What's going on with the Arkansas Knife Makers Assoc?

Self Made Knives

Self Made Knives

Well-Known Member
So, I've just passed the one year mark in this madness and wanted to start this year by joining the Arkansas Knife Makers Association and attending their Little Rock show in a couple weeks, as a viewer only. When I inquired about a membership, they say AKA is being disbanded in March.

I see some of you guys on the table list for the show, what the heck is going on with AKA? I've been wanting to connect with other local makers and shows, and this was the only thing going in Arkansas as far as I know. I'm very disappointed.

Oklahoma has a group too, which I will join, just stinks about Arkansas though.
 
I was trying to get signed up/join and couldn't find the link on their website last night. Here's a snapshot of the email I received:
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I'd sure like to know why or what's happened.
 
This purely is a guess. I'm thinking David is just tired of being the glue that holds this organization together. After doing last years show and the two previous ones I decided it was time for me to pull the plug. Same thing with the OKCA and NWKC Shows to.
 
Were the shows not so great? Attendance low? Costs too high? I've heard a rumor to about what's going on, but I guess we'll just have to wait until the show for more info. I'm going to the show despite whatever is happening. I wish I knew how to start up something like this myself, I'm not afraid of the work, just no clue how to put something together like that. I finally met another local maker the other day, maybe we could start a new association, membership of 2!:biggrin:
 
I'd been doing knife shows for at least 15 years. I find the hype is always much better than the actual show. The AKA Show was pretty much a Saturday morning and after 1 or 2 pm it became pretty empty. I don't recall ever doing any show that Sunday was even worth being there.

As far as starting up a club its usually one or two people that do all the work and organization. In other words its takes a lot more commitment than most are willing to give. Good luck!
 
Raymond Richard said:
I'd been doing knife shows for at least 15 years. I find the hype is always much better than the actual show. The AKA Show was pretty much a Saturday morning and after 1 or 2 pm it became pretty empty. I don't recall ever doing any show that Sunday was even worth being there.

As far as starting up a club its usually one or two people that do all the work and organization. In other words its takes a lot more commitment than most are willing to give. Good luck!
Click to expand...

Raymond sums it up rather well! Many want to come to the show but few want to help put them on.
 
I had a bit of a conversation this morning with one of the officers.
The Arkansas show has been great. They have fully enjoyed the run they've had.
Truth is, it's getting to be a bit of an issue legally.
What started out as a fun organization has acquired many, many members.
When a group begins taking in many thousands of dollars of fees and memberships and puts on shows, etc., there is mountain of legal liabilities, tax exemption status laws to be followed, etc. Quite honestly, the amount of work it takes to make something like that successful is a bit more than most are willing to deal with anymore.
Just to put on a regional show like that takes about $30K.
That's lots of responsibility. And to do it on a non-profit basis means no one actually makes any money for all that time and effort.
Can't blame anyone for wanting to take a break.
They've been doing it for over 20years.
 
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