Wanting to go to blade show this year need advice.

M

Mike22

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Jul 27, 2015
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I am wanting to go to blade show atlanta this year. Until a week ago I had no idea how many tables or vendors that were there. Now I think I am going to have to adjust my plans. I am wanting to go down on Friday and initially I thought a day trip would be enough time but now I think I have way miscalculated. How much time should a person allow to go through it. Sure there are going to be booths I have no interest in and some of course I don't even I know that I will want to stop at. So what say you. How much time should I allow. No wife with me just another knife nut I work with.

Thanks

Mike
 
At least two days, and you'll probably still miss stuff😂 It seems like I'm always finding new stuff on Sunday somehow, even after wandering for two full day🤯
 
I went 5 years ago or so..... Its a long story, but I went for 1 DAY.. yep 1 day.... My health was better back then (no major back issues or walking long distances.etc)
Like I said it was long story, but was able to get a very cheap airline ticket early in the AM and got a RETURN at 10pm.. it was like 120$. so I got lucky at that time round trip

I was 1 FULL DAY and I dont regret it.. Like others have said 2 full days you can really enjoy it, but I just did not want to spend money on hotel and car..etc..etc..
1) I landed at 8am- packed a small carry bag with really nothing)
2) Uber to the show which is great cause traffic was a mess
3) STOOD IN LINE to buy a ticket
4) STOOD in line to get in.
5) enjoyed the show..They had all types of vendors outside the show and 2 HUGE ROOMS inside.. I mean huge......
6) I walk to all the tables and visited .. Spent time with a few makers- I really enjoyed it! But again if I had 2 days- I could circle back around to try and make a deal.
7) I stayed till the closed the doors on that sat.
8) went to dinner, THEN UBER BACK TO AIRPORT..

I clocked 11miles of walking.. Which is crazy for my bigass... 11miles was from home airport, to show, to return airport..
I was exhausted, but proud because I never thought I could walk more than 3 miles..lol.... When looking at knives and boobs I guess I can accomplish almost anything;o)..

So I say if you try and do the 2 days but prob cost you price of a nice custom knife vs 1 crazy day but you get your fix!!

As for great deals.... People will say you can find them, but I don't think so.. Of course there is always right place at the right time.. Most guys going to BLADE are willing to spend big bucks I suppose!!

ALSO I recommend -- KNOWING what custom makers you want to see and what vendors you want to visit. PRIORITIZE those because the show environment get wild and you kinda get lost on some of the vendors you want to see.. vendors from all over the world are there!
 
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2 days and you won’t see it all. Trust me. FANTASTIC trip though.
 
minimum 2 days. I would also look at the floorplan and map out what you are interested in seeing, who you are interested in meeting and have that plan in your pocket. There are distinct sections for production makers, commercial vendors, stock removal, forging...etc. Keep in mind this isn't like a gun show, in that every booth and table is different.

I'll give ya a "fer instance," I am not particularly interested in butterfly knives, and there is a whole are basically dedicated to them. So I usually don't go over to that section until I have seen or talked to people I planned on seeing and talking to. But there ARE material supply tables that I want to hit up, so I do that first up.

Also, don't forget about the Pit at the Waverly after the show closes for the evening...that's where a lot of friendships and deals are made and solidified off the show floor, and it can get a bit crazy.

Last thing, bring a water bottle.
 
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