How many knives for a show?

Bailey Knives

Bailey Knives

Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Oct 18, 2004
Messages
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I am doing my first Knife show at the end of October in Ohio. I am excited about it, but have some questions. For those who have done shows before, how many knives do you try to take to a show. I am hoping for between 15 and 20. I have 11 done right now and am about 5 steps in on another 6. The problem is that I work at a school and time is minimal now that school has started. I have spent a ton of spare time in the shop, but the knives seem to be progressing quite slowly. That is one of the reasons my knives have not made an appearance on the forum lately, but come November, if they dont all go at the show, I should have a few ready for the forum. Back to my real question...How many should I plan on taking?
 
Most tables at shows are either six or eight feet by 30 inches. I have seen as few as one knife on a table up to tables where there are so many knives that they are in layers. I generally take 15-20 maybe 25 if it is an eight foot table. Also it depends on what I have, bowies take up a lot more room than small drop points. I want the table to look full but not cluttered. Whatever you do, don't rush to get a couple done and put them out if you are not happy with them...as long as your work is good, number of knives you have on the table is not too important.
 
Bailey Knives said:
I am doing my first Knife show at the end of October in Ohio. I am excited about it, but have some questions. For those who have done shows before, how many knives do you try to take to a show. I am hoping for between 15 and 20. I have 11 done right now and am about 5 steps in on another 6. The problem is that I work at a school and time is minimal now that school has started. I have spent a ton of spare time in the shop, but the knives seem to be progressing quite slowly. That is one of the reasons my knives have not made an appearance on the forum lately, but come November, if they dont all go at the show, I should have a few ready for the forum. Back to my real question...How many should I plan on taking?
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:D Six less than you planned on taking.:D
Jim
 
Well, I am rushing to get a few more done, but I do have a couple that have taken a dive in the scrap heap because I am not happy with them. I guess rushing is a bad word. I am taking the same amount of time I always take on a knife, I just feel rushed. October will be here soon, and I dont feel ready.

James, I have a few (5) that are cut, ground and ready for heat treat, but the final steps will probably have to wait until after the show. Did I mention that they have your name on them?
 
I'm doing the same show and I'll be lucky to have eight ready, probably more like 6.
Spend more time making fewer good ones, than less time on each for more mediocre ones.
You are presenting yourself for the first time at your first show. Make it a good one. If you sell enough knives to pay for your transportation, your table and your room, you've had a successful show. Any more than that is sugar on top.
 
Bailey Knives said:
Well, I am rushing to get a few more done, but I do have a couple that have taken a dive in the scrap heap because I am not happy with them. I guess rushing is a bad word. I am taking the same amount of time I always take on a knife, I just feel rushed. October will be here soon, and I dont feel ready.

James, I have a few (5) that are cut, ground and ready for heat treat, but the final steps will probably have to wait until after the show. Did I mention that they have your name on them?
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That is ok, if you finish them up, take them on to the show, just mark them sold. :D I do have some anxious employees and customers.
Jim
 
15-20 is a nice round figure :-) Just have a variety.We'll see ya there at Cambridge, Matt. bruce/birdog
 
I am going to try to have at least 12 for the Belgian show, but that is because it is a LONG trip:D I guess it depends on how much you are selling your knives for. The ones going to Belgium with me are mostly bigger and higher priced models that will all have Paul Long, Kenny Rowe or Treestump sheaths, so i don't need as many as I would if I was taking all basic hunters..
 
Matt, I am really hoping to make that show. (My lovely bride is going to let me make my Christmas list there.) I am looking forward to a chance to meet you and a few other makers whose work I have admired in photos. I would like to be able to help you take one less blade home from the show. :D
 
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