Is Blade Show a good place for knife & sheath making supplies?

[hebegb]

Never been to the Blade Show, but am planning to make it this year. I'm just getting into handle making and want to start kydexing & leathering some sheaths. I've already bought an arbor press. Was wondering if I should wait for Blade to get better supplies prices, or will it be just as cheap or better to order on line? My guess (fear) is, if I wait til Blade, even if there are better prices, my budget will get reapportioned to eye candy instead of supplies. Any Advice?

 

[gzb]

Never been to the Blade Show, but am planning to make it this year. I'm just getting into handle making and want to start kydexing & leathering some sheaths. I've already bought an arbor press. Was wondering if I should wait for Blade to get better supplies prices, or will it be just as cheap or better to order on line? My guess (fear) is, if I wait til Blade, even if there are better prices, my budget will get reapportioned to eye candy instead of supplies. Any Advice?

At Blade, the selection is almost overwhelming.

Handle material by the literal ton. Of anything/everything used to handle a knife.
Same with steel, including all types/patterns of Damascus.

With the above said, there's nothing like seeing things in person and handling them. Lots of little differences that just can't be captured by a camera that you would have to go by for online purchases.

Talk to the folks who do it for a living. Free advice is priceless.
Just do it...