Atlanta Blade Show: What can I expect?

I don't drink beer so that won't be a problem, lol.

Thanks for all the comments everyone, but the one thing I want to know most about seems to have been commented on the least..

What are the prices like for production knives and discontinued production knives there? Like brick and mortar stores or closer to online knife prices?

Also do you have to pay for parking? Would I be better off riding my bicycle?
 
This will be my 5th Blade show, and I'm friggin' pumped. Blade is the best thing to happen all year. Seriously, it rules. Prices on production knives are good, in my experience. It varies from maker to maker, but you can get some really great deals if you look around. Spyderco and Benchmade don't sell knives at the show, but they have dealers right next to their booths that do. If you want Spyderco or Benchmade, you'll pay internet prices, minus shipping of course. Most of the smaller companies will sell knives directly, and they often have killer deals. Most of the companies have credit card machines, but some don't, and none of the the custom makers do.
Bring cash. Lots of it.
 
You will find prices on production knives at or a tad below net prices.
 
Halfneck said:
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.
Click to expand...

LOL Damn Halfneck, that's funny because it's so true...although I was spinning the second time and expect the same this year.
 
Last year was my first BLADE Show. I walked in and just stopped..... I snapped a pic with my phone and sent it to my wife saying "I'm gonna be a while." 8 hours later I walked out. Came away with three new knives. A David Manley, a Blind Horse, and a production Gunhammer. Spent less that $300. I absolutely can not wait until Saturday! I get paid Thursday and all the monthly bills are already paid! I'm hoping to get a shot at a Hinderer or a Busse this year...
 
As a regular, I can tell you that you will find damn-near everything. protos, displays, the makers, movers and shakers of the industry. You will also find plenty to buy. Everything from bar stock, g9, micarta, rivets, sharpening tools to custom and production knives. It's a chance to handle and even buy pieces you've been looking for. I've found that prices are usually within a few dollars north or south of street price.

Step 1: Set yourself a budget, you can blow a lot of money

Step 2: Research street prices of pieces your interested in before you go. Make a shopping list, the major vendors take plastic, but cash is smart too. Smart phones make comparisons easier than ever.

Step 3: Go, you WILL have fun. Be respectful and don't be "that guy" who bleeds out while handling a blade. (i've watched it happen more than once)
 
M0NK said:
and don't be "that guy" who bleeds out while handling a blade.
Click to expand...

While not "bleeding out", I've mangaed to nick myself at 2 shows. One was last years Blade, in about the first 30 minutes of being there. :D Totally embarassing. My comment to the dealer was "your stuff sure is sharp.....got any bandaids?" Now I carry my own bandaids.

Might want to wear some light clothing. We're having a bit of a heat wave here, so temps are about 10 degrees above normal, in the mid 90s. Fortunately the humidity isn't too bad.
 
Band-Aids are good. So are alcohol wipes. Don't feel too bad, we've all done it.
 
Free parking. I carry a water bottle and cliff bars in my pack for endurance!!! Hmmmmm Maybe I should try out a pair of "Depends" so I don't have to waste time in the head. Take a note pad so if you see something and want to return to that table you can jot down the location. Have fun!
 
I'm already in ATL tonight waiting for blade.

I'm hoping to get the chance at a strider, umnumzaan, and also maybe an XM-18. Will those kind of knives be for sale?
 
WJC01 said:
Free parking. I carry a water bottle and cliff bars in my pack for endurance!!! Hmmmmm Maybe I should try out a pair of "Depends" so I don't have to waste time in the head. Take a note pad so if you see something and want to return to that table you can jot down the location. Have fun!
Click to expand...

you know, in the several years i've gone i never thought to bring a pack. good idea. i can buy even MORE sh1t!
 
Alann45 said:
I'd say your odds are pretty good.

Welcome to ATL...sorry its so dang hot.
Click to expand...

Haha it is pretty hot. Any chance you're near Roswell road?

And also I REALLY hope that I come across those knives. I've been saving up for these for a loooooong time.
 
CrimsonTideShooter said:
Haha it is pretty hot. Any chance you're near Roswell road?

And also I REALLY hope that I come across those knives. I've been saving up for these for a loooooong time.
Click to expand...

I'm in the NE area. If I was closer I'd buy ya a drink.

If you see a sweaty fat man with a short white beard, wearing a photographer/fisherman type vest and carrying a black attache, be sure to say hi.
(Wonder how many will match that discription :D)

Good luck finding what you want!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top