Knife show veterans............help!

[Clay]

Since enjoying the last few Knife shows I've been to, I find myself looking for more of them to attend.

As many of you know, my blade of choice is the Balisong (butterfly knife), and I do flip them around a bit at these shows.

Considering they're illegal just about everywhere you go, I have a few questions:

~ Am I safe from "the law" within the four walls of the Knife show?? Or can I still be arrested for Possession, if say, an officer inside sees my with one??

~ What is the likelyhood of that happening??

~ Is there more of a risk at a smaller (150 table) show.

~ Are state blade size laws still an issue within the four walls of the show??

~ Has anyone ever had any problems with "the law" at a Knife show, as far as Auto's, Gravity knives or Balisongs?

Any help would be most appreciated.


------------------
Clay
www.balisongxtreme.com
Because......
getting 'em open
is half the fun!

[This message has been edited by Clay (edited 06-09-2000).]

 

[e_utopia]

I too have been wondering the same things (though not necessarily about balisongs, but aboug knives in general). For example, how is it possible to hold a show at all in NYC?

--JB

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e_utopia@hotmail.com

 

[grnamin]

Benchmade had their balisong exhibited at the show. I don't know whether or not it was for sale, but it was present. I think what's available at show venues depends on what the local laws are. There are normally no autos or balisong out in the open at the New York shows, for instance.

-Greg

 

[Clay]

That might be because they're harder to get in NY these days.

But I'm sure the blade size would still be an issue, right. I mean, all the knives at the NY show can't be 3 inches and under.

------------------
Clay
www.balisongxtreme.com
Because......
getting 'em open
is half the fun!

 

[sniperboy]

MAster Clay, My first show was in the East Coast Custom show in NYC. say 50 tables?? give or take.. most of the time the official (unsaid) rules say you cannot carry an illegal knife on your person that is "you cannot acces the knife in any easy fashion" thus in yoru bag is okay. I was not too prolific with my balisong there but the cops gave me no problem.. and apparently with the show you guys put on the Blade show i guess it isn't an issue there =). You wouldnt want to go to smaller shows unless meeting buds anyways. but then again i carry my piece under a shirt.. no of that overt stuff for my weak heart.

and yes there were HUGE blades in the east coast show. never strapped on anyone though

------------------
<A HREF="http://www.contrib.andrew.cmu.edu/~soo/balisong/balisong.html" TARGET=_blank>http://www.contrib.andrew.cmu.edu/~soo/balisong/balisong.html
</A> If you play with love you will be heartbroken; if you play with knives you will [bleed]

 

[Clay]

The thing is, (and it might sound a little wierd) I've been thinking of scoring tables at a few of the shows and selling shirts, promoting the site and doing demonstrations.

The informal demos we did in Oregon and Atlanta were such a hit that I figured if I (or we) were in one spot at a show more people would get a chance to see the Balisong in action. Hence more interest.

Plus I kinda feel bad doing freestyles in front of other peoples tables all the time.

I figured a table full of Balis at a show would be a cool thing. Whether for sale or just for display.



------------------
Clay
www.balisongxtreme.com
Because......
getting 'em open
is half the fun!

 

[Dr.Lathe]

Clay,
I have NEVER seen anyone have a problem with ANY knife at a show. Even at our local gun shows, people carry large knives, swords and every other weapon known to man with NO problem from the Law.
Let me know if you decide to do Atlanta next year! I want a table RIGHT next you yours!!
Neil

------------------
Talonite, New Pics, Etc., Etc.!!
Blackwood Knives
http://www.geocities.com/Eureka/Meeting/5520/index.html

 

[Clay]

Hey Neil, thats a great idea!

....... but ya' have to promise you'll let me play with one of your American Ninjas. I keep going to your site just to stare at it.

You can do the Balisong demos while I play with that......... deal??

------------------
Clay
www.balisongxtreme.com
Because......
getting 'em open
is half the fun!

 

[Gollnick]

Eventually Neil will decide to make a few balisongs. Then, having the two tables next to each other would be a perfect match.


------------------
Chuck
Balisongs -- because it don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing!
http://www.balisongcollector.com

 

[george tichbourne]

Nothing bothers me more at a knife show than some individual demonstrating their "skill" in knife handling in the crowded aisles of a show. It it dangerous and I have had to insist that the individual take the demonstration elsewhere.

If you are going to demonstrate a large cleared area is necessary for safety, at least 20 ft by 20 ft roped off to prevent accidental damage to the public. Liability insurance should be purchased to cover yourself and the show promoter as well.


------------------
george
www.tichbourneknives.com
sales@tichbourneknives.com

 

[Dr.Lathe]

Clay,
I would put people to sleep with MY Bali routine! Although, with alomst a year to practice.......

Chuck,
That's a good idea! Nothing would make me happier than a table full of custom Balis at next years Blade Show!!
I'm in the process of negotiating a deal with another forum member right now for more Ti. All I need now is a 36 hour day or some elves to work in the shop at night!!
A Bali prototype IS in the works.
Neil

------------------
Talonite, New Pics, Etc., Etc.!!
Blackwood Knives
http://www.geocities.com/Eureka/Meeting/5520/index.html

 

[The Edge Equipment]

Hey guys,

Based on my experience - I would not want to be the one to arrest Clay - even if we were not buds! Jeesh, I don't even know if leg irons would fit over those wrists

Clay,

Good to hear that you are thinking of doing more shows. Looking forward to meeting up again.

Kevin

------------------
Kevin Pensinger
The EDGE Equipment
sales@theedgeequipment.com

Contact The EDGE for your custom cutlery needs!