How to Learn Proper Knife Show Etiquette

Attending a knife show is educational and fun and can be profitable. You can enhance the experience by knowing how to properly interact with dealers and other collectors. Follow these rules to get the most out of your next knife show adventure.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Money Belts
• Tote Bags
• Metal Polish
• Polishing Cloths
• Money Clips
• Magnifying Glasses

1. Contact the show manager about items you have to sell or trade before you offer them for sale. The manager can tell you about any rules and direct you to the dealer most informed about the items you have with you.
2. Respect others and wait your turn when you see something of interest. Avoid interrupting or commenting on any pending transaction.
3. Obtain permission prior to touching any knife displayed as a collector's item or offered for sale.
4. Refrain from blocking access to a dealer's table if you are only looking and someone else wishes to make a purchase.
5. Avoid opening more than one blade at a time on any folding knife. Doing so places tremendous pressure on the back spring and could cause it to break, destroying the value of the knife.
6. Avoid touching the blade of any knife on display.
7. Let the dealer remove your fingerprints from a knife you have just handled. Everyone has his or her own preferences when it comes to knife care.
8. Offer to leave a deposit if you are seriously interested in a knife. Ask the dealer to hold it for you while you consider your options.
9. Do not set food or drinks on any display table. Moisture is the enemy of old knives.
10. Ask for assistance from other collectors and dealers before you purchase a knife if you are not sure of its value. Most dealers accept returns, but that can be a hassle.
11. Be prepared to make an offer on that special knife - don't regret that you let the knife of your dreams become a part of someone else's collection.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to handle knives over the display table. If a knife should slip from your hands, it is less likely to fall to the floor and be damaged.
• Wash your hands before entering the show area to avoid leaving residue on knives you handle.
• Use caution when handling any knife. These babies are generally as sharp as razors, and bleeding on the display table always leaves a bad impression.