How Much More Expensive are Knives At Bladeshow

Yes is the short answer. There is a mark up but that is a similar mark up that is found in any knife store. There are also some decent deals which I have found to be a two key times. The first being the start of the show, think door buster. Some dealers will over a variety of knives for a lower rate to drum up business. Another time is the end of the show. This is when dealers don't want to pack all their knives up and sell for a discounted rate. And remember there is always room to haggle over a few bucks on the knife or ask them to toss something extra in.

Knives will almost always be cheaper online, but remember to factor in shipping and the fact that you will have to wait about a week to get it.
 
In terms of customs, almost, if not all the dealers have their usual mark-ups. But if purchased directly from the makers, you're paying exact as what you'd pay if you order
 
Sometimes you'll pay less for a custom than you would online, from what I noticed the one time I went to a show and bought a custom.
 
I've got many Customs, and many factory knives for less at Blade than I could have online. Not always the case, but it happens.

You get the makers price on customs, and a few have gave me some off of their regular price. No shipping cost either, and I've got a few super deals from individuals selling customs from there private collection table. One was a rare D'Holder for $550, and a D'Holder collector offered me $1200 right after I bought it. Every year he kept offering me more, and more. I didn't want to sell it, but I finally did, as he really wanted that knife.
Busse offers Blade discounts on some of their knives as well.
 
Factor in the price of airfare, hotel, and admission then you are paying a hell of a lot more, unless of course you are local. ILK
 
If you go to Blade looking to save money, don't bother.

You can; but that's not what the show is about. Still, If you are looking at production knives there's a chance you can save a little from SRP depending on who you buy from. If you're looking at customs you can save from what it'll cost if a dealer buys it first. If you're smart you'll use the time to order just what you want and happily pay what it'll cost when delivered.

An average Blade (I've done 3) see me spending on old knives from the collectors, a new knife or two from the custom guys (depending on what's on the table), and placing an order with a couple for something I want. But even better, I go to meet the folks I know and maybe someone new, to fondle knives I'll never own, and to just have a great time being surrounded by a room full of people with the same passion for sharp pointy things.
 
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