Blade Show Texas

[dlr110]

I've got to be honest, Blade Show Texas, was a big disappointment for me. Maybe I didn't really know what to expect and I had my sites set to high. When we walked in the front door and I looked at the whole room there were fewer exhibitors there than at a regular Premier Gun & Knife Shows at the Will Rogers Center every few months. I couldn't afford the prices most of which were above $300 up to $2500 or more. To top it off most of those you did buy you didn't walk out with, you were placing an order and would see your knife in about 6 months. They had a lot of knife making machinery that was not being demonstrated. There was a lot of knife making supplies, but I can buy most of it online at better prices. This next thing is of course personal preference, but most of the knives being shown by companies were the flipper, tactical, exotic or whatever they're called, just not my cup of tea. I left and didn't go back the second day, instead I went to a large antique mall in Fort Worth and found all kinds of knives I could afford.

I know there had to be some others AAPK folks there so it would be interesting to hear what your views on the show are. Here are some pictures I took.

[Railsplitter]

Looks like a decent show but I’m sorry that you didn’t find anything that you wanted.

Great job with those pics as those are all well respected makers.

Thanks for sharing. Those are the first pics that I’ve seen of Blade Show Texas and I appreciate the update. Now if they would just have a Blade Show near me, I could rest easy.

[doglegg]

I went to the inaugural one in the stockyards and it was all custom makers. Saw a couple of guys from Forged in Fire but liking old knives it just wasn't for me. Thanks for the report.

[cudgee]

I've got to be honest, Blade Show Texas, was a big disappointment for me. Maybe I didn't really know what to expect and I had my sites set to high. When we walked in the front door and I looked at the whole room there were fewer exhibitors there than at a regular Premier Gun & Knife Shows at the Will Rogers Center every few months. I couldn't afford the prices most of which were above $300 up to $2500 or more. To top it off most of those you did buy you didn't walk out with, you were placing an order and would see your knife in about 6 months. They had a lot of knife making machinery that was not being demonstrated. There was a lot of knife making supplies, but I can buy most of it online at better prices. This next thing is of course personal preference, but most of the knives being shown by companies were the flipper, tactical, exotic or whatever they're called, just not my cup of tea. I left and didn't go back the second day, instead I went to a large antique mall in Fort Worth and found all kinds of knives I could afford.

I know there had to be some others AAPK folks there so it would be interesting to hear what your views on the show are. Here are some pictures I took.
20220318_125147.jpg

David thanks for the report. Over Covid i spent far too many months in lockdown, as a result spent many, many hours on my computer. Did a lot of reading and research on knives and associated things connected with knives. One thing i noticed, and this is only my opinion as i have never attended, that the Blade Show seems to be more directed at younger/newcomer generations to knives. Their interests tend to gravitate towards modern tactical knives and such. This is their business model, and i can understand that, they want to and have to remain relevant in a ever changing world. I watched several Youtube clips and videos from the previous Blade Show and from what i saw, the only thing that would have really interested me was the sharpening supply stores and vendors. The placing of an order and having to wait for 6 months is due to supply issues world wide, it has affected many industries. I had some sharpening stones on backorder from a company in America, when i contacted them, they kindly suggested to cancel the order because of the delay and they would contact me when back in stock. But it was a shame that you made the effort to go and was disappointed, but good that you found a good antique mall, at least your trip was not completely in vain. Take care.

[royal0014]

Yup ...
After years of wanting to attend Blade Show Atlanta, but always having to work that weekend,
I could have went last year. After some research I figured I would be disappointed.
So I stayed home and saved my money for Dalton. Good decision I believe.

Maybe one day I'll get into the 'tacticool' knifes and go to BS .... but I doubt it.

[dlr110]

the Blade Show seems to be more directed at younger/newcomer generations to knives. Their interests tend to gravitate towards modern tactical knives and such.

Cudgee I suspect you are correct about the businesses and the younger crowd, but for those ordering from individual knifemakers it was a matter of numbers. Those guys are so backed up in the orders they have it takes that long to get them made and shipped out. I'll just stick to SMKW or going to antique malls and flea markets. See ya...

[stagman]

When I hear the words Blades & Texas, only one thing comes to mind...
Dwight Long's of Clebourne Texas OMG knife site, it was the Monster Truck of knife sites !!!
It had and still compared to any site today the most collector knives in one place I have ever seen...
First found it in 1998 when I got first computer..
And Dwight's prices were more than fair, and you could not find a more honest knife dealer if ya tried...
I bought a Case Stag scrolled bolster Blue Scroll set there, 1981 Stag 9 dot engraved bolster "No Etch" set,
Cases Bi-cen-ten American Spirit Stag folding hunter, guess maybe a dozen and a half more single knives from Dwight..
When I first found OMG, bet I spent 3 hours on it, knowing my retirement fund was gonna take a hit
But when I retired in 2006, and sold out a lot of knives in following years, I made out like a Bandito !!!
So God Bless Dwight, still miss ya and OMG

Stag

[LittleAugieMo]

Was this formerly the "ICCE" show?

[dlr110]

I don't know, someone else might.

[doglegg]

I believe that is right.

[Paladin]

the Blade Show seems to be more directed at younger/newcomer generations to knives. Their interests tend to gravitate towards modern tactical knives and such.

Cudgee I suspect you are correct about the businesses and the younger crowd, but for those ordering from individual knifemakers it was a matter of numbers. Those guys are so backed up in the orders they have it takes that long to get them made and shipped out. I'll just stick to SMKW or going to antique malls and flea markets. See ya...

Good report, David and thanks for confirming what I suspected.

Ray

[1967redrider]

Just got an email from KnifeCenter, they got a show shipment if anyone is interested -

https://www.knifecenter.com/listing/jus ... 4&kcno=123