Knife Shows~Do we need them?

Kevin - maybe, but that's not what I'm saying. I'm saying that there is a spot for an online show, maybe to replace all the 2nd tier shows.

Makers and collectors need / want 1, 2, max 3 shows a year. Beyond that it becomes hard to attract enough of a critical mass of buyers and makers.

So online shows will never replace Blade, but they could very well replace a few others.
 
Joss said:
Kevin - maybe, but that's not what I'm saying. I'm saying that there is a spot for an online show, maybe to replace all the 2nd tier shows.

Makers and collectors need / want 1, 2, max 3 shows a year. Beyond that it becomes hard to attract enough of a critical mass of buyers and makers.

So online shows will never replace Blade, but they could very well replace a few others.
Click to expand...

Now THAT is true....but which shows...Little Rock? ABS Reno? OKCA show?(this is definitely second tier, but has been said before, biggest regional show in area).

I can't see anyone in the OKCA closing up shop for an online show, I'll bet the makers and suppliers alone coming together would make it a worthy show for them.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
Joss said:
Kevin - maybe, but that's not what I'm saying. I'm saying that there is a spot for an online show, maybe to replace all the 2nd tier shows.

Makers and collectors need / want 1, 2, max 3 shows a year. Beyond that it becomes hard to attract enough of a critical mass of buyers and makers.

So online shows will never replace Blade, but they could very well replace a few others.
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I believe it could very well come to that.
 
Kevin Jones said:
But seriously, I don't think any technology can replace the human element of attending shows.
I don't care how much a knife nut you are, it's still very much about the people who make, sell, photograph and buy them.
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I agree 100% regarding the Human Element, However there is a degree of Human Element/ Intimacy between Makers and Clients that exceeds the Blade Show Experience,

There is another level in that regard and it exceeds all shows, all conventions, all public events.

The Ultimate in regards to the Human Element is when the client travels to the Knifemakers Shop and spends time one on one in the Makers environment working on a special piece for said collector.

Through my Virtual Knife Shows I have met New Clients that have since travelled to my Shop and spent personal time with me.

The information exchange is incredible, the relationship that develops, wow!!

Some of these individuals are regular members here on this board,

I met them in the Virtual World and they travelled to My Location in the Reality Based World,

Thats why I designed SnodyKnives Knifemaking Studios of Texas to be Guest Friendly.

I am set up for Clients and due to the layout of my Studio I am quite productive with company in the shop.

It doesnt cost a client anymore to travel to their favorite makers shop than its costs that individual to travel to a show. Right now if I had a choice for instance between attending the Harrisonburg Show or the Charlotte Show Vs spending time in the shop of one of my Knifemaking Heroes, Like Edmund Davidson, Wayne Hendrix, Scott Slobodian, Greg Lightfoot, Tom Mayo, Warren Osbourne, SR Johnson, Ken Onion, Broadwell, etc, etc, etc I will take my money and go to the makers shop and watch him build me a special custom knife.

Eat the local cuisine, pop bottles and kick it with the maker.

Thats what Im talking about!

Money$$$$$$$$

It doesnt cost me anything when clients visit me,

It costs me when I visit clients, ie knife shows.

Thank goodness I have sponsors.

Money$$$

How many makers will have to go broke and make the final announcement before people realize the existing business model is antiquated and destructive.

How many more makers will end up in the Good Bad Ugly before people realize that the "Old Way" is no longer an option.

Everytime I read a thread about a Maker Going Out of Business I promise myself that I will self promote that much harder.

Get Money!!

















+..........................
 
Joss said:
You're doing a pretty good job so far. :)
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that I spent time on the phone with a Very Influential Collector based in the Seattle area today.

That in itself is huge,

I'm breaking out the Sam Adams Cream Stout to celebrate,

Seriously.
 
Mike, you're a great example of what self promotion can do. But the best thing that I see from you is that: You make knives!! Somewhere you learned that, as a knife maker, to make a living you need to MAKE KNIVES. Amazing concept, eh?

You're to be congratulated.

Win
 
Win Heger said:
Mike, you're a great example of what self promotion can do. But the best thing that I see from you is that: You make knives!! Somewhere you learned that, as a knife maker, to make a living you need to MAKE KNIVES. Amazing concept, eh?

You're to be congratulated.

Win
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Thanks Friend!!

I have always had alot of respect for your opinions,

From the very beginning.

The Scary thing is I shipped over Four Hundred Pieces last year and I still didnt make any real money from that aspect of my business.

I am talking about making a six figure income and living a respectable lifestyle, a Pimp Lifestyle

I know a maker who recently sold a custom knife for $30,000 (Thirty Thousand USD) and he eats hamburger meat three meals a day. He had holes in the floor of his kitchen when I met him.

What about kick ass insurance???

What a Joke!

I just want to make a living and support my family of four.

I came in this game with everything,

Its all about respect and money for me.

Have you seen how much diamond grillz cost?

I want a New Grill for Blade and I'm about 20k short.

Need more Redbull!!

Get my Hustle On!
 
Snody said:
I agree 100% regarding the Human Element, However there is a degree of Human Element/ Intimacy between Makers and Clients that exceeds the Blade Show Experience,

There is another level in that regard and it exceeds all shows, all conventions, all public events.

The Ultimate in regards to the Human Element is when the client travels to the Knifemakers Shop and spends time one on one in the Makers environment working on a special piece for said collector.

Through my Virtual Knife Shows I have met New Clients that have since travelled to my Shop and spent personal time with me.

The information exchange is incredible, the relationship that develops, wow!!

Right now if I had a choice for instance between attending the Harrisonburg Show or the Charlotte Show Vs spending time in the shop of one of my Knifemaking Heroes, Like Edmund Davidson, Wayne Hendrix, Scott Slobodian, Greg Lightfoot, Tom Mayo, Warren Osbourne, SR Johnson, Ken Onion, Broadwell, etc, etc, etc I will take my money and go to the makers shop and watch him build me a special custom knife.
Click to expand...

You make some very good points.

Funny you mention Edmund Davidson as I live less than a two hour drive from him yet I have never met him much less visited him. I will go coast to coast to a show though without a second thought. :confused:
 
Kevin Jones said:
You make some very good points.

Funny you mention Edmund Davidson as I live less than a two hour drive from him yet I have never met him must less visited him. I will go coast to coast to a show though without a second thought. :confused:
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You need to go see him Dude.

Seriously.

You will cherish the memory,

Dont eat the turtle soup.
 
I have a feeling '08 is going to be a very good Blade Show. Two of my pals who have never been made reservations today.

And there have been some spectaculars knives produced already this year as seen here on this forum and at the early shows.

Can't wait. :thumbup:
 
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