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What are the most prestigeous knife shows?
- Thread starter Joss
- Start date
Les Robertson
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Hi Joss,
Do you mean prestigious by the makers in attendance? Or location?
Does every maker have to be prestigious?
Do the collectors who attend need to be prestigious?
Lastly, do you mean prestigious by cost?
Les Robertson
Custom Knife Entrepreneur
www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com
Do you mean prestigious by the makers in attendance? Or location?
Does every maker have to be prestigious?
Do the collectors who attend need to be prestigious?
Lastly, do you mean prestigious by cost?
Les Robertson
Custom Knife Entrepreneur
www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com
Les Robertson
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The AKI may be the most prestigious due to its line up.
However, the ABS Show is not prestigious. I base this on the fact that the majority of the makers who attend that show also attend the Blade Show.
As well the Blade Show may be even more prestigious with reagards to ABS makers. Due to the amount of collectors who come to the show (I don't have numbers but I suspect there are a lot more ABS collectors who attend the Blade Show than the show in Reno). Also, there are some world class makers at the Blade show that do not attend Reno or did and no longer attend (for whatever reason).
Les Robertson
Custom Knife Entrepreneur
www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com
However, the ABS Show is not prestigious. I base this on the fact that the majority of the makers who attend that show also attend the Blade Show.
As well the Blade Show may be even more prestigious with reagards to ABS makers. Due to the amount of collectors who come to the show (I don't have numbers but I suspect there are a lot more ABS collectors who attend the Blade Show than the show in Reno). Also, there are some world class makers at the Blade show that do not attend Reno or did and no longer attend (for whatever reason).
Les Robertson
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Makers and pieces, not location.
No, but I'm looking for shows where the average quality is very high (so probably not Blade based on my experience - I would consider the ABS Show rather more prestigious than Blade based on average quality, but maybe I'm wrong).
I assume that if the pieces and makers are prestigious, the collectors will too, but I don't really care.
Not particularly.
Les Robertson
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Hi Joss,
Since most if not all of the makers who attended Reno also attend the Blade Show, I would disagree with your assessment of the Reno show being prestigious based on "average" quality. Unless you feel that more makers would bring their "A" Game to Reno (although it appears in the other thread that there were good quality knives, but not everyone brought their "A" game.
Additionally when you consider the ABS Hands out the JS and MS awards. As well as the Hughes, Peck and Moran Awards. Oh and don't forget the Banquet!
Now if the ABS moved all of that to the San Antonio Show, now you have an argument. However, they would have to make the show bigger.
In lieu of that perhaps they could hand out an award at the show for "Best of Show".
It could be the Bill Bagwell award. Since Moran and Hughes have awards might as well give the 3rd Co-Founder an award.
Ok, that won't happen.
How about naming the Award for the single maker who has done to promote the ABS Worldwide in the last 10+ year than any other member of the ABS! The Jerry Fisk Award.
After writing all of this, why is it again you think the Reno show was prestigious???
Les Robertson
Custom Knife Entrepreneur
www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com
Since most if not all of the makers who attended Reno also attend the Blade Show, I would disagree with your assessment of the Reno show being prestigious based on "average" quality. Unless you feel that more makers would bring their "A" Game to Reno (although it appears in the other thread that there were good quality knives, but not everyone brought their "A" game.
Additionally when you consider the ABS Hands out the JS and MS awards. As well as the Hughes, Peck and Moran Awards. Oh and don't forget the Banquet!
Now if the ABS moved all of that to the San Antonio Show, now you have an argument. However, they would have to make the show bigger.
In lieu of that perhaps they could hand out an award at the show for "Best of Show".
It could be the Bill Bagwell award. Since Moran and Hughes have awards might as well give the 3rd Co-Founder an award.
Ok, that won't happen.
How about naming the Award for the single maker who has done to promote the ABS Worldwide in the last 10+ year than any other member of the ABS! The Jerry Fisk Award.
After writing all of this, why is it again you think the Reno show was prestigious???
Les Robertson
Custom Knife Entrepreneur
www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com
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There are a lot more 2nd tier makers at Blade, and that takes down the average quality of the show as a whole - not to mention the production stuff.
To me, "A" means the best that someone can make. The AKI makers did not bring their AKI game. As for the rest, I think the quality was higher than most other shows.
Because the average quality of the show cutlery offering as a whole is high. Average quality is defined as sum of quality of each piece presented divided by total number of pieces.
Les Robertson
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Hi Joss,
Are you referring to the Master Smiths whose work would not be good enough to get that stamp today?
The production stuff has no affect on the ABS collectors, nor does the stock removal custom knives. I have been going to that show since 1985...I have yet to buy a factory knife.
It appears that others concur with you regarding the "A" Game issue.
The AKI is a completely different animal from any other show, so it is like comparing Apples to Oranges. The "A" game always shows up for the AKI. Why? Two reasons.
The buyers are there only by Invitation. Read, they have much more money to spend than the average buyer!
The makers bring their best work because of #1. That and they want to show off for the other makers.
If the quality of the work is so much better why don't they hand out the Moran award there? Why waste that prestigious award on a bunch of Non-"A" game bringing 1st Tier makers and those so-so 2nd Tier makers???
Joss when was the last time you went to the Blade Show?
Les Robertson
Custom Knife Entrepreneur
www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com
Are you referring to the Master Smiths whose work would not be good enough to get that stamp today?
The production stuff has no affect on the ABS collectors, nor does the stock removal custom knives. I have been going to that show since 1985...I have yet to buy a factory knife.
It appears that others concur with you regarding the "A" Game issue.
The AKI is a completely different animal from any other show, so it is like comparing Apples to Oranges. The "A" game always shows up for the AKI. Why? Two reasons.
The buyers are there only by Invitation. Read, they have much more money to spend than the average buyer!
The makers bring their best work because of #1. That and they want to show off for the other makers.
If the quality of the work is so much better why don't they hand out the Moran award there? Why waste that prestigious award on a bunch of Non-"A" game bringing 1st Tier makers and those so-so 2nd Tier makers???
Joss when was the last time you went to the Blade Show?
Les Robertson
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Les - you seem to have the misconception that I'm asking about the best show for ABS makers. That's not the case. I just want to know what are the top shows in terms of average quality. I don't care if they are apples or oranges as long as they're knife shows. It shouldn't be a difficult question.
Last time I was at Blade was in 2003, but I don't think it's relevant.
Last time I was at Blade was in 2003, but I don't think it's relevant.
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Not sure about 'most prestigious' But the Blade show is my best show and the one I would pick if I could only do one show. I bring my best knives, sell more knives and buy more fossil ivory there than any other show 
Been attending every year since 96.
Been attending every year since 96.Les Robertson
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Hi Joss,
I understand what you are asking. I'm explaining my point of view why I think the the Reno show is not a prestigious show. It's not even their best show.
Your attending the show 5 years ago is germane to the subject. Had you looked at the JS makers that have been attending in the last 5 years you would understand why I asked the question.
Just out of curiosity who would you feel is a second tier maker at the Blade Show.
Also, what qualifies someone as a First Tier Maker?
Les Robertson
Custom Knife Entrepreneur
www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com
I understand what you are asking. I'm explaining my point of view why I think the the Reno show is not a prestigious show. It's not even their best show.
Your attending the show 5 years ago is germane to the subject. Had you looked at the JS makers that have been attending in the last 5 years you would understand why I asked the question.
Just out of curiosity who would you feel is a second tier maker at the Blade Show.
Also, what qualifies someone as a First Tier Maker?
Les Robertson
Custom Knife Entrepreneur
www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com
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Les - why you are trying to derail this thread I don't understand. I am not trying to argue with you or anyone that the ABS show is prestigious. It's my favorite show and I find it rather prestigious in terms of average quality but I really don't care to have to argue the point, and I readily admit that my opinion is not worth much on that matter, given my very limited experience of shows. What I'm interested in is reading your opinion on what the most prestigious shows are in terms of average quality of the work. If AKI is clear #1, then what are the contenders for #2 to 5, say?
Les Robertson
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Joss,
Not trying to derail the thread.
Whatever Criteria you are using to make AKI number one, is not applicable to any other show.
You think Reno is a prestigious show. I am explaining why it is not.
Ok, lets move to the East Coast Custom Knife Show in NY. Several heavy hitters there. Ron Lake and Michael Walker lead the list of makers. There are no two active makers in the ABS who can command both the primary price paid and the prices paid in the after market. There is a huge overseas presence there. Next to the AKI possibly the best "Art" knife show in the world.
Next, possibly Solvang. Getting smaller and smaller, top notch makers there. Almost all sell out at the show.
The one thing the AKI, ECCKS and Solvang have in common is that they are promoted by a single individual and have some of the most sought after makers in the world.
Les Robertson
Custom Knife Entrepreneur
www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com
Not trying to derail the thread.
Whatever Criteria you are using to make AKI number one, is not applicable to any other show.
You think Reno is a prestigious show. I am explaining why it is not.
Ok, lets move to the East Coast Custom Knife Show in NY. Several heavy hitters there. Ron Lake and Michael Walker lead the list of makers. There are no two active makers in the ABS who can command both the primary price paid and the prices paid in the after market. There is a huge overseas presence there. Next to the AKI possibly the best "Art" knife show in the world.
Next, possibly Solvang. Getting smaller and smaller, top notch makers there. Almost all sell out at the show.
The one thing the AKI, ECCKS and Solvang have in common is that they are promoted by a single individual and have some of the most sought after makers in the world.
Les Robertson
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www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com
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AkI
Solvang,
Blade
ECCKS
Milan
Solvang,
Blade
ECCKS
Milan
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Chicago Custom Knife Show: Last year it included the show, the Tactical Invitational, and the Auction. Without question a top five event.
Coop
Coop
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Was a great show for me, not so good for others. I do hope this show will grow but only time will tell.
(Prestigious) The Plaza Cutlery show is a very nice show to add to the list. As a maker, I am torn between the two, because they are so close together, even though Plaza is every other year.
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In order
Atlanta
Oregon Knife Collectors
The Guild Show
New York Custom
Reno/ABS
Atlanta
Oregon Knife Collectors
The Guild Show
New York Custom
Reno/ABS
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Joss,
From my experience,
AKI
Solvang
ECCKS
Plaza ( it's invitation only as well, and last year was awesome)
ABS ( because as a maker, I know what we put into this one)
Blade ( it's a must if you are a maker serious about your career)
I do the last three on the list. Would LOVE to do Solvang, and what maker wouldn't be honored with an invite tot he AKI.
From my experience,
AKI
Solvang
ECCKS
Plaza ( it's invitation only as well, and last year was awesome)
ABS ( because as a maker, I know what we put into this one)
Blade ( it's a must if you are a maker serious about your career)
I do the last three on the list. Would LOVE to do Solvang, and what maker wouldn't be honored with an invite tot he AKI.
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I would have to put Solvang up there. Too bad I didn't fully appreciate all that was there the last time I went. My tastes and appreciation has matured since then, I'd like to make it to that one again.
Nick
Nick