How many knives to take to a show

raylaconico

raylaconico

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Jan 30, 2004
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I really want to do my first knife show soon. I'm thinking the BAKCA show later this year or the knife expo in Pasadena next Feb. I was wondering how many knives usually do you knifemakers take to a show. Thanks.
 
IF it were me I'd take more styles than numbers. Split the amount between various patterns. 6 patterns 2 each of the larger ones and 3 of the smaller ones will be plenty I'd think.
 
Sounds good to me. By doing a show, you will know were to concentrate your efforts for the next show. Make more of the ones that sell, ease off one the ones that don't. You will always be surprized though. Just when you think you know what is selling, there will be a shift.

Good luck
 
If I make one knife per month and keep it in my collection, I will have 12 by next Feb and 6 by Aug. That's probably not very much huh. I was also thinking of borrowing some knives that I've sold or given away to friends and relatives and just show them as examples. I wouldn't want to have a table that looked empty.
 
my old standby is "Do what you can do" you will get faster. I think I am up to 6 knives a month but I used to struggle to make 4 a month. Have fun and it will come :) Just put tags, not for sale on the borrowed knives.
B~
 
Between work and knifemaking. There's little time for anything else. I just hope I don't get burned out. So far so good.
 
Im lucky to have 2 or 3 at any given show. I dont see how those guys can have so many done. Im just slow at making them I guess but usually Im filling orders so I will have enough money to get there. Its tough to get an inventory of unclaimed knives to sell at a show.
 
I'm with you a 100% Bruce. I know there are some who only sell at shows, and end up with a year's work in orders.
I talked to Ron Newton at the Chicago Show last Fall and he only does two shows a year. The rest of the time he spends filling orders.
I'm working on the Novi show right now and figure I'll end up with 6-8 knives to take - maybe.
I'll just put my orders on hold.
And to those who mentioned getting faster - don't!
Take your time and get better.
 
I just ment you will get faster in time. With anything I have done, over time, you get faster through repitition.
 
I think getting faster is part of getting better. Just like Brian said. Even if it's not all repetetive. Like grinding should take less time as you get better at it. Also, the more you do the fewer mistakes you make and the smoother the process. Instead of thinking about what to do next, you already know. Over time, you get better and also faster. Not only that but I'm spending much more time in the shop ever since I started selling knives and getting orders. What started out as just a hobby has become like a part time job, a job that I enjoy!
 
I used to do what I called "studdering". Meaning I second, third, and 4th guessed what I was going to do.........took way to long to glue up handles, ect. Now I just get to it and do what I feel comfortable doing because I have done so many by now.
 
You know what I meant -
Getting better = making fewer mistakes = less time.
The idea is to not FOCUS on speed.
Focus on quality, the rest will take care of itself.
 
If I would just make the same style more than a few times I think I would get faster too. My trouble is that I get bored with repeating the same thing. Thats why you cant spot my work from across the room like some.
 
I have the same problem as Bruce in that I never do two alike.I still like to take at least 12-15 knives to a show when I can.On the time issue I am like a yo-yo. when I started many years ago one took forever then it started getting faster but I have found through the years that I am doing many more things to my knives and sheaths and I am back to a crawl again. I have sheaths that take days to make now. But at least I feel a little more comfortable in charging more now. Dave:)
 
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