Authentic Knifemaker Look

james terrio

james terrio

Sharpest Knife in the Light Socket
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Apr 15, 2010
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This came up in a recent thread... what exactly is the "authentic knifemaker look"?!? I'm looking to start doing shows fairly soon (in knifemaker terms, that means "sometime in the next several years") and I have no idea what to wear. :(

Does the authentic look only involve bib overalls and a flannel shirt? Bibs and nothing else at all? Rainbow-stripe painter's cap? What about the makers who sport full period buckskins at shows? Or full digital cammies?

What about that guy named Billy who attends shows in a very nice suit and impeccable haircut? Is he authentic?

I'm pretty sure cowboy hats are passe'... unfortunately I look mighty cool in my Resistol and I'm loathe to give it up... what shall I do?

My own most "authentic knifemaker" look is ratty jeans, an old spark-riddled filthy hoody, steel-toe kickers, a respirator and face-shield, hands soaked in cutting oil and black steel dust... but my fiance seems to think that would only frighten people.

Your thoughts, please.
 
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Birthday suits are always in style, right? That might frighten people too though.
 
I'm pretty sure no one wants to see any of us in our birthday suits :D
 
As individual as knifemaking seems to be, the typical look depends on the knife maker. Mine is a cowboy hat that goes everywhere with me, cargo work pants and sleeveless shirts. And of course, several knives.
 
Black Motorcycle harness boots, black jeans, black shirt (or Hawaiian shirt if it is a festive occaision) Black leather jacket, black cowboy hat, black Raybans.

-Page
 
I always liked the SR Johnson pics, suit and tie, not sure if wears one at shows, probably at his level.

But really be yourself as Ed said.
 
I agree, just present yourself the way you want to.

Personally, I like wearing a nice suit at shows. Actually I have several so I can wear a different one each day. That's just what I like.

As far as the authentic look--- LOL --- Mine would be much like yours: Filthy Carhartts, shoes with holes burned through them, T-shirts/sweatshirts with a dozen holes burned in them, and a grubby baseball hat.

But I wouldn't feel comfortable standing behind my table like that. Just like I wouldn't feel comfortable with a cowboy hat... which many consider "standard garb" for an ABS maker. I grew up bucking hay and shoveling out barns, but I've never had a cowboy hat in my life (except for that blue one when I was 2 ;) )..... I think they work for the guys that want/choose to wear them, but if I wore one it would FEEL weird to me.... so I don't. I know MANY makers would feel weird wearing a suit like I do.


Just no see through mesh tank tops. :eek: :p :D
 
IF YOU WERE THE CUSTOMER.........and you approached a table showing very well
made knives....and a grubby dude was standing behind the table, would you
believe that crudball actually made them.? Would you trust him with your
money..?
 
I would say corporate casual.
Good jeans or dockers with a polo or a long sleeve button up shirt.

The only maker I have noticed wearing a suit was Michael Rader in Portland several years back.
My wife was impressed (probably thought he was cute), I thought he looked like a sales rep.

My only shows are West Coast so it might be different out here.
 
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I see a fair number of suits at the Blade Show in Atlanta, along with lots of casual dress. Then, there is always a few that look as though they just crawled out of a sewer.

The ABS section has lots of cowboy hats. Looks like they are filming a Gene Autry movie or something. There even a few suits worn in that section...complete with a cowboy hat.

You are representing your knives and first impressions are important. Be yourself, but be presentable.

Most knife shows don't have a place for customers to sit down at your table, so its a good idea to stand behind your table as much as possible. At least get up when a potential customer stops by.

Robert
 
You guys are taking this a little too seriously... what started as a goof has turned into a conversation that may actually be useful :D
 
A big show promoter once sent all table holders a letter dictating that we dress "appropriately - sport coats etc" to develop a "professional" Image.

I wrote back asking if he was going to demand the same dress code for visitors to the show? Needless to say his response was not complimentary!!
 
Not to many shows behind me, but, I am for the advice to go with the cleaned up you. For me that is nice jeans, denim shirt and comfortable shoes. Fresh shave on the bare parts and hair net and clean. I am a working guy more than a business man. I don't mind people seeing that. For those who like suits, thats also good, you are a business man as well as a craftsman. I grew up in eastern Montana and have a Stetson, and cowboy boots, but mostly only wore that stuff at rodeos to get laid when I was younger. Some people I know have always wore such for their good clothes and that's cool to as long as it isn't a prop. People distrust props and props often show.

Unless, your target is the grunch crowd looking dirty and unkept will only hurt your sales. People understand that when your working in the shop you get dirty. They also know, that your role at a show is sales. Most of those that you really need for repeat customers, especially of upper end knives, didn't make their deals while being grubby even if part of their business is grubby. Right or wrong thats the way it is.
 
James lives in Wisconsin so that would NOT help his situation. They hate the vikings up there. At least all my family does.
 
I would recommend that all the hot chick knife makers wear as little as possible, except then the rest of us would have no one at our booths.
 
Khakis/Polo - pretty much anything you would wear to work.
 
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