Private Show - Lot To Do

Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith

Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith

ilmarinen - MODERATOR
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Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
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In two weeks (Nov 12) I am having a one man show at the Virginia Beach Fishing Club's annual Oyster Roast. Besides eating free oysters and drinking free beer, I will be selling hand made knives, jewelry, and craft pieces to a lot of folks who have expendable cash ( and Christmas is coming).

I just finished gluing up one side on 35 knives , and will do the other side tomorrow. I'll take a few shots when the scales are shaped. I have very little time to get these done, and in the remaining time have three evening meetings Tues., Wed., Thurs.; a formal dinner next Saturday; and the installation of our new pastor on Sunday. The following week should be a sanding/buffing blitz.

If all goes well, I should have about twenty folders, and 60-70 fixed blades to sell.

Oh, .....and I have to make sheaths for half of this batch. Wouldn't be the first time I sold a knife and delivered it and the finished sheath a few weeks later. I offer custom engraving of the customers name or message, so I often take the knife back with me ,anyway.

I have another private show on Dec 11th at the jewelry store.

Somewhere in the spare time , I have to make about 20 hand made Christmas presents ( I don't normally buy Christmas gifts). Luckily, I am well ahead of schedule this year on getting the presents ready in time. I have regularly given a box with nothing in it to family and friends on Christmas day. They all know that November-December is my busiest time of year, so they sort of expect their presents in late January.
 
I am tuckered out just reading that.

Good luck and sounds like you are in store of a lot of good times coming up.
 
Being one of Santa's elves is tough, but rewarding work!
 
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Nothing like a whirlwind, eh Stacy??:D

Good luck with the work buddy, it'll keep you out of trouble for while!
 
Boy what a push, Tracy. I believe you have established a demand and people will be come because of having something you have already made or through the reputation you have developed. Lots of sales and by the way, lots of energy to finish the work. Frank
 
Its gotta be singlemalt Bill, preferably an Islay. Whadya think Laguvulan? Stacy I feel your pain. Last week I did 56 sheaths in 2 days. 35 one night and the other 21 (these last all tooled) the next night. Got em all done. Good luck at your show sir! I've only been wandering around this forum for a short time but have certainly benefitted from your expertise and input. Thanks.
 
Thanks, guys.

Single malts:
Macallan 18 - Great for everyday
Lagavulin 16 - Smoky but not bitter
Laphroaig 30 - Peat bog in a glass
Balvennie 21 - Excellent with friends
Cognac - Remy VSOP or 1738

Cubans - When I get good ones ( many Cubans are horrible)
Virgin Island Rum - My favorite smoke ( I have them flown up from St. Thomas)
Aged Macanudos ( 10-21 years) - Robust, for special occasions.

After a day of grinding I often take a glass of one of the above and a cigar and sit on the deck looking at the yard. I look at where the new shop will be and imagining that I am sitting on a wooden bench outside the shop door smoking that cigar and sipping that scotch.
 
I was thinking of the private show concept yesterday. Have you had a lot of success doing this Stacey? I really don't like doing shows, but the idea of a one man show is very appealing to me. Kinda on my own terms.
 
Laphroaig, perhaps my favorite Islay of them all. Definitly not for beginners. I pour the dram and whiff with eyes closed its a: bonfire on the beach, of driftwood (ya can smell the salt burning), on a stormy night with the waves crashing in. Aye nay for beginners ya ken. If ya can imagine the bench, it will happen. No such word as can't or should I say "canny".
 
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Roy,
A one man show will allow you to feature you and your goods without anyone having to "look around and come back later". If they come, they are likely to buy. You can also sell other items you make that would not fit a knife show. Wallets, leather goods, carvings, jewelry, Honey, pickles, etc.
I typically sell $1000-2000 at a four hour one man show. I also get a lot of commissions.

You can do it solo at your shop, but the best way is to find a place that will feature you and your goods.

The trick is to get the word out - fliers, emails, and contact all local clubs and societies. Don't be shy about sending the garden club an invite. They all have husbands who could use a nice gift..... heck, the garden club may ask you to come and set up at their county annual garden and home show. I received this invite to set up at the Virginia Beach Fishing Club out of the blue from a member who attended my small show at the store on Fathers Day.

Timing is also important - About three-four weeks before:
Christmas
Fathers day
Valentines day
Opening of hunting season.
 
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Great post. Thanks Stacey.
 
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