OKCA, Let's hear some reports

A C Richards

A C Richards

Joined
Apr 14, 2006
Messages
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Returned from the OKCA show Sunday. Though I was a few pounds lighter it was not from selling any completed knives. Sold some steel and had fun meeting new and old friends. I know Bill Burke sold out pretty fast and others did also.

What was you take on the show. Was hoping Steve would have chimed in by now.
 
We had a good show, by good I mean we brought home some cash and made some good contacts, took a couple orders and bought some handle materials. It was Mike and Kristi's first show they had a blast.

It was nice to meet some of the forumites and their wives too. I enjoy when they come by my table to shake hands and chat. Good to meet You Chuck. You make some awesome stuff! Im stealing a couple ideas of yours.

I dont think the big hitters and buyers are abundant at this show anymore. There was a falling out with the show commitee and the custom makers a few years ago and it is really beginning to be evident. There were about 70 tables less than last year. The buyers seemed very careful about what they buy. There was no "impulse buying" as in past shows. We sold some of our Pro Hunter Series though and I sold a feather pattern gents hunter.

Congrats to Raymond Richard for winning "Best Bowie and Best Hand Forged" My buddy John Davis won "Best Damascus" and Ford Swagger won "Best Art Knife" I cant remember any more winners, sorry but I have CRS.
 
As it was my first show ever, I was very pleased with the results. I was able to cover my costs, plus enough to buy some new materials.

I met a lot of new folks and learned a lot about my knives and what buyers are looking for. I asked for advice from many, many people and wasn't disappointed with the advice, critiques and encouragement.

I now have a better rounded plan on what I want to do with my craft. I'm going to do some reworking of the knives that I brought home from the show.

To all of you that helped me with advice, critiques and encouragement I want to say Thank You from the bottom of my heart. You've given me the tools to advance and produce better knives!
 
Scott
Nice to see you there. You presented well at your first show. I am glad you were not disappointed. I have got to try that mustard finish, I like it more every time I see it.
 
The few pounds Chuck lost I took home. Chuck brought me a little bar of O-1 and an anchor to be used in the Sandy River. He also brought a lot of candy. As for knife sales I didn't sell a thing until Sunday. Just enough to fill my gas tank and buy a few meals. I always enjoy wining awards. The show went as I expected this year since I didn't expect much. The forging demo went well. Not a drop of rain for a change. Hottest day of the year Saturday and not a patch of shade to be found.
 
A C Richards said:
Scott
Nice to see you there. You presented well at your first show. I am glad you were not disappointed. I have got to try that mustard finish, I like it more every time I see it.
Click to expand...

Thank you. I like the way it looks and even received some suggestions on making it even better. It was a great learning experience for me.
 
Hey Chuck. It is pretty easy to sell out when you only take four knives. I did sell a couple of pieces of steel too. all in all I was pretty surprised to sell anything at all. This was my first okca show in three or four years and it was good for me but I did really notice the slow down from years gone by. I think only about ten percent of the show was custom knife makers.
 
I only had four knives :confused: Did not sell one. But then I have sold 2 since I have been home. Good to see you Bill. Nice slip joint you had.
 
There seemed to be fewer custom knifemakers this year than ever. With some regular faces missing, knifemakers and others. Which made you stop a purveyors tables and hunt for pieces? It’s still a great show to attend. But I can’t blame the OKCA for not butting on another top notch event. There was a lot to look at and plenty of opportunity to spend my hard earned shrinking dollar. I did find Wesley Davis slip joint to purchase and a knife from a collector, who had a piece from the late Bob Lum.
 
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