Blade show today...impressions

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godogs57

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Apr 16, 2004
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There were more than a few open (unsold) tables there today....I suppose it is indeed a reflection on the economy. Aisles were also a good bit wider than before. Handle material seemed to be up in price a good bit. Mammoth ivory I could buy for $90-$100 a couple of years ago seemed to be in the $175-$200 range now, with less vendors to supply it. I had no idea that desert ironwood was worth it's weight in gold....it was sky high. For the folks who like mother of pearl, good luck....only a very few vendors...the supply must be hard to obtain now. Every vendor there was happy as a dead pig in the sun to see me.

Disappointed to see virtually no forging stuff at the show...except Uncle Al.

Like last year, there was not as many of the big boys there as I have seen in the past (Mastersmiths, etc).

The Busse/Swamprat/Scrapyard crew was looked upon like rock stars....I thought the Rolling Stones were there, based on the crowd. They were throwing out cards to the audience, which gave the recipient the privilege of buying one of their knives...people were stampeding and wrestling for the cards, even saw a few nearby vendor tables knocked all over the place by persons scrambling for those cards. That show was worth the price of admission. Next year I would recommend a big ol vat of mud in front of their display so the wrestlers would put on a real show.

Everyone there was in a very upbeat mood, glad to see you, kind and gracious....great crowd on both sides of the tables.

Had a great time all in all.
 
The_Dave said:
Boy did I feel bad for those guys when I saw that...
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I went over and checked out their stuff and it was real nice. I just figured they were in a rush like everyone else trying to get stuff done. Some of that real figured ironwood is like a dessert anyways, I think.
 
Awesome feedback brother! Wish I could be there. Workn Sat's sux. Hope you found some good stuff and anything you were searching for.
 
Got a deal on some nice ironwood from the guy from AZ...got 4 killer pieces and he got a hundred dollar bill from me. He said if I came back on Sunday I could have probably gotten it for 50% off....but he would not budge from his price on Friday at noon....can't blame him. Saw the same stuff from other vendors for $60 a set, so I had no room to gripe. Loaded up on some goooood amber stag while I was visiting Culpepper and Co....great guys to work with.

It still sticks in my craw that the Blade can't seem to get more forging stuff....what is the problem?

On another subject...the eye candy was great on Friday....There were a number of guys in attendance that brought their sweeties and they were making the most of their visit to Atl.
 
I think the crowds were better than the last couple years, and I noticed more high end work and fewer folks selling way-too-cheap, which is hopefully an indication that things are improving. I also noticed more empty tables, but I kind of see that as a good thing, perhaps some folks who lost their jobs and fell back onto knifemaking got new day jobs?

I picked up six pounds of decent ironwood odd shapes for $80.

I didn't see near as much mammoth tooth for sale as the last couple years.

Ed Caffrey had more large Bowie on his table this year than the last few years, and he had filled them with that special antigravity compound that makes you giddy when you pick them up. No daggers on Cashen's table this year, but there was a really cool chef knife, which is a cool departure. Billy Mace Imel had more daggers than in recent years including one very large and impressive piece. Andy Roy (Fiddleback) has reached Rock Star status, someone asked for his autograph while I was talking to him.

I saw some good prices on steel, which may mean that steel price escalation is softening a bit.
 
The show is definitely different, not good or bad, just is.

That said, it was my best Blade Show again this year. :)

Great seeing some of you there!!!
 
I need to make plans to go to Blade in the next year or two, not as a maker just as an observer and possibly a purchaser. Then there is a chance to meet some of the people on this site face to face:thumbup:
 
It was a much better show than last year. Lots of folks smiling, and picking up knives. Bags in hand, and cash changing hands. Lots of knives getting passed around at the pit later too. Lots of pretty ladies around the place. Almost an alarming #. Up every year. Guys getting distracted and cutting themselves.

That autograph was a one off for a collector. I was really embarassed when it happened right in front of Nathan. LOL. Very cought off guard by that. My autograph of all things with Corrie Shoeman right behind me.

Still, lots of fun. The pit was rocking, and the show was a profitable one. Can't complain about that.
 
Must say, I had a great time. Purchased enough steel and stag to last me for the next year. Made some new friends and caught up with some old ones. Also I found Aldo. The pit was a blast. Can't wait till next year. Andy Roy (Fiddleback)seems to almost have a cult following. He also has killer T-shirts.
 
This was my first Blade show and a great one at that. Got there Friday at 2p and did not get through the ABS row by 7p closing. Started back up where I left off the next day. Full day Sat and Sun. Still needed more time. The pit was great and spent lots of time there each evening. Even Sunday afternoon/evening was great there. Lots of quality folks willing to talk shop and share their vision. The show exceeded my expectations 10X over. Great meeting all that I saw and hope to meet more of you in the future.
 
Though we didn't have a table, the show was great for us. All my custom knives sold quickly and we had a very good time.
Since we have been going for 10-12 years, the "new" has worn off, but seeing old friends and making new ones is always great. I bought lots of materials, and made even more good contacts.
 
On friends' tables, and at the pit.
Two sold online before the show. I delivered them there.
 
james terrio said:
How does one sell knives without having a table?
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actually I saw dozens of people walking around with backpacks of stuff for sale, some with carts! Since there were 17 empty tables within an underhand toss of mine, I'm not sure why so much apparent brown bagging was allowed

shrug

still lots of fun!
 
People bring in knives to sell and trade. People buy knives.
It's a knife show. Do you think that only people who pay for tables should be able to bring anything into the show? Wouldn't that be fun? There are people (who have tables) that buy knives, trade knives, and sell knives. There are people who sell knives on consignment.
I had a rolling bag. I filled it with supplies that I bought each day of the show.
 
ooopppsss
 
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