Knife Show

[CailanSeale]

What is absolutely required to sell knives at knife shows(Such as Blade Show), if I am just a maker wanting to sell my knives and get my name out? Do they vary?

I read the exhibitors page. Was unclear as to if I shall need to obtain a Business License or Insurance?

Thanks, C. Seale

 

[Jon Brand]

I'm no expert and have never done it, but I assume you simply contact the show promoter/producer and get the rates for a table and take it if available and it works for you.

 

[Win Heger]

Why not start by getting a Knifemaker Membership on here, there is a For Sale area just for makers and it's really active! That way you can show your knives in this area, lots of collectors here. Jon is right, best info on show participation will come from the promoter.

 

[brownshoe]

Business rules differ by state. Where I live you just need cash for a table to sell anything at a gun/knife show. Nobody collects tax either.

 

[mwschilling]

I'm not sure Blade Show would be a good place to start without having some name recognition or experience at smaller shows. It is a crowded field of some of the best knifemakers and competition could be difficult to overcome if you're wanting to sell knives. On the other hand, there are also a lot of knife guys looking for knives in all price ranges. I'm not a maker so never done the math but with travel, hotel, table cost, expenses, etc you could spend a couple/few thousand to attend. There is a custom knife show in Dallas in April that would be closer to home and perhaps a better starting point. This is all just my humble opinion, of course.

 

[Don Hanson III]

All it takes to get a table at Blade is pay for it. That is if a table is available.

Best way to get your name out there is do what Win Heger said.

Blade isn't the right show for a new unknown maker, unless your stuff is extremely good and priced low.

 

[evanPGH]

unless your stuff is extremely good and priced low.

Now that's the world I wish to live in!

Good luck to the OP, I would recommend starting out on the knifemakers exchange here as well.

 

[Jason Fry]

www.lonestarknifeexpo.com for the info on the April show in Dallas. Jerry Moen is putting it together. Had around 100 makers last year, should be a good one again.

 

[Don Hanson III]

Blade isn't the right show for a new unknown maker, unless your stuff is extremely good and priced low.

Now that's the world I wish to live in!

As a maker it would sure put your name on the map.

 

[CailanSeale]

Thank you, everyone for your input. All great ideas.
Also new to this forum (New as of yesterday) lol So it is good to know there is a place here to start.
I will also try and get a spot at the LoneStarKnifeExpo.

BladeShow was merely just an example, it is a big show so I set the example high. Figured if you can just buy a way in as a maker to the BladeShow, then it would be similar with smaller/ local shows.

Thank you for your time, and answers. You guys are great.

C. Seale

 

[Don Hanson III]

Welcome to Blade Forums!