Blade show 2016, how much money (ballpark) to bring.

Joined
May 10, 2016
Messages
7
Blade show 2016 will be my first time attending. I expect that I will purchase two custom knives between 8 to 11 inches. I know this is hard to answer because of variables however, can a member with experience please attempt to suggest a margin of money this could cost and, if the sellers except payment other than cash. Thank you!
 
Bring everything that you can spare. The Bladeshow is huge and you will have evry opportunity to add to your collection.

n2s
 
for good quality i would plan on spending on at least $300 each. above that your wallet will determine how much more craftsmanship you can afford.
 
Are you able to get a second mortgage on your home? Or a relatives home? ;)

An extra-large Line of Credit from your Banker would be nice.... If you use the ATM's at the show, they run out of cash quickly and you will be limited to too small a sum and will need to withdraw several times per occasion. :)

Have a great time, I know that you will and try not to spend ALL of your $$$'s in one purchase....can be real hard to do, trust me.
 
Last edited:
Cash is King, yet some makers will probably be able to ACCEPT credit cards. Probably less than more.

Bring a G-note for knives. Others will bring 20 of them. It all depends. :)

Good fortunes!

Coop
 
This is a hard question to answer as you can overspend on a $100 knife and get the deal of the century on a $ 600 one.

There should be many fine knives in the $300 price range mentioned before

Knives 8-11" I suspect will be less common than shorter ones

I might look online for styles/makers you like and try to focus on them. Also check with some dealer websites to look at a broader range. There will be plenty there to talk to and get their opinions

It would be easy to be overwhelmed in a such a big place. Some prep work before might reduce the chance of being disappointed later

The best answer is to determine how much "fun money" your personal budget allows and try not to go over that.
 
I'm blowing all my cash just to get there. For me, all I want to come home with are great memories of meeting people I've known for years- for the first time-, some one on one time with a lot of different knives, more edgeucation, and a boatload of photos to post up here.
 
Will they be user knives or display?

User will most likely be a lot less than display models. User will have less man hours into them with less expensive materials.

Display can be used, but are display for a reason

Bring $1500 to be safe

DON
 
Bring what you can afford to spend, and knifemakers like cash.
Come with a plan as to what type knives and knifemakers you will be seeking.
Try to purchase knives which will interest you long term as opposed to buying on impulse.
Have a great Show,
 
I would suggest bringing somewhere between 500-1200 dollars - cash.
Many really cool and savvy makers are set up to accept credit and Paypal.
My best suggestion is to begin your search somewhere near table 8-Q.
 
Bring all cash you can afford to spend, and maybe 2-300 more. I hate to have everything lined out and come up short on cash, you never know.

By the way what style of knife are you looking at
 
Don't make your first Blade show all about spending your money

Take in the whole experience

If your looking for something special from a certain maker find out where their booth is and get there early

Everyone has different interests in blades and those blades can have drastically different prices

If you want your money to go far look at some of the used dealers

Tommy at Blue Ridge has some incredible deals on some rather big names

If you get caught up in the lotteries and the very hot makers you need luck and timing or count on being disappointed

Enjoy the show and take it all in
 
Your best plan is to have a budget, then double it.

There are so may knives that you will have trouble making up your mind. You will stop at a table and find a knife that you really like but then say to yourself "I just got here, I can't buy the first knife I find that I like", so you keep moving going from table to table. Then you find another one you like better, but again you are not ready to pull the trigger. Now you are trying to decide between these 2, so you go back to see the first one again and it has been sold and kick yourself for not buying it when you had the chance. This is the scenario that will go on for many show goers, some people spend a whole day trying to make up their minds.

Some people ask to take pictures of knives they like and write down table numbers which helps them decide and keep track of knives they liked.

Now you have spent your original budget and come across a knife that you have to have, and this is where having extra cash comes in handy, or a credit card.

The show will have an exhibitor list on their website, make a list of makers and table numbers that you want to see first if you have any particular makers in mind, otherwise wing it!!
 
Two knives at 8-11 inches overall length...figure $400-$600 each and you should do okay. You might ought to check out Scott McGee. His water jet cut knives are well done and affordable.
 
bring a pad and pencil to write down the table numbers and asile locations of things you like so you arent zipping around trying to find something you saw 3 hours ago. anytime i go to a knife show, or antique show i am completely bewildered by the selection. your head will be spinning you will be amazed by the things you see and want, adrenaline will be flowing. its a blast :) i know you want two, but i would suggest buying the best one knife you can afford.
 
I would suggest bringing somewhere between 500-1200 dollars - cash.
Many really cool and savvy makers are set up to accept credit and Paypal.
My best suggestion is to begin your search somewhere near table 8-Q.

Ha! Love ya man....:D
 
A lot of realistic advice here already. Last year I didn't have a table. I printed out the exhibitor list and highlighted every maker I wanted to meet then, highlighted their tables on the map. The show is huge and it is easy to miss people if you don't have a plan. If you don't know who makes the knives you're looking for, just ask. Most makers will point you in the right direction.

Bob
 
Back
Top