Atlanta blade show question

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mpento

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Apr 8, 2012
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Hello, I'm thinking about going to go to my first blade show in Atlanta, GA for June 8-10 One question I have is if I end up making some purchases (I have at least one very probable I hope) are there potential problems in putting them into checked luggage for my return to Seattle? I guess the alternative would be to ship stuff back? Is there any setup at the show for shipping or is the checked luggage alternative not a problem? Any advice for first time visitor to a knife show and Atlanta would be appreciated too. Thanks.
mpento
 
Pick the appropriate size USPS Flat Rate Box.

Buy shipping online to ship from the hotel you're staying at to your home in Seattle. Buy insurance. Print your label out and tape it to the USPS Box. Take this box with you.

Go to the Blade show. Have a good time and buy some knives.

Load up the USPS Flat Rate Box with your knives. Seal the box and give to the front desk for outgoing mail.

Fly home, wait 3-5 days, get your knives and be so happy!


FWIW, I would not check anything of value in my luggage. Ship it with insurance is much safer. Someone stole several thousand dollars worth of Ken Onion's custom knives from his luggage while he was on the way to a show.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/427647-STOLEN-KNIVES-ALERT-Ken-Onion
 
If you're looking to buy primarily production knives then you may be disappointed. Most companies only bring knives for show, but there are a few people that come just to sell production knives but the pickings are slim.

If you're looking for customs, prepare to melt your credit card.


As far as what to do with them, ship them back home. USPS registered mail is pretty much loss/theft proof.
 
I agree with the advice given above. Shipping USPS w/ insurance is much safer than luggage. There will be dealers there that will sell production knives, but most of the actual company booths will be show only, as CST said. Also, something to remember about the ATMs at the convention center is that they limit your withdrawal amounts, or they did the times I went to the show. Some of the custom makers are not set up for plastic so you either write a check or pay in cash. I got stuck once by not being able to get enough cash for one purchase I wanted to take home. I had to write a check and wait for it to clear before the guy shipped my knife.

Enjoy the show... there's nothing like it that I've ever attended.
 
FWIW you need to make your hotel reservation now. A lot of the close places are sold out. There's a chance I'll be going from Seattle, and just as good I'll drive over from Birmingham. (I'm in the middle of a move and there havebeen some delays.)

I's ship anything home; above advice is good.

Bring lots of money!
 
I've flown in and out of Atlanta and other places (USA) with knives in checked luggage no problem. I always wrap them up in my toiletry bag with a small lock inside my luggage. Far from tamper proof but I've never had any problems that way.
 
There is a business office in the hotel that will ship UPS and Fed-Ex but I have never lost anything out my luggage coming home to Seattle.
 
I looked for hotels yesterday and there were 511 different hotels that had rooms available in atlanta for blade. There will be a place to stay.
I never would have thought about the knives being at risk but its a good point. I would hate to have my new knife stolen.
 
Went to blade from Seattle last year. You'll have a blast. Be prepared to utterly destroy your budget. I found it easiest to pack up my knives and send them out right there at the Waverly (connected to the Cobb Galeria) They have a small shop where you'll be able to do this from. Shouldn't be too hard to find if you ask around. It will likely be very crowded though. Good luck and have fun!
 
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