My wife and I will be coming to the Blade Show again this year.
Last year was my first time there. Here is what I learned from that experience:
1) If you come with a big agenda or specific wish list with lots of knives on it, expect to feel stress that takes away from the fun. That was me last year because I was sharking for specific pieces for myself and others. This year I am coming with no specific agenda so that I can enjoy a more relaxed weekend. I will buy a few knives this time for sure, but they will be the ones that surprise an/or impress me in hand when I get there.
2) Bring a small daypack to keep your purchase(s) and Swag in while keeping your hands free to check things out. Last year I used a Trader Joes canvas tote bag for this. It worked OK but was certainly not ideal. Having some empty zippered cases or other packing material in your pack to protect your knife purchases is a good idea too.
3) Dress for comfort, especially with shoes. The building was warm inside last year, so dress accordingly.
4) Bring cash if you plan on buying knives from the smaller custom knife makers and many other small vendors. Most dont take credit cards. Paypal is not your Pal at the Blade Show. Personal checks? Forget about it!
4) Carry some bottled water or other drinks and snack food like energy bars or whatever you like. You will forget to eat and stay hydrated as the hours quickly go by while you are dealing with sensory overload for a knife nut.
5) Go to the Fiddleback group dinner at Fogo De Chao on Saturday night if you can. Hang out in the Pit at the Renaissance Waverly hotel in the late evening to meet and socialize with the Fiddleback crew and other forum members.
My only regret from last year was realizing that I missed out on meeting many forum members who were there, but we never got introduced. That is easy to explain when neither of us knows what the other person looks like. In order to improve the odds of meeting more forum friends this year, I have included a mug shot of me below. I will be wearing this black Fiddleback T-Shirt on Friday. Please feel free to introduce yourself and say hi if you see me.
Thanks and I hope to see you there!
Phil
