Going to my first knife show this weekend.

Cash is king. With cash, you probably won’t pay sales taxes.
However much you bring, you’ll spend because there’s so much to choose from that you’ll be able to handle. It will be mesmerizing to see all the offerings.
If you’re going just to go, take your time, talk to your favorite knife makers, and hang around a bit. If you’re going for a specific reason, go get what you want first so you’ll be able to enjoy the rest of the show.
You’ll have a great time and be able to meet a lot of great people. Don’t be afraid to take a ton of pics so you can come back and post some here.
 
I have heard it is always a good idea to ask to handle something before just doing so. Also most makers are good about answering questions, but are also selling too, so be mindful of their time. Sounds fun, where is the show? Pics are always welcome, we enjoy that too.
 
I have to set myself a budget before going and try to carry cash. Some vendors offer cash discounts and there may be individuals walking around with knives to sell. If you see something you like there's two options: 1. Buy it then find something you like better and not have the budget for. 2. Remember where it is so you can come back late to find out it just sold.
I guess option three would be to carry as much cash as you can smuggle past your wife then use your credit card when it runs out.
 
What show is this? I would bring cash and cards if you're serious about buying. These days, many vendors will accept cards but may charge an extra couple of % (to cover their transaction cost). Hell... I even take credit cards.
 
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Don't be afraid to ask for a better price. Prices at knife/gun shows are always higher. Many/most dealers will give you a better price than what is first asked for or marked on the item.

Rich
 
cbach8tw said:
I have heard it is always a good idea to ask to handle something before just doing so. Also most makers are good about answering questions, but are also selling too, so be mindful of their time. Sounds fun, where is the show? Pics are always welcome, we enjoy that too.
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I heard this also. I would also naturally be inclined to do so, because I was raised to be polite.

That being said, most people must not, because they usually seem genuinely surprised by the question.

Occasionally they will respond that the knife in question is already spoken for and they prefer it not be handled. That is a great reason to ask first imo.
 
Always ask to pick one up. Politeness is the lubrication of society. Same with gunshows.

If you see something you like, and are pondering really hard on the purchase- expect it to be gone after you walk away to think about it.

Be there early on the first day.
 
In my experience, the knife/gun shows in my area are open Fri-Sun. I go Friday to see what's all there and usually make a purchase because well I'm addicted! I generally skip Saturday and return Sunday. On Friday the selection is bigger but prices are higher. Saturday prices tend to go down so does the selection. Sunday however the dealers just want sh!t gone! Prices tend to be great and they become easier to talk down the price. Obviously the selection is way down. Another thing I consider is the over head the guys need to pay to be there. Here's one tiny example, a guy that I see every year had an opinel 8 I "carbone". He had 18$ on it I knew I could score one from the big river for about 4$ less. But he's a hard working American so I didn't mind paying a few extra bucks. Naturally I was happy to walk away with my first Opinel. That's just me!
 
Talk your wife into going, get her hooked on knives, then she won’t get mad when you spend all that cash...as long as you spend some on her, too. :)
 
Bring cash and set a budget. I do this by ONLY bringing cash equal to my budget!

I've been to 3 or 4 and it can be overwhelming at first. A strategy that works for me is to make a quick pass by all the tables to get a general idea of what's there. If I see something I really like, I make a mental note of where I saw it. Then I keep going to see if I can find the same or similar knife at a better price. If not, I go back to the first seller. If it's gone - oh well. I've probably found something else to fall for in the meantime.

Most sellers of used knives are willing to dicker a bit, especially if you buy multiple pieces from them.
 
Like others have said... in no particular order.

1. Cash is king.
2. If you have some knives you are interested in, make sure you check the online prices before you go. Yes, prices tend to be higher at gun shows, the question is "how much high over internet prices". There is something to be said for being able to fondle a knife, see how it fits your hand, and supporting a local business.
3. *Most* dealers will haggle on price. Especially as the weekend goes on or if you do a combo purchase.
4. Don't buy at the first table that you see. The table 20 feet further might be $20 cheaper. Actually, wander the entire place first and make mental notes of who is high/low when compared to others.
5. Don't be afraid to walk away. Transaction or not, a "thank you" goes a long way.
6. Always ask if you can pick up the knife and/or take it out of the box. It is just being polite.

Good luck!
 
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