9/1/2009

Ha!!!!  I’ve got the newsletter out early!!!!!

August was a really busy month.  The ABS Expo in San Antonio and the Oklahoma Custom Knife Show kept me hopping.

The ABS Expo turned out not to be a profitable show for me in terms of sales.  I didn’t sell anything and took no orders.  That was a common experience for many of the exhibitors.  There were a few buyers there who purchased high end knives; the rest of the attendees were the local public who mostly purchased lower priced works.  The mid range priced knives were slow to move.  As the knives on my table fell primarily in the mid-price range, I was one of the many who did not have any sales.  I did however make some good contacts that may result in future business.

I believe that this show will regain its sales potential in the coming years, but was slow because of the move to San Antonio and the present economy.  An observation made by many of the knifemaker’s about this past year’s shows is that attendance is down.  We see that the buyers are simply not spending the money to travel to shows right now.  Hopefully, this will change as the economy improves.

The Oklahoma Show was relocated this year to Tulsa.  Attendance was decent and should improve as the show gains recognition.  The venue at the Convention Center was excellent and helped to give the show a professional and high class appearance.  Sales were reported to be slow for some, but I managed to sell a nice folder there.  I believe that this show will have a good future in its new location and attendance and sales will pick up there in upcoming shows.

Currently on my workbench is a damascus sub-hilt fighter.  The blade is finished and I am working on the handle and fittings.  I hope to have it done soon and will post it on the “Gallery” page when done.  I have a few other knives on the works and will post them as they are finished too.  I currently have only one knife available for immediate sale.  It is listed on the “Available” page.

I have no more shows scheduled for this year.  My next show is the Arkansas Custom Knife Show; February 2010.  Until then, I hope to catch up on orders and also work on a “secret” project.  I have a special piece that I am working on that I hope to have ready to display at one of the major knife shows next year.

I wish all a good September.

Home  Knife Gallery  Knives Available  Knife Sheaths  Newsletter  Newsletter Archive  Show Schedule  Background  Contact Info  Shop Gallery  Links Page