2013 Forum knife?

[eisman]

If the size of the stamp is going to limit the knife we need to look at that. There's no reason that it cannot be stamped on a blade or on a shield. Even if we had to make a new stamp that would add less than $1/ea to the cost of the knife.

As to the cost, $100 is not a lot of money. Not when a good 6 pack will run $8, a carton of cigarettes over $25, and a fast food meal $10. Economics is important, because whoever makes the knife is going to want to know what the total sum is to factor in feasability. It's a heck of a lot easier to interest someone when you can say it's a project worth $25k than to walk in going "I don't know how much it will run out to.".

Again, I'm going to bring up the point that saving money by basically going "off the shelf" does not interest me at all. I can get a sodbuster at Wal-Mart. I can't get a Congress Jack, or a Serpentine Texas, or a Lambsfoot Sleeveboard, or a Equal End Hobo, without resorting to custom or searching out a 20+ yr old "find". These are not major redesigns, most mfrs have the basic patterns, they just don't make these combos as they don't see the market. A special knife should be special.

 

[Nixelplix]

I think having several stamp sizes would be a great way to have more flexibility in knife dimensions. That way we may have a forum peanut or tuxedo, or a small whittler of some kind, one day.

 

[T. Erdelyi]

Until Kevin agrees to do this again and a committee is assembled this thread is the perfect place to discuss every aspect of this project. Once the committee's formed and the real thread polls begin we don't wanna be havin' these sideline discussion, that's when we need to be focused and keep on schedule.

 

[knarfeng]

true but we (the guys behind the scenes) did and if i remember correctly from the emails goin round behind the scenes, CSC didnt return email/call, queen wasnt interested and Case was out cause of minimum quantity and flexibility. Maybe this time will be different and im sure it will be shopped around, GEC makes a heck of a knife and are good people to work with, Queen was also good to work with for the 2010... Canal Streets offerings tend to be on the pricey side even before customization, but that knife came before my time of workin on things here
gene

Gene's memory is accurate. Last year we tried em all and only GEC was willing to work with us.

We shop around and request quotes from different manufacturers every year....some are interested and some aren't. In the last 2 years, GEC has been exceptional to work with, and they have played an active role in helping to design the knife we are looking for in a price range that worded for the people who were interested in the knife. I have no problem using other companies, but they would have to bring something more to the table than GEC has for me to be thrilled about using someone else.

I agree with Campbell. As fussy as most of the Traditional crowd is about fit and finish, whoever we go with has to provide a topnotch product. I'm not in favor of changing just to try something new. But, if there is a reason to change, I am open to it.

 

[waynorth]

I could go along with that provided that no one in the Group of Wise Elders is a semi-dealer that buys and sells SFO knives from GEC.

I sort of resemble that remark, and take no offence (offense in the US). I purposely stay out of the decision making, and try to temper my comments. That said, while "wise" might be an exaggeration, I think my experience adds to the knowledge around here.

 

[IVANKERLEY]

If the size of the stamp is going to limit the knife we need to look at that. There's no reason that it cannot be stamped on a blade or on a shield. Even if we had to make a new stamp that would add less than $1/ea to the cost of the knife.

As to the cost, $100 is not a lot of money. Not when a good 6 pack will run $8, a carton of cigarettes over $25, and a fast food meal $10. Economics is important, because whoever makes the knife is going to want to know what the total sum is to factor in feasability. It's a heck of a lot easier to interest someone when you can say it's a project worth $25k than to walk in going "I don't know how much it will run out to.".

Again, I'm going to bring up the point that saving money by basically going "off the shelf" does not interest me at all. I can get a sodbuster at Wal-Mart. I can't get a Congress Jack, or a Serpentine Texas, or a Lambsfoot Sleeveboard, or a Equal End Hobo, without resorting to custom or searching out a 20+ yr old "find". These are not major redesigns, most mfrs have the basic patterns, they just don't make these combos as they don't see the market. A special knife should be special.

i agree that the stamp size could be addressed to widen the pattern prospects but cost plays a factor there also (dont remember how much the stamp we came up with cost)
true you can buy the 20 dollar sodbuster at wallyworld but you aint gonna find a BladeForums Stamped, democratically selected sodbuster at wally world. Seems a few of us want to keep the $100 target and others dont which is fine
the $100 dollar limit stands for me, gonna have to be a grail pattern and a BFC knife for me to go over my self imposed limit
regards
gene

 

[IVANKERLEY]

I could go along with that provided that no one in the Group of Wise Elders is a semi-dealer that buys and sells SFO knives from GEC.

what does that have to do with anything? taking shots at people is uncalled for

regards
gene

 

[IVANKERLEY]

I sort of resemble that remark, and take no offence (offense in the US). I purposely stay out of the decision making, and try to temper my comments. That said, while "wise" might be an exaggeration, I think my experience adds to the knowledge around here.

better man than me charlie, i took offense at it for ya
regards
gene

 

[Modoc ED]

I sort of resemble that remark, and take no offence (offense in the US). I purposely stay out of the decision making, and try to temper my comments. That said, while "wise" might be an exaggeration, I think my experience adds to the knowledge around here.

I engaged my fingers before engaging my brain Charlie. I have edited my statement. Offense is offence no matter where spoken - errrrrrrrrrrrrrrr typed.

I'd still like to see Queen considered and I know you have influence there. Perhaps you could talk to the new owner about the 2013 Forum knife. I'd bet that he'd like nothing more than to hit one out of the park in order to get the reputation of Queen back on line.

 

[waynorth]

Thanks Gene, for standing up with me! You can join me in the trenches anytime!!
And thanks Ed for tempering your words. It takes a big person to do that.
On to the 2013 knife:

I will certainly discuss this with Queen, if asked by the Elders!

 

[dannyp]

I am just hoping for something pocket friendly with a couple of blades.

I like your attitude, Gus!

I think some people(possibly myself included) here need to take a step back and realize that this is about what the community wants, not just a knife for a few people. As such, it is extremely unlikely that a small folder like a Peanut or Pen Knife will be chosen. This is also true for the other end of the spectrum. How many people will vote for a huge Folding Hunter or Daddy Barlow pattern?

If you want something specific and don't care about the price, then order a custom knife. When it comes to the Traditional Forum Knife, you will most likely have to make some compromises along the way.

I have no strong preference for which maker is picked. It is understandable that Queen wasn't interested last year, especially if they were in the process of selling to the Daniels family. I do think that it is a good idea to at least check with all of the companies before blindly committing to one. If GEC offers the best fit for what is chosen, then by all means we should use them again.

 

[quattromori]

More random thoughts.
The choice of which company will produce the 2013 knife is not unilateral. As Gene pointed out, we have to see who's willing to take the job, and what they can put on the table. Also, this is probably something that should be left to the committee. I agree on respecting a certain price range though.
As for the "wise elders", why not? I just think that some basic choices (like single blade vs two blades) should come out of a poll.
As for the BF stamp: I do wish to keep our stamp. But is it necessary to keep the same stamp? since it could limit the pattern choice (for matters of size) I think it's not a bad idea to add the extra dollar and get a new stamp. After all, every cutlery company has changed its tang stamp along the years (and sometimes in a very random way), so why not?
Final thought about "uniqueness". Now, the BF knife is the BF knife, no doubt about it. But then it would be nice to "produce" something that's not currently made by any company. Hopefully an old or uncommon pattern brought back to life.

Fausto

 

[TLARbb]

Let me say that irrespective of price, after two blades in the same handle, my interest drops off to nothing rapidly. A single or 2 blade knife is my overwhelming preference. A nice single blade sowbelly would be great in my opinion. But I'd really like to see a two blade jack on a serpentine frame. GEC actually already makes one that suits me, the 66 jack.

Ed J

 

[AKC]

^^^Agreed^^^

Actually, I was agreeing with Bastid....

Something simple, understated even, with nice materials....

 

[waynorth]

I was really happy to see that #66 pattern appear. A lot of great Jacks, Mooses (Meese?) and Stockmans (Men?) have evolved from that one, not to forget HJs!
That is one of the reasons the larger Serpentine pattern appeals to me, because if past patterns persevere, more patterns will evolve. I have hopes of seeing a big Stockman, some day!
And a Muskrat, and a Moose, etc. etc. etc.
On another topic, I will admit to a certain bias towards GEC. Many factors have led me there!
The biggest one is they listen to my/our concerns. When a certain knife of theirs had an awkward detail, they were willing to discuss it, and this is the most important thing, to actually change it!!
I don't doubt that another company can make a great knife, but I want them to show me first!
Let them practice with someone else's money I say.

 

[AKC]

Seems to me that the "New" Queen turns out a mighty fine product, if my last Xmas present is any indication....

 

[waynorth]

Tell us more, AKC!!
Great Gemmy picture!!:thumbup:

 

[AKC]

I'll let the rest of the pics do the talking.... it's a Dogleg Whittler, split spring, 4" closed.

Overall fit and finish is very high, my only complaint, as it were, is the split liner doesn't extend all the way through.
But let's face it, whoever we get is going to do a great job....

 

[T. Erdelyi]

I wish I could find out more about this Schrade Walden pattern or a bigger better pic but this looks like a 2013 winner to me.

 

[rockgolfer]

^^^^^GEC already makes that frame, they have made that blade combo as well. Right now they are releasing a single blade version.



Any Jack knife or the like is fine, I just dont want to see a pen blade, talk about boring and the norm.