How was business @ Blade 2012?

S

seionage

Joined
Oct 3, 2010
Messages
398
(Don't really know where to put this).

So, what was everyone's impression of blade this year, from a business standpoint?

(I don't sell knives, but since I own my own business -- non-knife related), I am always interested in the business side of things).
I was wondering if I might be so bold as to ask a few questions, on how people did.

Do you think the sales were up, down, same this year (overall)?

Do you think sales were up, down, same for folders?

Do you think sales were up, down, same for fixed blades?

What price points do you feel sold the best for folders?

What price points do you feel sold the best for fixed blades?

How much (%wise) did you sell? 50% 100%?

You don't need to be a maker to reply. Just looking for general feedback on how the economy (if at all) is affecting these shows.

I realize these are really general ?s, so feel free to qualify any replies.

Thanks!
 
Like every year, some did well, some not so well.

Last year was a pleasant surprise in that it wasn't as bad as folks thought it would be.

In my opinion this year was not as brisk as some had hoped. There were plenty of folks who did well, but my impression was that it wasn't as busy as last year.



They took the divider down, so this year the show was the full floor. This was the largest layout for the show I've seen. :thumbup:
 
For Chris and I this year's Blade show was better than great, good people, good conversations and sales were our best ever. There was more room between tables which made looking through the show a pleasure.
 
Best show for me yet.
Sold out. Got coerced in to a lottery for the Saturday release in fact.
30+ folders in the $500 - $600 range, and 4 in the over $1000 range. A dozen or so random fixed blades, and friction folders in the $200 neighborhood.
Busiest I have seen it in the 7 years I have been doing it, and the most happy vendors I have seen.
I'm sure not everyone did well, but everybody I talked to sure said they did great, vendors and customers alike.
 
Last edited:
The photos definitely give the impression that it was more open than past shows. I've never been, but the photos of past years always gave me the feeling that the show was cramped and trying to fit a bit too much into the space. I'm glad to hear they fixed that. I've been on both sides of the table for other industries and a cramped show is never as pleasant as the exact same show with some elbow room. More space only becomes an issue when it starts to make it feel empty.

I'm really hoping to go next year as a visitor.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top