A few questions from an enthusiastic newbie

MikeKu825

MikeKu825

"The Enthusiast"
Joined
Aug 27, 2014
Messages
918
Hello everyone!

Let me start by asking forgiveness for my ignorance. These are my questions:


1) Are the premium Chinese knives like Kizer and Reate worth looking at? I'm really skeptical about anything from China. I feel like the prices are kind of bonkers considering everything is cheaper to manufacture in China. Why not get a Hinderer, ya' know? Online videos seem promising.. buuuut.. China..

2) How do you all find out about limited release knives in time to preorder them? I see so many beautiful ZT's / Kershaws / Spydercos with exotic steel on auction sites, but by the time they are listed on a site like that it's like 200% MSRP..

3) Is there something specifically that I can to do to get into the Spyderco Mule program for their next release? Is that even something that one can do?


Thank you for your time.
 
Welcome to BF!
1. Kizer and Reate are definitely worth considering. Kizer in particular is very cheap considering the materials you're getting, and fit and finish is usually very good. Most of their designs are pretty unique, and they even have some designs and features licensed from popular american and international designers. Do be aware that their warranty service is basically nonexistant, and at least with Kizer some lemons do slip through the cracks of their QC.

2. You visit this site daily or nearly daily. People frequently post about upcoming knives and recent releases. Make sure to check extra thoroughly around SHOT show and Blade show, as that's when most knife companies announce new products.

3. Though I'm familiar with the Mule program I have no idea how you can get ahold of one. I've only seen a few pop up here and there on the secondary market. Others will know more than me on this subject.
 
1. Kizer and Reate so far seem to be exceptions to Chinese brands as far as quality, but if they aren't worth it to you then they aren't worth it, simple eh? And they do come in much cheaper than Hinderer for similar materials, but then so does ZT. Also while cost of manufacture factors in to a minimum price point it has nothing to do with asking prices ever.

2. Depends on the brand, most announce 6-12 month in advance at one of the 2 major industry conventions, either Shot Show near the begining of the year, or Blade Show near the middle. Pre-order depends on the dealers and is usually a crap shoot.

3. I don't think there is a program for mules they are periodically offered directly from Spyderco. Spyderco does do a "Collectors Program" than requires you to to purchase basicly every model they release. There are a few tiers and a limited number of spaces in the program. You can contact them for all the details if you have that kind of capitol.
 
Thank you for your input, gentlemen. Your responses are very appreciated.

Also, amg137.. Firefly is awesome.
 
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Kizer and Reate are great knives. I fully support any Chinese company trying to break the stereotype of only making cheap junk and knockoffs. The Reate Horizon models are a little high-priced to me, but judging by the quality of my District9-designed Reate-built knives, I'm sure they are worth it. Kizer knives are one of the best values you'll find, and usually most problems can be easily fixed with a little elbow grease.
 
The current Mule in PSF-27 is still available directly from Spyderco. Just go to their site and search for mt19.
 
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