Blade show observations

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godogs57

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Apr 16, 2004
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Got there at 9:30 AM today. From what I saw:

Good supply of mastedon ivory, competitive pricing. Some dealers had not figured out that their competition at the show was offering it at half price off the sticker....of course we all know how the fuzzy math goes, but they were still more competitive than the other guys. Them "Rooshian" women had some nice tusks on display and sure did seem to enjoy the guys floating by to flirt.

Plain ol Ivory was not seen on too many tables.

Stag everywhere, high priced and low quality! Especially the bigger slabs...lots of pith.

Snakewood was high as well.

Not nearly as much Ironwood as last year, about the same prices. Also not nearly as much damascus steel floating around this time as in years past.

Overall, I felt like there was not as many tables as before, but I could be wrong...there was definately more room to walk in the aisles which led me to that very unscientific conclusion.

All the Mastersmith's knives looked great on display as expected. Some group (Knifemaker's guild??) had a state-by-state display of knives that they were taking bids on. Each state sent in a knife to be auctioned off by a sort of silent bid process. That particular state's knife was a collaberation of it's best knifemakers. I was genuinely embarrased by my home state of Georgia's knife.

Miss the Koval guys and Mr. Moran's presence.

Oh well, its only my opinon. Other observations welcome.
 
I got some really nice Damascus from George Werth last year. It's only one of three shows he was doing. A bit grouchy at first, as the sales were slow, but good to talk and buy from.
Chris Marks had some nice stuff, along with Robert Eggerling. Got some from both of them, as well.
Sure did cut into the knife budget, but buying materials has to be done in person to see what you're getting (except plain steels and such).
Too bad I couldn't make it this year.
Have fun!
 
howiesatwork said:
I got some really nice Damascus from George Werth last year. It's only one of three shows he was doing. A bit grouchy at first, as the sales were slow, but good to talk and buy from.
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Howie, Nanc and I had a big belly laff out of that one. We first met George 20+ years ago. The main impression one came away with was.....he was crabby. Saw him in Janesville, WI, and he hasn't changed a lick though a stroke has slowed him somewhat. He's a good guy inside there. He's so danged grumpy we always leave his table laughing. :)

Did you see Ferry's MS knives at CK&G? Nice.....
 
Mike,
You're right about that.
Maybe if he had a little better disposition, his sales would be better.
He does make some really nice stuff, and was interesting to talk with.
If he put up a site on the web, he'd do well, I think.
At least that way his demeanor wouldn't put people off.
Wish I could have made it this year. I saw a lot of nice knives, and I only bought myself one. The wife got three, and we got one for my Dad.
 
Also went there to get a tactical folder but found that none of the guys who had them would wheel & deal a penny, even with my exhibitor's badge. The good stuff was somewhat overpriced as well. Went by Chris Reeves place to get one and he was so snotty I just left. Sorry to sound like sour grapes, but everyone must have had extra caffine in their coffee yesterday.
 
godogs57 said:
Also went there to get a tactical folder but found that none of the guys who had them would wheel & deal a penny, even with my exhibitor's badge. The good stuff was somewhat overpriced as well. Went by Chris Reeves place to get one and he was so snotty I just left. Sorry to sound like sour grapes, but everyone must have had extra caffine in their coffee yesterday.
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I have a feeling that's the main reason there are less exibitors and showgoers. The whole knifemaking scene has , IMO, become very mean spirited over the last 5-6 years. I'm not saying everybody, but enouth that I have a feeling you're going to see a lot more slim shows in the future.

Regional shows like Spirit of Steel may do well as many that go there know each other, but why should people spend the money needed to go to a huge show and get treated like dirt.

A lot of it comes from forums too. Someone always going to meet someone at the blade show, etc., and kick their ass. What childishness, yet it goes on all the time.

People just tired of "tude" from both makers and purveyors/buyers.
 
Mike the Blade show has had a reputation as "full retail" pricing on materials for years...all my knifemaker buddies usually don't go there expecting to load up on handle material, steel, etc...They just go to be there. I find some, but not many, bargains.

I wish they would have more forging stuff. I am 99.9% stock removal but am trying to get into forging with some JS and MS buddies in my town. There were basically two suppliers of forging stuff there and that was it.

I hope I am wrong, but the Blade may evolve to a retail show and cutting competition before long, if it is not already there.
 
Oh well,
The past three years I sent damascus to the blade show for sale. Did ok the first two years, but last year I only sold one bar and that only covered shipping the stuff back to me. I have noticed sales dropping over the last year for no apperant reason. I have a new customer that is keeping me afloat, so I guess I can't complain. I havn't been to the blade show myself. I have always wanted to go. After the past three years I won't do it as a sales event, althouh I won't write it off just going for fun.
Del
www.ealyknives.com
www.mokume-jewelry.com
 
Does anyone know how much the ABS Masters knife auctioned for yesterday? The one of the cover of this month's Blade Magazine. Just curious.
 
If I'm correct that damascus bowie (last blade forged by Moran) was auctioned for a whooping 37,500 $ :eek: :D.

Regards Marcus
 
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