Question for everyone who's familiar with the knife shows in western Canada. Last year the Metal Art Show Sale in Wetaskiwin, Alberta hosted 20 custom knifemakers who displayed and sold their knives. Does anyone know if there's another show in Alberta featuring as many knife makers? And for that matter, anyone have any idea what the largest knife show in western Canada is? I'm wondering if I'd be lying if I billed the Metal Art Show and Sale as the largest custom knife show in Alberta. Jim T
I'll comment, Jim. I just don't have an answer for you. I guess that tells us you are indeed the big show in town. Maybe when it comes to promotion, "best" is better than "biggest".
Jim, The gun show in Calgary attracts a lot of knife makers. Just guessing but must be close to 20 or more
But I wanna be BOTH, Tim! The count from last Easter's AACCA's Alberta Arms and Cartridge Collector Association) Calgary Gun Show was in the teens. Be curious to see how many knifemakers will be there this year. Jim T
Kids today. But if you really want to be the biggest, what's it worth to you? I mean, perhaps you can provide some incentive to attract even more makers to come.
My thoughts exactly, Tim. I'm just trying to figure out a cost-effective lure that would work. Haven't been to any of the larger shows outside of Canada so I'm not quite sure what they use to bring in the knifemakers -- aside from huge crowds of potential customers. Jim T
Population (or lack thereof) is certainly a detriment. Huge crowds help, since only a small percentage will actually buy. Maybe there are ways to get people in the mood to buy. If you have space, you could try adding a cutting competition. Watching a bunch of knives hacking 2x6s and slashing ropes might get people itchy for some new sharps. As for the makers, I assume you charge for a table setup. Perhaps, if it's in the budget, you could offer a slightly reduced rate (even for the first X number of signups).
I like that idea, Tim. As a matter of fact, I've been soliciting ideas for demonstrations from the knife makers who are regulars at the Metal Art Show and Sale. Bevel grinding, etching Damascus, fit and glue-up of a knife, blade sharpening and anodizing titanium are a few of the suggestions so far. You are so right, Jim (Boatbuilder)! Hey Dan, you don't have to display knives to enjoy the company of other knife makers. Swing on by on Saturday. We always go out for supper after the show closes at the end of the day. New faces are always welcome! Jim T
We always have a lot of fun, Kevin. Checking out everyone's knives, chatting about the infinite number of techniques for doing this and that, sharing stories, making new friends and catching up with old ones. The knife making community is like no other I've encountered. Most everyone genuinely enjoys each others' company and there are very few who won’t offer help and advice to a fellow maker. It’s funny, along with a whole bunch of knife makers, the Metal Art Show and Sale also features metal sculptors, jewelry makers, blacksmith artists, CNC artists, silversmiths, engravers and coppersmiths. All of those artists don’t want to be too close to someone else who is displaying similar work EXCEPT for the knife makers. They all want to be together. It’s as much a social gathering as it is an opportunity to sell their knives. Gotta love it! Jim T
Very true Jim I just looking forward to going and chatting with guys more than selling knives . And I look forward to get to see Dennis Paish again he’s a good friend .
Only about 2 weeks left!! I'm putting the finishing touches on my knives, got a bunch of business cards and stickers ready. Hope to see alot of fellow makers and beautiful knives. See you there StaySharp
Kevin, you know Dennis, what a small world. He won't admit it but I taught him just about everything he knows..... !!!!!
I recommend models. Tell me any red-blooded Canadian dude who likes knives wouldn't like to see scantily clad models doing demos. Sort of a live snap-on tools calendar. I was sort of joking when I started this but now I really do want to see bikini models doing knife demos. Is it wrong or PiC for me to say that? Hard to know anymore.
Scantily clad models doing demonstrations, huh? You do understand this is a family show, right Todd? Would you settle for knifemakers like Ed Storch and Jay Kemble demonstrating blade grinding an titanium anodizing? Those are a couple of the things we have lined up. If that's not enough, I guess I could wear my bikini. Jim T P.S. By the way, over 2 dozen knife makers displaying this year! Yahoo!