Arkansas Custom Knife Show 2013 - February 16-17, 2013
I thought I’d share some of the things we have been doing to help keep momentum going here in Arkansas. I say “momentum†because it takes time, long term time, to “grow†a show. This is not to toot our own horn. It’s just to express appreciation for the ones who work hard and give of their time to promote the Arkansas Custom Knife Show.
The last several days, some of the members of the Arkansas Knife Maker’s Association and friends have participated in several TV and radio spots. On Wednesday morning, about 8-10 makers were at Maumelle in Jerry Petty’s shop to help get some footage for some live segments, but also to record some clips to be aired throughout the week. This started at 5:00 am. From there, Jerry Fisk and JR Cook went to a studio and shot a 30 minute outdoor program with Steve “Wildman†Wilson to be aired at different time slots before the knife show takes place. I met with Cookie, Jerry Fisk, and Kerry Brooks (collector and benefactor of knife making) at a radio studio and we participated in a one hour talk radio program, answering questions and telling the listeners about the upcoming knife show. Several tickets were given to callers along the way.
I had to go to work for a few hours while Jerry and Cookie went to a TV station to shoot some live segments. After that I, along with Alan Hutchinson and Jerry Petty (JP Darlin) formed a panel for a 1 ½ hour call in radio program. We had lots of callers with good questions.
It was a long day. I’m telling you of the things I know about, although there was much more that went on without my knowledge.
I will get Dan Cassidy to help me with some other things that show the backing and support for the show that comes from several directions. Things like different state agencies, TV station, radio stations, individual show hosts, etc. all add to that momentum that I mentioned earlier. The knife show would not be what it is today without such support and exposure. It’s pleasure to see such open support in this current environment fraught with political agendas and fear mongering. I think the ones I mentioned who work so hard and offer their support must also find the same pleasure in it, since they don’t directly profit in any of the cases highlighted.
When you get to the show banquette or to the show itself, look up “Wildman†and shake his hand. David Etchieson spends untold hours on the phone and in his home office preparing show packets and badges as well as many other things. Chuck Ward is always busy in preparation for the show. It’s an ongoing process. Let’s take the time to notice.
This is the article in the "Arkansas Outdoors Weekly Newsletter".
Dan Cassidy
Journeyman Smith
Send an email to Dan
One of the reasons why this show does so well is the media coverage it gets. And that happens because of Chuck, David, JP and Lin setting up everything. Print media reaches every town and city in Arkansas that uses the Arkansas Media system, they had it set up to go on the larges radio stations in Arkansas as well as all the major tv stations. Dang ole JR can appear to espouse words of wisdom at times.
Jerry Fisk
Master Smith
This show is becoming the show to go to, for makers and collectors. This is due to the people like David, Chuck, Lin, Steve Wilson, Jerry Petty, Kerry Brooks, Jerry and J.R., just to mention a few. If you are new to the show or have been there a number of years, do not forget to thank all of these great people for what they do behind the scenes.
We always look forward to it, and seeing everyone. Dang Jerry, "espouse" I am going to have to figure on that one a while.
Brion
Brion Tomberlin
Anvil Top Custom Knives
ABS Mastersmith
There was a television interview with Steve Wildman Wilson on Channel 11 about the upcoming Arkansas Custom Knife Show on Arkansas Channel 11. To view the video clip of the interview, Click : Channel 11 Video
Click : Channel 11 Video
Dan Cassidy
Journeyman Smith
Send an email to Dan
Dan, You're a saint.
Thank you for all the effort you and Sally have invested in this thread alone. We appreciate it.
You can view photos of some of the outstanding work by our ABS members that will be on the tables at the February 16-17, 2013 show at the Robinson Center in Little Rock on this Facebook page, Click: Arkansas Knifemakers Association Facebook
Dan Cassidy
Journeyman Smith
Send an email to Dan
Well I am certainly looking forward to my first table in Little Rock.
Not only will I be able to meet some new customers, but it's a chance to mingle with some makers I have only associated with up to this point by name.
It will also be the first knife show my Mother has attended. She will be sitting at my table so I expect everyone there to be on their best behavior!!! <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//laugh.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':lol:' />
Karl B. Andersen
Journeyman Smith
Karl, that's cool. I would let my mother go but she makes me sit still and quit squriming.
It's a good show. Saturday morning it can get hard to breath with so many people in the room but it clears out better later. It's a doozie of a show for sure.
Jerry Fisk
Master Smith
The show promotion is the key. When average Joe sees it on tv or hears on the radio; has never saw a custom knife; and he comes to the show.
Thats how new customers are made. You guys done good.
Promotion, promotion,promotion. A lot of guys working behind the scenes.
My mother at a knife show?? she still hopes I will find an honest job before I hit sixty!
Been busy; be glad to see you guys at the show.
Everybody have a safe trip.
Mike Williams
Master Smith
There will definitely be a high density of talent in one spot this weekend. I am looking forward to it. Thanks to everyone who help to make it happen!
OK.....speaking of the show. Lets see some of the Performance Bowie knives. If you are traveling, and get an opprortunity, please snap a shot of your knife and let us see em. I know most of you have smart phones now. I happen to know that several knives are made and sharpened up for the cut. John Horrigan called me last night. He's talking some stuff already <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//biggrin.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':D' /> . I cant wait to see his knife.
