I have always liked "shows", all types, gun, antiques, train, metalworking... This was my first time going to a "Custom knife show" and I have to say that I was not impressed. As a novice knife maker and collector, I like knives of most styles and can appreciate good workmanship. The show was small by any standards and everything was CRAZY overpriced. I was amazed at the asking prices of some of these pieces. I stayed for a few hours and the only transactions I saw taking place were from Bob Dozier. He was selling briskly because Bob's knives seemed "cheap" next to his competition. At around $250 for a nice fixed blade he was moving product. However, his FOLDERS at double that price were WAY over-priced. Reason-the fit and finish of his folders were not on par with the asking price. I kept telling my friends that I went with not to get "caught-up" in the game of over-priced knives. I have some beautiful guns that have hundreds of moving parts and beautiful workmanship for less then that guy is asking for a knife... Go figure!
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Last weeks NY knife show...
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I have to say, I was really impressed with the Dozier booth. Nice knives and sweet prices. Needless to say, the show bumped a few Dozier knives onto my "want list." The Darrell Ralph, RJ Martin and Jerry Hossom pieces were pretty impressive too, as well as a few others, but more than I want to spend. This would be my first knife show.
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- Feb 18, 1999
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the show seems to be getting smaller. the knife show in the same hotel in Feb typically takes up both floors.
it was nice to see stuff up close. i thought long and hard about a Crawford knife, but i only ended up buying a Fred Perrin titanium bracelet.
barhopping afterwards was fun though....
it was nice to see stuff up close. i thought long and hard about a Crawford knife, but i only ended up buying a Fred Perrin titanium bracelet.
barhopping afterwards was fun though....
You're right about the Dozier table. He was doing a brisk business. I got to handle some of his "Classic" blades as was impressed with the high polish he put on the new CPM D2. It looked stunning next to the bighorn or stag handles. I've always liked the "all business" look of his regular line, but I know a Classic is in my future.
Took my wife to dinner afterwards, then to the MoMA which was open until 8pm where we got to see Monet's water lilies and some nice Van Gogh's.
Took my wife to dinner afterwards, then to the MoMA which was open until 8pm where we got to see Monet's water lilies and some nice Van Gogh's.
Each year, more and more "art knives" seem to dominate the show.
OTOH, guys like RJ Martin were making fantastic stuff.
Certain makers, a la Emerson and Hinderer just have such high demand
I wish it was more of a custom "user" show.
It's a shame, Spyderco and Chris Reeve used to be attend too.
The Feb/March show is even more artsy oriented
OTOH, guys like RJ Martin were making fantastic stuff.
Certain makers, a la Emerson and Hinderer just have such high demand
I wish it was more of a custom "user" show.
It's a shame, Spyderco and Chris Reeve used to be attend too.
The Feb/March show is even more artsy oriented
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- Jan 12, 2003
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I too, think the show is getting smaller. Someone should mention to someone not forcing makers to have to stay at the hotel and charge so much that some people just cannot afford to go.
RJ, I think we met at the show. Nice talking to you.
Ron LaBella
RJ, I think we met at the show. Nice talking to you.
Ron LaBella
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- Dec 10, 1998
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- 4,860
The NOV show is moving to the Crowns Plaza next year, hopefully the nicer hotel and location will help the show.
Yes the show seemed smaller, but would you want to set up in a dungeon with bad lighting.
Some makers might not have been there because the Milan show is this coming weekend.
The show promoter has a contract with the hotel for the show room and a certain number of hotel rooms at a discounted price. If the hotel rooms don't get booked, the cost of renting the show room goes up, thus raising the table prices. It's NY, everything is more expensive.
I have a table at the Feb show, and it costs upwards of $1500 to just set up with table fees, hotel, food, travel expenses ect... Most customers have no idea how expensive it is to do a show in NY!
Yes the show seemed smaller, but would you want to set up in a dungeon with bad lighting.
Some makers might not have been there because the Milan show is this coming weekend.
The show promoter has a contract with the hotel for the show room and a certain number of hotel rooms at a discounted price. If the hotel rooms don't get booked, the cost of renting the show room goes up, thus raising the table prices. It's NY, everything is more expensive.
I have a table at the Feb show, and it costs upwards of $1500 to just set up with table fees, hotel, food, travel expenses ect... Most customers have no idea how expensive it is to do a show in NY!
GarageBoy-Ah, now I have a real name to go with your username. Thanks!
And, thanks for that cigar-I will smoke it this weekend!
The NYCKS is always good to me. It was the first custom knife show I ever set up at-Way back when it was in the Roosevelt Hotel. I'm looking forward to next year-the Crowne Plaze is a nice venue1
And, thanks for that cigar-I will smoke it this weekend!
The NYCKS is always good to me. It was the first custom knife show I ever set up at-Way back when it was in the Roosevelt Hotel. I'm looking forward to next year-the Crowne Plaze is a nice venue1