Will I be taken seriously at blade show?

S

Sparkey

Joined
Apr 28, 2014
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17
Hello bladeforums members!

I decided that this would be the first year that I would attend blade show. My obsession with knives started about 9 months ago so I did not have time to go to blade show last year considering I didn't even like knives. I am very passionate about knives and I am certain I know a great deal more than most 16 year olds regarding knives.

And that leads me to my question.

I am unfortunately 16 years old. While I understand that I am allowed to attend blade show this year, will I be able to test, hold, and ask questions about knives being showcased while attending? Unfortunately I don't look like an adult so I seem to be undermined when at knife shows/shops here in California and it irks me a lot when people treat "kids" different with regard to knives.

Every time I go to a knife store and ask to see a knife the employees give me silly looks and treat me like a child. I understand I am a minor but when it comes to knives I am really serious and I usually consider buying from these vendors all the way up until I am treated lesser. Employees who help me are genuinely surprised when I ask specific questions about knife models, brands, steels, and even designs, etc.

So will this happen at blade show if anyone has been there? Will they possibly let me see a norseman or xm-18 for example or other high quality knives without my parents. I know I'll have to wait for them to buy the knives for me unfortunately but will I be able to handle them as I desire? Thanks in advance for any help I really appreciate it.

TL;DR: will I get treated like a kid at blade show and not be able to handle knives because I'm 16 and look young?

Gabe
 
I don't know, will girls like me if I'm fat?

Live your life bro, you'll be fine and be happy that you're there, have fun :)
 
Sparky,

The fortunate thing is you are 16. Bless you, young man. If you are polite, articulate and keep your composure in the face of ignorance and preconception, you'll be fine. You might very well be denied the handling of a blade based on your age, right or wrong. I might have my dad stand next to me for the ones I really wanted to get my hands on, perhaps even have him ask to handle first, as you speak and show your knowledge and interest to rep/designer/maker....and a polite "may I" could be all thats needed..Im sure your aware, however always ask before you touch anything...no matter.

Let us know how it was...take some pics. Stay away from women who refer to you as "handsome" or 'killer", wear shiny cloths or clear healed shoes.

Watch your money. Have fun.
 
As an exhibitor at Blade I can say that, yes you will be taken seriously. Some of my favorite customers and visitors last year were the next generation of knife enthusiasts. Just be polite and courteous when handling the blades, you'll be fine. We'll be at table 12AA, T.M. Hunt Custom Knifes, feel free to swing by and say hello.
 
Introduce yourself and look them in the eye and shake their hands. Be polite, courteous say Sir, please, and thank you. You'll be fine and I'm sure will get to handle many knives and have a wonderful time. Treat folks with courtesy and respect and you will almost always get it in return.

Btw, remember that the above advice does not lose it's relevancy when you turn 18! ;)
 
If you discuss the knives first before getting grabby you should be fine . . . but I would discourage trying to "test" the knives other than by opening/closing them!
 
The short answer is yes as a whole; just be yourself and respectful and it will come back to you twofold. Always ask permission to handle people's work.

If you are inclined and you see an old man dragging around a small blue suitcase on wheels, pull him aside and introduce yourself. I have been going to Blade for well over 20 years and will be glad to introduce you to a lot of good folks.

Gabe, above all have fun, relax and enjoy the people and knives. There have been makers not much older than you that have made long term friends at shows and you will have that chance too. This will be a much better experience than going to a knife shop and for the most part you will be treated well as long as you keep patience and respect for others in mind.
 
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As others keep saying be nice and respectful and ask before you pick anything up. A lot of us got started while we were young when the knife enthusiast bug caught us so as long as you stay respectful and don't show any reason for them not to trust you with a knife you probably be fine.
 
Most folks will be happy to see a youngster interested in blades. You will find many who like to teach and educate there. As others have said "Please, thank you, yes sir, yes ma'am, I'm interested in knives..can I ask you a few questions?, Take a bad check from a 16 year old? " and other proper etiquette will go a long way.

You will probably get a few dirty looks. Some might give you the "beat it kid, I'm trying to make a sale" look. But don't get down, smile, and move on. Those folks will be in the minority.
 
Ickythump said:
...and a polite "may I" could be all thats needed..Im sure your aware, however always ask before you touch anything...no matter.
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This. ^

I am always amazed at the number of snatchers and grabbers at Knife Shows; remember that some times the person behind the table may have put hundreds of hours of their life into that artwork...

Have fun, absorb it all, post pics!
 
Bro, As has been stated, be happy you're going!! I'm 49 and a life long knife fanatic as well as a knife maker and I've never been!! Most knife makers are great folks and treat folk well. If you find a maker that treats you bad, walk away...They don't deserve your business anyway. Have fun and post pics when you get back!!
 
If you are polite and somewhat knowledgeable you will be well received. I tend to talk to and treat everyone that comes by my table with respect. You never know who may not be a customer today may be a great customer tomorrow.
 
I'm younger than you and my advice is when talking to them ignore their funny looks and just give them the facts. They'll blow milk out of their noses.
 
Bastid said:
The short answer is yes as a whole; just be yourself and respectful and it will come back to you twofold. Always ask permission to handle people's work.

If you are inclined and you see an old man dragging around a small blue suitcase on wheels, pull him aside and introduce yourself. I have been going to Blade for well over 20 years and will be glad to introduce you to a lot of good folks.

Gabe, above all have fun, relax and enjoy the people and knives. There have been makers not much older than you that have made long term friends at shows and you will have that chance too. This will be a much better experience than going to a knife shop and for the most part you will be treated well as long as you keep patience and respect for others in mind.
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Sound advice. So Morrow will be lugging around a blue case? :D
 
Morrow? I am easily old enough to be his dad. :D
 
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