Went to a gun and knife show today

[DanF]

Mostly gun, three knifemakers represented, two in person, one reselling.
The reseller gave me some serious heartburn, had a knife with J.S. stamped on Ricasso, same font as ABS uses. Had a bs story behind it (or I'm just a suspicious guy). One maker had some decent forged knives, the other makers stuff was RR spike and rough stuff (to my eye anyway).
Anyway interesting day, learned a lot, mostly to stay away from gun and knife shows .

 

[JTknives]

If you ever have a question about a ABS stamp being legit go to there web site. Thy have a list of all the JS and MS makers.

 

[tim37a]

I have learned the hard way - NEVER EXHIBIT IN A GUN & KNIFE SHOW. The attendees are looking for guns, not knives, and their idea of a GREAT knife is a $75 Chinese knife made with Pakistani damascus. Just my experience.
Tim

 

[Randy3000]

Gun shows haven't been good since the 90s i guess, i go to one every so often to remind myself why I don't go.

 

[3fifty7]

^^Same here, I I want a gun show I'll call a friend and we will look in each other's safes.
I'd love to attend a legit knife show but they basically don't exist near me.

 

[Frank Niro]

Where do you go if that's the only place to show and sell? our local group of makers has grown in size, quality of offerings for sale and respect from the public. It has taken several years. Most of the shows we can travel to are all of the gun knife type. Frank

 

[DanF]

Thanks JT, I didn't doubt the JS, only the ridiculous story as to what it meant. The seller didn't have a clue what he had, but he did have it priced accordingly albeit a bit high in my humble opinion . I checked and indeed, the maker is a JS.
In my neck of the woods we have always seen a few knifemakers at the gun shows and sometimes you can find a silk purse among the sows ears. I guess you show according to your area?

 

[Matt Rochester]

Must depend on the location. We have a good turnout here and good results also. I agree though that most folks are gun looking.

 

[v8r]

I think it also helps when makers are realistic with their pricing. It's hard for the average person to justify spending 500 for a knife.
This is also compounded when on the next table there is a rifle for 500.