Knifemaker's Guild Show Sept 17-20

What a great show! I can honestly say I have never enjoyed a knife show more than this one. It wasn't the best sales weekend I ever had but with the economy the way it is didn't expect it to be. Regardless, I had a great time with a lot of wonderful people.

It was like a family reunion. I got to meet and spend time with several knifemakers whose work I have admired. I learned a lot and made some new friends. Our table was next to Jeff and Sandy Morgan and Beverly and Billy Imel. I couldn't have had nicer neighbors for the weekend.

I met Harry Mathews, Pat Crawford, Rhett Steadham, Ted Dowell, Kit Carson and several others for the first time. I hung out with old friends Ronald Best, Larry Pridgen, Brad Vice, Stan Wilson and many others.

The new location and venue is terrific. We had a good crowd all weekend. It was especially exciting to see a lot of newcomers from the area who had never been to a custom knife show before and how they were amazed by what they saw. I have absolutely no doubt that several new collectors were born at this show. Two locals that I personally know were buying knives like kids in a candy store. I know of at least a couple of high-end $3000-$4000 knives that were sold so buyers are still out there. Many said they would definitely be back next year.

Collectors from California to New York made the trip for the show. People I know from WV, Cincinnati, and Lexingtom came in.

To top it off for me, I was voted into the Guild as a voting member. The guild had a bunch of new applicants this year and some of their work is almost scary good. The Guild has turned a corner and the future is looking very bright.
 
Hi Mike:

Congratulations on receiving your Voting Membership.

The Guild has turned a corner and the future is looking very bright.
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What "corner" did they turn?

My understanding is the that show had 124 tables. In the late 80's to early 90's the show had over 400 tables.

The Guild Show went from being the premier show in the world to a nice regional show.

A little back ground on me. I attended my first Guild Show in 1986 and attended every year till 2005. I am an Honorary member and was an associate member for 12 years. For several years I was one of the judges of the work submitted Probationary and Voting member hopefuls. Matter of fact myself and Bob Neal were the first two judges of the Guild Awards to the custom knife makers.

I do like the idea of the show moving to Louisville, easier to get to for most people.

It is admirable that you are promoting the Guild.

However, cheer-leading alone is not going to get this show back on track.

What are the future plans to return the show to the prominence it once held?
 
Nice job on the show write up Mike. I'm hopeful for the this show to continue success and is well on its way back up. One thing I want to get info on is that they will accept ABS Mastersmiths in without a probationary period. Can you correct or expand on that Mike?
 
Mike, thanks for the show report. Hopefully, the guild will take this opportunity and continue to draw new collectors. Some very good knife makers continue to support the guild and I'll bet every show there's more than one newcomer that will stun you.

Win
 
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Les, I wasn't aware that the Guild was off track. Times have changed and the Guild is trying to change with it while maintaining it's traditions and standards. It's a tricky balance sometimes. The Guild may not have the membership that it did 20 years ago but I don't think any knife organization does.

We had between 135-140 tables at this years show. I would like to see a few more and we are looking at ways to accomodate more with the space we have but personally I don't think I would want it to be a 400 table show. I like the smaller more intimate show. The PKI, Solvang and the Guild Show are still considered premier shows. Its not all about how many tables they have.

As for my cheerleading. Yes I do. I believe in the Guild and I believe they are making the right moves. A lot of people are working very hard to make the organization be what the membership wants it to be. We will never please everybody. I talked to everyone I could this weekend and the overwhelming response was very positive.

Bruce, the Guild will grant immediate voting membership and waive the probationary period to Master Smiths in good standing with the ABS provided that their work and business practices meets the Guilds standards.

The probationary requirement is about more than the quality of an applicants work. One of the purposes of the Guild has always been to promote ethical business practices and serve as a mediator to resolve disputes between makers and collectors. The probationary periods allows the Guild to monitor the business practices of an applicant in addition to inspecting their work.
 
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As I live only a few miles from Ron, I have seen the countless hours he spends on hand shaping & polishing these knives. They are as well finished inside as they are outside.
 
Mike -- good to hear about the show. hope more collectors and makers will contribute their thoughts about the show and give more insight about the venue too. We collectors can't get enough info about knife shows.
 
Hi Mike,

The Guild may not have the membership that it did 20 years ago but I don't think any knife organization does.
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Actually the ABS has shown a marked improvement in their membership over the last 20 years.

Another question would be with both the number of makers and collectors having grown exponentially over the last 20 years. Why hasn't the Guild grown over the same time frame?

The Guild Show has been off track since before you heard of it. Which probably explains why you don't think it is off track.

Mike, I will be the one to break it to you. The Guild Show has not been a premier show since before you ever heard of it. I had kind of a chuckle when you compared it in the same sentence as the AKI.

Of the 24 Makers attending (not including Loveless...as he no longer actually makes his knives) 4 are voting members in the Guild. Of those voting member only SR Johnson attended (Steve has always been very good about supporting and promoting the Guild).

I suspect when the next spot opens up that members such as Osborne. Overeynder, Pease and Sawby will be considered for the AKI.

Nice to see they are offering MS makers Voting Membership in the Guild.

The Guild is a "smaller" show due directly to the direction the Board has taken it. I'm sure their intention was not to reduce the show by 60%+...over 15 years.

Perhaps the Guild should view this from the collector's point of view. Why do you think the Blade Show keeps getting bigger? Probably not because the collectors like a smaller show.

Thinking about what the customers would want to know will serve any organization well.

Oh: "A lot of people are working very hard to make the organization be what the membership wants it to be. We will never please everybody. I talked to everyone I could this weekend and the overwhelming response was very positive."

This has been the "mantra" of those attending the Guild show for the last 15 years.

Any way, back to my question. What has and is the Guild doing to turn the corner to get back to the premier organization it once was.
 
Les, I have never met you and I don't want to get into a pissing match with you. I have been around a little longer than you apparently think I have. I know there are a couple of people who can't let go of some bad feelings about disagreements with Guild directors and members that happened in the 70's or 80's. This is not entirely directed at you but there are a couple of people who can't seem to pass up the opportunity to open old wounds and bash the Guild.

As far as I am concerned whatever happened is ancient history. Things have changed. Different people are involved. No single person directs the Guild. It is guided by it's 300+ members. I think ANY organization that promotes knives, knifemakers and collectors in a positive way is a good thing. I happen to like what the Guild stands for and what they do for the knife community.

The Guild has changed some of it's rules in direct response to what the members, and potential members, wanted. That is as it should be in my opinion. Not everybody agrees on everything but the majority ruled.

The Guild moved to a new more centrally located venue after an exhaustive search for locations considering cost, travel, available space and the eagerness of the venue to host the event.

I am seeing more people excited about the Guild and wanting get involved in making it a bigger and better organizaton. I am most definitely one of them. We exposed a LOT of newcomers to the world of custom knives this weekend. That can only be good for all of us. Many of us have the feeling of this as a fresh new era of the Guild.

I don't think it is laughable to compare the Guild to the PKI. Both promote excellence in knifemaking. There are certainly Guild members every bit as good knifemakers as the PKI members and as you pointed out in some cases they are one in the same.

You don't agree and you are certainly entitled to your opinion but there are many who do consider the Guild show to be a premier show. Comparing it to the Blade show is hardly apples-to-apples since Blade covers everything and not just handmade custom knives. Of course Blade is going to have a bigger draw due to it's wider focus.

Regarding the "mantra" of those who have been having positve experiences for the past 15 years, perhaps that's because they have.
 
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Bruce Bump said:
Mike, Can you hook me up with the Guild? Email me some details if you will?
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You can find information about the Guild, it's by-laws and membership information on the Knifemakers Guild website http://www.knifemakersguild.com

You can also contact Gil hibben or any of the directors to answer specific questions. Their contact information is on the website. Also, I will be happy to answer any questions that I can. If I can't answer a question I will try to find the answer or direct you to someone who can.
 
Mike Carter Custom Knives said:
I don't think it is laughable to compare the Guild to the PKI. Both promote excellence in knifemaking. There are certainly Guild members every bit as good knifemakers as the PKI members and as you pointed out in some cases they are one in the same.
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The "PKA" is Professional Knifemakers Association....this show is held in Colorado I believe, and I would hope that the Knifemaker's Guild Show is significantly more prestigious than the PKA show.

The "AKI" is the Art Knife Invitational, and in terms of scope, mission, and money....there is no comparison. The AKI is THE prestigious show to be a member of and to attend as a buyer.

Not sure which show you are referencing, Mike.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
Kohai999 said:
The "PKA" is Professional Knifemakers Association....this show is held in Colorado I believe, and I would hope that the Knifemaker's Guild Show is significantly more prestigious than the PKA show.

The "AKI" is the Art Knife Invitational, and in terms of scope, mission, and money....there is no comparison. The AKI is THE prestigious show to be a member of and to attend as a buyer.

Not sure which show you are referencing, Mike.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
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My mistake. I meant the PKA and I was referring to the Art Knife Invitational. Thank you for correcting me.

My point is that many DO consider the Guild Show to be one of the premier knife shows and travel long distances for the annual opportunity to see and buy knives from some of the best custom makers in the industry.
 
Mike Carter Custom Knives said:
My mistake. I meant the PKA and I was referring to the Art Knife Invitational. Thank you for correcting me.

My point is that many DO consider the Guild Show to be one of the premier knife shows and travel long distances for the annual opportunity to see and buy knives from some of the best custom makers in the industry.
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I wasn't correcting you, Mike, I was confused....and was requesting clarification. I don't disagree with your position for the most part.

20 years ago, the Knifemaker's Guild was the big enchilada, numero uno. For whatever reason, the momentum got screwed, and there was a massive downsizing. I went to both Guild shows in Las Vegas, and they were decent shows to be sure, but not mindblowing.

The ABS is currently in the same position of having excellent momentum, and not having an apparent grip on the best way to use that momentum...holding more hammer ins may not be the answer....politics and lack of business savvy seem to have a common partner in knife organization leadership.

That said, if there was good turnout at the show from both makers and collector's positions and everyone had a good time, and might have sold/bought some knives, maybe the Guild may build the show back up into a "must attend."

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
Hi Mike,

I was referring to your "time" with the Guild. As you say anything before that is "ancient history". As you got your voting membership this year I suspect your time with the Guild is 3-4 years at most.

My problem with the Guild is that as STeven wrote it was the "Big Enchilada". It was the Premier Show.

I suspect those who consider it a "Premier" show would be basing that on "ancient history".

The AKI, Santa Barbara Premier Art Showcase (formerly Solvang), Chicago Custom Knife Show and the East Coast Custom Knife Show are probably the big 4 in the US right now.

The Blade Show is now the "Event" to attend...it has moved past being merely a knife show.

Im not trying to get into a pissing contest either. I am asking you what the Guild is actually going to do to regain its position in the custom knife world.

The board (and as you point out that really the 300+ members are directing this), was responsible for the over 60% erosion of the show over the past 15 years (ancient history). BTW, the last business meeting I went to...there were over 500 Voting Members...and probably another several hundred probationary members. One year in New Orleans they brought in over 100 Voting and Probationary members in one year!!!! Where did they all go Mike?

The Guild has always had a huge amount of disagreement within its membership...nothing new there. There were some knock down drag out arguments at the Business meeting.

But then most organizations have difficulty within its ranks.

Ok so you didn't know the difference between the PKA and AKI which is why your comment was humorous to me.

One of the things to be considered for next years show...a bigger room. My understanding is that there were several people on a waiting list. As well the tables (according to several makers I talked with) were too close together (kind of a "rookie" mistake for a show to make) and that the aisles were a little small for an easy flow of traffic.

A larger room would make those setting up more comfortable, allow more makers to attend the show (making the show bigger...and in theory bringing more collectors to the show). As well the customers wouldn't have to keep trying to avoid each other while moving through the show.

looking forward to hearing the plans for next years show.

BTW, there is one incredibly simple thing that would probably increase the shows attendance by 10 - 15%.
 
I for one have heard more positive comments from this past weekend's Guild show than from the last several shows in Florida.
So I'm taking that along with the new improved venue that the Guild is at least moving their show in the right direction. :thumbup:

Mike, thank you for the report and photos.
 
Les Robertson said:
Hi Mike,

I was referring to your "time" with the Guild. As you say anything before that is "ancient history". As you got your voting membership this year I suspect your time with the Guild is 3-4 years at most.
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I have only been a member of the Guild since 2007 but I have certainly been aware of it much longer. I worked for several years on my knifemaking before I considered myself good enough to apply for membership.


Les Robertson said:
The AKI, Santa Barbara Premier Art Showcase (formerly Solvang), Chicago Custom Knife Show and the East Coast Custom Knife Show are probably the big 4 in the US right now.
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I did not attend but I have been told by people who did attend that attendance for the New York, Chicago and Las vegas shows was way down.

Les Robertson said:
Im not trying to get into a pissing contest either. I am asking you what the Guild is actually going to do to regain its position in the custom knife world.
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As I stated, the guild changed it's rules and procedures, moved to a new venue, elected new directors, generated new enthusiasm and excitement among it's members.

Les Robertson said:
The board (and as you point out that really the 300+ members are directing this), was responsible for the over 60% erosion of the show over the past 15 years (ancient history). BTW, the last business meeting I went to...there were over 500 Voting Members...and probably another several hundred probationary members. One year in New Orleans they brought in over 100 Voting and Probationary members in one year!!!! Where did they all go Mike?
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Good question and one that I sure the Guild would like figure out too. We welcome new members and are not trying to drive anyone away. However, we do want to maintain our standards for knifemaking and business excellence. I am glad that it not just a matter of paying your dues to become a member but we alway encourage new membership.

Les Robertson said:
The Guild has always had a huge amount of disagreement within its membership...nothing new there. There were some knock down drag out arguments at the Business meeting.

But then most organizations have difficulty within its ranks.
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That is always going to be the case with any large group. I don't agree with everything the Guild does. There are things I think they could do better but my opinion alone doesn't make it so. I am willing to accept what the majority of the membership agrees to and I will work to find ways to improve the organization.

Les Robertson said:
Ok so you didn't know the difference between the PKA and AKI which is why your comment was humorous to me.
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Please excuse my ignorance.

Les Robertson said:
One of the things to be considered for next years show...a bigger room. My understanding is that there were several people on a waiting list. As well the tables (according to several makers I talked with) were too close together (kind of a "rookie" mistake for a show to make) and that the aisles were a little small for an easy flow of traffic.

A larger room would make those setting up more comfortable, allow more makers to attend the show (making the show bigger...and in theory bringing more collectors to the show). As well the customers wouldn't have to keep trying to avoid each other while moving through the show.
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The size of the room is what it is. I wish it was a little bigger but it isn't. I thought the table layout was fine and made the best use of the available space. Traffic flowed just fine as far I saw. Since this was the 40th annual show I really don't think there was anything "rookie" about it.

Finding a suitable venue is a monumental task. Most of the big hotels want 5-10 year contracts with guaranteed $30,000-$50,000 annual catering deals and huge guaranteed room blocks. The Guild took a big financial hit last year in Orlando when they didn't sell out their room block. They can't afford to get in that situation again. Convention Centers consider this small potatoes and even if they book the show, they will bump it if something bigger comes along. Obviously that doesn't work for the guild.

If you know of a better venue please submit your suggestions to the Guild with details about size, cost, and availability. I am sure they will be considered for the future.


Les Robertson said:
BTW, there is one incredibly simple thing that would probably increase the shows attendance by 10 - 15%.
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And what would that be?

I am not any kind of official spokesperson for the Guild. I can only offer my personal experience. I thought it was a great show. I thoroughly enjoyed it and sold enough knives to be happy with the outcome.

Nearly everyone I talked to liked it, both makers and collectors. I heard a couple of complaints but the the majority by far were positive.

The big shows like Blade are great and I enjoy going to them for the variety. But I think smaller shows like this are less rushed to see everything and allow more one-on-one time with the knifemakers and more in-depth appreciation of the knives. It is a more relaxed family atmosphere that I find very enjoyable. It's like asking people about New York City. Some love it, others hate it. You can choose to go or not.
 
Mike, thanks for your show of support. Perhaps a dialogue such as this one will pave the way to a glorious future for the Guild.

Harry Mullica Jr.
 
HI Mike,

Like you, at one time I was a huge supporter of the Guild. My comments are for those who may or may not have a connection to the Guild. Just wondering what happened. It is in the "ancient" history that the explanations can be found.

I understand about the contract. Which is why the Guild should consider a "non-permanent" home for the show. Two to Three years and then move it.

There are lots of cities what offer hotels and ballrooms. Years ago there was actually a search committe put together to check out perspective locations.

I suspect that with the Internet this would be even easier to do. One of the causes for losing members was the location if Florida. To far away for many makers and collectors to get to. Couple that with the heat.

Moving the show on a regular basis would service the entire country and ultimately lead to more makers and collectors joining the Guild. The Guild's ability to move would seperate from every other show in the country. Offering something to its members that no other show could.

As for making suggestions to the Board of the Guild. The Board of Directors has always made it quite clear that if you were not a knife maker, you opinion carried little or no weight. Perhaps this is another reason why the organization has shrunk so much over the last 15 years.

Five years ago Bruce Voyles was hired by the Guild to be a consultant for the show. Made sense, as Bruce knew a few things about running a show. Upon telling me this I laughed and said "I give you 2 - 3 years at most. The show will not improve and it will be your fault." Even though as you say it is the "organization that is responsible for itself.

Bruce introduced the "Gala for collectors". He also added awards to be given out by the Guild to the knife makers, a cutting competition and seminars for makers and collectors. To be honest I can't remember if it was 2 or 3 years later. Bruce was fired as it was his fault the show was not doing better.

Mike, like it or not the history that has made the Guild what it is today cannot be ignored. By not learning the good and bad lessons will only leave the organization spinning its wheels.

Yes, every show has been slow this year with both attendance and sales. What is the Guild going to do to help resolve this issue for next years show. As you say this year was the 40th anniversary....so what is the Guild going to do to make the 41st Show even more special?

This is where the platitudes have to be set aside and critical analysis of the current and future custom knife market(s) have to be taken. Conclusions have to be made and courses of action have to be put into affect.

The Guild is much more than a Show. It has a commitment to its membership to identify such things and provide guidance to their makers as to what the public is looking for. As well let the collectors know that they are taking their suggestions to heart.

The "vehicle" to make this happen is obvious, straight forward and extremely cost effective.
 
A lot of members don't want the show to move every couple years and based on the difficulty of making this move I am quite sure the people who make the show happen don't want to repeat the process every year or two. A couple of members told me this weekend that they thought the show already moved around too much even after an 8 year run in Orlando.

I don't know if there was a formal search committee but I do know that there were several people heavily involved in searching for locations. Many cities and venues were considered. I volunteered a lot of my time and research on demographics, venues, and accessibility. In addition, the guild hired a professional company, Helms Briscoe, to aid in the search and confirm our own results. Helms Briscoe is the largest and best known meeting site selection company in the world. They work with over 8,000 corporate, association and government clients that plan off-site meetings and conferences. I can assure you that the move to Louisville wasn't on a whim but it was well thought out and researched on many fronts.

It's easy to say hotels and meeting rooms are everywhere but when you get into the details, cost, scheduling, and logistics most don't work out for one reason or another.

I must disagree with you about the board not being receptive to input and suggestions. That has not been my experience and I have not seen an example of that. Because your ideas were not accepted does not mean they were not considered.
 
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