Never been to a knife show - what to expect?

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fishinfs

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Nov 8, 2005
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Tomorrow is the second and last day of the Mason-Dixon Show in Frederick, MD, about an hour away. Is this considered to be a pretty good show?

Also, in terms of variety and prices for knives, sharpeners, etc are these shows like gun shows, i.e. lots to choose from and some pretty good bargains?
 
Gun shows are right wing bastions of political clap trap. Real knife shows are exchanges of knifemakers talents and excellent opportunities to talk to the makers.
 
I have no idea about that show, but if its a knife show within 2 hours of my house I would never miss it. I never miss a gun and knife show close by either, but like mhawg said, the knife shows allow you the chance to talk with the makers.

I enjoy a knife show much more than a gun show for that reason. The knife makers are some of the nicest people I've met, and most will talk to you like a friend whether you buy or not.
 
Knife shows are great, I wish I could go to more. Some etiquette I like to follow. No touching without permission and remember to hand knives handle first to folks. Also have fun!
 
I was att his show a few years ago, and it seems to be a decent buch of people. Heck, they collect traditional and vintage pocket knives, don't they?

I was supposed to go yesterday, but got hung up. I may go today just for the heck of it. I remember one guy had a heck of an exibit of very old vintage Case's. Beautiful knives. Some oddball stuff arond too.
 
Another rule of etiquette....when closing folders, don't let the blade snap shut. Close them easily and softly. Some knife blades sit so low when closed that a hard snap might chip the edge. A guy actually did it to one of my knives last year at a show....pissed me off.
 
Shows are all different. Most gun shows are a joke now, at least here in Oregon.
I use to go to all of them when I was collecting Winchesters and Colts. They got to a point where everyone that had 5 or 6 guns would bring them and put a big price on them, and they were all experts too :cool:

Don't expect all the makers or sellers to very personable, some people are just that way. We do share a common interest though, and you are likely to find some great knives if it is a decent show. Don't be afraid to ask if they would accept an offer if you are seriously interested. Don't waste their time if you are not serious though.

As others have mentioned, remember the etiquette, and have a good time
 
I have never been to one either but would love to go. Around here I've never heard of one so maybe someday? ;)
 
Thanks to all. As it played out, I waited too long and the decision was more or less made for me. Maybe next year..... at least I'll know the basic dos and don'ts if I make it.
 
mhawg said:
Gun shows are right wing bastions of political clap trap. Real knife shows are exchanges of knifemakers talents and excellent opportunities to talk to the makers.
Click to expand...

Given that most countries start with firearms and end with kitchen knives I would speak a bit kinder about the gun show people...ask our friends in jolly old England.

As for the show...fight the urge to impulse buy...try to look at everyone's tables, take notes and then have a cup of coffee while reading through them and decide where you want you money to go...and speaking of money...take cash, it is easy to make a deal when you are holding folding money instead of platic.
 
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