Pasadena California Knife Expo 2018

Stu Gatz

Stu Gatz

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Apr 20, 2003
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Although not very well attended by exhibitors, we were able to meet several and interview a couple, custom knife makers at the Pasadena California Knife Expo 2018. We met a people whom we already know and several new individuals and had some great conversation in between.

Unfortunately much smaller that I recall from almost 7-10 years ago, and as per discussions with many exhibitors and guests alike, this show has experienced dramatic declining attendance over the past few years. Rough numbers were that last year was approximately 50% of prior years and that 2018 was about 30% to 40% of 2017. I hope that something can be done about revitalizing the exposition.

Here are a couple interviews:





Added a few over-shots.

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I went to that event in 09. I was surprised how small it was.
 
Maybe it's an issue of low press coverage? I've never even heard of this event until just now.

Maybe the organizers need to reach out on forums and invite a slew of different makers from around the world. Make it a sort of international custom knife exposition, maybe one that focuses on the lesser-known or up-and-coming makers and customizers that are out there.
 
In my opinion its a marketing issue. First, it is not advertised to the public, so no one goes. Since the public doesn't know it makes little sense for a vendor to show as there is little recourse to cover expenses and make money. You would think the crew in charge would realize that focusing on the custom end of the market would bring in attendees, especially in a high rent district like Pasadena's Old Town.
 
Seems like a promoter that can't promote. First I heard about this show as well. Would have liked to attend. Glad I didn't since it sounds like I would have been disappointed.
 
Never been but yeah, heard it's fairly small. Lots of customs I hear.
 
I had a good time this year, been to busy to get to the boards but wanted to bump with my experience.

It is small. And it's getting smaller every year, and this was only my third year there. Notable absence of the high-end knife retailer in LA, as well as Emerson which was surprising and disappointing given all the new models being released. Ardent knives also missing this year, which while disappointing for me I can understand as they're not exactly local.

Nonetheless I had a good time, met some great people and picked up some cool knives. I look forward to it next year as well. My highlights:
Chatting with David Yellowhorse and checking out a huge display of his work, getting to handle every Randall catalog and non, handling quite a few mid techs and customs from bigger names than I'd pay for, some really great whittling displays with really cool restored antique tools, getting an answer from Protech regarding Integrity production and checking out some of their customs, and all the beautiful scrimshaw at Taylor Made Knives.

Not too shabby for purchases, either. Picked up a pair of Dawson knives for a song, a new Buck LT for cheaper than I can find online along with one of last years s35vn Macassar Ebony 112s new, and a new recent CRK Large Inkosi Insingo Micarta nearly a hundred off list.

Oh yeah, and I picked up a completely mint and unused CPK A2 Shiv for less than I can reveal in decent company. Honestly, finding this knife for the price the guy was willing to sell it for has made my week, month, maybe year. Exactly the type of find I'd expect to read about with envy but never experience, and yet here I did.

It's only 12 dollars. It's not a huge show, and the promoters and organizers could do with a kick in the bottom, but I think anyone in the area should consider showing up. On a weekend you can get there in an hour or less from most of OC, LA, and Ventura.

They also had fliers for the California Knifemakers Association show coming up this June 23 in Brea, I've never been but I'm planning on giving it a go this year. And of in October the Anaheim show will still be happening even with Plaza Cutlery closed.
 
I just wish California saw common sense knife laws..no other knife is different from this or that knife.
Thanks for the over-shots. Those were awesome!
 
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