ICCE Update

The Amazing Virginian

The Amazing Virginian

Gold Member
Joined
Feb 24, 2010
Messages
9,888
I am in KC at the ICCE and I wanted to get off a quick post on the show this morning. I will update the thread a bit over the weekend. My perspective is as a collector, and I am hoping that some makers will chime in with their perspective.

First off, I think that KC is a great venue. Pretty centrally located, easy to get to, and small enough to get around. The hotel where this is hosted is unfortunately large and convoluted . . . more on that later.

This creeky POS website will not let me post more than a couple of paragraphs in one post without throwing up, so . . . to be continued . . .
 
Continued . . .

My initial impressions were and are that attendance on Friday was somewhat low. Certainly can't compare it to something like Blade, of course, but still it seemed to me to be less than what I recall from the Arkansas Show (I would like to see the numbers - I could be wrong about that) and less than I would have thought. I think that by and large the makers did their part to support this show and make it a success. There were a bunch of knives in a lot of different styles and price levels here. Some real, real nice pieces. (More on all that later, too)

Where is the collector community support? Where are the organizations/associations which claim to promote handmade/custom knife makers and collecting? Maybe it is there and I just do not see it. If collectors do not support this show, it will not survive. If anyone cares about that, and wants to see shows where they can actually go and see and perhaps purchase some of the best custom and handmade knives exhibited and for sale, then IMO they need to support shows like this. If not, then that is the free market and all fine of course. Just no bitching about the consequences later. :)

That having been said, I know that sales were very good for several makers at least. For example, I believe that Bill Ruple brought seven knives and was sold out pronto. Warren Osborne also sold out quickly. There were others I am sure. Several guys only had only one knife left for sale by the end of Friday.

So maybe the collectors in attendance had a greater percentage of buyers and a lower percentage of tire kickers? Maybe.

. . . to be continued this afternoon . . .
 
Thanks for the update and insights.
 
Come on, now, Ken, keep 'em comin'!! You're obviously having too much fun or we would have another report by now.:D:cool:
 
A little more . . .

some beautiful knifes at the show. Bill Burke won Best Damascus. Bruce Bump won Best Collaboration for an engraved ring guard pig sticker (at least that is what I call it), and Best of Show for a remarkable custom folding-knife/pistol. Bruce has done gun knives before, but I think this is my favorite. Huge, beautiful, hand-checked mother of pearl grips. I know that Adam DeRosiers also won two, or maybe three awards, but I can't recall right now which they were - maybe someone will come along and post them.

I have a few pictures I will try to post up later, but it was REAL hard to take pictures without a lot fo shadows, and I suck at photography anyway. Hopefully Caleb Royer took pictures and will post them.

So many outstanding knives (and I'll post more about them later), but my favorite knife was this Bowie by Russ Andrews.

medium800.jpg


The picture does NOT do it any justice. The 8 inch clad blade is incredible - Damascus over a W2 core. It has so much chatoyance that I don't know anyone is ever going to get a good picture. The blade surface seriously looks tree dimensional in your hand. Add to that the gorgeous orange fossil walrus handle . . .

I won't say the price, but it was a screaming bargain IMO. I would have bought it myself but someone beat me to it. :(

As far as ECCKS or NYCKS . . . this is totally different than either of those. I mostly do not collect tacticals (I have a few) so the NYCKS is not really for me. IMO, the ECCKS has declined in recent years. Too many top makers with one or no knives for sale, or even for display. The European makers all seem to come just to make deliveries to the purveyors and a small cadre of wealthy collectors. There is really little to nothing there for me to buy or even see, and that is why I stopped going. So I like this show much more. A closer comparison would probably be the Arkansas Knife Show. I liked this better because there is a little more variety, but they are on a similar level (IMO).

. . . to be continued.
 
Thanks, Ken, sure glad we are getting your perspective, because the questions I always ask about a show are the ones you, too, invariably ask and/or answer. Thanks for what you're doing here!

Bob
 
Just to give my honest perspective, the show lacked the energy of BLADE or the Little Rock show. There were some buyers there but not what I'm used to seeing. I'd guess that at its best the number of attendees in the room was pretty close to the number of table holders. From what I gathered from other makers it was probably a slow show for most. I brought two for delivery and two to sell. I sold one and took a good number of orders so I'm pretty happy with how the show went for me. I like the concept of the show, bringing the two different genres of knife making together. I believe it has potential to be a fine show if makers and collectors support it. I'll most likely give it another go next year and hopefully more people will put it on their calendar. The location seemed decent enough though I heard that there was another venue in KC close by that would have had free parking on the weekend. Show promotion could definitely see improvement as well. I hope the show continues and prospers. Look forward to hearing other's perspective.
 
I was there yesterday (since I'm a local guy and the venue is walking distance from my office).

Here are a few photos I snapped, but I was more concerned with putting my hands on blades, versus my camera.

https://goo.gl/photos/KKFx1rbWqTbXM2tu5

This is my first ever knife show, ICCE attendance, so I really have nothing to compare it to. I will say that EVERYONE was super friendly, it was busy and I enjoyed myself. I didn't bring anything home, but saw a few makers that I would like to check out in the future.

There may have been some makers that that are BF members (which I'm sure) thanks for coming to KC, I might have chatted with you and really did enjoy myself.

--Chris
 
Last edited:
I think Ben nailed it with his post. No lines waiting to get in and we could always see the door. We met a lot of "first time" knife show attendees. Did a lot of education.
 
EScott... Just wanted to say, I was the knucklehead from NC chatting with your wife and yourself. I loved your Rover blade.

Truly enjoyed meeting you two. And the Guinea Hog education.

--Chris
 
I just returned. It was really a good show for the first go at it. Lots of great knives in the room. Never really crowded, but seemed to be a good Friday crowd, and better Saturday crowd. I wasn't there very long today.

Ken and Ben were correct about no lines. But, Friday and Saturday both had very busy times. I will be interested in hearing what some of the tableholders there say.

I do understand it has begun scheduling for next year. That is good news. :thumbup:

That Russ Andrews bowie above was just outstanding! Great to see Russ at the show. :thumbup:

I just saw photos of Bill Burke's 'best' bowie, and it looked remarkable, also. Sorry I missed handling it.

Tired and hoarse from all the visiting. I will add some more later. I didn't get many photos, but might have a few to share.

It was a great show format I thought, and has lots of potential. Most makers I visited with indicated they would be coming back.

Onward and upward!

- Joe
 
I was at ICCE yesterday. Just like Saunterer, or Chris, I don't know which one I'm supposed to say. Haha, this is my first post on the fourms. But, anyway, It was an incredible experience. I had a Boker Plus Urban trapper in my pocket, so, naturally, I TALKED TO THE DESIGNER (Brad Zinker)! So many awesome people there. There were so many awesome opportunities I had. I mean, I talked to Todd Begg. Like, Todd Begg! One thing I will say that was eye opening for me was how humble everyone was. When I would compliment a maker's work, they would say thank you. These guys that have been making knives for 10, 20, 30, maybe even 40 plus years still appreciate a simple compliment. It was a very surreal experience, to be sure.
 
I just got home and am still reliving moments I thought were special. So many great makers with great knives and knowledgeable collectors to talk with. I got to meet some guys who's work I have admired greatly and am happy to say that without fail the makers I talked to were great people. The egos were not present that I could tell, just great people. That's what it is really about in the large scheme of things to me.

I hope this show goes on and improves. The ways it could improve, from what I heard from many makers, is more buyers. If we want to keep seeing the great makers show up with great knives that has to happen. How to make that happen is not my area of expertise. So, I am not sure if there is some additional Avenue to promote the show itself or if makers should be promoting themselves or perhaps a combination of both?

I will say that I hope to attend again and again.

Chris
 
Ken, I had hoped to meet you but somehow missed the chance. I do agree that Andrew 's Bowie was a outstanding piece.
20150918_123833_zps5wsehizd.jpg
[/URL]
this was the best I could get, but fails to show the beauty of the knife.




A couple more that were outstanding from my perspective.

Chris
 
Last edited:
This was my second show as a table holder. I got in at the last minute from the waiting list and I just about fell over when I saw the table they gave me. I was in the front row, surrounded by the legendary makers. My knives were inspected by the Guild Thursday afternoon and that went well so I am now a probationary member.

The reception Thursday evening was in a small room and it was really tight with a large attendance. It was fun though and most of the makers were there to socialize. My number one mentor, Johnny Stout, took the best folder award. Bruce Bump took best of show and best collaboration and I have to say, that guys' humility to talent ratio is off the charts! Adam DesRosiers took a couple awards including best hunter and I think Bill Burke took a couple including the Moran Memorial Damascus Award.

For me, the show was a success. I sold one knife straight off the table and a couple more got snatched up indirectly. The big thing about the show for me is the relationships. I met so many great people who were very generous with their time. As a new maker it is huge to have someone like Don Hanson III, Ed Caffrey, or Bill Pease, look at my knives and give me feedback.

Speaking of feedback on my knives, I want to mention Jim Skelton. I have been watching Jims' knife review videos since I got into making knives. I think he has a very good sense of what works and what doesn't and I think he is always very fair to the knife and the maker. In the past Jim has been predominantly a tactical folder guy but, recently he has begun to find an interest in more of the handmade knives. I met him at the show on Saturday and we talked for twenty minutes or so. His appreciation for the makers is immense and I believe you will see him promoting a lot of the handmade stuff in the future. I also got my wife to introduce him to Doug Ritter and he seemed very willing to help on that front. Considering his following, he could be a huge advocate for ALL knifemakers and collectors.

Others have spoken to sales and buyers so I will not address that specifically but, Bill Pease mentioned to me that it generally takes about three years for a show being in one location before it takes hold and really starts to draw the buyers. I got the feeling that most of the makers understood that and were willing to continue to attend to build this into a great show. I had a fantastic time at the show and have already paid for my table for next year.

Bob
 
Last edited:
Good show, although traffic was a bit slow. I signed up for next year.

Cliff Parker, Kyle and I missed the Thursday night judging. Got in a little late and had to meet with a couple collectors.

I'll not want any BBQ for at least a couple days! It was great!
 
Good show for us, and we have a table for next year.

I really enjoyed the conversations, and expect the show will become a must.

Thanks for the comments on my Bowie..!!
 
Had a fine time, spoke with a number of old friends that were great to see since I missed Blade this year and made a few new ones.

I picked a few pieces up that were awaiting me and bought a couple of others.

I guess the best part was that I'm only about an hour away instead of 12 or 13.

There were so many folks I see that posted in this thread I'd have very much enjoyed meeting but don't know what ya look like...probably passed by in the isles several times.

I'm excited that it's a go for next year and very much look forward to it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top