Shows to attend

A

A T Barr

Joined
Oct 10, 1998
Messages
634
For the most part, I've only attended the Guild Show. This year I also attended the Blade Show in Atlanta. Since I'm full time now, what other shows should I consider? East, West, North, or South?

Thanks,
A.T.

------------------
A.T.
http://www.customknives.com
If you make, sell, or just love knives and want a website with your name
customknives.com/your.name, AND a links page for $70.00 a year? Check out
http://www.customknives.com/webdesign
AKTI #476
 
If you can get a table, or someone to share, the Badger show in Janesville, WI in late March is a great early spring show that leaves you a nice stretch to get ready for Blade.
 
I have to second Brians suggestion second hand. I have not had the chance to make it, but maker friends that have, enjoy the Badger Show in Jainsville. Brian confirms it so that is as good as first hand knowledge in my book
biggrin.gif
.

I understand that the Mesquite Show that Bruce started last year worked out well for quite a few people.

Every maker I know of that goes loves the Solvang CA show.

Eugene OR has nice big show.

Now we need to get you to a good one in the North East.

Batter up.

------------------
" The real art of living is to keep alive the longing in human beings to become greater versions of themselves." Laurens Van der Post in memory of James Mattis

[This message has been edited by Gus Kalanzis (edited 06-28-2001).]
 
If you can secure a table, the custom show in New York City in November is a well attended show. Also in NYC, the East coast Custom Knife Show in March is a good one.
 
AT,

The November Show in NYC should be easy to get into. The tables are either $700 or $750 this year.

The March show in NYC, big waiting list, tough to get into.

Brian and Gus brought up Janesville Show, I have heard that show is very good from several people.

The SOS Show in Texas is a new show, so it will take a few years to shake out. It was one of my best shows of last year. But it is like every show, some do good, some do ok and some do nothing.

The new BAKCA Show may be something to look into.

If your not looking for custom specific shows, you may want to do some of the NKCA Shows. They are close to home and the expenses are low.



------------------
Les Robertson
www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com
Custom Knife Entrepreneur
 
Les brought up one that slipped by me.

BAKCA would tempt me also. I hear the organizer has it together pretty well
biggrin.gif
.
(He is a valuable member here).

NKCA has at least one in Louisville that I have have heard good things about.

------------------
" The real art of living is to keep alive the longing in human beings to become greater versions of themselves." Laurens Van der Post in memory of James Mattis

[This message has been edited by Gus Kalanzis (edited 06-28-2001).]
 
I can't remember the exact name but the Gateway Knife show is held in St. Charles, Missouri in May and December. It is well attended and some good makers come there. Check Blade magazine for details.
 
Australia! Australia!

Ok, ok, so the plane fare is a little steep..... but it means i get to see some beautiful creations in real life rather than just photos.

James

------------------
My Home Page (writings)

The beast we are, lest the beast we become.
 
Since no one else has said it: the SouthEastern Custom Knife Show in Winston-Salem this September.

Please, please, please!!!:D
 
The Southeastern Show in Winston Salem is excellent, and by far the best show in the world for the way they treat knifemakers.

I think the Spirit of Steel show last year sucked for most makers. When makers like Larry Chew and some other top makers who were nearby go home with knives you know it is just not getting the money through the door. I'm going back, but I'll be pleasantly surprised if it is a good selling show.

I understand the NY shows are great, but they are real expensive. Between table, room, meals and airfare, it's a $2000+ nut.

You won't see many better than the Blade Show was this year.

At the end of the day, the Internet is a hard show to beat.
 
Hey Jerry. If you happened to bring a Millennium Stiletto in green canvas micarta to the Spirit of Steel show(hint ;) hint), I'd make sure you sold atleast one knife :D .
 
AT
The Arkansas show is a good one. Cheap to do. Sales are normally good. Very relaxed show. 2 days.
 
Canadian Knifemakers Guild Show in Mississauga [Toronto] twice a year and the Canadian Art Knife Show in Bayfield Ontario in August. Small by US standards but friendly and high quality with such custom makers as Brian Tighe, Greg Lightfoot, Wally Hayes, Wolfgang Loerchner, Bud Weston, Peter Wile, George Tichbourne, Eric Elson, Thomas Haslinger, Rick Frigault and many more.
 
I second the Badger show and the Little Rock show. These are two never miss shows for me. They are concentrated forms of the Blade show. Lots of great makers, but in friendlier environments. Up close and personal, with less crowd fighting for the same knives.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top