Kevin said it perfectly. This the point I'm trying to make. Maybe, because of the internet, what worked in Kansas City 25 years ago, isn't working now. Regardless of whether a maker, due to competition for the customer, needs to sell out as quickly as possible, or whether the veteran show attendees are there mainly for camaraderie, a newcomer or a person who infrequently attends shows (like myself) who has an overall negative experience, will probably not attend the next available show.
In my opinion, pointing out problems with knife shows, or with anything else, is the first step towards developing solutions. Discussing the problems is the second step and the step that is so hard to accomplish on these forums or on any forums, from what I've seen.
I have not done a very good job expressing my opinions on this thread. Since I started it, I've flown across the country 4 times, have been tired and haven't had a lot of time. Anyway, I think the issue of selling before shows has valid points on all sides. I realize that Don Hanson makes knives for a living and he is at the show to get those knives sold. He has bills, a family that supports him and he to support them. I respect him and what he does, I've been in his shoes and I know what it's all about. I also believe a maker or purveyor has the absolute right to do whatever they want with whatever they make or own. "Pro-choice", if you will. However, here's how I see the overall situation. Sales go on before shows due to competition between makers for the finite number of buyers that will be attending that show. More specifically, for the finite number of dollars in the wallets of those buyers. The distinction is important, because when the "legal tender" runs out, the buyer is now a looker. The whole situation is actually driven by competition between makers, not competition between buyers. The show is getting choked from both ends. Buyers are frustrated and rightfully so. Some makers are, too. I have spoken with a few who have voiced this to me unsolicited. One aspect of a show involves selling knives to new customers and developing new collectors of your work. They don't want to sell out to the more or less same select crowd before the show. Those buyers are already customers. I'm not labeling right or wrong. I just think the situation, especially in the age of the internet, promotes negative growth, which in the end, hurts every maker, every purveyor and every collector. As a collector, as interest becomes more widespread, the value of my collection grows. And vice versa. This is where I'm coming from.
Steven, I do not mind answering your question and I apologize for taking so long. I've attended knife shows, since the early 90's on a regular but infrequent basis. Probably average 2 per year. Been to Solvang, Blade West a couple times, Chicago every year but this one, Reno a couple times, mostly small shows going on wherever I'm at. Tucson, Reno gun shows, Denver, Badger, Madison, whatever's easy. However, the vast majority of shows that I have attended have been car shows. I was carried (we didn't have a stroller) to probably my first few dozen. My dad and later myself, were not lookers. We bought cars, we sold cars. Mostly classics, as opposed to muscle cars. Later, I got into muscle cars and I have no idea how many I've owned. I don't know if this "counts" or gives me any credibility, but Kevin will tell you, a lot of things carry over into anything else you might collect.
Pete
