There are some very good points made on this thread. Just to speak to a few from a maker's perspective, I always encourage people to handle my blades. The feel and balance are important parts of what I do, but I also appreciate being asked if I fail to tell someone to go ahead and pick it up. It's just mannerly to do so, IMO. But it's much better to handle a knife, than to not experience what it has to offer. I'd NEVER buy a knife without handling it first.
If you don't get talked to right away, it might be because these things are pretty distracting for makers as well as attendees and we aren't always payng attention. I've not knowingly ignored anyone, but there have been times when I've been yanked out of a daydream about that new grinder across the room by someone who needs an answer. As for who I should or shouldn't be talking to, I haven't a clue. You really can't spot a buyer in a crowd in my experience, so if someone is there being quiet and polite while nonbuyers are pushing and shoving, the wrong people sometime get attention and the right people don't. It's definitely not disinterest or gender profiling that's making that happen. Personally I find ladies enjoyable to talk to. Always have, now that I think on it.
On the price thing, almost all knifemakers are a little insecure. Most artists are I guess. There is just no way for us to judge our own work or have some ironclad rule for setting prices. We can't know whether the price on a knife is too high or too low; I've been told both and was told by a number of people lately I'm too low, even when one of those persons bought the knife. Nobody has ever offered to pay more, that's for sure. I can honestly say this though, I don't know any rich knifemakers, and most of us make a pretty marginal living. While you are buying a possession, we are buying groceries with the proceeds. I always appreciate someone not asking for a price break, especially when a couple months later, as now, our washing machine breaks and I gave away almost the price of a new one at my last show.
Now, about Phillip's last point... PLEASE don't swing ANY knife in the aisle, especially at Blade. The aisles are packed, and I almost witnessed a serious catastrophe a couple years ago when someone was swinging one of my swords around in the middle of a crowd. All knives, but especially big knives, can do tremendous damage even with a light hit.
Mostly though, enjoy the show. You'll meet the nicest and friendliest people I've ever known, and you'll never get tired of the experience.
Ira, see you there buddy...
