Tulsa Arms Show?

G L Drew

G L Drew

Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Feb 3, 2005
Messages
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My son lives in the Tulsa area and I have timed a visit with him to coincide with the Tulsa Arms Show. I rented a table to sell my knives but have heard different opinions about this show: anything from "It is an excellent show", You can't sell a thing because it is so large". Has anyone here attended or sold there? What can I expect?
 
I made my first trip to Tulsa last November. Overwhelming doesn't cover it.:eek:

There were a number of knifemakers and suppliers there and that's really all I bought, knife stuff.
 
This show is really too big and probably not the best place to try to sell knives. I've been a few times to look around (hell of a show). I know a few makers and custom knife dealers who have set up there, some do OK and others no good. But if your going to be there anyway, it's worth a try.
 
I recommend it at least once to everyone. I've heard some complain and others say it was the best show they ever set up at. It has grown a lot since my first show in Tulsa 20 years ago. Don't get me wrong its always been overwhelming but now the crowd is so large just walking to the bathroom is a chore and then once you get there its a wait usually. Don't get stage fright once you get your opening! :D

The place is packed and parking is full everyday there. I went a few years ago with the wife and we both wondered why in the world we did that again because it was not enjoyable for us as customers trying to negotiate the extreme crowds of people. Nor was having to hike back to the car because they would not allow cameras inside. It is literally elbow to elbow man! Since you are going anyways I'd say make the most of it. I'd be curious to hear your opinion once its over so please let us know your thoughts. One of the things that got me thinking, not so much that last show but the one before it was what business beenie babies had at a gun and knife show but I guess booth space is booth space. I didn't notice it that much last time though. Maybe others noticed and voiced complaint. I really don't know.

Bob Dozier is usually there. Sometimes A.G. Russell and crew come too and a lot of guys from Texas and neighboring states. Lots to spend money on thats for sure. I don't think I ever went whether I had a booth or not that I didn't spend more than I made. ;)

STR
 
It is positively massive. Don't know how much bsuiness you would be able to do there, though. It's a hustle and bustle.
 
The show is April 4th and 5th.

The accountant at my son's company did some calculating and says that if you spent 30 seconds at each table you could not see the whole show in 8 hours. I usually do well at this type of show because my knives sell for $100 to $300: affordable for the average guy. If nothing else, It sounds like it will be an experience.

Thanks for the opinions! I will report back after I have been through it. (I might even smuggle in a camera to provide documentation.)
 
G.L. last time there were several that managed to get cell phones through that had cameras but if they see a camera case or one on your neck they'll tell you to take it back to the car unless they've changed the policy now.

STR
 
I've got a table there and looking forward to it. I've heard lots of good about the show. As always it would be nice to sell some knives, but I'm a gun nut too so that's gonna be fun.
 
Make sure you put new insoles in your shoes; the walking on concrete is murder on your feet and legs.

Great show, BTW.
 
G L Drew said:
The accountant at my son's company did some calculating and says that if you spent 30 seconds at each table you could not see the whole show in 8 hours.
Click to expand...
I can confirm this.:D

Even skipping the tables of stuff we weren't interested in, my buddy and I managed to cover only half of the lower floor the first day.
 
post what table number you will be at- large group of knifemakers at rows 3 and 4 on top- I'm on a corner at 6c- Ryan where are you?? Mike Texas Knifemakers did not come last fall but Jantz was there under the SW corner on top Forgot R.W. Wilson is also downstairs with stag and ivory and more supplies
 
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I have been assigned 6 D 5, wherever that is.

I am a gun nut myself. The first gun and knife show I set up in (about 20 years ago) I come home bragging to my wife about selling $300 worth of knives but had to confess that I bought a $350 shot gun. Good for an eye roll by the wife.

Thanks for all the comments guys, I am looking forward to the show and talking knives with all of you if we can somehow meet up.
 
I'm not sure what table I have. I need to find out, ill post here when I do. Llokikng forward to seeing you again Mike and looking forward to meeting more knifemakers.
 
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