I want to attend this show this year

Anything I need to know, any exhibitors I need to be sure to check out.?

It just depends on what you're interested in.  Some of the booths are quite entertaining (Busse, RMJ).  I personally like hit some of the smaller, custom knives booths.  Always ask for some swag

The venue is big, and you'll easily spend an entire day if you want to take it all in.  I'll be on leave from Afghanistan and the only day I'll be able to go is the last day, Sunday, which sucks, but my son is really wanting to go see Ernest Emerson again.

Not sure how much you're into knives, but it's nice to talk to some of the makers I know...good people all around.

ROCK6

If you're really into knives, check on either the Bladeforums site or the ESEE forums for Blade Show Dinner; see if you can join if that's your thing.  Usually it's a dinner some place where everyone in the Blade bidness gets together and has a good time.

Is it like a gun show where you can buy knives and other gear from the different companies?

Yep.  Bring money.

Especially if you like Randall or Busse knives.  Heck, any custom knife for that matter.

You can come see me at Booth #950

Actually, I'm surprised we don't have more Arfcom members who have tables at the Blade Show.

Busse won't be there this year.

I was there last year on sat and sun. They have ATM's right out side the entrance but they ran out of cash. So bring some with you. Also check around with the hotels or check on Blades website for a list of them because you can get a discounted rate. AND be sure to visit Die Biergraden downtown ATL .  AWESOME german beer and food!

I live about an hour north. I'll have to stop by with my 9 year old. He'll like it.

Be prepared for a long ass line to get in.

will buying tickets ahead of time help?

They are cheaper if you buy them ahead, but they won't help with the line.  This year is my first time to go, but my folks went last year and they said the line was long just to get in.

Also, a little something we are working on for the show...

Yes you can but from what I have seen the deals are not their. I have bought a few knives from the show. Picked up a custom Swiss Bianco knife a few years ago. I went down their planning on buying one. He had all of his prices elevated $10-20. I called him out on the higher price and he honored his lower online price (which was still high). He was kinda a dick about it so will not be doing business with him again.

Their was some guys from FL that had a table selling Microtechs at reasonable prices. I bought one from them for my boss. I think I gave a little over $200 for it. Online prices are $265+ last time I checked. They told me that 4-5 of them get together and make a large purchase with microtech and resell them for a small profit. They were knife guys so I assume they keep a few each and then sell the rest to pay for what they kept. Wish I would have gotten their info.

I was also told that Microtech sells X number of knives at a reduced rate when they are gone they are gone. Every year that I attended the line was about 75 yards long. Not worth the wait it to me.

Got to meet Sal & Eric Glesser 2 separate years. Really nice guys there prices were full MSRP.

Leatherman does not attend neither does Victorinox.