A Warning to Vendors:

To our valued customers, followers, and fellow small business owners:

It is with disappointment that we announce Chief Warhammer Blades and Armor Outfittery will not be attending the 2024 Christmas on the Square in Kaufman. Despite securing our vendor booth well in advance, paying all fees, and fully disclosing the nature of our goods, we were informed—at the eleventh hour—that our presence would not be allowed due to the nature of our products: custom knives and handcrafted straight razors.

This decision, communicated by the Kaufman, Texas, City Secretary’s office, cited what was described as a blanket rule against these types of goods at Kaufman events. However, this rule has not been consistently enforced, leaving us and other vendors with the impression that bladesmiths and similar artisans were welcome.

What Happened: A Timeline of Events

1. Early Registration: Months ago, we applied and paid for our vendor spot, including an electricity fee. Our application clearly stated our vendor name—Chief Warhammer Blades and Armor Outfittery—and disclosed the nature of our products, as we always do.

2. Approval Without Issue: Our registration was approved, and we began preparing for the event, confident in our participation based on prior experience at Kaufman County and City events, where we’ve sold these very products without issue.

3. The Unexpected Ban: Weeks before the event, we received communication from the City Secretary’s office stating that our products were not allowed due to an overarching event policy.

4. Inconsistent Enforcement: If this rule exists, it has not been consistently applied. For years, we have attended Kaufman events without issue, including alongside other bladesmiths. At one event, for instance, Daniel O’Connor of LongKnife Forge (formerly of Twin Oaks Forge in Kaufman, Texas) participated as a vendor with similar products of the highest quality. These inconsistencies created an expectation that bladesmiths like us were welcome.

5. Refund Offered, But Too Late: While we appreciate the City’s prompt refund of our fees, the timing of the decision left us unable to book an alternative event costing us greatly as being a small business we needed the income the event would have certainly brought to us. Additionally, the advertising dollars we have spent promoting our presence at Christmas on the Square were rendered a complete loss.

The Impact on Vendors

This situation highlights a serious issue: vendors rely on clear, transparent, and consistently enforced policies when planning their participation. A sudden reversal like this not only disrupts plans but also causes financial harm, particularly for small businesses that invest heavily in advertising and preparation.

We want to emphasize that this is not about the City of Kaufman as a whole, but rather a need for better communication and adherence to policy by event organizers. Without these measures, small businesses are left in a precarious position, investing time and money into events that may later exclude them without warning.

A Word of Caution to Fellow Vendors

For those planning to participate in Kaufman events, let this be a cautionary tale. Ensure you receive clear, written policies about what is and isn’t allowed at these events and ask for confirmation in writing that your goods are permitted. Even then, approval can apparently be rescinded without warning, leaving you scrambling to recoup your losses.

For our customers, please know that we didn’t “stand you up.” Our absence is the result of these policy changes and/or sloppy adherence to said rules and their last-minute enforcement.

Moving Forward

Chief Warhammer Blades and Armor Outfittery remains committed to providing custom knives, handcrafted straight razors, and artisanal products to our community. While this experience has been frustrating, we will continue to participate in events where we are welcome and treated fairly.

We also encourage organizers of events like Christmas on the Square to review their policies and ensure clear communication with vendors. Doing so benefits everyone—vendors, organizers, and the community alike.

Final Thoughts

Small businesses like ours bring unique goods and a sense of craftsmanship to community events. Inconsistent enforcement of policies not only harms vendors but also deprives attendees of diverse and interesting products.

To our fellow vendors, we urge caution when working with events in Kaufman to ensure your investments are protected. And to our customers, thank you for your continued support. We will keep you updated on future events via the Upcoming Events section at https://www.warhammerblades.com and our social media channels.

Sincerely,
Chief Warhammer Blades and Armor Outfittery

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