First time going to Blade Show, help!

ThisIsMrX

ThisIsMrX

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May 3, 2025
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Hello beautiful people!
I am a lucky son of a gun that gets to go to Blade Show this year. 3 day Reg pass w/flights & hotel.
I've never been to an event of this size.
And as always, YOU DONT KNOW......WHAT YOU DONT KNOW!
So if you've been to Blade Show or have some information that you think will be helpful, please dont hesitate to comment.
Anything from, how to maneuver through such a big place, to etiquette, to All the companies that will have Blade Show specials going on that I should definitely get, to the Dos and Donts, any information will be helpful.

Thank you all very much in advance!!!
 
I saw the Marfione Ultratech Blade Show special for $200 plus a chance to get a Damascus one in the box. Anything else like that going on?
 
Should we pre-plan a route? Or just go with the flow and make sure to stop by your fav brands? Is 3 days enough time to stop by every vendor?
 
Are the classes they have going on worth the time expenditure? Will we have free time? How "rushed" does everything feel when youre there?
 
Wear comfortable shoes!!! LOTS of walking. Did you get an early pass? People literally run to their favorites when the doors open
 
Terry M. said:
Wear comfortable shoes!!! LOTS of walking. Did you get an early pass? People literally run to their favorites when the doors open
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No, we weren't planning on going and then just said yolo.
Yeah I've heard people even camp overnight and sometimes 2-4 days just to get exactly what they came for. Im going with the wife so I want to just enjoy it, walk around, buy something interesting and get her even more hooked on blades. Not going for any specific reason other than to have fun.

Thanks on the shoes suggestion, definitely makes sense
 
ThisIsMrX said:
Are you allowed to buy from and sell to other attendees?
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That’s what the pit is for. They don’t really take kindly to transactions during the show, unless you have a table.

Pre-plan but don’t fret. Lines normally move quickly. Makers are normally very friendly and don’t mind to shoot the breeze at their tables, unless they’re swamped. Bringing a backpack is normally recommended but I’m not sure what this years show is like.

I’m still debating on going Friday.
 
Eat a good breakfast before the show.

A comfortable small backpack is a must.

Carry some water and a protein/energy bar or two. I also carry an Ibuprofen pain/muscle med as inevitably something hurts after awhile! A few Band Aids are also a good idea. 🫣

I go out the room every 4 hours or so, find a chair or just sit on the floor for 10 mins and re-hydrate.

Don't spend more than you budgeted for. I go with cash and when it's gone, I'm done buying no matter what I see.

Don't get drunk in the evening, it just ruins the whole next day for you.

I try and make a list of makers I want to see and I try and prioritise that list. But inevitably you will get distracted.

If you want to go for dinner locally on Friday or Saturday night leave the show 30 mins early and go to dinner early. Once everyone leaves the show local eateries are all hugely busy.

Enjoy and have fun. Sadly I won't be there this year.😎
 
I think Steven hit the high points!

Keep track of your wallet. I would like to believe that a place like Blade Show is a place you don't have to worry about theft because... it's us, ya know?

Problem is, the world is still the world, and a little good judgment can save you a lot of worrying.

Same goes for a backpack. Make sure it's closed, make it difficult to open if possible, and if you've got anything you don't want to lose in there, bury it behind the rest of the goodies so somebody would have to dig for it.
 
I’d recommend hitting the booths first where the larger companies are on the first day then spending the next two days checking out the tables. It’s the tables I always loved because you get discover so many great makers and knives you never knew existed. That’s where the gems are found!
 
I have a pretty simple formula

1) Relax
2) Enjoy show
3) Eat steak or Korean bbq for dinner

Its a smaller show that SHOT and much easier to navigate and see everything. No hot Italian female models unlike SHOT unfortunately. If you like tattooed ladies that are into cosplay your chances are better here though.
 
Went for the first time this year in Texas. It was AMAZING. It was very relaxed and everyone was super cool. Here's a few tidbits.

Go in as early as you can. I went Saturday and my favorite maker had already sold every last scrap. But I did get to meet him and buy a few pieces that he did as a colab. And that was awesome.

There was a crowd but I wouldn't call it over crowded.

Ask before you pick anything up. Make sure you don't wear rings and scratch the finish. Don't man handle or wrist flick. Take note of how it was displayed so you can return it as such. Don't wipe it down with your shirt or your own cloth.

Limit yourself to three double old fashioneds when you leave for lunch. Otherwise you'll spend you kids college fund. lol

Some makers may not take kindly to you taking creeper pics with them in background like y'all are old friends. 🤣

If you must have something, buy it. It Otherwise it won't be there when you go back for it.

That's all I got.
 
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