Which Blade Show to go in 2025? Are they any different?

Daniel L

Daniel L

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I'm based in Singapore and planning to make my first Blade Show in 2025, but which one? How big are the regional shows and what am I missing out on the smaller ones?
My primary interest is medium to high end factory / production knives. Not into autos or high end customs / art knives.

Would definitely use the time to do some shooting too, both on a range and hunting if possible (hogs probably.)

I just checked the flights and they all take about 24 hours flying time to get there, roughly same flight cost. And any of the dates are fine too.

1. Atlanta - the biggest show naturally. Is it just too overwhelming for a first timer?
2. Ft Worth, Texas - best option to include hog hunting? I have a friend in TX too so I'd plan to visit and shoot with him.
3. Salt Lake City, Utah - don't really know much about Utah other than Blade HQ :)

What do you think?
 
I have been to Atlanta Blade Show many times and I never really find it "overwhelming." It is something you need to dedicate the weekend to, and have a plan of attack for what and who to prioritize, and don't forget the Pit.

Never been to the new Blade West (went to one in California many, many moons ago), but I do like Utah. I have heard good things about Blade Texas too.
 
Judging by the exhibitor layouts, the other Blade Shows look about 1/3 the size. Would that be about right?
I'm definitely making a weekend of it!
 
Sounds about right. It has become kinda ridiculous over the past few years, people camping outside the convention center in line...I mean it ain't a T-Swift concert. I just time my arrival for 30 minutes after the doors open...voila! no line. Of course if you have a specific maker or knife you are after, that may not work, but if you are like me and just attend to have fun and meet up with some friends at the show, maybe buy some materials or talk to some experts...it works. I HIGHLY recommend Uber/taxi to the show from the hotel (or walk, but it is MOIST in Atlanta in June). Parking can get ridiculous, and the mall cops have started cracking down on parking at Cumberland Mall.
 
Atlanta is becoming more and more that "flea market" feel.

No doubt many top level handmade and factory makers attend. But there is a LOT of non-knife gear/accessories/trinkets and getting to be more every year.

Blade Texas is extremely well represented by almost all the major factory players and has an outstanding group of handnade/custom tables too. Almost nothing that isn't knives. And there are less crowds and easier interaction with the vendors. It gets my vote.
 
J. Doyle said:
Blade Texas is extremely well represented by almost all the major factory players and has an outstanding group of handnade/custom tables too. Almost nothing that isn't knives. And there are less crowds and easier interaction with the vendors. It gets my vote
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Yes I did notice the vendors on the exhibitor list. I'm probably open to non-knife stuff but I do hate crowds!

navman said:
Sounds about right. It has become kinda ridiculous over the past few years, people camping outside the convention center in line...I mean it ain't a T-Swift concert. I just time my arrival for 30 minutes after the doors open...voila! no line. Of course if you have a specific maker or knife you are after, that may not work, but if you are like me and just attend to have fun and meet up with some friends at the show, maybe buy some materials or talk to some experts...it works. I HIGHLY recommend Uber/taxi to the show from the hotel (or walk, but it is MOIST in Atlanta in June). Parking can get ridiculous, and the mall cops have started cracking down on parking at Cumberland Mall.
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Thanks for the tips. If I'm doing Atlanta I will likely stay in walking distance, and 100% will do the 30 mins after doors opening if I can avoid crazy queues. I saw the lines on YouTube and thought it was like that all day!! (Thankfully not.)
 
If I were going halfway across the world I would probably go to Atlanta. If you’re only interested in factory knives maybe it matters less which you go to. But at the same time the people lining up often seem to be interested in rare/exclusive knives available at the show.
 
I've been to Blade, and frankly the Oregon Collectors show is almost as good. Especially if you're interested in older knives. You may want to look at some of the shows in Europe, like the one in Solingen, but it's a question of what you're looking for.
 
eisman said:
I've been to Blade, and frankly the Oregon Collectors show is almost as good. Especially if you're interested in older knives. You may want to look at some of the shows in Europe, like the one in Solingen, but it's a question of what you're looking for.
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I'm into tactical and outdoors/survival knives.... so very "American" knives lol
 
I've been to all 3 and had tables at Salt Lake and Ft Worth... Atlanta is/was really crowded (shoulder to shoulder for a lot of it) with loads of different people looking for all kinds of different things. There's definitely something for everyone, it's a cool experience, and I'm glad i went. BUT, I'm partial to Blade Texas in Ft Worth because ya don't feel packed in like sardines (I like my personal space), plenty of awesome makers and companies to talk to/buy from, and the best thing is it's only 2 hours away from my shop so i don't have the expenses of flying and hotel rooms!haha If you're at Ft Worth this year, come by and say hi!
 
I’ve been to both dallas and Atlanta the last two years. If I had to choose between both I would go to Atlanta just because it’s bigger, more to see. However Dallas is also a great show. I found both to be well organized. They do a great job moving the lines. However, if not looking to get rare or hard finds then showing up an hour or two after opening and you can walk right in. If you’re mainly into production/mainstream companies and ya can hog hunt in Dallas then that’s the one I’d go to. And as mentioned there’s plenty of gems to be discovered in Dallas as well.
 
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