Traditional Knives & Blade Show 2017

KBA

KBA

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Apr 27, 2014
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So I may be heading to Blade when I get off work today. I picked up a summer school course for a bit of play money and today is the last day.

Is anyone already there or going? Shoot me a pm if you are there as I would love to meet anyone from the porch.

In the event I don't, I would love to see some pics of traditional knives and read some thoughts on it all.
 
Just booked the hotel and will be heading that way after lunch. I'll try to get a few pics, but I will only be there for the day Saturday. I'm pretty excited. This is my first trip.
 
I think the Bose drawing is at 3:00 today, it's a treat to handle a real Bose. Check out Jim Dunlap's table, in the past he has brought a good number of knives at reasonable prices. Keith Johnson has had a nice line up in the past as well.

You have to have a game plan with the table layout to get the most out of Blade. Many of the famous makers will have nothing on the table (deliveries and knives sold the night before).
 
Appreciate the heads up. I certainly am in for it as I'm sure my senses will be overwhelmed and pulling me in all directions.

I'm just excited to go. Just to meet a few, talk to a few, and just soak it in.
 
Hope you have a great time at Blade. I am chomping at the bit today. Just don't have enough loose money presently to attend. I won't go unless I have at least $500 (preferably $1000) in my pocket.
 
I am very jealous but happy for you! This time of year is always tough to get away from work, but I will get there eventually:)
 
I wish in would have saw this sooner, I would love to know what was on Jim Dunlaps table.
 
Sorry for the lack of pics.

The show was amazing and I was only there for the day Saturday.

I thought I was early and got turned around in the vicinity to the show. I thought I was in the wrong area until I pulled over for directions and saw Tony Bose sitting there. I figured I was in the right area and decided to park.

If I go again I'll go on a Friday with vip tickets at least.

The custom makers made the show for me. Getting to meet the owners of different brands was amazing, but most jacked their prices to almost full MSRP. The custom makers there however really wanted to talk to you, hear your thoughts, and teach. Their passion was evident and while they appreciated the sale, they certainly found more joy in the art and hobby. I enjoyed the quality found there immensely. I also enjoyed meeting the makers that you often see here, Big Chris, Adam Gray, and others.

Every conversation I had with the patrons reminded me of threads here with each individual having a different level of understanding, opinion, and perspective.

The vendors that sold second hand traditional knives surprisedly spoke to me often in a way that assumed I knew nothing of the knife in question. Im not really sure why they did that. Their mint collections certainly were beautiful, and many of which I was tempted by, but Jake ( supratentorial supratentorial ) would be proud in that I could not bring myself to buy a mint oldie to use.

I found a couple GECs that were a fair deal only to find he had accidentally switched the tubes and had the wrong ones. I couldn't do it and felt bad for the guy. The other knife prices were laughable and I think I accidentally offended one vendor when he quoted me a price and I immediately started laughing. I tried to stop but couldnt.

I will say I was extremely tempted to get a Bill Ruple sowbelly. One vendor had 4, two of which were 1 of 1, and the other 2 were 1 of 3. Truly, amazing knives. Though, I could have never use them.

I soaked in as much as possible. I spoke to many and learned a lot. The show brought me to a deeper appreciation to hobby, and the folks (owners, makers, users, and collectors) involved. It was amazing to put a hand on many of the knives you question and wish there was store nearby.

Edit: I really enjoyed meeting the guys and owner of Smith & Sons. We joked about how fast they go but he made sure to let me know he was proud of keeping them at a fair price. I was impressed by him and his fixed blades.

All in all, a great experience. We made a weekend of it and took the girls to the aquarium.

In the end I came home with two knives I needed. One a modern edc fixed blade by Bradford USA Knives that was introduced at the show and an Arkansas Dozier, one Im truly proud to own.


 
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KBA, I am guilty of much the same laughter with a few sellers. Although I never feel bad considering what they try to get away with. This year was particularly annoying in that regard.

This was my 4th Blade Show, but the first that I spent most of my show time looking at traditionals. My friend pointed me in some good directions, and it was fun getting to know Esnyx personally. Evan is a great guy, with a ton of skill and a good sense of humor.

Generally, I hang out with the Kai folks so my after-show time was spent with that crew. However, I enjoyed talking to folks outside of the modern folder world.

This year was packed, much much more so than last year. The Early Bird line was bonkers. I got in early, right at 12 at Early Bird opening and made a bee line to GEC. Picked up one of the 3 Blueberry Jigged Bone 48's that they had, and a couple leather slips. My buddy snagged one of the Crown Lifters, and I ended up going back for another 38 Special in Bocote, and another 48 IT Bloodwood. Later picked up one of the Booker Classic Barlow's as well. That's a really slick knife, I like it a lot.

Queen didn't have anything that interested me, neither did Case. They didn't have any Eureka Jack's, just the one they submitted for a Blade award. Bose had some of his at his table, but frankly I'm not dropping over a G on a knife. That's a bit crazy for me.

One of the dudes I hang with snagged a 47 viper in elephant ivory that they had there at GEC for several bills. It was ridiculous, a gorgeous knife with a mind blowing cover material.

The other vendors had interesting things, but those are my personal highlights. I'll snag some pics tomorrow.
 
Brett, I am glad you got to make it to Blade. I hope to make it next year. If not I plan to be there the following year to test for ABS Journeyman Smith.

You scored nicely with the Dozier. I don't know anything about Bradford USA. I appreciate you sharing about your trip though. Having been to a number of highly rated shows I know what you mean about the makers. Some of them are a real treat to spend some time with.

If you get a chance to make it to Little Rock in February I would be more than happy to show you around and treat you to some of my wife's home cooking.

Chris
 
Brett and sticktodrum - Many thanks for sharing your thoughts, I could almost feel your excitement Brett- I know I feel like this now sitting lordy knows how many hours flying time away from the Rendezvous- Flying to Pauls House- then Both Paul and I flying down to The meet!
Life is pretty darned good isnt it when we can go to things like this, and this to me is as massive as it gets - so I am really enjoying reading about you guys and your visit to the Blade show.:thumbsup:
 
Sounds like a nice time! Thank you for posting your experiences.

Brett, Haha! The Kentucky fried type is usually fine to use (around 999 out of 1000 that I see ;) ) but I do like that some truly mint knives are preserved for future generations if there aren't many left. Actually, for some knives there probably aren't any truly mint examples left anymore but some are worth saving in lesser condition anyway. I do enjoy using some oldies as well as preserving others.

Sounds like you all made some nice pickups at the show.
 
Wow Brett, I am jealous! I had tentative plans to go this year, but events earlier this year just put my whole schedule in a tizzy. I would imagine that most of my time would have been spent talking to people I know from online, rather than shopping for knives. The knives are great, but the friendships and connections are even better, IMO.

I would also have liked to meet some of the custom makers. I have met a few at other shows, but usually end up just saying stupid stuff like "your knives are great". I think their passion and genuine-ness come from being able to work outside the confines of production-made knives, and it seems like most are as excited about what they are making as the consumer is.

Thanks for taking the time to share you thoughts on your show experience.

Glenn
 
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I arrived Saturday about 0915 and left at closing, 1800.

I was looking for Terrier Cutlery Company knives.

There were not very many selling vintage pocketknives and the number seems to go down every year. There were some great knives there, though.

I found only two Terriers, one I already have and the other had been buffed half to death. The blades were quite full and the bone smoothed and faded. I would have paid his asking price if the knife had not been buffed. It was one of those big hefty five inch EZ Open jacks.

So, I bought no knives. I did buy some lubricant and some slick kind of glue, a walking stick and a piece of jewelry for Sarah, who I had left at home.
 
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Chris Montgomery said:
Brett, I am glad you got to make it to Blade. I hope to make it next year. If not I plan to be there the following year to test for ABS Journeyman Smith.

You scored nicely with the Dozier. I don't know anything about Bradford USA. I appreciate you sharing about your trip though. Having been to a number of highly rated shows I know what you mean about the makers. Some of them are a real treat to spend some time with.

If you get a chance to make it to Little Rock in February I would be more than happy to show you around and treat you to some of my wife's home cooking.

Chris
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Brother, I would love to meet up sometime. How can anyone turn down home cooking. Please, keep us all up to date if you will be there. I am sure I am not the only one here who would like to shake your hand. I look forward to seeing you pass that test as well brother. :thumbsup:
 
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