Never been to Blade show!

TDE

TDE

Joined
Jan 17, 2003
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I am afraid to say, although we have been in this business for several years, we have never been to the Blade show. We have grown very large this year or so and have talked to so many makers and great dealers and customers, that we JUST HAVE TO GO TO SEE THE FUN and meet all you guys and girls. So, anyone want to give me advice or stories? One more question. Will our brains overload by everything there? Paul
 
Go.

Take someone along that can sit at your table (should you decide to actually sell some stuff) and knows your stuff and who can deal for you while your out visiting and seeing and talking and touching and talking and ...

Well, It'll wear you out in a good way. Then find out which bar, restaurant everyone else will be hanging out in and go do some more visiting, talking, etc.

Sometimes helps to start with a list of makers you want to see, but that usually falls by the wayside within the first 15 minutes.

I liken it to being a kid on christmas morning with all the presents opened under the tree and you're free to touch, feel and fondle.

I've only been to four of the Blade shows, but went each day and spent far more than I should have :D , but not as much as I wished I could.

Wear comfortable walking shoes.

Does any of that make sense?

Adios
 
Originally posted by TDE
One more question. Will our brains overload by everything there? Paul
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Yes, probably. I don't know what other shows you've been to, but going to the New York shows for years didn't prepare me for Blade Show. It was the best weekend of my life, and if my plane had crashed while flying home I would have died a happy man. Blade 2001 was my first and only, but I will be there this year.

My advice is to get there on Thurs, three days is just not enough. I tried to plan my route throught the show, it didn't work, this year I just plan to go with the flow. My second piece of advice is bring as much money with you as you can. It won't be enough, but do the best you can. ;)
 
When you arrive in Atlanta, stop at a convenience store or grocery store and pick up some bottled water.

Ten ounces of water inside the show cost $2.50.
 
I second the advice "wear good walking shoes". Get a VIP pass. Last year we got into the show a bit earlier than the general public. The vendors all seem to take credit cards. This could be good or bad for you :D. Get the list of lectures and demonstrations from the website and plan your show floor activities around them. Last year I went to Bill Moran's blade forging demonstration and it was one of the highlights of the show. Finally, know that some of the demonstrations are outside in the parking lot and be prepared to sit in the sun (or rain) for an hour or two.
 
I've never been to Blade either, this will be my first time. I will not be tied down to a table, instead I am packing a backpack and walking the show.

Actually I am going down to meet the guys from Liquidmetal and other makers who are working with it to pick their brains on techniques to handle this new material.

Look forward to getting to know as many or you as possible there.
 
Hey George, we'll have to meet up and laugh at all the BritishBlades members not going!!:) :D :p

Oh my first one aswell!!
 
Blade show?? What's that? Haven't been to one. Would like too, naturally.

I have a good excuse. All of them are about two oceans away! :D :D
 
I went last year (my first knife show ever!).
Bring a backpack.
Why?
Pack drink to save your money for knives.
Put all the literature you will get in the folder you put in the backpack.
A place to keep all of your purchases; heck, I walked around for an entire day with a Criswell Wakizashi sticking out the top!
All this will allow you to have both hands free.
Also, definitely wear shoes for walking, and maybe do some long distance walking to train!
 
A better lunch is available than the canteen in the back. The hotel is attached to a mall, the Galleria which has Subway, etc. Lines will be long for lunch even there. Having someone to tend your table while you go to the can, attend a seminar, or bring you lunch will make your life easier. Cell phones or FRS radios might help. Seminars of all sorts are both indoors and outdoors, all weekend long. A lunchmate cooler of drinks and snacks under your table is never a bad idea. A ground-length tablecloth hides your excess boxes and stuff from prying eyes, and a decent table cover makes an eye-catching background and just looks more professional. A camp chair will be more comfortable than a steel folding chair provided, and a rubber mat will help if you intend to stand much.

In exchange for a VIP pass, I tag along to help a friend and mentor of mine, an ABS Journeyman, Mike McRae of Scotia Metalwork who has a table. This leaves me the bulk of the day to see whats going on, talk to makers, etc. And yes there is enough to keep you busy all weekend long.

The VIP pass gets you in an hour or two before the general public on Friday, and thats when the makers and suppliers have their best stuff on the tables. The later you get there, the slimmer the pickin's.
 
A better lunch is available than the canteen in the back.
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Actually, you will be carrying two such lunches better than the Canteen can provide already. Eating your own shoe would be better, and, unless your O.J. Simpson, less expensive than the Canteen.
 
I've never been - I live in New Zealand!! But one day I will make it there as a "special trip"... I can't wait, but bills and babies are my lot for now!
 
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