Big Sky Show Info and Questions for you

Kevin Jones said:
Your second show will be a hard act to follow, considering the makers that will be present at your first.

On my list of considerations would be Jerry Fisk, Don Hanson, Burt Foster, Bailey Bradshaw, Lin Rhea, Jay Hendrickson, Daniel Winkler (he will attend Jerry's this year), D Holder and John Young.
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Finally- someone "snuck" in a stock removal maker. It's been my suggestion in the past that with many forged makers now adding folders ( and increasingly engraving) to the knives they make that it would be a great idea to add an engraver and folder maker to the lineup at the "maker" type of shows. I think that we would all learn something from it.

Good choice Kevin. May I add Tom Overeynder, Joe Mason, and another vote for John White?

Paul Kessler
 
Here's a challenge for you- Jimmy Fikes. :eek: Maybe Don Fogg could put some pressure on the old forger. I'd hope to get an invitation.

Win
 
Josh - you see the problem. Some of the suggestions will attract collectors but others won't. I'll let to you the task of identifying them.

One thing I'd suggest is that you set up a secret ballot poll with your collectors this year. Those will be the people who have demonstrated their commitment. (A secret poll here would work too, but you run the risk to offend some makers.) If you really want to get meaningful answers, ask the question "Which maker would you like to see come and which of this year's makers should they replace". That will put things in perspective.

One thing I'll point out is that you have a top quality line up this year. There's no reason for you not to invite the same people. I think you could have a really solid thing going if you ID'ed 5-10 absolutely top quality makers and just invited the same people on a rotating basis.
 
Joss said:
Josh - you see the problem. Some of the suggestions will attract collectors but others won't. I'll let to you the task of identifying them.

One thing I'd suggest is that you set up a secret ballot poll with your collectors this year. Those will be the people who have demonstrated their commitment. (A secret poll here would work too, but you run the risk to offend some makers.) If you really want to get meaningful answers, ask the question "Which maker would you like to see come and which of this year's makers should they replace". That will put things in perspective.

One thing I'll point out is that you have a top quality line up this year. There's no reason for you not to invite the same people. I think you could have a really solid thing going if you ID'ed 5-10 absolutely top quality makers and just invited the same people on a rotating basis.
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Joss, I couldn't have said it better. I already plan on doing just what you said with the collectors at the show. When they leave I will know what each one feels about the show, possible changes/ideas, and makers. I have no problem bringing back some of the same makers. Some are AKI members and so that may have to factor into some makers decisions for '09. I will bring who the collectors want, if I can get them. If that means two of the same makers year after year that's just fine.

Many of the makers named above will just not provide an overall draw like others. But some of those makers will be at the hammer in after the show anyway. I hope more makers nationwide decide to start attending my hammer in knowing I will have a great group of collectors present from the night before. I hope it has a building affect on itself. Sometimes my hopes get pretty large but what the heck, its worth a shot.

I hope the comments above are taken not as arrogant or belittling to my fellow makers. I think most self analyzing makers will agree that most of us just aren't the overall draw of a Hancock, Fuegen, or Dean. If these makers don't get invited to attend the show it should in no way be taken as a slap in the face. Instead they should view the hammer in as a chance to mingle with great collectors for an entire weekend and hopefully sell some knives. One thing is for sure, the collectors who attend the show are just stuck with me.:D
 
Josh, You're gonna have a problem sorting out all these great names. I'll throw out four more that are favorites of mine and have not been mentioned so far (all happen to be ABS Mastersmiths) - John Perry, J.W.Randall, Jim Crowell and Mike Williams. See you in June!
 
Josh,

Have put off writing, wanted to gather my thoughts.....these days, 3 big shows and maybe two little ones is about my personal limit, both from a time and financial perspective....

Moving the Expo from Reno to San Antonio may very well be a great move for the ABS, but am not convinced it is for me, so, after attending for the last 4 years, 2009 will see me at your show instead…would like to support it, am friendly with many of the makers, collectors and suppliers that will be there, and Missoula in June is MUCH more appealing than Texas later in the year.

When I go to a knife show…am there to be at that show…. don’t travel to shows with my wife, and while I am there to socialize….it centers around “knife talk”….not tourism, and not sightseeing…again, your show makes more sense to me in that regard…so I look forward to seeing you then, and wish you luck this year.

I would like it if you could get J.D. Smith to attend….he doesn’t go to many shows as an exhibitor anymore....other than that...the plan to attend is because it is "new and different" more than anything else.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
Thanks a lot Steven. I really look forward to the experience as a collector and the personality you will bring to the weekend next year. You will be missed at the ABS show but I am please that you have decided to attend here. Thanks.
 
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