Texas Select Show 2025: Inside the Most Exclusive Custom Knife Event in America
- CANDiCE
- Apr 4
- 6 min read
Texas’ largest gathering of custom knife craftsmen will take place at the 2025 Texas Select Show, where more than 150 exhibitors from 26 states will showcase their work at this premier event. Knife enthusiasts can explore an impressive collection of handcrafted pieces that include practical folding knives, elegant chef's knives, hunting blades, bowies, ceremonial swords, and more. Both master smiths and rising talents will display their best work during this two-day event sure to please both serious collectors and casual admirers of custom cutlery.
Phenix Knives' Texas Select Custom Cutlery Event goes beyond displaying exceptional bladework. Expert craftsman Erick Rivers will demonstrate live forging techniques while the popular "Chopping Competition" lets visitors watch blades tested against different materials. The show supports local charities through raffles and keeps visitors comfortable with on-site BBQ and refreshments. The Austin County Fair Convention & Expo Center in Bellville serves as an ideal venue that's easy to reach from Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and College Station.
The Ultimate Gathering: Texas Select Custom Cutlery Event 2025
"The largest custom knife show in Texas offers more than the opportunity to shop for unique, hand-crafted knives made by over 150 individual exhibiting knifemakers from all across the country." — Katy Times, Local news outlet
The Texas Select Custom Cutlery Event will welcome knife enthusiasts to Bellville on April 5-6, 2025, from 9am to 4pm daily. This 7-year-old prestigious event started in 2018 when Cowboy Szymanski, the owner of Phenix Knives, held it in the backyard of Bellvile’s historic 1891 blacksmith shop. The growing popularity of hand-crafted custom knives led organizers to relocate to the Austin County Fair Convention & Expo Center to allow them to showcase talented knifemakers from all over the country, not just the county. Knife Magazine called the select show "a new breed of knife shows" that puts makers and their supply vendors at the vanguard.
The knife judging session kicks off on Friday evening, April 4, before the public event. Table holders judge most categories, while a chosen panel decides the Best of Show award. Knifemakers can submit multiple knives, but each knife competes in just one category. Participants must submit their entries by 5pm on Friday. Winners take home challenge coin style trophies, get professional photos of their work, and major bragging rights. The Scout knife competition reviews practical features like proper sizing for 11-18 year-old users and outdoor activity functionality.
The Texas blade show's location makes it easy to reach from major Texas cities. Bellville lies just an hour west of Greater Houston, and visitors from Austin, San Antonio, and College Station can drive to the venue without hassle. Entry costs $10 at the door, and knife raffles and food sales support local charities. The event draws top talent — master smiths and rising artisans alike — giving visitors a unique chance to meet America's best custom knifemakers. The Texas Select has grown beyond a trade show to become an immersive celebration of custom cutlery craftsmanship.
The Texas Select Show's Star-Studded Demonstrations and Competitions
"Visitors will see live demonstrations from hundreds of bladesmiths from around the country and have the opportunity to get pictures and autographs." — KWHI News, Local news outlet
The Texas Select show goes beyond displaying custom knives. Visitors can watch exciting live demonstrations and competitions that showcase bladesmiths' extraordinary skills. J. Neilson, an ABS Mastersmith and "Forged in Fire" Judge, leads these exhibitions. He will present his famous "Anatomy of an Anvil" demonstration at 11am with apprentice Shelley Jack. This presentation shows hammering techniques that help smiths get the most from their most important tool. Neilson demonstrates his canister Damascus forging techniques on stage across the country. His expertise is known worldwide, and attendees have a unique chance to learn from one of the most respected figures in the field.
The excitement reaches its peak daily at 2pm during the Chopping Competition. Contestants guide their blades through a challenging obstacle course. They prove their custom-made choppers' cutting power and durability through challenges like the 2×4 chop and water bottle slice. The competition has strict rules. Blades must be between 9"-10" long, with total length under 15". Each knife needs testing before the competition. Safety comes first: secure lanyard holes with sturdy wrist lanyards are mandatory. Competitors must bring sturdy sheaths to use in the event area. These technical requirements and performance tests showcase precision bladesmithing perfectly.
Among other highlights, visitors can watch the dramatic Ballistic Dummy Sword Testing at 12pm daily. They can even bid for a chance to test a sword on a real ballistic dummy — something rarely accessible to most people. The "Parade of Blades" lets bladesmiths show off weapons they created for Forged in Fire final rounds. Fans will love seeing dozens of former contestants and champions from the show at the Texas blade show. Live blade forging happens throughout the event. Visitors can try tomahawk throwing and watch Battle of the Blades judging live. On top of that, thousands of blades are up for sale. This family-friendly event welcomes serious collectors and newcomers to custom cutlery alike.
Exclusive Access to Rare Custom Blades
The Texas Blade Show gives collectors and enthusiasts access to amazing handmade blades you won't find anywhere else in the region. The Texas Select Custom Cutlery Event has a strict no-factory-knives policy. Each piece showcases the best of artisanal bladesmithing. Buyers can find the perfect handmade knife for cooking, hunting, everyday carry, or as a special collectible. This select show lets you meet master craftsmen and buy their exceptional work directly. These personal connections make each knife's value and meaning even more special.
The Texas Blade Show's craftsmanship ranges from practical utility blades to museum-quality collectibles. You'll see legendary master smiths working next to rising talent, each showing their unique take on this ancient craft. Texas Knife Steel and Swieczkowski Scales are among the specialty vendors that supply essential materials to aspiring bladesmiths. The event works as both a marketplace and a source of inspiration where knife enthusiasts can find everything they need.
The "Parade of Blades" stands out as a major attraction. Visitors can see real weapons made for the final rounds of "Forged in Fire." These battle-tested blades come straight from their creators' hands and show some of today's most creative designs. Serious collectors often head to vendors like Angel Sword, known for their unique pieces based on antique weapons. The show means more than just buying knives; it shows how the custom knife market has grown since the event started in 2018.. Thousands of blades fill the show floor, covering every style from traditional patterns to artistic designs that challenge convention.
Conclusion
The Texas Select Custom Cutlery Event has grown from a simple backyard gathering into America's premier bladesmithing showcase, showing the strength of the custom knife community. Every part of the event shows a deep commitment to custom knifemaking's heritage and future. Expert smiths like J. Neilson demonstrate their skills live, while new talents bring fresh designs that challenge traditional bladesmithing methods. The strategic choice of Bellville makes the event accessible to knife enthusiasts throughout Texas.
Practical demonstrations, competitive events, and exclusive buying opportunities create an unmatched experience for collectors and admirers alike. Attendees can watch battle-ready blades tested dramatically, learn forging techniques from experts, and find thousands of unique custom knives not sold anywhere else. The show maintains its authenticity by banning all factory-made products. On top of that, it supports local charities through raffles and food sales, showing its dedication to the broader community beyond custom cutlery.
The rise of the Texas Select Show reflects America's growing love for handcrafted knives. The event sets new benchmarks through its carefully selected exhibitions, tough blade testing competitions, and direct access to master craftsmen. "Forged in Fire" champions work alongside traditional bladesmiths and innovative newcomers to showcase different knife-making styles. The 2025 edition will continue to be the ultimate destination for everyone who loves the art and function of custom-made blades.
FAQs
Q1. What makes the Texas Select Show unique among knife events? The Texas Select Show is the largest custom knife event in Texas, featuring over 150 individual exhibiting knifemakers from across the country. It offers exclusive access to handcrafted masterpieces, live demonstrations, and competitions, making it a premier destination for knife enthusiasts and collectors.
Q2. Are there any special demonstrations or competitions at the event? Yes, the event features star-studded demonstrations and competitions. Highlights include J. Neilson's "Anatomy of an Anvil" masterclass, a thrilling chopping competition, and ballistic dummy sword testing. Visitors can also witness live blade forging and participate in tomahawk throwing contests.
Q3. What types of knives can visitors expect to see at the Texas Select Show? Attendees can explore a wide range of custom-made blades, including folding knives, chef's knives, hunting blades, bowies, and ceremonial swords. The show strictly prohibits factory knives, ensuring every piece on display represents the pinnacle of artisanal bladesmithing.
Q4. How can I participate in the event? The event is open to the public, with admission priced at $10 at the door. Visitors can observe demonstrations, participate in competitions, and purchase custom knives directly from the makers. There are also opportunities to bid on experiences like testing a sword on a ballistic dummy.
Q5. Where and when is the Texas Select Show held? The Texas Select Custom Cutlery Event takes place at the Austin County Fair Convention & Expo center in Bellville, Texas. The 2025 event is scheduled for April 5-6, running from 9am to 4pm each day. The location is easily accessible from major Texas cities like Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and College Station.
For more tips on events, style, and must-see experiences around Texas, check out The Ville.
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