Blade Show Advice

sharpguytoo

sharpguytoo

Gold Member
Joined
Nov 5, 2006
Messages
385
Best birthday gift ever, my wife recently gave me tickets to this years show! Never been, looking for advice on what is best method to see the most or plan my visit. I have a few tables that are top of my list but I'm sure I'll miss stuff. Yeah, I know-bring plenty cash!!!! Thanks to all show vets in advance.
 
I'd advise attending on Friday, and get in the door as early as possible given the ticket you have. I'd also advise attending Friday AND Saturday, if possible. There's so much to see, it's hard to do it right in one day. If that's not possible, don't sweat it, but two days are preferable. You're going to do a TON of walking, so comfortable shoes are a *MUST*. No joke, your ass is gonna log some serious steps. I'd recommend a backpack to put your purchases and swag in. Make a hit list of the makers/vendors that are a must to you, and do them ASAP once you enter the show. It's almost sensory overload, there's so much to see, making some notes will keep you semi-organized. Cash is king, bring PLENTY of it.

Enjoy! It really is amazing.
 
If you want something specific go to that maker first, and immediately after the doors open.

Set a limit on how much you can spend before you go and stick to it.

Realize if you leave it on the table it won't be there when you go back.

Do not stay near the show, the hotels there suck. (Parking sucks too, use Uber.) You're in Atlanta, stay someplace nice. Try the Ritz, or the Glenn.

Return the favor and take your wife someplace nice after the show.
 
Seconded on thE two day suggestion. Its impossible to see it all in one day without going into sensory overload.
 
Blade Magazine puts out a guide to all of the vendors with a floor map. Put dots on all your favorite stuff and then connect the dots. I make a list on a 3X5 card of all the things I am looking for (with table or booth numbers) and all people I want see. Highest priority items are discontinued models that can still be found. Also looking for bargains. Current models are not usually under priced although some new models are scarce. You can check prices on line with a phone. If you need a custom knife, there are plenty of makers to talk to. Supplies for maintenance and sharpening are last. Educational classes if you need them. Knock yourself out!
 
Lots of Good Advice so far.

1) Make a list of what you want to see ahead of time. Once you get in there it is sensory overload an easy to get distracted and forget.
2) Go Fri & Sat if you can. It's hard to see all you want in 1 day.
3) If there is something you are really after, get there ASAP on Friday and make that table your 1st stop.
4) Wear comfortable shoes & clothes - you are going to be walking A LOT
5) Bring a small pack/messenger bag. There is going to a lot of catalogs, stickers, plus purchases & it will make it easier to carry.
6) Throw a water bottle and snack in that pack. Beats paying the prices they ask at the show.
7) Check out the bar area in the venue hotel called "The Pit" that night after the show. Lots of the people from the show hang out there. With no show going on you can relax and talk more.
8) Don't depend on getting cash from the ATMs at the venue - they run out fast.

Spyderco Booth Specific - it's very popular & crowded, especially the prototype display.

I've been to every BLADE show since it came to Marietta (benefits of being from the area) & still enjoy it. Over the years it has become more about the friends I have made than the knives.
 
Plenty of time to get the paperwork in for a 2nd mortgage on the house .... :D Just kidding (maybe..).

Enjoy yourself. One day if I hit the lotto, I will be there too.

Maybe someone could elaborate on the raffles and limited edition Blade show knives so he and others understand how that works.
 
gazz98 said:
Plenty of time to get the paperwork in for a 2nd mortgage on the house .... :D Just kidding (maybe..).

Enjoy yourself. One day if I hit the lotto, I will be there too.

Maybe someone could elaborate on the raffles and limited edition Blade show knives so he and others understand how that works.
Click to expand...

The thing to understand about the raffles/lottos at BLADE is that different makers/knife companies do them all differently, so it's imperative to make sure you understand the rules of how that particular maker does it.

For example. Some of them, they'll hand out slips which ask for your name and contact info and then they do a drawing at X:XX o'clock, and if your name is picked, then you win and they contact you to come get your knife (so make sure to bring a portable battery bank/charger for your phone) so you won't miss it. Others, you will need to be present for. It's HIGHLY recommended that you keep some notes on your phone, because many makers will NOT wait. If they say "The drawing's at 3 o'clock" and you're jogging up to the crowd at their booth at 3:05, it might already be over and your name might have been called, and when you didn't answer, the maker immediately draws another name. I've seen it happen, and further, I've won a knife before because it happened!

Also, it bears mentioning that if you are going to BLADE hoping to score something ultra-rare by a maker who's presently "hot" on social media, I will politely say "Good luck to you." because the chances are exceptional that whatever knife you are hoping to score, was already purchased by the dealers who have access to the show and everyone setting up on Thursday, and the next time you see it will be on their website at triple (or more) table price. So, please, make sure you set your expectations accordingly, and have backup plans. Heh, sorry, what I meant to say was have multiple backup plans. It's not uncommon to get an early bird ticket for Friday, race to your favorite maker's table, only to see like, three knives on the table because their whole stock was bought yesterday, and the only three knives left are the lottery knives that you probably aren't going to win.

THAT SAID, BLADE is also a great place to score older, cool stuff from one of the hundred or so private tables where people are selling their collections or whatever. So, it's definitely worth going. Just gotta be patient and be ready to peruse an entire room's worth of tables before finding that hidden gem.
 
OH! One more really important thing about BLADE show lotteries. Once again, be sure you understand the rules.

Some of these lotteries/drawings, if you win, they just hand you the knife, and shake your hand, you take a pic and you're on your way to go gush to your boys. Sweet! Other wins however, you've just won the right to purchase a knife. So, don't be surprised when your name is called, and the maker's like "Congratulations!!! That'll be $1,300!". Have that loot ready. Also, lastly, make sure you know HOW the maker wants to be paid. Emerson, for example, all the lotteries he's done, he expects to be paid in cash, and only cash. If you don't or can't pay, I believe your name is blacklisted for future lotteries. Not sweet!

So, to recap:

- Know the type of lottery/drawing you're entering.
- If you don't have to be there, make sure your method of communication you put on the slip is up and running. A maker might want you to show back up by say, two o'clock or something. Make sure you can get that text!
- If you have to be there in person for the drawing, be EARLY.
- If you have to pay for a knife, be ready to pay how the maker states they want to be paid.

This is BLADE, and if you can't do one or any of the above, then don't enter, because trust me, 99% of the makers will immediately swivel back to their buckets and pull out a new name.
 
Stop by the Niagara Specialty Metals booth. Free T shirts and other goodies to give away as a thank you for everyone's support. Really, we give them away for free!! No strings attached.
 
Quiet said:
whatever knife you are hoping to score, was already purchased by the dealers who have access to the show and everyone setting up on Thursday, and the next time you see it will be on their website at triple (or more) table price.
Click to expand...

Ahh the ol' KC special... I know other dealers do this too, but they have definitely been one of the more egregious that I've seen.
 
nsm said:
Stop by the Niagara Specialty Metals booth. Free T shirts and other goodies to give away as a thank you for everyone's support. Really, we give them away for free!! No strings attached.
Click to expand...
Awesome!
 
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