Blade Show West info wanted

I

IamMatt

Joined
Mar 20, 2002
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I am still "the new guy" and I have lots of questions. I gather that the Blade show in June is the biggie of knife shows, but I would like to know about Blade Show West in Southern CA in September.

I intend to go (my first knife show!) but I would like some idea of what to expect from those who have gone to it.

Is there a lot of wheeling and dealing? Is it more like a trade show with manufacturers and big knifemakers, or more like a swap meet or gun show with a lot of individuals with their own collections?

Are there better deals to be found there than other places like internet auctions or bladeart/knifeart-type sites? Or maybe just more variety?

Can it be reasonably seen in one day, or should I try to go for two or 3 days? Anyone on Bladeforums going?

Thanks. I have learned so much from you guys and I look forward to being on the other end of the questions one day.

Matt
 
I have never been to Blade West, but as a rule knife shows are really not a place to go to wheel and deal. The prices that the makers put on their knives are either the least they will take for a knife or pretty close to it. The dealers and purveyors that are at the show will be far more willing to negotiate prices.

Most of what I have read rates Blade West as no where near the show that Blade or the OKCA (Oregon Knife Collectors Association) show are, but I would doubt that a show that big could be seen in one day. If you want to have the time to see all the knives you can and to meet all the knife people possible, then you will want to spend as much time as you can at the show.

You will see manufacturers, well known and lesser known knifemakers, dealers and purveyors at the show. You will also see manufacturers and factory representatives of the accessory market there as well. The knifemaking materials and equipment suppliers will be there as well.

Just go and have fun meeting as many of the fine knife folks as you can. That is the best part of knife shows to me. I love seeing and the knives and even buying a few if I find what I like, but my favorite part of the shows is the people. Always be on the lookout for other forum members. It is nice being able to put a face to a name and to make some new friends.
 
KMW is right on. I live in Orange County, California and Blade Show West is in my backyard. I've been there last two years and had a great time. This year I'm hoping to pick up a medium armor peircing tanto, left hand TNT from Tom Mayo. I agree,it's a great place to go and interact with some top makers and see some really cool knives. Bring lots of money. I also like the stingray wallets belts and knife cases that they have. It can be seen in one day but I would recommend two because you want to check everyone out, see what rings your bell and then go back. Everyone is real nice and the makers encourage you to handle the knives. For me it's a real treat. I'll be going this year and I am looking forward to it.
 
another good show here in Ca is the (B)ay (A)rea (K)nife (C)ollectors (A)ssociation which is now held in Palo Alto http://www.bakca.org/ My favorites are there Scott Slobodian, Vince Evans, The Dawsons, Dan Pfanenstiel and a bunch of the other Great Ones...a good show
 
both are class act shows...........

Blade Show West at the Irvine Hyatt (forget which one but its directly across the freeway from the Airport) is Sept 20th weekend

BAKCA show is the weekend after at the Hyatt Rickey in Palo Alto
 
I have been going to the Blade West show for many years even before it was called Blade West. Over the years I have noticed that the custom side of the show has really changed with the allowance of Production companies and retailers to attend. No offense but the original concept was for a forum where custom designers could show off their wares. After Plaza Cutlery sold the rights to the show it has turned into almost a trade show atmosphere.

Don't get me wrong there are still plenty of custom makers and great retailers there who make the show worthwhile, but the whole thing has changed so dramatically over the last 3 or 4 years.

Anyways, because of this change in atmosphere from a custom to a production showcase, Plaza Cutlerly in SouthCoast Plaza has organized another show geared with the custom maker in mind. If memories serves me right Plaza Cutlerly's show will be either 2 weeks before or after Blade West. I for one am liking the idea that I have an opportunity to attend two big knife shows in one year. Anyways, I just wanted to add my two cents.

Mac
 
although it is not strictly custom as it was when it was in Ahaheim for many many years, 90% of the show is still made up of custom knifemakers and purveyors/collectors.
 
Tom,
I will not dispute what you said. But I would think that you would have to agree with me that many makers who used to frequent the show no longer attend. One person who comes to mind is Bob Terzuola. For years he was a mainstay at the shows but hasn't showed his face at blade west for a very very long time. I will say one thing about the longevity of the show is that while some makers stop attending many new makers show up. I for one am hoping that you attend the Blade West show because I have been eyeing one of your TNT's for a while and would like to make a purchase. Anyways, just wanted to have my say.

Mac
 
Mac,

If you don't get a big enough fix a Blade West come on up to the B.A.K.C.A. Knife Show in Palo Alto, CA.. It is run by a Knife Club and is done to promote Custom Knifemakers and knives in all price ranges(Factory Knives as well). But the shows main condition is for you to have a good time, look at lots pretty knives and displays and get the knife bug. You might even find something you can't do without.

Jeff Pelz
 
Ive never been to blade show west and I have a question that maybe someone could answer for me,Do you need some kind of pass or is it a admission fee,I would really like to go to this event.
 
Mac, my only hope is the new one keeps you up late. You and I will have to race to Toms booth!!!!

Cant wait to hook up with everyone there!
 
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