What are YOU doing to bring in new collectors?

I get people into knives in small steps. I typically gift them a high quality production knife, like a Spyderco, Kershaw or Benchmade. I give them some background on the commpany and how these companies set themselves apart from your average cheapo knife in a hardwear store or flea market. They get interested, and then I'll show them some custom models and their interest seems to peak even further. Iv'e gotten my best friend and my brother interested in knives now. At first they thought what nut would pay $100+ for a knife. Until they owned one. Now they are showing interest in custom knives.
 
stefanj said:
Theres a knife calander?
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Yes, the CKCA created a calendar for 2009 primarily to help increase exposure to custom knives in hopes of bringing in new collectors. We are proud of the fact that every knife depicted in the calendar is either owned or was made by a CKCA member. This is a project the CKCA plans to do every other year. We initially sold these calendars, but since mid-year have been giving them away at shows across the country. I assume hundreds of these calendars are currently displayed in homes, shops and offices both in and outside the USA.

We are just about out, but the CKCA would love to send some to you and your fellow solders in Iraq @ no cost. Just send me your address via our contact page on the CKCA website.

Kevin Jones said:
The front cover:
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October minus the calendar grid:
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Inside back cover page:
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January 2009 full view:
January.jpg
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I try to do all I can to bring in new collectors by doing collector seminars at shows, displaying my collection at shows (or at least will be at the Ohio Classic Knife Show the 23-24 this month and at 2010 Blade Show), creating a collection photo-site, and just talking about custom knives in general to anyone who will listen to me.

However, without a doubt, the most productive thing I do in bringing in new collectors is working with the CKCA.

Projects such as the calendar above and our cancer research benefit knife projects, which we just finished our first (we will be sending a check for aprox. $3700 to the Prostate Cancer Foundation) and next year's knife which Edmund Davidson, Steve Johnson and Wolfgang Loerchner are currently working on will not only benefit cancer research, but they present custom and collectible knives in general in a very positive way.

Supporting the CKCA with membership is an easy and effective way for the individual knife enthusiast (collector, maker, dealer, support craftsman) to help in bringing in new collectors.

Sorry to get up on my soapbox. Great thread Bobby. :thumbup:
 
I just got my CKCA tag thingy, my membership card and 3 calendars.
I put one calendar up in my daughter's room, and I'm going to give the other two away:thumbup:
 
Here is one thing that I have done, that is to loan a knife to be put on display in the Historic Arkansas Museum. As you may know, they have partnered up with the ABS and display forged knives for the education and enjoyment of the public. This is a very classy set up. If you are a maker OR collector that would be interested in showing off a knife from your collection for a year or two, just holler at me or David Etcheison to learn more about it. A lot of people come throught he doors as well as we have special events pertaining to the Bowie Knife. I believe that there will be another ABS Hall of Fame induction in 2011. You may want to think about having one of your collection in the display by then. Thanks, Lin
lin@arkansasheritage.org
 
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