RIP, Blade West

A quick search reveals that Walker broke the news (unnoticed) in the death chat during his JYD run a couple weeks ago. Figured it deserved its own thread. Looks like the West Coast show has been "suspended [this year and indefinitely] until further notice". Details here. Some years were better than others, but we'll miss it nonetheless. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Sucks, but it is what it is.

Pretty depressing actually.

I'm sorry to hear this, as so many "west coasters" will lose the chance for a Blade show of their own. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> Hopefully it will return in the future. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crossfingers.gif" alt="" />

I had heard this when the news first broke, and have been trying to forget it ever since.

I Had been looking forward to Blade West since the last one. We have had a lot of West Coasters join lately and I have touted the greatness of BW to all of them.

Hopefully it will come back some day.

My tan S6 came from a B/W show - thanks to a proxy. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

That just means that we here in the east will have more knives.
WE WIN!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

With the economy tanking even further it is just a matter of time until other shows start to cancel <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />. The last couple yaers receipts from all knife shows has been way down <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />. Best take advantage of the steel offered here <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />- just a matter of time until this is all we have. Not a pretty picture <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbdn.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

We need a Blade Central...I think in Dallas!

+1 <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Hey Bruce and all west siders. Maybe we can lure Busse to Eugene Oregon in April <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />!! One hell of a great bunch and lots of custom makers <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />. How many guys are going ? Great crowd last year- maybe Renee or Amy has news whether anybody will be there ? I will be there all three days and will be staying at Valley River. Any of you guys ? Thanks <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

That is the one Bruce <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />. Thank for supplying link as I always forget <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/doh.gif" alt="" />. Best to pay club membership so you can get in Friday and scoop up early deals <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />. I scored some great steel there last year. there was " some" Busse there- but I would think someone like Skunk might do fairly well <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> ? Then again- I don't sell knives- i just buy em <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

You ain't kiddin', and it isn't just knives. This weekend is the traditional time for The Bellevue Flyfishing Show. The PNW loses again - this stop on the annual tour has been "postponed until 2011". I'll believe it when I see it. When a traditional stop cancels, it's unlikely to rise again. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> A combination of poor economic conditions and competition from online retailers are really taking their toll on niche businesses. Local fly shops are boarding up doors on a regular basis, as buyers tap the shops for expertise, but buy online. Hard to pay the rent by selling only the disposables.

That is a shame as the PNW is prime fly fishing area <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />.But- it is not just here- it is all over the US and elsewhere.My $$$ are being spent on quality products like Busse provides <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />. They are also USA made and this is something that we all need to support <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />. I wish I could say that I think it is getting better- but it isn't. Too many want to ride the wagon and not enough to pull <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />.I feel bad for these young folks with families. Many here are having to work two jobs just to make ends meet. I also understand that the cost of collge tuition has just increased a large amount <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />. sad part about that is you have kids comimg out of college owing $$$- and no jobs <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbdn.gif" alt="" />. Good Grief.

What a drag. Last year was my first one and I was very much looking forward to this years Blade West, as now it doesn't look like I'll be able to make it to Atlanta.

I wish i could say i agree... but sadly, i fear that it is an indication of the state of the economy everywhere. More like a harbinger of what is to come for the east, rather than a migration of resources or interest... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Boy I sure would like to go,not sure if I'll make it though.Sure would be nice if the traveling trunk show could make it out west.
What is Valley River,a hotel?

Oh, that would be so knice I can make it there in 3 hrs!

Guys, the economy is a killer and it is unfortunate that we will be seeing more of our loves disappear. More times in the outdoors will be a good replacement for the time being.

What is Valley River,a hotel? [/quote]never mind,checked the link <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/doh.gif" alt="" />Thanks Bruce.

Oh yeah.Thats one thing that won't disappear,the need to get outdoors.

That's a bummer, hopefully it will be back in the future!