Gun and "Knife" show dissapointment

A

AndyM

Joined
Jan 13, 2011
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My brother and I are new to the knife world. We have both enjoyed the outdoors for quite some time, but have become more serious about it lately.

It didn't take long to realize that we needed to be better equipped, especially in the knife arena. (My first solo backpacking adventure all I had was a VERY dull folder which caused me all sorts of problems)

There was a large Gun and Knife show coming to a nearby town and so we made plans to head over there. I had been saving money for a good fixed blade and was hoping to be able to handle a few and maybe buy.

I was VERY disappointed in the knife selection. I told my brother that it should have been called the "Gun and you are better off buying a knife at Walmart" show. There was a great selection of firearms, but only one table selling anything close to quality knives. Even that table had nothing made in the U.S.A., A few low end SOG's and some CRKT. No ESEE, No Blind Horse, No Bark River, no ZT.

My question is this: Is this typical? Again, I'm new to the knife world and have never paid attention to the knives at these shows before. Maybe it was just this show. Maybe they just aren't profitable enough for knife dealers. I don't know. Do you?
 
Typical around here. Gun shows are pretty much a joke amongst most of the gun community. There are good deals to be had if you want to look for them, but for the most part, it's the same old crap at all the shows, most of which is attempting to be sold for crack prices anyone who has done their research won't pay.

A gun and knife show is a gun show. If you want to look at knives you better go to a dedicated knife show.

Gun shows are the best place to buy beanie babies, exotic jerkies, glass figures of wizards and wolves, and swords with blades shaped like a lightning bolt though. :D
 
I can't speak for the U.S but most of the gun shows I've been to are pretty lame when it comes to knives. Mostly overpriced junk.
 
the few gun shows ive been to here in texas have been mostly tables full of taurus guns. they did have a few tables with only knives though. but only one of the tables had prices that were fair, in fact they were cheaper than i could get any place else, in that show, internet, etc.

lots of nice people though
 
adaman04 said:
Gun shows are the best place to buy beanie babies, exotic jerkies, glass figures of wizards and wolves, and swords with blades shaped like a lightning bolt though. :D
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:thumbup: Now I know to save my gas and $6 entry fee. Although the beanie babies were pretty sweet....:p
 
Andy when I use to live downstate the Gibraltor trade center gun and knife shows always had quality blades. I even remember some custom makers attended. They use to have all types of top end production and custom knives. That being said I have lived in the U.P. for 14 years now and things may have changed.

Mike
 
The only "Gun and Knife" show I've enjoyed is the Knob creek machine gun shoot. Busse Combat is there and a few tables carry spyderco knives as well as some other decent knives here and there.
If you don't find a thing to buy, at least watching all the fully automatic weapons fire is worth the price of admission.
Good times!
 
I guess I should add that there are a few vendors at the normal MO knife shows that sell quality blades, but not enough for me to go there just to look at knives.

There is also the guy there who thought it would be a great money making venture to buy the 299 piece junk folder set of TV and sell them individually for a sweet profit. I'm sure he sells a few but...
 
bigcountry1315 said:
Andy when I use to live downstate the Gibraltor trade center gun and knife shows always had quality blades. I even remember some custom makers attended. They use to have all types of top end production and custom knives. That being said I have lived in the U.P. for 14 years now and things may have changed.

Mike
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Thanks Mike. I'm about an hour and a half from there. Doing a quick search it looks like they still have it, I'll have to look into it.
 
AndyM said:
My question is this: Is this typical? Again, I'm new to the knife world and have never paid attention to the knives at these shows before. Maybe it was just this show. Maybe they just aren't profitable enough for knife dealers. I don't know. Do you?
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The quality of the smaller MI shows seems to vary quite a bit -even shows put on by the same promoter. I'm only familiar with the Sturgis, Kalamazoo, and Gr.Rapids shows. All of these are promoted by www.migunshows.com but I've only seen quality knives at the Gr. Rapids show (and only occasionally). If you are within driving distance of Indianapolis I'd recommend checking the Indy1500 shows (5 per year). There are a lot of dealers with quality knives at these shows:thumbup:. Unfortunately, there are also a LOT of people at these shows and gridlock is common:thumbdn:.
 
Andy with me living up here in the boonies I have bought quite a few off e-bay and several custom knives from the makers here on bladeforums. I have an ESEE 5 that is a perfect survival knife.


Mike
 
bigcountry1315 said:
Andy with me living up here in the boonies I have bought quite a few off e-bay and several custom knives from the makers here on bladeforums. I have an ESEE 5 that is a perfect survival knife.


Mike
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Thanks Mike. I've ordered from a couple of online dealers who have been excellent to work with. (my ESEE 6 should be here today...)

My problem is finding a place where I can hold the knife before I buy it.
 
Knife Lady does some gun shows in Indiana and I know she doesn't sell junk ;)
 
Gunshows, like many things here in South Florida have gone through major changes. There were always dealers of quality steel. We had one guy that had about 20 tables at each show, selling name brand quality on down to the low end stuff, but never any knock offs. The internet has had a major impact on knife sales at the shows, as many folks would go to a show and handle the goods but then go home to their computer and buy it cheaper on line. The future of gunshows is not good as the Feds have ramped up their efforts to shut them down, quality and selection of the goods declines, and internet sales of just about everything continues to rise. Good shows like those of the 70s and early 80s are just a faded memory now. Don't look for a comeback.
 
Our gun shows have turned into overpriced beanie baby-jerky shows. Used to be a great place to meet up with friends and look for deals. Not anymore. The few knife tables have been pure junk.:thumbdn:
 
Yeah there can be a few that sell something of quality. Mostly it's a "gun and junk" show though. I personally hate going to the things even if I'm looking at buying a gun.
 
With excellent online dealers who have good inventory and fast shipping, opposed to the gun show guys peddling absolute garbage at asinine prices is the death of the current day gun show. I'm sure the same holds true for the knives aspect of the shows as well.
 
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