Knife show etiquette questions...

[Chiro75]

Well, I am going to be attending my first knife show in a couple weeks at the Badger show in Wisconsin. I have a few questions concerning etiquette, though:
1) I have a few sheaths for Leatherman Waves and Nimravus Cubs that I have not sold yet. WOuld it be tacky to bring them with me and make an attempt to unload them if possible? I would keep it low-key, of course.
2) Should I bring a soft cloth to have in my pocket so I can wipe off knives at tables I am checking out, or is this too anal? I don't want to leave fingerprints all over the show pieces, you know?
3) Do exhibitors assume they are there to make shows, so chatting it up is wasting their time, or are they open to talking even if there is no hint of purchase?
4) Is it tacky to talk prices down? I don't know what kind of pricing folks do at shows (slightly elevated, or lower than normal), so I don't know if my usual practice of bargaining would be well-accepted or not.
5) Should I worry about how many knives I am carrying to show off, etc? I want to bring some of my better knife kit works for show and tell (and to get constructive input), as well as some of my favorite purchases so I can support my favorite makers. I assume folders are no worry, but most of these knives are fixed blades. Is it assumed that a lot of people will be wearing knives, or should I tone it down? It's not like I'll be covered in knives, but I can forsee being weighted down pretty heavily with some concealed stuff.

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[Jerry Hossom]

Chiro, the very fact that you ask these questions insures you will not have any problems.

Unless you have paid for a table, it is highly frowned upon to sell things at a show, and is usually against show rules. Does it happen? Sure, but many makers are also sheathmakers and they paid for the priviledge of selling their products.

Don't worry about wiping off knives. Just ask if it's OK to handle them. Fingerprints are less of a problem for mirror-polished blades than the spit you aren't aware you're spraying around when you talk. Most makers wipe with a chamois, and would prefer you not wipe with an unknown cloth. Some cloth will scratch and they won't know if yours does or doesn't.

Most of us love to talk, so chat it up all you like, but back off a little if another customer comes to the same table. You don't want your talking to interfere with a sale.

Personally, I get annoyed when someone tries to argue me down in price. The hourly wages of knifemakers suck, so while many will sell for less than they might have on the knife, you will probably maker fewer knifemaker friends.

You probably don't need to bring many of your knives to get the input you're looking for. Showing off, unless you're one heck of a maker, will likely not attract much favorable attention, particularly if they are kit knives. I know some of the makers at that show, and I persoanlly wouldn't strut much in their presence. Just take what you need to get the help you're looking for. Most makers are happy to help you out.

As for past purchases, that's up to you. You will likely be able to point to a knife like yours on the tables of your favorite makers, so showing them their own work doesn't gain much. Your choice.

Good questions though, and I'm sure you're going to have a great time.

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Jerry Hossom
www.hossom.com