For a full recap and details, see my main post --> The Big Outdoors Show at the Rock County Fairgrounds in Janesville Wisconsin <--  

Day two of the Big Outdoors Show had a very different feel from the moment the doors opened. The crowd showed up early, and not just a trickle early either. There was a noticeable buzz in the building right away, the kind that tells you people were planning their morning around being there. That energy stayed consistent for most of the day and gave the whole show a momentum that felt deliberate, not accidental.

It was clear the organizers went all in on variety this year. While any outdoor show is naturally going to have a strong firearms presence, what stood out was how much effort went into balancing that with other interests. Fishing, camping, survival gear, knives, food, and even small collectible items all had their place. It made the show feel less one dimensional and more like a true gathering of outdoor culture rather than a single focus event.

A Strong Start and a Packed Floor

Early mornings at shows can be unpredictable. Sometimes you get a rush, sometimes it builds slowly. Day two was the former. The aisles filled quickly, conversations started early, and vendors were busy almost immediately. That kind of turnout changes the tone of the day. Instead of waiting for engagement, you are responding to it.

From a vendor perspective, that early crowd matters. People who show up right when doors open tend to be more focused. They know what they want to see, but they are also more willing to stop, ask questions, and handle items. That was absolutely the case here. There was less wandering and more intentional browsing, which led to better conversations across the board.

Camping and Survival Gear Done Right

One of the standout booths for me was a vendor who went all in on camping and survival gear. This was not a table with a few token items tossed out for effect. He brought inventory, and lots of it. Mylar blankets, compact survival utensils, practical outdoor tools, and a wide spread of small but useful gear that people actually carry and use.

That booth stayed busy, and for good reason. A lot of outdoor gear gets marketed in extreme terms, but what this vendor offered leaned heavily toward practical preparedness. Lightweight, compact, affordable items that make sense whether you are camping, hunting, fishing, or just tossing something into a glove box or pack.

I ended up buying a P51 can opener from him, which says a lot. Simple tool, minimal design, proven utility. It is the kind of thing that has been around forever because it works. No gimmicks, no unnecessary bulk. Just a small piece of stamped steel that earns its place. Seeing that kind of gear represented well at the show was refreshing.

Small Vendors with Big Interest

Another thing that stood out was how well some of the smaller, more focused vendors were received. One booth was dedicated almost entirely to pins. Army, Navy, Air Force, and other veteran themed pins meant for hats, jackets, or shirts. On paper, that might sound niche, but the traffic told a different story.

People stopped. They looked. They talked. Those pins sparked conversations about service, family history, and personal connections. It was a reminder that not everything at an outdoor show has to be big, loud, or expensive to matter. Sometimes small, well made items with meaning resonate just as strongly.

A Well Rounded Mix Across the Floor

Yes, there were plenty of gun vendors. That is expected at an event like this, and it would be strange if there were not. But what made day two work was the balance. Fishing gear had a solid presence. Knives were well represented with a good mix of production brands and styles. Camping gear, survival items, accessories, and collectibles helped break things up visually and mentally as you moved through the building.

That mix matters. It keeps people engaged longer. It encourages wandering instead of funneling everyone into the same few booths. From what I observed, people stayed longer and covered more ground because there was always something different around the next corner.

Fudge Was an Unexpected Win

Then there was the fudge vendor. An outdoor show is not where most people expect to find fudge, but it worked far better than I would have guessed. It was an easy morale booster. Something sweet, simple, and familiar in the middle of a long walk through booths.

What really made it memorable was watching the crowd around that table. In particular, a group of older gentlemen who seemed perfectly content to linger, sample, and debate flavors. It was one of those moments that makes you smile because it feels so human and unscripted.

That booth also highlighted an opportunity for future shows. Food matters. Even a small selection can make a big difference. I mentioned to the organizers that food trucks or additional food vendors would likely go over very well, especially during the longer stretches of the day. Based on the response to the fudge alone, it seems like a safe bet.

Back at the Trailer: Old Steel and Good Stories

On my end of the show, day two brought some especially satisfying sharpening work. One of the highlights was working on several vintage Ontario knives, likely from the late 1980s or early 1990s. Those knives have a certain feel to them that is hard to replicate today. Simple construction, honest materials, and heat treatment that prioritized performance over hype.

They cleaned up beautifully and took an edge the way good steel should. It is always rewarding to see older tools get brought back into service rather than retired or replaced.

Another memorable set was a pair of vintage cleavers someone had picked up at a flea market. They had plenty of patina, the kind that tells a story rather than signals neglect. Underneath that surface wear was high carbon steel that still had a lot to give. Once sharpened, they took an incredible edge and reminded everyone involved why those old blades are still sought after.

Of course, there were pocket knives as well. That is standard at shows like this, and for good reason. Pocket knives see real use, and people notice immediately when performance drops off. Getting those back into shape is always satisfying, especially when someone is surprised by how much difference a proper edge makes.

The Overall Takeaway

Day two felt complete. Strong attendance, good energy, thoughtful vendor selection, and meaningful interactions. It did not feel rushed or chaotic despite the crowd. Instead, it felt organized and intentional, which is not easy to pull off.

From a sharpening perspective, it was one of those days that reinforces why I enjoy doing shows like this. You get a mix of practical work, interesting conversations, and unexpected finds. You see tools with history. You meet people who care about what they use and how long it lasts.

Looking Ahead to Madison

The next Big Outdoors Show is coming up February 20th and 21st at Harley Davidson of Madison in Madison, Wisconsin. Based on how Janesville went, that event is shaping up to be a strong one. If the energy, variety, and turnout carry over, it should be another solid weekend.

I am looking forward to being there, trailer ready, sharpening everything from well used pocket knives to heirloom blades. If day two in Janesville was any indication, the Big Outdoors Show is building something worth paying attention to.