Making a plan for Blade Show

I

Icculus

Joined
Mar 27, 2009
Messages
96
So I'll be attending my first Blade show in a couple of weeks and I'm definitely excited. I've got a 3day ticket including 3 Blade University classes. The classes I'm going to are all on Friday before the doors actually open at the show. Right now I'm planning on going to the show on Fri and Sat and then bailing on Sun. I'm curious though from those who are attending or have been before; do or how do you formulate your plan for purchases before you go.

Do you have in mind a few specific blades/makers that you are on the hunt for and you plan on buying those specifically? Do you just go with a budget and look around waiting for something to strike your fancy? I've started looking at the list of exhibitors and the map layout and trying to formulate a plan for the booths/tables that I know I'd like to visit but there are so many vendors I know nothing about that I'm excited to check them all out. Do you all typically go right to the booths where you know you might want to purchase something or do you try and circle the whole venue first and then go back? Would the later strategy cause you to miss out on things you might have wanted because you didn't buy them on your first go round and someone beat you to the punch?

Lots of questions I realize. Any input is appreciated.
 
At the SHOW, I would like to compare something from the South African Knifemakers Guild, if they are represented; perhaps a Burger LEXK or Thorburn or Arno Bernard. However, I also would like to check out Jim Burke Rockstar, Fellhoelter or Yuna offerings, as I seldom see these offered on the Exchange. I guess this is the perfect time to buy a nice knife.
It would be decent to have some idea of WHO you want to look at. From yrs of gunshows, I still recall several great buys that were gone by the time I made my second round. A bird in the hand...
Have a good time. Find some friends to go with if you can; will make it even better.
 
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HAHAHAHAHAHA.....

1. Any plan goes out the window in the first hour.
2. If you have someone you HAVE to have make that your first stop.
3. Be prepared to see dozens of knives better than what you already have on your short list.
 
eisman said:
HAHAHAHAHAHA.....

1. Any plan goes out the window in the first hour.
2. If you have someone you HAVE to have make that your first stop.
3. Be prepared to see dozens of knives better than what you already have on your short list.
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This exactly. I had a plan last year. Walked in, modified plan a hundred times. If you have that one special thing you're after, make it first. If you have to have it, get it. The kind of stuff that draws lots of attention moves quick. Even production items. Be prepared for distraction. No one had warned me about some of the ... louder events that happen. Take it in stride. Meet new people. You may have pre-conceived notions on makers or items based on what you read here that will change when you actually meet the people or see the items. And this can work both directions.
 
I went on Sunday last year and found a gem in the CRK booth that I promptly grabbed and also a BM that I had been wanting. I wish I looked around more, but it would have been too easy for me to just keep buying. This year, there a few knives I know I'm after and a few other booths/makers I'd like to visit and possibly buy from. There was a fair amount of stuff that was more of a distraction and out of the realm of what I was after.
 
Icculus, my on topic answer, even though I haven't been to Blade specifically would be this:

1. Bring a backpack, so you aren't carrying your purchases in your hands.
2. Make sure you have water, some snacks, and comfortable walking shoes on you.
3. I am told by friends who have been that you should have cash on you.
4. I would recommend hitting whoever it is you want to see the most first.

Other than that, I guess we're all going to find out!
 
This and what eisman said are exactly right. The only thing I'd add is - unless you have something in mind and know where it'll be for sale, don't bother waiting in line. At the most you'll get a 5 minute head start on everyone else. :)

Quiet said:
Icculus, my on topic answer, even though I haven't been to Blade specifically would be this:

1. Bring a backpack, so you aren't carrying your purchases in your hands.
2. Make sure you have water, some snacks, and comfortable walking shoes on you.
3. I am told by friends who have been that you should have cash on you.
4. I would recommend hitting whoever it is you want to see the most first.

Other than that, I guess we're all going to find out!
Click to expand...
 
For those who have responded to my original post; thank you very much for your insight. Hopefully we can continue the discussion shortly. I've got a budget and started highlighting booths on the map that I want to visit. As you have said I'm sure when I walk in the door my gameplan will go bye bye. Definitely think the budget's going to be the limiting factor.

To first alchemy: You're responses have nothing to do with my posted topic and offer nothing of value to the discussion at hand. Your thread in GB &U got locked (yeah I dug it up and read it) and now you decided for some reason to continue your rant here. We get it. Right or wrong you think you were wronged and I guess you're planning on going to Blade to complain in person. Great. Don't Care. Please go spew your crap in some other thread
 
Icculus said:
For those who have responded to my original post; thank you very much for your insight. Hopefully we can continue the discussion shortly. I've got a budget and started highlighting booths on the map that I want to visit. As you have said I'm sure when I walk in the door my gameplan will go bye bye. Definitely think the budget's going to be the limiting factor.

To first alchemy: You're responses have nothing to do with my posted topic and offer nothing of value to the discussion at hand. Your thread in GB &U got locked (yeah I dug it up and read it) and now you decided for some reason to continue your rant here. We get it. Right or wrong you think you were wronged and I guess you're planning on going to Blade to complain in person. Great. Don't Care. Please go spew your crap in some other thread
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Well put.

Just to not contribute to the derailing:
- Wear light clothing to avoid overheating in crowded spaces.
- Just because Bladeforums is 99% decent people doesn't mean everyone at Blade will be. Watch your belongings, lock your car.
- Don't get too beat up if you miss out on something. Let things roll off your back and you'll have a great time.
 
I'm jealous of the OP. Trying to get my friends (we're amateur makers ourselves but purely as a hobby) to buy some plane tickets and go meet the pros. Food, beers and knives... I think it would be an awesome trip! But at least, won't make it this year. Next time!
 
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Bring LOTS of cash. I ran out last year. Any plan you have goes in the trash the second you step in.
I know I want to stop by the spyderco booth and Emerson booth other than that it's up to whatever I see
 
I'm sure that it will be a great show. I won't be able to make it either, but I'll be waiting to see the pics when you guys get back.
Have fun. Stay safe.
Don
 
Riley12 said:
Bring LOTS of cash. I ran out last year. Any plan you have goes in the trash the second you step in.
I know I want to stop by the spyderco booth and Emerson booth other than that it's up to whatever I see
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Do they only take cash? Are there discounts for cash purchases? I've only been once and somehow didn't buy anything
 
Some places take cards but cash is just way easier in my book. Not sure of any discounts but I know some places that charge to swipe a card
 
If you circle the venue then go back, chances are, the highly sought after stuff will be gone. I've seen guys with nothing on their tables on Friday afternoon. If there is something you definitely want, make a beeline for the booth first then have a second, third etc.You will actually see people running to booths when the show opens, it's quite amusing, unless you want the same thing:)

You'll never see it all in 1 1/2 days but hit the places you know you want to first then browse about. You'll see ten more knives that you have to have next year. Have a lot of fun too.

It's an awesome show!
...and the comfortable shoes thing is a must, you'll be walking miles.
 
-Whatever your budget is double it! Face realty, if you are a true knife knut then it is no different than sending a gambling addict to a Vegas Casino for the Weekend! You will find so much you want in such a short time it is insane.

-Plan to stay up late and plan to hang out at the Waverly in the pit at night. You will run in to some amazing big name people in the knife industry and they are just hanging out having beers and talking knives. Everyone loves the same things and it is very casual and really cool how down to earth everyone is.

-Don't wait in long lines unless it is an absolute must of a table!

-Friday is the best day so get in early and enjoy the smaller crowds and less humidity/heat inside the show room. Friday it has not been heated up by morning crowds.

-Saturday morning is a freaking zoo. If you got what you wanted on Friday, sleep in on Saturday, get lunch and then go to the show. The crowds start slowly thinning out on Saturday late afternoon. Regardless it is more crowded anytime on Saturday then Friday.

-I would not skip Sunday. There are great deals to be had as some custom makers want to clear the rest of their tables. I am not going to tell you all makers will wheel and deal but some will! It might be worth your time, if you are not broke, to run back through one less time!

-Keep a very open mind. I have gone in to blade show with 2-3 types of knives in mind and come home with stuff that was no where near what I had gone there looking for.

-Have a blast. Most of the advice I am giving you is based off of the years before I became a dealer. Blade Show is different for me now as there is more work and less party time, but lets face realty, my work is knives so it is fun!
 
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