Knife show etiquette question

i4Marc

i4Marc

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Oct 19, 2011
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When I go to a knife show I enjoy speaking with the makers and talking knives. I like learning about their process, seeing their product first hand, etc. I can't afford to buy anything so I go to educate myself and meet people. When I approach a maker's table I like to mention up front that I'm not in a position to buy and that I am also a maker. I realize they are there to sell knives and I am very mindful of potential customers approaching the table and I move aside to let the maker conduct his business. Sometimes if the conversation goes that way, I may ask a maker to look at some of my work to get their advice or opinion. My question is for the makers who sell at shows. If you know there is not going to be a sale, do you feel it is an imposition for someone to take up time and space at your table?
 
Just be polite and up front with your presence. Seems like you've got that figured out.
It's easy to tell if you are considered an annoyance. No different than any other place.
Most generally, other knife makers like to talk about knives!! I sure do.
You're welcomed at my table.
 
Thanks Karl. I hope I find myself standing in front of your table someday.
 
I agree with Karl. If I am not with a customer or collector, I will be glad to do it. It is talking about knives, one of my favorite subjects.
Brion
 
I would think in sitting behind a table for 2, sometimes 3 days during a show a maker would enjoy the company while not actively trying to conduct a sale or converse with a potential customer.
 
I can relate.

In my case when I am at a show, I am WORKING, and often working hard. I'm under time constraints and EVERYONE reading this knows the difficulties of managing to put out good work with a time deadline.

At least 3-4 times in any show someone wants to come by and "see my studio" set up and talk a little 'shop'. I don't blame them for being curious.

The makers are ALSO working. The tasks aren't the same, but the focus is; to fulfill a business transaction with a side of friendship. This is BOTH of our priorities.

If either of us are busy at the moment with 'work' it will be clumsy. Asking permissioin is SO valuable. I have had my bristles when someone barges in and 'just wants to peek', and the next thing they are asking a question or two and so on.

Others ask my clerks if I am available to show them. They ask me if or when. More often than not it's a go. No bristling.

Marc, I suspect you know the answer. I LOVE sharing knowledge, but I HATE interruptions.

Read body language and subtle wording. That will answer you. It's a VERY grey area.

Good luck.
 
I think it also depends on the show. I was at Blade show a few years ago (happy to say I will be back again this year!!!!) and I noticed that quite a few tables had one or two knives on them even at the beginning of the show and many, though still with knives present on their respective tables, were already sold out and were more than happy to sit (or stand) and talk. I got to know quite a few really great people that way. On person stands out specifically as going above and beyond in my opinion. Chris Williams at Wilmont. Awesome individual! Anyone who has met Chris or seen him at shows knows he is a busy, busy person. Not only was he demo-ing and showing knives and grinders, he was also grinding blades there on the show floor. Once we got to talking (and he moves and talks fast) he took time out to walk me around to some other makers tables and booths and introduce me to folks I had never met. We sat down later in the Pit and shared a few drinks.
 
i enjoy when someone is interested in my work enough to ask questions. i had one guy who said he was a maker pull up a chair and for 45 minutes, asked me how i do pretty much everything on the knife and i explained. at about the same time i realised i had just told all my "secrets" to him, he bought the most expensive knife on the table, which i never thought would sell. since then i have been to his shop to show him how i shape a handle and guard, and he showed me how to make cannister damascus. you never know what can come out of a simple conversation :)
 
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