OKCA 2011 Impressions

[Jim Rieck]

Just for giggles, I thought I would put down some of my impressions as a table holder at the OKCA 2011 show and see what some of the other table holders and isle walkers thought. To begin with, this was my first show and I was assigned a table close to the back wall amongst the suppliers and lower cost items. There were a few people that stopped, looked, and asked questions about the knives I had on display, but about 98 percent of the folks were interested in the $2.00 to $10.00 items found on each side of me. Most looked these tables over closely and went around my table like it wasn't even there. Both of these tables did a land office business both days. I got the impression that either the larger proportion of show visitors were interested in the lower cost knives or that the ones that ended up in my section of the floor went there on purpose to find the lower cost knives. I had a great time and saw a surprising number of dogs on leashes, kids with grandpa, and families.
There were also the expected outlandish characters in attendence, as well. I always enjoy the show.

 

[Brian Ayres]

I see what you mean. It was pretty busy at the collector type tables with large varieties of knives, especially the lower cost knives. I bought a decent amount of material, handle stock etc.
The custom makers were not as busy, I'm hoping everyone did well. I did get to visit with several guys which made my day. I bought a cool piece of man jewelry from David Lisch. A small damascus ring.
Mike Quisenberry took the time to advise me on my knife I'm making as to laying out the pin holes and thong hole so they all line up equally and visually.

Since nobody knows me as I just started making knives(knife) when I'd go up to a table, I didn't want to get in the way of buying customers and tried to let the guys know I was just looking. There's no easy way to say don't try to sell me one of your knives, so, it was super fun to go hear the sales pitches. Listening to someone try to put in simple terms the hardening, tempering and other processes so that the average knife buyer would understand.

One funny story. Wayne Goddard had a cut off Hardy tool for sell for 15 bucks. I bought it, and said I really appreciated it. But, was feeling the pinch as it was almost 30% of my 50 dollar budget for making knives.... He was extremely pleasant to talk to.

Thanks to all the guys for taking the time to chat with me and for the invites to the their shops.

Brian

 

[GTH11]

What a great thread, this was my first "big" knife show and i was in awe, having been introduced about 5 months ago to knife making by my friend/fellow bf knifemaker Brett Mathews ive been inflicted with the bug to the extreme, ive been livin, breathin, dreamin knives!! The absolute highlight of the show for me was being able to "shoot the breeze" with R.W. Wilson, having mike Mike Quesenberry blown away that id only been grinding for a few months, shaking hands with Hibben, Goddard, Ruana family, G Little, the pillars of this craft. The Loveless display was incredible what a treat to stand before it i could ramble on and on....However i must get back to the grind stone!!! o ya Mark from burl source was great, he picked some scales for a damascus hunter im building!! G. Haile

 

[scout_77]

It was a great show for being only my second, as long as you don't count how much I sold compared to how much in supplies I picked up.
I talked to old friends, and got to talk to makers I look up to and have them tell me what they think of my knives.

Fluidsteel it was great meeting you and your welcome to come and block my table, and eat the free candy any time you want.