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Knifemaker's not sociable
- Thread starter Westflorida
- Start date
A KnifeMaker cannot afford to miss one opportunity at a show as that one person who is "missed" might be the next sale. It's a tough life selling knives, but also enjoyable, you are virtually in demand for the whole day and most of us are not only hoarse but dead tired at the end of the day. Personally I can't see a KnifeMaker missing any opportunity - its a cut-throat business (pun intended) and the competition is fierce. I find my biggest problem at shows are "friends" who want to dominate your time and sometimes I find you have to "move" them along in favour of prospective customers.
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- Sep 11, 2002
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Everyone at Blade that I spoke to was very courteous and just downright nice. I had a great time and I'll return in 2005. Being the center of attention for three days is probably pretty stressful. Factor in the time and expense of travel and time away from the shop, more stress. Hey, I'm just glad they made time to give us a glimpse into what they're working on. I know that they're getting new orders and making sales but that's just the business side of the show. It seemed to me that most makers were very interested meeting new folks and seeing old friends. To me it was like everyone was at a family reunion that they actually wanted to attend.
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- Oct 6, 1998
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FWIW, I have many good friends who are great customers and most of them spend more time behind the table than in front. Call it "treating them a little special".
Maybe that maker was talking to one of those. When you have two or three conversations going at the same time, and watching a table full of knives, it may appear that way sometimes.
Just my 2 cents worth.
Maybe that maker was talking to one of those. When you have two or three conversations going at the same time, and watching a table full of knives, it may appear that way sometimes.
Just my 2 cents worth.
Westflorida
BANNED
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- Jan 28, 2001
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- 638
Thanks everyone for your comments, I guess I overreacted or was expecting too much. I did enjoy myself and I am pleased I was able to handle all the knives there.
P.S. I do not have a swastika tatooed on my forehead or pissed off because my wife did not want me to go to the show. I am actually 24, unmarried, and a recent college graduate.
P.S. I do not have a swastika tatooed on my forehead or pissed off because my wife did not want me to go to the show. I am actually 24, unmarried, and a recent college graduate.
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- Mar 18, 1999
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- 9,966
Knifemakers are just people, and I'm sure they get used to so many people walking up to their tables, that they may not have time for all of them. I've never met a maker who was rude, actually I find most makers to 100% opposite. They are usually very friendly, knowledgeable and funny. They are not strictly at shows to do business, they are also meeting friends and peers, and are sometimes customers themselves. If I did meet a maker who was flat out rude, I'd just move on to the next table.
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- Jul 7, 2002
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Thats my impression too. The knifemakers I have meet have been super nice to me. I have met Alan Elishewitz, Trace Rinaldi, Mick Strider, Dwayn Dwyer, Scott Cook, Barry Dawson, and a bunch others that I just met in passing. All were ncreadible sociable.
Cept for Wayne Goddard a few years ago a blade west...he gave me the hairy eyeball. But his buddy working the booth with him was outgoing and freindly enough for both of them. Kinda balanced eachother out.
Cept for Wayne Goddard a few years ago a blade west...he gave me the hairy eyeball. But his buddy working the booth with him was outgoing and freindly enough for both of them. Kinda balanced eachother out.
Most of the Makers I've dealt with have been Very Cool people.I ended up going over my minutes on my Cell phone from the Long conversations with Rob Patton,Jerry Hossum,Daryl Hibben,Jim Hammond, Bob Papp.They didin't rush me off the phone saying they were busy,but talked for a long time.I met Barry Dawson at a Gunshow in San Diego-He ended giving me $100 off of one of his Knives.With me it's the opposite,I've had Nothing but problems with pretty much Every production Knife Company I've dealt with.
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- Jan 20, 2001
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Westflorida said:
Well, there are a couple of things that may create that perception. First, the manufacturers see everyone as a customer and "glad hand" to boost consumer sales. Secondly, not everyone who wants to handle a custom actually buys a custom. SO, like Kit said, regulars are given a little more freedom around and behind the table. In a show where customs are being stolen, familiarity matters. Lastly, you may need to be more agressive. The very popular makers have a ton of people around them. You have to step in and shake their hand and tell them who you are and that you are really interested in one of their knives. It would be easy to stand around the Badlands table, for instance, and never meet anyone if you don't dive into the fray. It is not like a used car lot where these guys pounce on you when you drive on the lot. They are already selling as many knives as they can make (Have LOOONG backlogs too) and, in many ways, see the show as a reunion/party with their friends. However, each of those guys are very friendly once you meet them. Granted, I am not saying be rude but don't be timid either. These guys are really great (Don't tell Jerry I said so!
) and are more than happy to meet new folks!Oh yeah . . . Blade is the biggest freakin' knifeshow in the WORLD and is busy, crowded, and loud!