NYCKS 2014 Maker's Table Prices?

Misanthropia

Misanthropia

Joined
Jul 10, 2011
Messages
1,941
Hey all,

So this year's New York Custom Knife Show is going to be my first real knife show, and I'm really looking forward to getting the opportunity to check out some knives I would have never seen before and meet some of our members here. One thing I am a bit worried about is that most maker's table prices seem to be creeping up a bit from the few videos I've seen of other show's (some don't even have knives for under $1,000 on their tables anymore).

I just wanted to get some input from the veterans around here who have been to shows before: would $1,000 be enough to bring with me? I'm really only looking to walk away with one quality piece from a maker I love. I'm not into super fancy or dressy looking knives, so I know anything with timascus or other exotic materials is unlikely. Do you find that makers still bring some of their more spartan models to shows, or is it just the ones that make a big impression?

Some makers I'm specifically interested in who will be at the show:
RJ Martin
Jeremy Horton
Darrel Ralph
Bob Terzuola
Kirby Lambert
Ram Maramba (Zero Knives)
MSC and DDC
Ernie Emerson
Anthony Marfione

I would really appreciate any information people can give me, I'm getting ready to sell off a few production pieces and I want to make sure I bring enough cash with me for the show.

P.S - how does someone not act like a starstruck idiot when they finally meet someone like RJ Martin? :D
 
With those makers you listed I would bring a minimum of $1500. Also RJ Martin and his son Matt and all the other makers at the show are very approachable just don't be an asshole and interrupt them if they are talking to someone else. The show is a very laid back enjoyable event just take everything in and bring your cash.
 
Emersons table prices are:

$700 for mini and regular sizes
$900 for super and UBR sizes
And I believe $1500 for full dress, but I'm not 100% on that one
 
Thanks for the info guys, damn I will be happy if I walk away with anything! To think that my first custom, a Hoback A10, was $444 direct from Jake last year...
 
I have attended several east coast and west coast knife shows and prices definitely have increased due to the fact these makers have to pay for hotels, sometimes airfare, meals, entertainment, rental cars or taxis, and lots of other hidden costs. Likewise as an attendee if you are lucky enough to be local the price of attendance and parking is nominal, however like me I had hotel costs with all of their additional taxes, parking, valet services, meals, aggravation of navigating NYC and NJ traffic. Out of towners could easily spend $400 to $ 500 a day to attend then the cost of your knife if you are lucky enough to score if he only has a lottery.

However I enjoy meeting all the top makers in a laid back setting and talking with other knife enthusiasts, so it just isn't just about acquiring " the knife". I would echo bringing at least $1000, however $2000 if you plan on picking up a couple or unexpected purchases. You certainly do not want to shoot your wad prior to a lottery and find out you can't cover the cost.

I have found that even with some of the secondary market prices a hard to get knife may be cheaper off the internet than attending a show when you take into account the cost of attending the show. That said shows are fun to attend and I wish you and all that attend a great time!
 
Hey misanthropia,

This will be my fist show too. Do you guys know if they take credit card there or PayPal? I don't walk around with cash.

I'll be hanging around the RJ Martin and Pohan leu tables, if you see a sexy Asian dude foaming at the mouth, that's me.

*im actually going there to pick up 2 grails I ordered. I just wanted to know in case I see something else. It just bothers me walking around with that much cash and I can't cc in NJ/NY.
 
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Pittknife said:
Hey misanthropia,

This will be my fist show too. Do you guys know if they take credit card there or PayPal? I don't walk around with cash.

I'll be hanging around the RJ Martin and Pohan leu tables, if you see a sexy Asian dude foaming at the mouth, that's me.

*im actually going there to pick up 2 grails I ordered. I just wanted to know in case I see something else. It just bothers me walking around with that much cash and I can't cc in NJ/NY.
Click to expand...

I'm guessing it's going to be cash only, I will admit that I'm really not comfortable walking around with that much either. I usually never have cash on me for that reason. If you see a young guy with really long hair, that's me! I'm definitely going to hit RJ's table since his stuff is grail level for me. I would love to score even the plainest Q36 or Overkill.
 
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If you can, get an RJ. My Q36 is amazing and I'm actually going to the show just to meet up with RJ and get another one. Hopefully I'll see you there. I'll be wearing a taylormade gray golf hat.
 
I think you would need a minimum of 2,000.00 to get maybe 2-3 knives if your lucky.thats why id rather not go. + the location that its in is so hard to get to,id rather just stay home and watch the exchange and ebay.....
 
It's actually easier to maneuver in NJ than in NYC -- unless you're like me, used to walking forever in the city. :)

Moving the shows to NJ was a big win for us and the knifemakers.
 
That would be great information for future reference because I don't think many of us want to have that kind of money on us. Unfortunately work for graduate school is forcing me to miss this show :( but the good news is I got my dream configuration Gun Hammer on order from Darrel Ralph!
 
I feel like most (if not every) maker has and accepts paypal now... especially if you pay as a gift I cant see any issues with them taking that... also cc processing phone attachments have become prevalant. I cant imaging them expecting people to have 2-5k in their pockets at these events.

having said all that, ive never been and have no actual idea on whats expected
 
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