Selling knives at Gun Shows - a discussion

[MadeinUSA]

Let me start off by saying I’ve never even been to a true knife show… we don’t have them anywhere close. (Well… one per year about 4 hrs away in the middle of winter)

I’ve only attended, as a vendor, gun shows and/or so-called ‘gun and knife’ shows

My wife and I used to have a small, side business as distributors of gun cleaning products. For several years we traveled to gun shows in the 4-state region to demo (and sell) our products. We got out of that business a few years ago.

As I approach retirement from my regular job, I’d like to start a hobby business selling USA-made knives at gun shows. We have an RV and I would travel to those weekend shows within the 3 or 4 state region. (I think my wife of 40 yrs wants to be rid of me occasionally!)

However… The shows I’ve attended over many years seem to have VERY few USA-made knives for sale. A handful of Bucks and a handful of Case knives is all I ever see. Most tables are FULL of knives from China or Pakistan.

I think I’ve discovered two reasons why…

1) I looked into becoming a dealer for several manufacturers… and many (almost all?) require a brick and mortar store front. Someone in the biz of selling at Gun Shows cannot qualify to become a dealer.

Gerber
Buck
Ka-Bar
Bear & Son
Ontario
Spyderco
Benchmade
Microtech
Pro-Tech
Case
Esse
Kershaw
CRKT
ZT/Kershaw

Of course— I’m aware some these manufacturers do not build all their knives in the US. I’m also aware some knife very models are not necessarily suited for display/sale at a gun show (aka very expensive knives)

2) Maybe the average gun show customer only wants to, or is willing to, spend a few bucks on a Chinese or Pakistani knife… and therefore my entire premise of selling knives from the manufacturers above is flawed?


What say you?

[Railsplitter]

Jim,

I'm not sure how much selling you intend to do but knife shows are your best option. No guns or anything else. Only knives and knife related products.

Unfortunately, most knife shows are usually only held once a year. There is one in St. Louis this weekend that ends tomorrow but it won't be held again until 2024.

I get what you're saying about gun and knife shows. Guns are the main attraction with knives being only an afterthought.

If you're looking at a 3 or 4 state region, annual knife shows might be enough to keep you occupied depending on how often (or seldom) you want to travel. I reside in Illinois and I know of only 3 annual knife shows here. But they are all about knives. Everyone who attends does so because they are interested in knives.

[GSPTOPDOG]

I worked a few times for a guy that travelled year-round to events such as Daytona Bike Week, Striges Bike Week, Gem and Mineral shows and his deal was selling Damascus Pakistani knives and trying to make it look like they were made by his own "company". He would tell people he designed them and he had a factory in Pakistan and his partner was in Pakistan at the factory etc... etc... all a bunch of BS. They were made in Pakistan, yes, but there was NO "partnership" Also, at the time he was selling them for 8x to 10x or more what he paid for them. Back then most people had flip phones and it wasn't so easy to look up knives on Flea-Bay. So, if you bought a knife from him... good luck trying to get much of your money back if you wanted to sell later.

I have seen other guys do this at a swap meet or gun show. I have seen people LIE and say they made the knife, or it was made by a local guy "he just doesn't sign any of his work because.... blah blah blah". I know these knives... I can tell 100% if it was busted out by a Punjabi... or not... .

So this selling of Pakistani knives is done according to the guy I knew... because they cannot sell the knives you listed W/O a brick-and-mortar store. He told me he wanted to carry Benchmade and he could have made good money selling them, but... NO brick-and-mortar store.

I can see Benchmade's point, as they most likely don't want their product devalued by cut-throat swap meet selling prices hurting their long-term brick-and-mortar store buyers... ...

[Railsplitter]

To the best of my knowledge, you don’t have to be an Authorized Dealer to sell knives at a knife show or a gun show.

Of all the tables of sellers I see at knife shows, only two or three of them have brick and mortar stores. The majority of them are just knife collectors.

I could set up a table myself by only paying a table fee.

[GSPTOPDOG]

To the best of my knowledge, you don’t have to be an Authorized Dealer to sell knives at a knife show or a gun show.

Of all the tables of sellers I see at knife shows, only two or three of them have brick and mortar stores. The majority of them are just knife collectors.

I could set up a table myself by only paying a table fee.

I agree with everything you have said in both of your post. In my 1st post I was referring to buying the knives at a "dealer" or wholesale price. You can't buy from Benchmade at dealer prices w/o a brick and mortar store. At least at that time.

[knfpkr15]

You can purchase all the knife brands on your list for below retail from distributors such as Blue Ridge Knives provided you have a state tax id number. however based on my 30 years of experience of setting up at gun shows and knife shows for fun not profit with an inventory collected/accumulated from other dealers, flea markets, antique shops, ebay, etc., I would be very surprised if you could run a profitable business selling new knives for the retail price at shows.

[MadeinUSA]

To the best of my knowledge, you don’t have to be an Authorized Dealer to sell knives at a knife show or a gun show.

Of all the tables of sellers I see at knife shows, only two or three of them have brick and mortar stores. The majority of them are just knife collectors.

I could set up a table myself by only paying a table fee.

I meant it’s necessary to be a dealer to be able to purchase the knives at wholesale… not that it’s (being a dealer) is required to sell them anywhere

[MadeinUSA]

Jim,

I'm not sure how much selling you intend to do but knife shows are your best option. No guns or anything else. Only knives and knife related products.

Unfortunately, most knife shows are usually only held once a year. There is one in St. Louis this weekend that ends tomorrow but it won't be held again until 2024.

I get what you're saying about gun and knife shows. Guns are the main attraction with knives being only an afterthought.

If you're looking at a 3 or 4 state region, annual knife shows might be enough to keep you occupied depending on how often (or seldom) you want to travel. I reside in Illinois and I know of only 3 annual knife shows here. But they are all about knives. Everyone who attends does so because they are interested in knives.

That’s kind of what I’ve found… knife shows are few and far between in my neck of the woods

[MadeinUSA]

To the best of my knowledge, you don’t have to be an Authorized Dealer to sell knives at a knife show or a gun show.

Of all the tables of sellers I see at knife shows, only two or three of them have brick and mortar stores. The majority of them are just knife collectors.

I could set up a table myself by only paying a table fee.

Rick-

I meant it would be necessary to be a dealer to be able to purchase the knives at wholesale… not that being a dealer is required to sell them anywhere

[MadeinUSA]

Methinks my idea is DOA… else others would already be doing it

Hence the the tables I see are either the very inexpensive brands or the occasional custom knife maker showing off his/her wares

Without access to dealer pricing on my inventory… I wouldn’t last long, even as a hobbiest

[Railsplitter]

My apologies guys. My understanding of the circumstances was a bit off track.

[OLDE CUTLER]

I have been there and done that, although the conditions were a lot different in the early 1980s. Then the American knife makers were still going strong. I sold Old Cutler (a Colonial brand) and Parker (Japanese at that time) along with some Case, Camillus, Schrade, not the full line but some of the more popular patterns. The biggest selling patterns at that time for me anyway were trappers and stockman. One thing you have to cover is having a big price range, from cheap to moderately expensive, so there is something for everyone. I remember that at that time I was buying Old Cutler knives for $35 a dozen and selling them for $10 each. What a laugh right? Knives were a secondary line for me as at that time I was making custom leather holsters and belts, which was most of what I sold money wise. It was a tough go then and it would be a tough go now. In the early 1980s, the nylon Uncle Mikes holsters were becoming popular and it was tough to compete with them. Also now the table rent, travel, lodging and food prices for going to shows are several times what they were then. Not trying to talk you out of it, but be sure to consider all the angles.

[MadeinUSA]

I have been there and done that, although the conditions were a lot different in the early 1980s. Then the American knife makers were still going strong. I sold Old Cutler (a Colonial brand) and Parker (Japanese at that time) along with some Case, Camillus, Schrade, not the full line but some of the more popular patterns. The biggest selling patterns at that time for me anyway were trappers and stockman. One thing you have to cover is having a big price range, from cheap to moderately expensive, so there is something for everyone. I remember that at that time I was buying Old Cutler knives for $35 a dozen and selling them for $10 each. What a laugh right? Knives were a secondary line for me as at that time I was making custom leather holsters and belts, which was most of what I sold money wise. It was a tough go then and it would be a tough go now. In the early 1980s, the nylon Uncle Mikes holsters were becoming popular and it was tough to compete with them. Also now the table rent, travel, lodging and food prices for going to shows are several times what they were then. Not trying to talk you out of it, but be sure to consider all the angles.

Yep… that’s why we stopped our gun show circuit when we were selling gun cleaning products (cost of tables and travel meant we couldn’t make a dime, net) and we couldn’t compete with online prices

Now, as a hobbiest with an RV and no plans to make a profit to speak of… I’d like to do the gun show circuit with USA-made knives… bit I have no access to dealer / bulk / wholesale prices to acquire inventory…

So my efforts to even break even would be futile

Oh well

[eveled]

I would recommend you just drive to the shows and enjoy them. Retirement should be stress free.

[kennedy knives]

I have been there and done that, although the conditions were a lot different in the early 1980s. Then the American knife makers were still going strong. I sold Old Cutler (a Colonial brand) and Parker (Japanese at that time) along with some Case, Camillus, Schrade, not the full line but some of the more popular patterns. The biggest selling patterns at that time for me anyway were trappers and stockman. One thing you have to cover is having a big price range, from cheap to moderately expensive, so there is something for everyone. I remember that at that time I was buying Old Cutler knives for $35 a dozen and selling them for $10 each. What a laugh right? Knives were a secondary line for me as at that time I was making custom leather holsters and belts, which was most of what I sold money wise. It was a tough go then and it would be a tough go now. In the early 1980s, the nylon Uncle Mikes holsters were becoming popular and it was tough to compete with them. Also now the table rent, travel, lodging and food prices for going to shows are several times what they were then. Not trying to talk you out of it, but be sure to consider all the angles.

Yep… that’s why we stopped our gun show circuit when we were selling gun cleaning products (cost of tables and travel meant we couldn’t make a dime, net) and we couldn’t compete with online prices

Now, as a hobbiest with an RV and no plans to make a profit to speak of… I’d like to do the gun show circuit with USA-made knives… bit I have no access to dealer / bulk / wholesale prices to acquire inventory…

So my efforts to even break even would be futile

Oh well

Doing Gun Show is a hard nut to crack if you can't get inventory to sell most of the Knife Dealers at the gun shows around here have a tax ID and Buy from Blue Ridge which isn't the cheapest way to buy. It's kind like a custom maker told me 40 years ago you have to pay your dues and earn your customer base. You get to know the knife buyers from the gun people. If you enjoy knives and people, then stick with it and the people will bring you knives that you can buy at a good price. Check out Flea Markets, Auction, & Advertise that you buy knives. I started at gun shows with 1 Table now I have 6 and could do 8. Just don't let it become work and it very well can do that. P.S. Knife People are a nicer Bunch than Gun People.

[Case V42]

Jim,
I am also retired and "Junkin" is my favorite hobby. I attend flea markets, gun shows, and a couple of knife shows each year. I also hit yard, estate, and auction sales. I buy anything I find that is sharp and cheap. I spend days fixing, sorting, sharpening, and cleaning. I can't keep it all, so I rent tables at shows I'd attend anyway, and sell off the "extra". I certainly don't net any profit at the price of gas, lodging, and vendor space. But I sure have fun, and the sales subsidize the hobby.
I find an amazing variety of "inventory". At a small local gun show in Montana last weekend I bought a couple of unused Case folders without boxes, a Case Tony Bose saddlehorn new in the box, a couple of 1960's Bucks, and a near mint 1980 Gerber Mark II. At an estate sale a couple of weeks ago I bought five antique axes at $6.00 each. There is potential margin in every piece I bought.
Over the years there have been a few real treasures. Like the Ruana I found at a rummage sale and paid $1.25. That knife sold for $750.00. Or the Napanoch tool kit knife for 20.00 that sold for 350.00. Those are the finds that keep me rootin' round like the proverbial blind pig.
So gas up the RV and start rootin'. At the least, you'll have some cheap fun.

[MadeinUSA]

We still have our tax-id and sales tax exemption / resale credential from our previous gun show business.

Just looked at Blue Ridge Knives… that may be my only option (they do offer USA-made knives)

- I’m not willing, nor interested, in going to flea markets or auctions, etc to find inventory

- I also have no interest in competing with the folks at Gun Shows who already sell knives that are made overseas.

I am willing to invest capital and make minimum annual purchases… so this may work (Blue Ridge)


Thank you all for your insights!

[dsutton24]

I wrote a lengthy post about selling knives at gun shows from the perspective of someone who actually sells at gun shows, and then read that you're not willing to do this or that to obtain stock, and you're not interested in competing with whomever. My advice is that you save your money and not bother. If you've really sold gun cleaning stuff at shows, and were successful at it you know the clientele won't support someone who gives off such a retail-oriented and superior approach.

[MadeinUSA]

I wrote a lengthy post about selling knives at gun shows from the perspective of someone who actually sells at gun shows, and then read that you're not willing to do this or that to obtain stock, and you're not interested in competing with whomever. My advice is that you save your money and not bother. If you've really sold gun cleaning stuff at shows, and were successful at it you know the clientele won't support someone who gives off such a retail-oriented and superior approach.

Ha ha. You are a might touchy I'd say.

My advise to you is to pound sand...

YOUR superior attitude because I won't go to flea markets to buy inventory to resell is full of beans

four years of gun shows in Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin and Minnesota give me the right to approach a hobby business however I want.

I wanted insights and not insults

Adios

[knifeaholic]

I have been there and done that, although the conditions were a lot different in the early 1980s. Then the American knife makers were still going strong. I sold Old Cutler (a Colonial brand) and Parker (Japanese at that time) along with some Case, Camillus, Schrade, not the full line but some of the more popular patterns. The biggest selling patterns at that time for me anyway were trappers and stockman. One thing you have to cover is having a big price range, from cheap to moderately expensive, so there is something for everyone. I remember that at that time I was buying Old Cutler knives for $35 a dozen and selling them for $10 each. What a laugh right? Knives were a secondary line for me as at that time I was making custom leather holsters and belts, which was most of what I sold money wise. It was a tough go then and it would be a tough go now. In the early 1980s, the nylon Uncle Mikes holsters were becoming popular and it was tough to compete with them. Also now the table rent, travel, lodging and food prices for going to shows are several times what they were then. Not trying to talk you out of it, but be sure to consider all the angles.

Yep… that’s why we stopped our gun show circuit when we were selling gun cleaning products (cost of tables and travel meant we couldn’t make a dime, net) and we couldn’t compete with online prices

Now, as a hobbiest with an RV and no plans to make a profit to speak of… I’d like to do the gun show circuit with USA-made knives… bit I have no access to dealer / bulk / wholesale prices to acquire inventory…

So my efforts to even break even would be futile

Oh well

You could try buying from Blue Ridge Knives - they are a wholesaler for many knife brands. They most likely require large volume purchases, but buying manufacturer direct would require that as well. With Blue Ridge you could access many brands from one source.

[Dinadan]

As I approach retirement from my regular job, I’d like to start a hobby business selling USA-made knives at gun shows. We have an RV and I would travel to those weekend shows within the 3 or 4 state region. (I think my wife of 40 yrs wants to be rid of me occasionally!)

I have read this thread with considerable interest. Being retired myself I can see the appeal.

Based on my observations at gun shows I do not think you would make very many sales of high end USA knives. I am figuring that if it says USA on the blade then it will probably be well over $50 for the very cheapest knife. If you had a table of outre swords and survival knives with strange shaped blades and cheap prices you would probably do better. As a hobby, your idea sounds like it could be fun for at least the first few shows, and by then you would know if you really wanted to to pursue it.

When I browse a gun show, I always look at the knives. And I am just not very interested in new knives that I can order off Amazon or Smoky Mountain. Or stuff that is in the case at the local sporting goods store. I want to look at old stuff, or unusual stuff, things that I will not see for sale at Walmart. Anyway, a table of factory new pockets knives just does not seem like it will generate a lot sales, though you will probably have a lot of good conversations about the decline of American companies!

[robpa]

The gun shows here in NW PA and eastern Ohio are very good places for good knives. Probably 6-7 regular vendors who consistantly have top quality knives. A few tables of the usual flea market junk and a few knife makers of stuff. I have procured probably 60% of my good Queen made knives at the shows. the low enders doint really last too long, a show or 2 and they go back to the flea markets. These guys dont pay 35 bucks a table, and take 2-3-4 tables unless they are selling knives. I suppose it all depends on where ya are located. Once they know you are a regular and like good stuff they are more accomadating. Just for a for instance. I bought 3 knives from 2 dealers, each was from 50 to 100 less than stores at AAPK. Im not grousing, everybody knows their price and they must go with it. Same is me. Ive seen several times where a guy will buy 6-8 -10 knives and drop a real wad. Basicly, you have to know your market and be able to supply it.

[GSPTOPDOG]

Methinks my idea is DOA… else others would already be doing it

Hence the the tables I see are either the very inexpensive brands or the occasional custom knife maker showing off his/her wares

Without access to dealer pricing on my inventory… I wouldn’t last long, even as a hobbiest

I found that at the shows near me there was way too much competition. Too many sellers selling the same stuff, too many sellers selling the same knives. Too expensive to set up at a show... for me.

The local bigger gun shows around here are a real sweet deal at $120 per 8-foot table... ... ... I have sold a few times at these shows and the one 8-foot table won't get the job done in most cases, too small for me. At $35-$50 a table I would set up ... it used to be fun. At $120 per table not so much fun anymore... there is a big show north of here once a year and their tables are $160-$180 ... that's a lot for ONE table

So, I don't pay $120 for a table to sell at guns shows and won't go anymore to walk around. I don't pay the $15-$18 entry/door admission fee and $5-$9 to park. I stay home or go to a local shop...In fact, there are actually CHEAPER prices at a local shop in town... it has become a joke with some regulars "Did you go to the gun show?" ... "No, I went to the gun shop instead."

[btrwtr]

I set up and sold knives at the HGCA show in Houston for a good number of years. The HGCA show was the 2nd largest Gun show in the USA at the time and I at first sold new retail knives that I purchased from BRK. The retail sales at this large show proved to be very competitive. Large scale retail dealers with deep pockets and deep price cuts proved to be very tough to compete with. After a few years selling new retail knives I transitioned to older "collectable" knives with some moderate success but keeping inventory of such knives can be a challenge. Long story short is that at this and other Houston area gun shows a very small percentage of show attendees were looking for knives, they were after all, GUN shows. Be prepared to have the majority of perspective buyers walk briskly by your tables.

There are many angles you could use to approach selling knives at gun shows. Old knives, new knives in any volume combined with whatever else you decide to put on your tables. I did normally have a number of guns for sale as well but guns eat up way more table space than knives. If you are looking to have some fun and not fall into a complete money pit I think you can make a go of it.

[Jeepergeo]

If it floats your retirement boat, why not give it a try?

You already know gun shows and the clientele that attends them, and the costs of being a vendor. Find some stock to sell and give it a try.

Here in California, I can't recall any vendors at recent gun shows that focused on US-made knives. There might be an occasional old knife at a table with guns or other old items, but for the most part, the new knife vendors seemed to be focused on cheap stuff made overseas. Anza Knives used to sell at shows, but not anymore from recent observations. Your booth would be a welcome addition for USA-made knives.

Good luck and safe travels.