Pretty disappointing Blade Show

Apparently, I went to a completely different show in some bizarre parallel universe. I had a blast, and so did all the makers and reps I talked to. I ignored the stuff that didn't interest me and was able to really examine the stuff that did interest me. I'll go earlier next year, because I didn't get around to seeing everyone I had hoped to.

I look at it as more of a trade convention and marketing presence thing than just a sales venue anyway, so perhaps my criteria are different. If a custom/handmade maker is still relying on one or two big shows a year to make the bulk of their sales in 2013 and beyond, there's something seriously wrong with their plan.
 
I didn't get to look around as much as I'd like, and I was mostly talking with fellow knifemakers when I was, not looking at materials or a bunch of the bigger booths. I enjoyed it quite a bit, and my girlfriend, who has very little interest in knives, did as well. She didn't even go hang out in the Galleria like we both thought she would end up doing. Sales were comparable to what I had last year (which was my first table at a straight-up knife show), and I made some good dealer contacts. Several folks who had bought knives last year came back by to see what I had and gave me positive feedback.

So do you have issue with tactical blades being at the show? Or just the non-bladed tactical gear? Because I have to agree with Nathan's assessment of that. I can understand not wanting non-bladed items in the "Blade Show", but there's room for both high end art pieces and hard-use work knives.

My girlfriend had several observations, a couple of which I had made as well.

1. It was right at the beginning of the month, when rent would be due.
2. It was right after Memorial Day, when a lot of military members wouldn't be able to take leave again. I saw a number of military in uniform walking around last year, none this year.
3. It was right at the end of the school year. I had two buddies who were thinking about going but weren't able to because of that.

I think having it a little later in the month, like it was last year, would help with attendance for those reasons.
 
james terrio said:
Apparently, I went to a completely different show in some bizarre parallel universe. I had a blast, and so did all the makers and reps I talked to. I ignored the stuff that didn't interest me and was able to really examine the stuff that did interest me. I'll go earlier next year, because I didn't get around to seeing everyone I had hoped to.

I look at it as more of a trade convention and marketing presence thing than just a sales venue anyway, so perhaps my criteria are different. If a custom/handmade maker is still relying on one or two big shows a year to make the bulk of their sales in 2013 and beyond, there's something seriously wrong with their plan.
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You beat me to it James; my exact sentiment. My first Blade, I never set foot into the red zone (prepper showed was segregated by different color carpet) and found incredible handle material, recouped my expenses +, took some orders, and had fun with friends. What more can you ask for.
 
It was my first show and couldn't have been better.I took 10 folders and 5 fixed blades, my table was empty at 12:05 on Friday. I kept out one folder for lottery and one for open bid on Saturday. I thought it was amazing, I met a lot of great people and talked shop with the best in the business. As far as supplies go, everything I needed was there. The living ready expo was kind of cool, understand...a lot of people who went for that....were there for that, but I bet many of them walked out with a new passion for handmade knives.
The only complaint I have was the flea market tables....2 knives for 15.00 etc. etc. Kids running around wielding katanas...not cool.
I did have a couple of folks come up and elbow ratchet one of my folders :mad: I talked to several others this happened to as well....(flea market crowd).
 
JBS TOOLMAKER said:
It was my first show and couldn't have been better.I took 10 folders and 5 fixed blades, my table was empty at 12:05 on Friday. I kept out one folder for lottery and one for open bid on Saturday. I thought it was amazing, I met a lot of great people and talked shop with the best in the business. As far as supplies go, everything I needed was there. The living ready expo was kind of cool, understand...a lot of people who went for that....were there for that, but I bet many of them walked out with a new passion for handmade knives.
The only complaint I have was the flea market tables....2 knives for 15.00 etc. etc. Kids running around wielding katanas...not cool.
I did have a couple of folks come up and elbow ratchet one of my folders :mad: I talked to several others this happened to as well....(flea market crowd).
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"elbow ratchet" ??? ....hard wrist flick a folder??? sorry just never heard that term before.
 
John L said:
As a slipjoint maker and a materials supplier the prices are just getting to be too much to handle. If you fly or drive it can cost anywhere from $300 for gas to several thousand to fly, table cost are ridiculous, hotel cost for 4 nights, meals, etc. It can add up to well over 3 grand. You need to sell a LOT of stuff to recoop costs and then actually make a profit. It is not in the cards for many people and some maker friends have just stopped going for the above and other reasons.
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And this is not counting time lost on making more knives.....:)
 
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