Knifemaker's Guild Show Sept 17-20

I have only been a Guild member since 2003, long after the glory days so often referred to. I can only compare this years show to my past Guild shows.

But first off what makes a show a good one for me?

Well, did I sell knives, enough to make a profit? (and bring some of that profit home with me) Did I sell to new customers?
Did I take in any new orders?

On all of the above questions the answer is yes. On top of that the venue was great and I had a blast. I have never had a bad Guild show but this one was by far the best.

http://www.stanwilsonknives.com
 
Bladeandbarrel said:
Maybe the Guild show should run in conjunction with the Blade show.
Hmmmmmm
Click to expand...

I made that suggestion a few years back and it was shot down. I think there is a way to work it into the show until the Guild can recover and have a solid plan to move forward. It would be a cost saving measure to get them through the recession. They could have a lot of Guild activities like the ABS does. The Blade Show already offers a Knifemakers Guild section. They could hold their annual meeting there too. I believe by doing this, the money that they could save for a couple of years by not putting on a stand alone show could go towards a massive ad campaign targeted at some upscale magazines and or cities etc to bring in new customers. You could have a educational DVD available to send out to prospective customers.

BB
 
Last edited:
I made that suggestion a few years back and it was shot down. I think there is a way to work it into the show until the Guild can recover and have a solid plan to move forward. It would be a cost saving measure to get them through the recession. They could have a lot of Guild activities like the ABS does. The Blade Show already offers a Knifemakers Guild section. They could hold their annual meeting there too.
BB
Click to expand...

I really think that's a good idea. Especially for the non US based collectors. I don't have unlimited funds so I can only visit one US based show a year. Last year I went to Blade and if things go as planned this year I will be at the AKI.

With the Guild show with seminars and such, incorporated in the Blade Show it would be worth my while even more to go to Blade every year.

Marcel
 
I am new to knives, and I don't know anything about the Guild at all. I do know about the ABS though - I think that says something.

Incorporating the Guild show into Blade makes sense to me. I can even envision it - an ABS section and a Guild section - each with a table of people not selling anything just there to explain what the Guild/ABS is all about. In between the two sections are all the makers who are members of both.

It also seems reasonable to have a separate Guild only show - or maybe an ABS/Guild show. The problem is what has already been mentioned - Blade doesn't seem to be going anywhere, so if you have to pick one show to go to it seems the obvious choice.

I read through this entire thread and it seems clear to me that Les is only offering tough love and constructive criticism. That said he is clearly directing it to the wrong person, because Mike doesn't appear to be stepping up and assuming responsibility for the Guild. Totally fine in my opinion - there have to be members that will just support and encourage also. Hopefully there will be someone that will take the advice Les has offered though.

If I decided I wanted to make knives for a living, the first thing I would try to do is become an Apprentice in the ABS. I guess I don't see what purpose the Guild serves is my point.

Austin
 
Such a show would be the closest thing possible to one of the old Guild shows. The concept is pure inspiration.

However, it will not happen. Too many egos involved.

Prove me wrong, ABS and Guild members...please prove me wrong.

Bruce Voyles
 
Don,
Lucky when applied to most is this, "The harder you try, the luckier you get" I have found that to be very true.
It has been a good thread and I have picked up on a few more good ideas for our show here in Oklahoma.
Thanks all.
 
raker said:
Don,
Lucky when applied to most is this, "The harder you try, the luckier you get" I have found that to be very true.
It has been a good thread and I have picked up on a few more good ideas for our show here in Oklahoma.
Thanks all.
Click to expand...

Reminds me of an interview a sportscaster did some years ago: The victor had gotten a couple of lucky rolls in a pool tournament. When the sportscaster mentioned the lucky rolls, the winner replied "funny thing about luck...the more I practice, the luckier I get".

Peter
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top