Got back from the guild show

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Westflorida

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I just returned from my first knife show, I am a little dissapointed. Many of the knifemaker's were just not as friendly as I thought they would be. Many of the makers either ignored me when I came to their table or just were not very pleasant (maybe I was expecting too much). Although I did meet some very nice people, the person at R.W. Wilson's table(I think it was R.W.)was extremely NICE, he even got up from his table to help me look for a row I was looking for. Another, very nice maker was Ernie Emerson, he even apologized to me for not having neck knives at the show. Both of these makers made the show worthwhile. I even picked up a Yurco knife while I was there. Anyone else have any knife show experiences they would like to share?
 
That's too bad...I have been to at least 6-7 shows and makers (for the most part) have been very friendly.

So, what interesting knives did you see??

RL
 
RL,

Ed Vanhoy had a new folder, with a very interesting new lock. The whole knife was like a machine it had so many parts, very intersting.
 
yeah, i went to the show. it was my first as well. i'll agree with you. most of them weren't very friendly, especially Bob Dozier. He basically acted like he was annoyed with me, and I think I also disappointed Rob Terzuola when he broke a convo with another knifemaker to talk to me thinking i was going to be a paying customer. i do admit i love his knives, i just didn't have $475 for the Talon II i wanted. but lets not focus on the negative. i met quite a few very nice makers. John W. PerMar Jr. of orlando is a novice knifemaker who talked alot about getting inot the business with me. Bud nealy enjoyed showing me all of his kneck knives. Theuns Prinsloo, from South Africa, and i talked about how Chris Reeve wasn't attending and he was proud to show me his work. Ed Halligan was quite eager to show me his KISS prototype. And finally, Gayle Bradley was very friendly all around. I hope the show stays in orlando for a few more years, i'm definitely going back.
 
was that the really odd flip-type lock that looked like a super KISS knife? he said he sold the design to CRKT...
 
who was that guy near the front entrance who had made a protoye out of liquid metal, i think? it had a combination of odd things in it including zirconium... why didn't i get his card...???
 
Jediknight86,

It may have been R.W. Clark. Try his website.
 
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Wasn't me. I stay as far from the Guild as possible. We have about 30 makers working in LM1 right now, not sure which one it might have been. As for LM1 knives. Yep, got a few ;). But my website has not been updated in quite awhile. I am hoping to have a new updated site pretty soon. It will have a whole section devoted to LM1.

As for the LM1 prototype? It may have been a prototype for him personally, but we finished the actual prototyping stage well over a year ago.

Thanks
 
Originally posted by RL
That's too bad...I have been to at least 6-7 shows and makers (for the most part) have been very friendly....
Click to expand...

Same here. You have to remember that knifemakers (for the most part) are very "solitary" people. They're usually not the outgoing, sociable type that jumps up and greets you as you approach their table. Their knifemaking skills far outweigh their sales and public relations skills. However, you'll find that if you make the first move, they're usually pretty friendly and helpful.

That's why I feel it is absolutely IMPERATIVE that a knifemaker puts a price tag on EVERY knife he has on his table. The tag immediately defines his market. And if he's not the sociable sort (or he's busy), I can find out the price of the knife and he doesn't even have to talk to me. Sometimes that makes BOTH of us happy. ;)
 
First, let me say we are talking about THE Knifemakers' Guild show. The members of the Knifemakers'Guild comprise the BEST in the world. The knives that are displayed at this show are overall the BEST in the world.

When you get 250 tableholders in a room you also get 250 different personalities. Some knifemakers may appear less friendly than others. But, that may be just your perception. The knifemaker may also have the same perception when looking at you. Believe me, some people who attend shows are downright scary, some are obnoxious, the majority are GREAT.

All the knifemakers came to the show to sell knives. It is in their best interests, to properly greet people, show respect, and talk to them, whether they purchase a knife or not. All will do it, some with gentle prodding, and some better than others.

Regards
Al P :)
 
"First, let me say we are talking about THE Knifemakers' Guild show. The members of the Knifemakers'Guild comprise the BEST in the world. The knives that are displayed at this show are overall the BEST in the world."

Well, I guess that clears everything up doesn't it
:rolleyes:

And folks wonder why so many makers refuse to join?
 
R.W. ~ you da man brudda !

Love the liquid Metal knife that Eich has , as much as I told him it was part of the bandsaw he didnt buy into it ! ;)
 
Al,
I made a real effort to be nice, I smiled, complimented the makers. I was also very respectful (I never picked up a knife before asking if I could). So, I am not sure how I could have come across as "scary" or "obnoxious".
 
I thought this years show was not as good as last years. Alot of prominent makers were not present.

The problem that I saw was that there was not alot of value in this show. I have a problem spending $ 450+ on a knife that the $80.00 AFCK that was in my pocket outperformed in every parameter. I'm talking about thin liners, poor lockup, dull blades, bladeplay. Just some ugly stuff. Then there was some fantastic stuff. Gene Baskett makes some great tactical folders for the money. A.T Barr and Les Adams had some great stuff also.

Ernest Emerson is a super guy. He had no knives left (as usual) he apologized because he sold out!! I bought a shirt off of him just to get "something".

All in all the show was a bit off. I can't put my finger on it, but the spark wasn't there this year.
 
I went & had a good time,didn't have any "bad"experiences!Was it the best "nope"it is still trying to make up for the"STUPIDITY"IN MOVING IT,a few years ago!!Lot of makers were not there ,didn't have enough knives to do both BLADE & THE GUILD!Will I go next year ,"you bet I will"!
Jim
 
Originally posted by Westflorida
Al,
I made a real effort to be nice, I smiled, complimented the makers. I was also very respectful (I never picked up a knife before asking if I could). So, I am not sure how I could have come across as "scary" or "obnoxious".
Click to expand...

Steven,

Please don't take offense, I wasn't addressing that remark to you personally. If you were offended, I apologize.

RW Clark,

"Folks wonder why so many makers refuse to join" This comment has ben made since the founding of the Guild. Well RW, as it says at the beginning of the Knifemakers' Guild membership list in every Knives XXXX annual..."Not all Knifemakers are organizational types." Please be aware that there is usually a waiting list to join the Guild.

So Mr.Clark, I challenge you to state your views on "why so many makers refuse to join".

Regards
Al P
 
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