Atlanta Blade Show: What can I expect?

J

James0723

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Mar 25, 2009
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I am debating whether or not to go to the Atlanta Blade Show because I don't know what to expect on prices.

As we all know brick and mortar stores are usually a lot more expensive than the online knife stores. My question is, will the blade show be closer to brick & mortar store prices or online prices?

And as far as discontinued knives go will they be priced way up there or for reasonable market prices? Are the sellers open to haggling?

Will the sellers have credit card machines or will I have to bring a big wad of cash?

Finally I am wondering which day would be the best to go. It seems like if I go the first day there will be a better selection, but if I wait until the last day I might get some better prices. What do you think?
 
Prices are one aspect of Blade. People don't just go to buy. It's an opportunity to meet the designers and execs, you can handle the prototypes, be immersed in the environment of sharpness, and see things that are desitined for future releases. As far as haggling goes, I wouldn't try and low ball anyone there. Many companies put a lot of time, energy, and money into bringing designs to life, it mgiht be insulting to some of you try and haggle too much. First come first serve, bring your wallet.
 
Ah, thanks for the info.

All that stuff is interesting, but as an attendee of Blade I would be going primarily to buy.

I would not try to lowball anyone there, I am just wondering what the general price level is going to be like? Are the prices going to be like the typical brick and mortar knife store or will they be closer to online knife prices?
 
Didn't even know they sold knives during the show, my understanding just from listening to people was that it was more of a trade show than anything else, kind of a "look see" at whats going on, and be able to handle the models that are out and check out the new ones. Really have to get down there one of these years.
 
I will only be able to go one day too. I cant decide which day to go. This is my first blade show and I am VERY excited to say the least.
 
Friday is not a bad day to go. If you have a VIP pass you can get in at noon, otherwise you have to wait until 2pm, but it runs until 7pm on Fri.
You can get in at noon on Fri without the VIP pass, but it costs an additonal $25.
Theres usually a pretty good line to get in at noon, but it moves quickly, so not much of a wait. Isn't too crowded, except around certain makers.
Saturday seems the day most folks show up, so its more crowded.

I wouldn't consider it a trade show, more an enthusiasts show.
Prices run the gamut from bargain to high. I've gotten some decent deals.
Cash and a checkbook are a good idea. And haggling is allowed. :D

Don't forget all the demontrations and lectures (most on Sat.). Check the schedule on the Bladeshow web site. Lot of great info being offered there.

Wear comfortable shoes, there is a LOT to see!
 
If all you're interested in production knives you are going to have a shock. The large majority of the show is not that bunch. About 10% is "collections and used stuff", about 25% production manufacturers, 15-20% materials, and the rest individual makers.

If you go on Friday, you'll have the best chance to buy - but only if you know where and what you want. Otherwise you'll get sidetracked, see stuff you never knew about, and run out of time. Sunday you'll find the best deals, but those really limited numbers you wanted to get - they're gone.

Some dealers will have ability to handle credit, others won't. If you're like me, and place orders for knives to be made to your spec. you need to get a feel for the delivery time. I'm still waiting for knives ordered two years ago, and had others done in time for hunting season.

Go to the show. Take more money than you intend to spend. You're going to have a good time.
 
This will be my first time going...plan on going Friday....SCARED to bring my wallet.
 
wow my 4th blade show this comeing friday
it is the big top of knife shows on the east coast
sunday is the dealing day were they want to not have to take things home!
friday early is the only day to go if you want even a chance at a high end custom knife!!
as many times they sell out in jest hours! but the show requires them to leave knives on display tell sunday even if sold..
there are many factory booths set up = Buck Knife will be there.. as will the Buck Collectors Club with over 10 tables of collectable buck knives of all kinds to look at! (yes i will have a few there to show off also!)

there is a Nice large frendly show in northern va about 2 to 3 hr from dc
- http://svkc.org/annual_show is last show link
this year was first time i missed in 6 years..
there are others.. one in fredric md, by the mason dixion knife collectors it is nice

set up by displayers starts on tursday at 10am
IF you know some one that is showing and they are a friend
they get two passes for the weekend
and if they dont have some one with them .. well read between the = !

motel called cobb a less then a mile away had rooms for around 50$
motel there on site is 160 or so
so
all youal that make it there come by the buck club section ..
rt rear section of the show hall after you come in
look for a bunch of 110's and there i'll be ..:D:thumbup:
and do one of two things
dont brind your credit card :eek:
or bring lots of money and not your wife;)
as they dont like shiney things that cut
unless it is a ring:p
 
Does the show require that all knives stay till sunday even if sold? Or just high end custom knives?
 
eisman said:
Take more money than you intend to spend.
Click to expand...

My advice would be almost exactly the opposite of that. While you're inevitably going to want to spend more than you have, figure out exactly how much you can afford to spend and take only that much with you. It's no fun to get a new knife only to have to pawn it the next day because you blew out your bank account.

Not that I haven't done that, of course.:D
 
Hello Emerson, no, most of the knives purchased are yours to walk away with.
Lemmuhj...be afraid;)
And Allan's right about the comfortable shoes, there are miles to cover and a lot of standing and gawking!
4 more sleep 'till Fly Day!!!
 
Hi --J thats good news. Do most of the manufacturers like emerson, cold steel, spyderco etc. have a good supply of knives? Or will they sell out pretty quick?
 
If you're only interested in production knives, you should have nothing to worry about.
 
Well I really want to pick up a nice fixed blade and then if I have some money left maybe go by the emerson booth :D
 
A knife-nuts 1st BLADE show is an epiphany. You walk into a large conference room that is wall to wall knives. Beautiful customs, new release productions - you'll swear you hear a choir of Angels in the background as you spin in circles trying to take it all in.
 
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