So you’re attending Blade Show and want to have the best experience possible? You’ve read the FAQ, maybe a Reddit post or two, and find yourself looking for more tips? Well I attended Blade Show for the first time in 2023 and have a couple suggestions you might not find elsewhere. If that sounds like what you’re looking for, read on!
1: Listen to other people’s suggestions… for the most part
There are LOTS of videos and articles out there about what you should and shouldn’t do at Blade Show. Check some of these out and listen to what they have to say… through your own filter of common sense and personal circumstances.
For example, you definitely should make sure to keep up with your hydration and hygiene (aka wear deodorant). It’s a crowded space where you’ll be walking all day (and Atlanta is HOT). Speaking of walking, wear reasonable shoes. But for most people those are probably common sense.
On the other hand, many suggest bringing cash over cards. While this might be true for the custom makers and smaller companies, most booths I spoke with took cards. In such a hectic environment, I would opt to keep my cash pool reasonable so as to not lose too much in a careless moment. There are ATMs available.
As many note, it’s better not to wear any large metal rings that can scuff knives when you pick them up. And on that note, it’s recommended to ask before handling any knives. If you aren’t SURE you know how the opening or closing mechanism works, just ask! You don’t want to be the person who cuts themselves at a knife show.
One tip that I should have taken more seriously is to plan your route within the show. Blade publishes a detailed MAP of the exhibitors. I would suggest taking a good close look at this and planning what you intend to see first, what you must see, and what all you want to see and then planning your walk through accordingly. It is EASY to get overwhelmed. Take your time, and if you’re going to make the trip give yourself the full 3 days. Two days is nowhere near enough to take everything in fully.
2: There is Wifi… use it
I didn’t know until the second day that there was wifi available to attendees, and I sure could have used it on that first day. Whether to post all the sweet newly announced knives to your socials, video call your wife to get the okay on a massive custom knife purchase, or just to look up somewhere good to get dinner wifi comes in handy. Once I was on the wifi it worked well. Fun story, before I was aware of this the Hawk brothers’ mother allowed me to use her phone… and tried to sell me a Deadlock!
DISCLAIMER: There is no mention of the wifi on Blade Show’s site. They even recommend dealers purchase wifi from the Cobb Galleria. I recall the wifi being publicly accessible, but I don’t know if this was a fluke or something of that nature. As always, look to your security when using public internet access. Don’t get your phone hacked by using the public wifi at my recommendation, please!
3: Ask about pricing… you might be surprised
Show pricing is all over the place. Many knives are priced right in line with what you’d find normally online, but some are significantly discounted and others are actually more expensive (such as the Spyderco Military 2 I bought). Show exclusive knives are often lower priced than their normal counterparts and, being only available at the show, more desirable. I wish I had realized this about Microtech’s show exclusive, as I definitely would have bought one.
Above: A beautiful sword from a maker I didn’t note down, and Matt Collum’s offerings (I meant to and still need to get one of his Barlows)
4: Take pictures… with people
The connections you make are the best part of the show. At my first Blade Show last year I got to meet so many people that I’ve conversed with online through my time in the community, not to mention catch up with old friends. While it’s great to get pictures of the countless knives you’re sure to handle, I recommend focusing on the people. If you have a great conversation with a maker, company rep, or a fellow enthusiast take the time to snap a quick picture. You’ll be glad you did!
I love what Ben Petersen brings to the knife world and I grew up watching Lynn Thompson in his “Proof” videos, so it was great to meet them! I wish I had pictures with the other people I met and friends I caught up with.
5: Be Early… for Everything
The early bird gets the worm when it comes to Blade Show… literally. Early bird tickets allow for entry into the exhibit halls 1 hour before general admission. This extra hour is your chance to get that hard to snag custom or small batch knife that has eluded you… but it’s no guarantee. If you want a highly sought after knife, you should get in line early. I can’t tell you exactly when, but we’re talking the wee hours of the morning. I got in line at 8am and wasn’t even inside the building. You also will want to book your hotel early (and if you’re reading this for the 2024 Blade Show… good luck). I had to stay a little ways away in nearby Buckhead, but it worked out fine. Speaking of early, even the less sought after knives can sell out and auctions / raffles can close so make sure you get to any booths that have your “must buys” first. This will all ensure you have the experience you want without undue stress or FOMO.
In Conclusion… Have Fun
All that said, the main thing is to have fun! I went in large part to make connections in person with people I’ve worked with through Knife Thoughts and it was a resounding success. I bought VERY few knives, but I would recommend getting that knife you really want (as long as it’s in your budget). The connections you make and the knives you get will all be reminders of your trip to Blade Show!
BONUS: The Atlanta Airport is busy… the busiest in THE WORLD
The fact that the Atlanta airport is the busiest in the world surprised me… until I was in it! It is incredibly large and bustling. There is a full on raised train that takes you between concourses. Security lines can get LONG. On a recent un-knife-related trip I waited about 1.5 hours in security at the Atlanta airport. All this amounts to the fact that you should give yourself extra time and be prepared for a little stress and delays. This of course goes along with being early to everything, but I decided to add it as a post script thought since it isn’t directly related to the show.
