to expand...


Kevin,

It feels like you are not seeing the big picture. Makers are businessmen(or at least should be)....."A" game is total....it means bringing your best stuff, doing the best, most exciting designs you can bring, making the table look attractive..........being prepared for success. I have to set up at a trade show today....if I don't bring my "A" game....my sales will suffer compared to last year, and I will fail....it is that simple.

"Just" another show is one thing....however,from the format changes brought about to this show, it would appear that the organizers are attempting to make the ABS expo one of the premier shows in the world, and that requires COMPLETE commitment of the knifemakers that have tables at the show to make that happen. If you had ever been to the AKI, you would have more unterstanding of this.

Is this clear to you?

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
Les Robertson said:
STeven,

Whether a maker sells all or none of their knives. The decision for them to come back should be strictly a "BUSINESS" decision.


Is there any reason you and Kevin think this show is any different from any other show (exception the AKI)?
Click to expand...

1. This is the only show of the type that the ABS puts on...so I would view it as a premier show...not a "run of the mill" regional show.

2. The show organizers have been very specific about dress codes, table height, lighting(as much as possible), and overall presentation of this show...and have been stepping up the "spit and polish" more and more over the years...of which I have attended 4...have you been there, Les?

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
Aren't you basically saying the same thing I am? The overall quality and execution was great, but selection, design, style of knife could have been better?

Unless I'm mistaken, the AKI dictates the quantity of knives that makers have to bring. What is it more than 3, however less than 8? I assume they do this to increase creativity and selection.
 
Thanks for the mention Steven. I also think that your review is spot on. I was pleased to be able to talk to old friends and meet some of the members here that I had not met before
 
Les Robertson said:
Hi Kevin,

I wasn't there, however I don't think the One Day format had anything to do with it.

Most makers are part time. Hence they don't make a lot of knives to begin with.

A lot of makers have "Christmas Orders" that they have to finish...well before Christmas.

From what I understand there were plenty of knives still for sale at the end of the show.

So it appears the time frame was not the problem.


Les Robertson
Custom Knife Entrepreneur
www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com
Click to expand...

My point is, as you know I have been to a LOT of shows, and have never been to one (including the four Reno shows I have attended) and noticed fewer knives on maker's tables. However there were a few left at the end. This was the first (open show) I have attended where I have not purchased a knife.
Yet, I really enjoyed the Show a LOT.
 
Hi STeven,

Never been to Reno, I have posted why several times.

The ABS Show is not a premier show. It is a show open to any "ACTIVE SMITH".

Generally the words Any and Premier are not found in the same sentence.

As you know the AKI show is "Invitation Only". Both for the makers and the collectors. This is not a show open to any "ACTIVE KNIFE MAKER".

Dress codes, table heights, lighting have absolutely nothing to do with the quality and quantity of the knives that will be brought to the show.

So lets Review:

The show is open to any active bladesmith in good standing with the ABS.

Any one can pay the fee and walk through the show. Unlike the AKI...buyers are not "Pre-Qualified".

There are no guidelines as to how many knives to bring and/or what type of knives to bring.

Saying this show is like saying the Guild Show in now not a regional show. I have already seen complaints from forumites that they will not be traveling to Texas for the next "Premier" ABS show. Due primarily to the fact they have to "Travel".

People from all over the world seem to have no problem traveling to the Blade Show or the East Coast Custom Show. And definitely no problem traveling to the AKI.

Have to say I think you and Kevin are kinda snobby with regards to the "A" game knives. I suspect just about every maker there did the very best they could. They know who is going to be in the room. I doubt seriously that they paid to go to the show and "phoned it in".

If you and Kevin don't want "B" game knives and more of the "A" game knives. You need to talk directly with Harvey Dean. Let him know your disappointment with the show, the knives and the makers who only brought "B" game knives. Further the ABS needs to make sure only the very best get a table at the show. Forget that "ACTIVE SMITH" crap. We want only the really good makers with their best knives.

Then again on the Plus side the tables are all the same height and the lighting is very good.

I understand there was good promotion of the "collectors corner". :D

I suspect the attendance will be up in San Antonio. Since it is now a more "regional" show for me I'll probably go. Have no idea what knives will be there, since the show is only 10 weeks after the Blade Show.

What I would like to know, since this a show open to "ACTIVE SMITHS". Is the room going to be bigger than in Reno to allow more table holders?

Les Robertson
Custom Knife Entrepreneur
www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com
 
Kohai999 said:
Kevin,

It feels like you are not seeing the big picture. Makers are businessmen(or at least should be)....."A" game is total....it means bringing your best stuff, doing the best, most exciting designs you can bring, making the table look attractive..........being prepared for success. I have to set up at a trade show today....if I don't bring my "A" game....my sales will suffer compared to last year, and I will fail....it is that simple.

"Just" another show is one thing....however,from the format changes brought about to this show, it would appear that the organizers are attempting to make the ABS expo one of the premier shows in the world, and that requires COMPLETE commitment of the knifemakers that have tables at the show to make that happen. If you had ever been to the AKI, you would have more unterstanding of this.

Is this clear to you?

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
Click to expand...

STeven, I'm not disagreeing with you, just stating when you state "too many makers didn't bring their "A" game", some will interpet that Reno knives were lacking in quality. Which I do not agree. I do agree some makers could have been more creative in design, selection and materials for such a show.
 
This was my 4th ABS Expo show too - and still my favorite show of the ones I'm able to attend every year. For me it's the right mix of quality, size and atmosphere. I've not attended the AKI (yet) but wonder if a somewhat similar approach would be beneficial for the ABS. Consider:
1. A juried show - each bladesmith to qualify by meeting certain standards as judged by a committee that includes experienced collectors as well as bladesmiths. (This is not unlike some art shows, BTW)
2. Invited bladesmiths must commit to bring a certain number of pieces representing their best work. AND, each may attend, say, 3 years in a row (or 3 *times in a row - see below) BUT is then subject to the jury process again. This would allow the best of the best to remain almost permanent table holders while the 'rest' would turn over continually per the jury process. This would serve to continuously raise the quality bar overall and over time.
3. *Consider staging the Expo every other year to cleverly alternate with the bi-annual AKI (Art Knife Invitational) and thus gain similar stature and hopefully attract many of the same level of buyers/collectors.
4. Publish a quality catalog for the Expo that is worth saving - top quality photography, bios etc. - same as AKI. (AKI makers must submit knives for photography prior to the show - this means the Expo bladesmiths would have to plan ahead specifically for this event.) ... I believe the lack of planning ahead by some (even many) of the bladesmiths is the cause of what both STeven and Kevin are talking about. This could help elevate the ABS Expo to the level of an all-important show (which is the hoped for result of the suggestions I'm making here).
5. A marketing plan (targeting and inviting the right audience of buyer/collectors internationally) that befits a premiere show.

There's more to say but I think (and I may be wrong, naive, and out of touch) that the potential for the ABS Expo is huge - but it will need to be developed in the right way. I've nothing against any of the other shows at all. There's a place for every knife maker and knife lover in the world.

Comments?
 
Les, don't think I'm snobby at all.
As I have said through out this thread, there were great knives there.

Just not many of what I was looking for. Some examples:

Jerry had 3 great knives. But I have a similar SW Bowie, the Gamemaster was beautiful, but I like more color in the ivory.

Bailey's big "D" guard bowie was great, but I have not had good luck with Bluing.

I would have bought a Dean, however I already have 2 EL Diablos and I wasn't going to wrestle STeven for that one, even though I think I could win. ;):D And I have an engraved, stag "Spirit of the Wild" hunter. If Harvey would have brought SW Bowie, I most likely would have gone for it.

There were MANY great folders there, including Josh's and Cliff Parker's that I just about went for, but I'm not really a folder collector. Yet;):D

Liked the Steve Dunn amber stag, engraved fighter, but knew Joss wanted it more than me.

I could go on. I did put in for a Hancock, but was second on the draw.

It's a great show and I had a great time. You don't have to get a knife to enjoy a show.
 
Kevin, Steven and Les,

Let me give you a makers perspective and an ABS "insiders" view of this show.

While it is open to all active smiths, the ABS is dedicated to keeping it small and as high quality as possible. The approach is passive, but I think it will be effective. All of the original table holders were MS first, and left over tables were filled by JS. After that, any active smith level could get on the waiting list. There is a tremendous amount of peer pressure to do your absolute best because of who the table holders are and the level of collectors attending. There weren't a large number of collectors, but the ones attending were serious and ready to spend.

A juried show could create so much animosity towards the show from makers that the ABS would suffer in the end, so if done it would be a really touchy process. I don't disagree with it raising the quality of the offerings, but since it is committee run, not by a single promoter, you are looking at serious political fallout potential.

As for the "A" game issue. Every maker I know has major anxiety over shows like this. New format, major competition and an uncertain market make it difficult to sink two months of work into a few hours of sales time. I for one am MUCH more comfortable with it now that I have seen it work and know it will improve. I had three knives available. I intended to have five at least, but two projects employed a new technique that wasn't refined enough to show....yet (Blade show !!!). One of the pieces I had I really shouldn't have had on the table, and it didn't sell. Needs a little more work to have it where it needs to be, and it is in the artwork of the engraving, not the workmanship of the knife ( again...Blade show). Other makers expressed similar issues in getting ready for the show. I approach this one like the Plaza show in that I want to show my VERY best and new work. Sometimes it works out, and sometimes the stars just don't line up. What we makers get into is the economics of doing this type of work. The D guard bowie I had could have had another week or two worth of work in it, but I wasn't confident I could sell a $6k bowie there. I for one can't gamble with my income like that so I make it a little more conservative, fill a few orders as I am getting ready, and hope I can make enough to make a good showing. Frankly it is easier to bring the A game and pull out all the stops for a show like the AKI or Plaza because of the prestige and level of clients. So to surmise this paragraph, the fewer number of knives is probably an indication of the level of prestige the makers feel for this show while being a little unsure of the attendance.
 
I'll toss my 2 cents here -

I really like this show and will continue to go when it moves to San Antonio. However, I'm not thrilled with the move - I don't really care for Reno, but having the show coincide with the SCI show was a plus. San Antonio is probably more a fun then Reno, but why August?? The southwest in the summer isn't a lot of fun (I know, I live in Phoenix), I'd rather they'd have picked Denver or somewhere cooler if it needs to be summer.

The new format works for me, but I don't see any reason why makers shouldn't be able to display knives on Friday before 4pm. If you're not attending the seminars then you end up wasting time (I spent most of Friday at the SCI show, so it worked out ok for me, but wont have that luxury in San Antonio).

I didn't buy anything at the show but will very likely place 2-3 orders based on things I got to see at the show.

Regarding Buddy's suggestions:

1) Juried show - I personally don't think this is necessary, but wouldn't necessarily be opposed to the idea. The couple times I've been to Reno I've been more than happy with quality of knives. I also think it's nice that some up and coming smith get a chance to show off what they do.

2) Required number of pieces - This is a suggestion I do like, the number doesn't have to be huge, but a minimum of 3-4 might be good.

3) Move to show to an every 2 year schedule - I don't care for this suggestion myself. It's nice to get face time with the bladesmiths whose work I collect, even if it's just to discuss current/future projects, etc.

4) Catalog - I don't know how expensive this would be to produce, but in the $20-30 range I'd go for this.

My own minor suggestion - the auction after the banquet is a lot of fun, but goes on entirely too long, they should really look to find ways to trim 30 minutes off that.
 
I wonder if a very competitive show (AKI like) is really the realm of the ABS. It seems that there's a high potential for conflicts of interest, hurt feelings, personality clashes, etc.

I do like Buddy's idea of an AKI-level show focusing on forged blades, on alternate, non-AKI years. Maybe some of us collectors should set up something like that... :D
 
Hi Bailey,

A juried show could create so much animosity towards the show from makers that the ABS would suffer in the end, so if done it would be a really touchy process. I don't disagree with it raising the quality of the offerings, but since it is committee run, not by a single promoter, you are looking at serious political fallout potential.
Click to expand...

Politics among knife maker organizations???? I have never heard of such a thing. :D

Bailey, exactly 100% correct. A single promoter can do as they wish. A committee, no matter how fair, will always be accused of favoritism or pushing an agenda.

Les Robertson
Custom Knife Entreprenur
www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com
 
Hi Kevin,

Something for you to think about. You and the other Blade Forums ABS Mafia (Peter, STeven, Roger, Joss and Stephen) may be directly responsible for the lack of knives at shows.

You and the mafioso heap huge amounts of praise, post photos, slap each other on the back with "You Da Man" when a great knife is scored.

An unintended response to this is the makers you tout receive additional orders.

The "pie" does not get bigger. Consequently, your 'piece" of the "pie" will get smaller as others partake of the "pie".

Example, Bob Neal and I bought 24 of the 30 Knives Ken Onion brought to his first Vegas Show. 7 years later we were relegated to standing with the others with half of a playing card in our hands.

Just "food" for thought (pun inserted to tie up the "pie" reference).

Les Robertson
Custom Knife Entreprenur
www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com
 
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