.....now I'm starting to get nervous, got my plane ticket to Blade

That is great to hear, Take a small camera with you. Its easier to remember something if you have a pic to refer to.

Enjoy, Fred
 
I'm attending for the first time as well - no table, just drooling, and my wife just gave me a hall pass for the whole weekend!!

I plan on taking a few knives I've made just for feedback from some of the real knifemakers (if they're wiling to share). Would love to meet up with some of you guys there. I live in Atlanta, so not too much drinking at the pit for me :).
 
Fred.Rowe said:
That is great to hear, Take a small camera with you. Its easier to remember something if you have a pic to refer to.

Enjoy, Fred
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Oh, I'll definitely be taking some pics Fred!:D Are you going to be there this year, would love to meet and catch up.
 
jonnymac44 said:
A couple more quick questions for those who have been......
Also, I plan on grabbing a cab from the airport to the Waverly, and then I figure most of the time will be spent right there between the show and hotel. I don't think there is any need to rent a car, is there?
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The Waverley use a Shuttle service for their guests. I call the hotel a few days before and they set it up for me. The charge is very reasonable.

I look forward to seeing you there........

Steven
 
alb1k said:
Hell ya, Jon! My advice would be make as many knives as you can by then, I think you will travel home lighter.

PS, not having met your wife, I like her already.

Erik
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jonnymac44 said:
Since I'm not paying for a table, I don't think it would be fair to be talking up my business on the show floor. If I bring a few pieces to sell and have my work seen I think it should be after hours.
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J. Rosa said:
You are are on the right track to sell after hours imo. Its only respectful to the makers who paid for a table. Have a drink for me and take some pics for us guys that can't go please.
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Johnny, you did the right thing getting a room at the Waverly. Saves so much headache IMO.

As to selling at the show, or even after hours, some makers take an extremely dim look on it. Personally, I'm non-plussed, but I didn't dare sell anything at shows without a table either. Bring your work to show off, hand out tons of cards, but my suggestion is to certainly not be seen selling any.


jonnymac44 said:
A couple more quick questions for those who have been......

I don't like the idea of checking a bag full of handmade knives with the airlines, especially after what happened to Ken Onion a couple years ago. Do any of you guys ship blades to the hotel before you go and have them hold them for you? If not, what's the best way to get them there?

Also, I plan on grabbing a cab from the airport to the Waverly, and then I figure most of the time will be spent right there between the show and hotel. I don't think there is any need to rent a car, is there?
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I always ship my knives to the hotel and have them hold it for me. Call them and find out how they'd like it labeled.
 
Fiddleback said:
Johnny, you did the right thing getting a room at the Waverly. Saves so much headache IMO.

As to selling at the show, or even after hours, some makers take an extremely dim look on it. Personally, I'm non-plussed, but I didn't dare sell anything at shows without a table either. Bring your work to show off, hand out tons of cards, but my suggestion is to certainly not be seen selling any.




I always ship my knives to the hotel and have them hold it for me. Call them and find out how they'd like it labeled.
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perfect advice , both on the selling and the shipping.
 
Brown bagging is highly frowned on by table holders and show staff so selling outside and off the show floor is a good idea. I hear the show staff is increasing observation this year due to many complaints and will be escorting brown baggers off the floor and out the door. Bringing knives for show and tell is always welcome in the show. Lots of good advice floating around this show.
 
I've never been to Blade but I went to the Knifemaker's Guild Show last year for the first time and had an absolute blast. I very nearly left my humble blades in the car but my office manager (GF ;)) convinced me to bring 'em in... I did, nervously. There is nothing like getting tips and encouragement from the best in the business, firsthand! My only regret is not video-taping every conversation I had because I'm sure I forgot a few things :(

Bring as many knives (only your very best) and business cards as you possibly can to show off and get feedback. Personally, I wouldn't even consider selling at or near a show if I didn't have a table. Nor would I peddle socks outside of WalMart, or scalp tickets outside of Lambeau Field. That's strictly my opinion.

By the way Jon... try a tapered tang yet? :D
 
james terrio said:
Personally, I wouldn't even consider selling at or near a show if I didn't have a table. Nor would I peddle socks outside of WalMart, or scalp tickets outside of Lambeau Field. That's strictly my opinion.
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Okay, for the record, I wasn't actually trying to sell the socks. I was trying to take them back for a refund... but I'd lost the receipt, so Walmart said they couldn't take them... and mentioned something about not selling that brand in the first place. Of course they were wrong, because the guy I got them from told me they were from Walmart and wrote the receipt to prove it... I just lost it. So... you know... what was I supposed to do with the socks?

And as for selling knives at knife shows, I hear you... but I gotta tell you that you're more of a purist than most sellers I've encountered at other trade events. I've collected watches for many years now, and not a single NAWCC convention goes by that isn't accompanied by a pre-event sale and an unofficial sales event that accompanies the event (which has its own bourse floor). The unofficial event usually has more support than the official event for the very reason you don't need an expensive ticket to get to the goods. More customers means more sellers. Eventually, the best of the goods ended up on the tables of the secondary event.

I certainly respect your integrity, but I think buyers are less fussy about such things.

- Greg
 
tryppyr said:
...but I gotta tell you that you're more of a purist than most sellers I've encountered at other trade events.
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So I've been told, MANY times. My stance on the subject has gotten me ridiculed as far worse than a purist. I'm OK with that.

But never mind all that! Have a great time at the show Jon, and take lots of pics for those of who can't make it!
 
Jon,
As has already been said, you can ship your knives to the hotel and then pick them up when you check in. I put mine in a gun case along with a small pistol and that way I know it is locked up and TSA watches out for it a little closer (I hope). Come past my table so I know who to look for in the pit and I'll buy ya a drink.

Kevin
 
Okay, more good advice guys. Thanks:thumbup:

Just to be perfectly clear.....I fully understand what it takes to have a table at a show like this and was in no way ever considering trying to sell my blades at the show. I've had good luck with my sales here on the forums and if I really needed to sell a blade I could do it here without guilt. I had originally planned to have a few blades with me to get some critiques of my work from others and maybe sell one if there was interest, but only after hours while hanging out. I might be rethinking the selling part after hearing some of your opinions, but that was the purpose of the thread, to find these things out. Would it be out of line to meet another maker from the forums and say I'll trade you this drop point for that wharncliffe? I've also had a couple people I know ask me to bring a blade or two for them to check out and possibly buy from me in the pit, is that not kosher either? Most people who know me would attest to the fact that I am not one to step on people's toes, and I don't want to start now.

My main goal for this trip is to meet some of my favorite makers, learn as much as I can, and get together with friends I've had for years but have never shared a cocktail with or seen face to face:D


Thanks for the input everybody:thumbup:
 
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jonnymac44 said:
Would it be out of line to meet another maker from the forums and say I'll trade you this drop point for that wharncliffe?
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I wouldn't think straight trades between makers would be a problem at all. I'm no Emily Post, this is all just off the top of my head.
 
Make sure you have a look at the list of events, seminars and meetings. The first trip I made I was so overwhelmed that I only realised what I had missed reading blade mags on the flight home! But that was my 1st and I also met so many people that I had got to know online (I collect vintage auto's so Sharper Deals is my usual hangout). The second time was more organised and I'm hoping I can keep my head together for #3...it really is an incredible time.
Hope to meet you in the Pit,
--J
 
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