Blade show winners, what makes a "knife of the year"

[clearkevin]

Hey Guys
I like many here always watch what goes on a Blade with interest. I do have a question though, what are the criteria for the various awards are the specifically listed? Are they more objective or subjective and do certain things have more weight than others? I asked a similar question in the lionsteel thread would love to hear what people know about this.

 

[marcinek]

Typically they are determined by who buys the most advertising in Blade, aren't they?

 

[Daniel Dorn]

Haha. You'd think.

My understanding is that the displayees of the show (vendors and manufacturers, as well as the various custom knife makers) get a chance to vote for certain things. Not sure if it's limited to the categories in which they participate, or if they cross over into different categories when they vote.

I believe the process is quite objective, as I've not ever taken a look at the winners and said to myself, "This one must have been rigged."

Some believe there are politics involved, but I won't speculate on that.

 

[Larcivs Lepidvs]

I think the bigger companies just vote for a non-direct competitor relatively small company. So almost all the big names vote for Lionsteel only because that's the company who won't affect their profits.

 

[chefsdream]

you should go to the show. it's pretty cool. walking through the vendors area will give you a chance to ask these questions. it goes like this: any knife maker is eligible to enter a blade. then other vendor & exibitors, chosen as judging members vote on those knives entered by ballot. then a separate judging committee tallies the votes. whoever gets most votes in each category wins that category. simple, public and straightforward. i would say the only area open to being 'political' is in display. that is to say, in my opinion, if you've got a really flashy, really cool booth, that may sway some votes. go to the show.