knife show etiquette

F

Flash Owl

Joined
Aug 24, 2011
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i attended a knife show last month and purchased some custom knives. since then, i dont think i can ever buy an expensive knife without handling it first.
the next big show in my area is in a few months, and im preparing myself to make the most out it by researching the dealers and makers that will be attending.

im wondering what some of our fellow forum members have learned from your experiences attending shows?

is it better to attend the first day of the show for better selection?
is it better to attend the last day of the show for better prices?
is it ok to bargain or ask for some kind of discount with a seller's asking price? generally i would like to ask for a discount from the seller, but i dont make the offer, because i do not want to disrespect the craftsman and his/her work.
when making an order for a cutom piece right there at the table, could i expect a discounted asking price compared to their website prices?

thanks!
 
I find maker's are willing to give a small discount for being at the show, of course if any of them are dedicated salesmen they might mark it up prior to the show. But overall, talk to the maker and get a feel for them, but I like to wait until the end of the show before making an purchases.
 
YES. Opening bell.
No. Everyone has left for the airport.
Generally no. Especially with other potential customers at the table. Politeness is key.
Generally no. The prices are the prices.

Always ask before you touch or photograph.
Don't touch the blades.
Don't check for sharpness.
Do put the knives back where you picked them up.

Enjoy and show us some photos.
 
Ebbtide has a good list. Nothing to add to it from my experience except that depending upon the maker that table might represent months to in some cases years of effort and acquired skill. Even if you do not like the work or if it is not your style be polite and respectful at least of the effort.

After a few decades of collection customs, I have yet to ask a maker for a discount. If I feel the work is not worth the price, I just look for other work.
 
Ebbtide said:
YES. Opening bell.
No. Everyone has left for the airport.
Generally no. Especially with other potential customers at the table. Politeness is key.
Generally no. The prices are the prices.

Always ask before you touch or photograph.
Don't touch the blades.
Don't check for sharpness.
Do put the knives back where you picked them up.

Enjoy and show us some photos.
Click to expand...

Out of curiosity, why not check for sharpness? I get that finger prints are annoying, and could cause corrosion if left alone long enough.... but isn't it expected that products set out for sale are going to be handled?
If I were the seller I would expect it, and simply keep a rag on hand to wipe any smudges left.

Personally, I always check the sharpness of any blade I handle. Why shouldn't I?
 
Flash Owl said:
is it ok to bargain or ask for some kind of discount with a seller's asking price? generally i would like to ask for a discount from the seller, but i dont make the offer, because i do not want to disrespect the craftsman and his/her work.
Click to expand...

I want to handle a knife before considering it, but I will do that very carefully and with respect for merchandise that still belongs to the seller. I think you must handle a knife to see how it feels to you, and to determine the craftsmanship involved. I'm sure there are lots of knives at shows that look similar from a distance but upon handling you can determine why one is twice the price of another one. I have seen most knife makers use a cloth to occasionally wipe off their display items. I think handling is to be expected of display items. If a maker discourages handling then I move on to someone else.

I have generally taken the stand that if I am buying a person's craftsmanship, something that they made with their hands, put their time and energy and experience into, and maybe bled for, then I will not dishonor them by asking for a lower price. I have been to tables where there were no prices and the seller would tell you discretely when asked what the price was. I'm again assuming that he is giving the best price that he is willing to give under the circumstances. Now if a seller is selling production knives, then I have no problem asking what is the lowest price he will take.

I would guess that most makers would not be too upset if you ask them respectfully for a lower price, but I would suggest doing it discreetly so that other people didn't hear.
 
BryFry said:
Out of curiosity, why not check for sharpness? I get that finger prints are annoying, and could cause corrosion if left alone long enough.... but isn't it expected that products set out for sale are going to be handled?
If I were the seller I would expect it, and simply keep a rag on hand to wipe any smudges left.

Personally, I always check the sharpness of any blade I handle. Why shouldn't I?
Click to expand...

That's what I was thinking. I'm now considering all the times I've touched blades at knife shops and thinking that might have been inconsiderate (but checking for sharpness - that's almost mandatory for me).
 
Just ask before you do anything, like picking it up and especially if you want to feel the edge. He can always say "No", or he'll likely say "go ahead".

Treat the knifemaker and knives with respect, and it's usually reciprocated.

I have found that knifemakers will sometimes offer you a discount all by themselves, if that's what they want, oftentimes to seal a deal, or when selling multiples. What they do not want to do is haggle at the table and in front of others.
 
Good Questions - With the Atlanta Blade Show coming up, timing is also perfect. With respect to the answers provided, regarding price, make an offer but do not haggle. In all markets seller in partnership with the buyer set the price. Test the sharpness - Who is going to buy a dull knife? If you are targeting a specific knife, make arrangements with the maker prior to the show. Expecting to find the knife you desire made by one of the "rockstar" makers is not realistic unless you take this step. Its amazing how many of these types of blades are sold prior to the doors being open, especially to dealers. See the knife you want... buy it. If you find the blade attractive, chances are so do hundreds of alternate buyers.

Just my .02
 
thanks for all the advise.
the table knives that i did buy, the maker discounted about 20% from his advertised price, then rounded down, without me asking. he made my decision very easy :D

i dont like haggling, but asking discretely for a discount might be the best way. and only if im ready to buy.
 
Yes, you can handle the knives. Just ask politely. And yes, you can test the sharpness of the blades for goodness sake.

As for haggling, that's just part of knife shows. It's not like shopping at a department store. Just be tasteful and polite in your discussions.
 
I've seen some signs that say, "You bleed, you buy!" I don't know if they can enforce a rule like that, but there's always someone who will cut themselves while examining a knife. If you like to examine a lot of knives, you might want to carry a microfiber cloth with you as a means of cleaning up the blades and scales.

As for making offers, I say go for it. All over the world merchants have bargained their wares. A knife maker can always say no. My dad bartered for things his entire life. That's why we have so much junk in the house today. I agree that some makers may mark up their prices before they go to shows. Is insulting them by asking for a lower price any worse than them insulting you by asking too much?
 
when you want to buy a top-line ferrari at a good price, you don't just try to be first in line and show them lots of money. the two ways i know are, 1) you have to be a somebody, in which case they'll actually knock on your door to try and sell you one at a discount, or 2) you show them you're a rich, fervent ferrari lover and you have one or two older ferraris kept in excellent condition.

i think #2 is applicable here. so, be first in line, make sure they understand your needs, make sure they recognize your value as a patron.
 
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