So how was it for those knifemakers who had tables at Blade 2003?

golok

golok

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Oct 20, 2000
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After that is all said and done, I am dying to know how was it for those knifemakers who displayed their wares at Atlanta.

No doubt, it was great exposure for them. Still, how do you gauge the success level of such an outing?

Do you judge it from the profit-and-loss angle, or do you see the bigger picture and view it from the perspective of meeting all those people who have learned something from your trade and your character?

In the final analysis, what's your verdict from the point of view of one who has set up a table at Blade Show 2003?
 
I was really just glad to be there. It wasn't a for sure thing till we left. I didn't really have anything to sell but what I had left over from last year.
For me, the renewed friendships, the atmosphere, the information gained (learned a little more on heat treating from Al Penfray), material and supplies for more knives, etc. Fine wine and Friends, what more could you ask for. Definitely a social event of the year. It is good to sell enought to pay for expenses but in my case, not a necessity. For that I am very grateful.
From the information point of view, the more people that come to look, the more that will begin to understand the world of knives. One of the new objectives of the ABS is to try to get the Boy Scouts to award a badge for the making of a forged knife. If we can get them started early enough to understand that a knife is a tool to cut with, then in time we will be able to get some common sense laws, maybe. It sounds like a good idea to me anyway.
 
I talked to several well known makers and found that it was "feast or famine". One maker I talked to had not sold any knives as of 10:00 am Sunday morning,,while others claimed to have had the best show ever.

Phillip :)
 
This was my best Blade Show ever! Knife Talk II arrived from the printers and we sold out of books. Knife sales were as good as they get and the best part, I got to see and visit with friends I only see once a year, as well as meet many new friends.

For me the show was intense, I learned a lot and picked up an antique knife from a great maker, I don't know his name yet, but from the workmanship and design he knew what he was doing.

I bought Angie a birthday present in the form of a mineature knife riding inside a 50 cent piece, her birthday is today and she smiled a lot when she received it.

From what I heard we may have set an attendence record for the show.
 
Originally posted by raker
One of the new objectives of the ABS is to try to get the Boy Scouts to award a badge for the making of a forged knife. If we can get them started early enough to understand that a knife is a tool to cut with, then in time we will be able to get some common sense laws, maybe. It sounds like a good idea to me anyway.
Click to expand...

This sounds like a great idea to me.
 
I did really well at the show but i cant say that there was as many people at it as i have seen in the past. I didn't stay at the table that much eather so that could have been it too. :) But most people i talked to were doing well at the show.
 
Golok-

It was an absolutely GREAT experience for me!

The money and sales issues definitely come into play since I'm doing this full-time...but the best part really is the people.

I sold out a little over an hour after the show opened...and that really took a lot of stress off me. It was a very expensive trip to go across the country, but even if I hadn't sold a thing I'd have been glad I was there.

Many MS's and collectors told me I should have had higher price tags...but I'm trying to "pay my dues." Plus, I figured it would be better to go to my first table at the Blade show with prices a little low than too high???? :)

The bs'ing and lie-swapping in the pit and at Ruby Tuesday's was the absolute best part of the show!!!!! :D

Thanks,
Nick
 
I had a great show too. I always enjoy the chance to visit with my knifemaking buddies, chat with customers, and trying to help educate the new buyers. Sold a bunch of knives, too!
 
Great question! I must say that the main success for me was in the bigger picture. Only about two or three hundred people total walked past my booth, or even crossed that area of the show due to a very poor location. But I got a chance to visit with a number of the fine folks, and even turned a decent profit.

There were some great conversations. One highlight for me was 3 hours holed up in the bar discussing wootz with Al Pendray. Really there were too many great folks to mention.

To top it off, an article on Angel Sword came out in 2004 Sporting Knives, which hit the shelves during the show.

Daniel
 
The show was great on many levels for me. Sales were fantastic and I really loved being able to check out everyone elses work. The quality of knives at the show was absolutely mind numbing. I was honored to met every one and talk knives with them. It was also nice to be able to pick up some nice handle supplies in person. I like to be able to pick and choose my handle material, I was like a kid in a candy store.

Craig Camerer
 
I had a very good show and a really nice time, mainly because Susan was with me but also because I got to visit again with old friends and make some new ones. I'm so happy to be doing what i am because of the good people who inhabit the knife realm, both makers and customers. I speak to many folks in other fields, especially the "art "world and am amazed at the lack of genuine affection there is in many other professions. For a full time knifemaker with no other source of income who spends 50-60 lonely hours in his shop surrounded only by mute machines, shows are truly a blessing because of the cameraderi they bring. Thanks guys! BOB
 
The best "sales and orders" show I've had, even in the midst of our present economy. All the rest of what happened for me at Blade was icing on the cake. Thanks to all the collectors who made my show!!!
 
Hello Ron,
Reminds me of the welder that took a welding test and passed it. One of the guys smarted off and said "he sure is lucky". Another said, "Yep, seems like the harder you try, the luckier you get". Ron, you passed the test. :)
 
The show was a great success to me also,Didn't sell out but did sell.But the main thing was that I met allot of really great people and old friends along with passing my JS Judging (which was the main reason for going)Plus a weekend away from the kids with Donna didn't hurt either.

Bruce
 
It was my best show as well. Its good to have so many people come by to shake hands and talk knives. I sold a couple nice ones and even took an order or two. I got to finally meet Ron Newton and brag about our pistols. Next year we should have a "shoot off" out back. My matchlock tomahawk against his next masterpiece. Maybe Wade Colter will join us. I recieved my MS stamp there also. That feels good!
 
I too had a great show. first I, through some miracle, passed my jouneyman smith test and received my JS stamp. Second and almost as important (to me) is I got to meet many of the people that I have been doing business with and also many of the forumites.


Oh yeh I sold out and took a bunch of orders too.:)
 
I have to say this was my best year ever.
Sold Out and picked up some very nice big buisness for the next 3 years.
Thanks to all who made this years show.
BRAD
 
Well above all I had a hell of a good time!
We rolled in with just under 30 pieces, and were done a couple hours into Friday.. I couldnt ask for better, for my second Blade Show.. But the people, the contacts and the fun makes it worth the trip even if you dont sell a damn thing.. Thats what I think anyway..:D
 
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