Review So I went to Blade (for the fourteenth time)

Gents I've only been to Blade once in 2016 and to be honest with you the show blew me away, we simply don't have anything on this scale here in the UK. I have read all of your comments with interest as the veterans of this show can see subtle changes that have happened over the years and it's your comments that can shed light on how the show has changed and any failings that really need to be addressed. A couple of friends attended this years show and I will be asking them their thoughts on how things went. One buddy goes every year without fail and I'll be listening very closely to what he has to say. Maybe it's time for a venue change as some have said, I for one will be looking out for your reactions to the show planned for Portland later in the year.
 
Check your email for a survey request. Just got mine and filled it out. Great chance to offer some feedback for improvement and puts you in a drawing for a free pass next year.
 
Paul, always a pleasure to visit with you. One of the things I love about the custom knife world is how open it is and how folks working at the opposite ends of the spectrum can enjoy and appreciate the other guy's work. The fact that the top leather guy in the country makes a point to stop by the table of a guy who clothes everything in thermoform plastic is awesome in my eyes. :)

Yeah, there were definitely some screw-ups this year, the parking situation being the foremost in my mind. I'm sure they let everyone know about the one place to pay for parking inside in one of the emails that got sent the week before the show when everyone was frantically finishing up. Why was it not an option for them to take payment as you drove into the parking garage since you already had people stationed at the entrance? Or tacking on $5 to the price of a ticket/table/whatever?

I really don't think the baseball team is going to take into consideration that there's a knife show next door, no matter how big we get. I've always been a bit surprised at how few food options there are for the size of crowd involved. We tend to bring snacks to offset that.

I never did get a chance to make it over to the second room, and I really wanted to. Of course, I didn't get to check out the work on the tables across the aisle from me, either. :D

It was a great show for me. I took more inventory than ever, and it was the first knife show that I haven't had to sharpen in the hotel room. Two tables (one for stock removal work, one for forged work) is a lot to keep an eye on, but my loverly bride did an excellent job. I appreciate her patience in helping with the show. There are plenty of folks happier to see her there than to see me! :D

Despite the aggravations, I'm looking forward to next year!
 
Paul: I was thinking about taking my 70 year old frame to next year's Blade but now it doesn't seem likely. I just don't relish the idea of sitting behind a table with a catheter stuck in my junk. :eek:

Next year stop by my place in Maine - I promise not to charge you for parking and you won't have to stand in line to drain your dragon, old buddy. :D
 
I have been to blade a few times, but the new room was a bit confusing. There should be a passage between it and the main room. Many who had VIP tickets waited in line under the impression that there was a passageway to the main hall.
It was fun to meet people with whom i chat with online in person. I was thinking i might would like to get a table next year, but sounds like that may not even be a option.
 
We came in on Thursday, and after the unloading process I managed to grab a spot in the parking lot next to the cutting comp area, and the entry doors in the back. Once I parked it I NEVER moved until Sunday afternoon, because I heard of the mayhem and charges.

We stayed at the Waverly and walked for each meal over the walk bridges to the mall. Three evenings!

There are SO many new attendees that I can't see them changing a thing. The tail is wagging the dog. There are very few places of a scale this large to swap to. Deal with it you crusty ol' farts.... ;)

That the magazine AND the Show were bought by a new enterprise (and I heard a young Taiwanese businessman is the HPIC now, and was there spending $$ on knives? Ask Karl.) This could be a good thing.
 
I agree with Coop and Don

With a show of this size no venue is going to be perfect

I came in from rush hour from the airport ....no issues

We moved the car everyday amd only once had to pay 5 dollars for parking and it was a short walk .....even though I kinda forgot where the car was :)

I ate fine everyday

My suggestions are book early and stay at the hotel in the center

Walk out of your room take elavator down eat breakfast in hotel walk in air condition to convention center

At night go find different restaurants in Atlanta and eat if you get bored with the food that is in walkable distance of center

There is always parking at night
 
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