Was it just me or were there almost no weapon vendors this year in the dealer's room?

[windseeker 51]

Hi all,

I want to say I had a great time overall this year, but I noticed while browsing the dealer's room that there were very few (I recall 2 with pretty limited selections) dealers selling knives and other weapons. I'm a bit of a knife collector and like to get at least one new kind each year. One of the sellers had a sign saying that people who purchased weapons had to return at 7:30 pm for the item, and an officer would escort them to their hotel or to their car. Is this a new policy? Or was it possibly related to the white supremacist rally? Just curious, because its really going to suck if that's something permanent.

[Clutch 25]

If you are a knife collector, you are better off avoiding the vendors at the convention. From the previous times I have reviewed their wares, I did not recognize any of the brands they carry. This leads me to believe they are not high quality. If you are viewing it as a piece of art that is one thing, but I would think twice considering them an investment. Your mileage may vary.

[windseeker 51]

1 hour ago, Clutch said:

If you are a knife collector, you are better off avoiding the vendors at the convention. From the previous times I have reviewed their wares, I did not recognize any of the brands they carry. This leads me to believe they are not high quality. If you are viewing it as a piece of art that is one thing, but I would think twice considering them an investment. Your mileage may vary.

I don't just buy something that looks flashy and expect to use it in combat or something, lol, I am pretty picky with what I get. Many times I've left a con not getting anything. Granted, some of my collection isn't for practical use but decor, I like unique pieces. I can tell quality just fine, thanks.

Also doesn't answer my question.

[kimmibeans 98]

On 8/13/2018 at 12:34 AM, windseeker said:

Hi all,

I want to say I had a great time overall this year, but I noticed while browsing the dealer's room that there were very few (I recall 2 with pretty limited selections) dealers selling knives and other weapons. I'm a bit of a knife collector and like to get at least one new kind each year. One of the sellers had a sign saying that people who purchased weapons had to return at 7:30 pm for the item, and an officer would escort them to their hotel or to their car. Is this a new policy? Or was it possibly related to the white supremacist rally? Just curious, because its really going to suck if that's something permanent.

This is a requirement by the convention center. We had a similar rule in place last year.

[alabaster 0]

7 hours ago, kimmibeans said:

This is a requirement by the convention center. We had a similar rule in place last year.

Not just last year. It's been in place for about a decade.

[windseeker 51]

13 hours ago, alabaster said:

Not just last year. It's been in place for about a decade.

...really? I've always just had them wrapped up and handed to me. And I've been going to Otakon since 2007. Is it only just being enforced now?

[kimmibeans 98]

In the BCC it was handed to you and you were supposed to immediately leave. Many didn’t, and if staff saw you they did direct you to leave. The WEWCC did not want weapons roaming the convention center period, so they set up a stricter protocol where you either need an escort, or you can pick up the weapon at our “Dealer Pick Up Room” and then you will be immediately led to the door there to leave the premises. It was either that or no weapons dealers period.

[windseeker 51]

11 hours ago, kimmibeans said:

In the BCC it was handed to you and you were supposed to immediately leave. Many didn’t, and if staff saw you they did direct you to leave. The WEWCC did not want weapons roaming the convention center period, so they set up a stricter protocol where you either need an escort, or you can pick up the weapon at our “Dealer Pick Up Room” and then you will be immediately led to the door there to leave the premises. It was either that or no weapons dealers period.

Guess that explains why there were fewer sellers.

[Aresef 68]

On 8/15/2018 at 8:42 AM, kimmibeans said:

In the BCC it was handed to you and you were supposed to immediately leave. Many didn’t, and if staff saw you they did direct you to leave. The WEWCC did not want weapons roaming the convention center period, so they set up a stricter protocol where you either need an escort, or you can pick up the weapon at our “Dealer Pick Up Room” and then you will be immediately led to the door there to leave the premises. It was either that or no weapons dealers period.

Right, I was recalling that when noticing the new weapons policy was stricter.