another new kershaw?

[Esav Benyamin]

hmm, so let me get this straight. The ad makes it look like the knife is made in the USA, because the words MADE IN THE USA sit right below the picture. On top of that, it says nowhere in that ad that the knife is made in china... Now its possible that i am missing where it states made in china, because it is very late and i am very tired, but i don't see it, and i read the info twice.

When you get up in the morning, clear-eyed and clear-headed, look at that "ad" again. It's not an ad, it's a partial scan of one page from a dealer's catalog.

The knife hasn't been advertised to the public yet. When it is, we'll see how Kershaw describes it. Until then, remember this is the internet. Anything anyone posts can be misquoted and used against them. That's what just happened to Kershaw.

 

[offsetlover]

i dont know man, i just am really having a hard time swallowing this. i think the reason im mad is that is a really nice design and unlike the general public i DONT want a cheap knife. so i guess its not so sweet afterall.

i highly doubt that it will be a cheap knife, despite the price tag. you know that one of us will have one the moment they come out and will post a review.

as jonnymac44 said, the "made in the USA" line was for the needs work, which is also mentioned on that page, but not shown in the part he scanned. I really wish Thomas or Tim would come in here and clear this up for us. some absolute confirmation.

btw everyone, i started this thread so that we could talk about a new kershaw, and find out info about it. i did not mean for us to get into the "made in china"/"its going to be a cheaply made knife"/why would kershaw make a knife in china?" discussion. so let us keep this a positive thread about one of kershaw's new products. I am not calling anyone out about this, but we have all seen way to many threads get off track because of some stupid comments from well meaning members.

So what sorta things would we use this knife on? I think SPX mentioned it would be good in a water evironment (dont hold me to that). I figure that it would be good to use around the house for the random tasks that come up.

 

[offsetlover]

you beat me to it Esav

 

[PURPLEDC]

i highly doubt that it will be a cheap knife, despite the price tag. you know that one of us will have one the moment they come out and will post a review.

as jonnymac44 said, the "made in the USA" line was for the needs work, which is also mentioned on that page, but not shown in the part he scanned. I really wish Thomas or Tim would come in here and clear this up for us. some absolute confirmation.

btw everyone, i started this thread so that we could talk about a new kershaw, and find out info about it. i did not mean for us to get into the "made in china"/"its going to be a cheaply made knife"/why would kershaw make a knife in china?" discussion. so let us keep this a positive thread about one of kershaw's new products. I am not calling anyone out about this, but we have all seen way to many threads get off track because of some stupid comments from well meaning members.

So what sorta things would we use this knife on? I think SPX mentioned it would be good in a water evironment (dont hold me to that). I figure that it would be good to use around the house for the random tasks that come up.

sorry offsetlover i was refering to the price, not the quality. hell if the thing gets good reviews i might buy one so i have a "good" knife with assist that i dont have to worry about so much. i also must eat my words on the speed safe as i found out there was a japanese speed safe knife. i just hope with such a good design that they will atleast make another version of it for us who want a higher price product

 

[Kronos]

It may be a dealer catalog, and one page at that, and in fact, for all i know, there could be a giant made in china on the previous or following page. seems to me that kershaw would want to keep its dealers as well informed as possible, so that they in turn could inform the general public. Thusly, i am sure that the made in china information is prominantly displayed in equal sized font elsewhere in the dealer catalog, in a position that is as close to the actual knife as the MADE IN THE USA appears to be. can you confirm that jonnymac?

and offsetlover, i see what you are saying about keeping this post on track, but i don't see the need to keep it "positive", because then, what is the point of a forum? for lots of people, the country of origin is going to be a big pill to swallow, and i think its worth discussing. In terms of the knife itself, i don't see it fullfilling any niches that the scallion, leek, or shallot can't take care of, however it might be a nice entry, price wise, into that line of knives.

 

[SPXTrader]

At $ 25 a pop, I'm gonna buy three...one to torture, and one for each truck. Sometimes it's hard to reach in the pocket whilst wearing my seatbelt!

 

[offsetlover]

It may be a dealer catalog, and one page at that, and in fact, for all i know, there could be a giant made in china on the previous or following page. seems to me that kershaw would want to keep its dealers as well informed as possible, so that they in turn could inform the general public. Thusly, i am sure that the made in china information is prominantly displayed in equal sized font elsewhere in the dealer catalog, in a position that is as close to the actual knife as the MADE IN THE USA appears to be. can you confirm that jonnymac?

and offsetlover, i see what you are saying about keeping this post on track, but i don't see the need to keep it "positive", because then, what is the point of a forum? for lots of people, the country of origin is going to be a big pill to swallow, and i think its worth discussing. In terms of the knife itself, i don't see it fullfilling any niches that the scallion, leek, or shallot can't take care of, however it might be a nice entry, price wise, into that line of knives.

it needs to stay positive in the sense that we have a good discusion about this knife. not focusing on the good alone, but keeping things civil amongst the members. no need to give trolls any ground what-so-ever. we can discuss all we want, but let us all avoid bashing anyone over the head with our views. to many threads have died because of someone becoming to adamint. sound like a plan to you kronos?

i do agree, the made in China thing is a bit surprising, and for some will be an issue. we'll have to see what happens

@ purple: i hear ya, and agree with the higher end version. it would be cool.

SPX: good idea. i may have two get to in order to keep a second knife in my car and another to, like you said, torture.

 

[SPXTrader]

Who is the invisible member that keeps lurking in the Kershaw threads? Like right now:

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 3 (3 members and 0 guests)
SPXTrader, Thomas W

WHO ARE YOU AND WHY WON'T YOU IDENTIFY YOURSELF?

I was gonna post something relevant to this thread, but I forgot what it was...this unknown lurker has put me on tilt...

 

[Thomas W]

To be honest with you i would rather see the speed safe on models NOT designed by ken onion.

PD, you won't see that happening. SpeedSafe/Ken Onion and Kershaw have been and will be exclusive. We have licensed SpeedSafe, yes, but won't do anything outside of KO knives within the brand.

i know what they are trying to do by deflecting people from buying the chinese kershaw copies.

This is not true. Truth is we're not seeing that knock-offs are much competition.

I think us kershaw guys have come to love and respect this company due to there commitment to staying usa.

Appreciate that. USA is still our focus.

. . . . this is the knife I have been waiting for! Finally Kershaw makes a version of the Inferno - but in AUS6 steel???

Actually the piece will be done up in AUS-8, sorry for the confusion.

Guys, slow down a little. This has to do with sales most likely.
Not everyone can afford a $50 plus knife.
Kershaw is probably trying to get another customer base under their belt.
This will entice the folks buying fakes and junk to come over
and buy something better made.

What you all need to realize is that in many cases it is not the manufacturer that determines which direction the quality of their product goes, or the Country of Origin as well. The retailer can be a big factor in a company’s focus.
When you go see a big box buyer they give you a list of requirements that they want a knife to fit into. It is important to note that performance and where it's made rarely are on the list of those requirements. Looks, price, and margin, and not necessarily in that order. If you want to play, they have their rules you need to understand before you belly up.
With these real significant dollars available, one must do their best to get placement. To most that means outsourcing overseas. To us not as much. We have more than a few USA pieces in the big box stores. The OSO was a knife designed to meet some requirements for the big box's.

...company has made the decision to manufacture more of their line overseas...Does that mean quality will greatly diminish?

IMHO if you make a quality product here in the US or in Japan, it's near impossible to replicate that in China. Without being in charge of manufacturing overseas consistency will also always be an issue, I don't care who you are.
Reality is, you are outsourcing because you can't do it yourself, or you're trying to meet volume and price.

Oh, beautiful for spacious skies, and amber waves of grain ... Oh, wait a minute! Kershaw's parent company is Japanese! And they own that factory in China, they don't contract out work on their knives.
You are not obligated to buy any knives that don't fit your requirements. But a business has to keep on top of its market and expand it at every opportunity. This strengthens them to be able to afford the creativity and quality they've shown all along.

I believe this is really well put. We've never said we were going to go exclusive with Made in the USA. Again USA made is our focus, little things like capacity and margin have to be taken into consideration with each knife and customer..
Our goal is 85% Made in the US (currently 80%), the balance split between Japan and China.

And if im wrong why no speed assist splinter or other japanese knives with onions name on them?

We did the Whisper in Japan. It's a KO design with SpeedSafe.

hmm, so let me get this straight. The ad makes it look like the knife is made in the USA, because the words MADE IN THE USA sit right below the picture. On top of that, it says nowhere in that ad that the knife is made in china... Now its possible that i am missing where it states made in china, because it is very late and i am very tired, but i don't see it, and i read the info twice.

You would think that if kershaw was proud enough to stamp MADE IN THE USA in gigantic print right under the knife, then they would be proud enough to print MADE IN CHINA, somewhere on the ad.

if kershaw wants to make knives in china, then thats fine. but at least make it clear so that your customers who don't want to deal with that can continue buying knives made in the USA

Let me get this straight, you think that we are purposely misleading the public with regards to where our knives are made?

In terms of the knife itself, i don't see it fulfilling any niches that the scallion, leek, or shallot can't take care of, however it might be a nice entry, price wise, into that line of knives.

I explained this above, trust me it fills a niche.

Who is the invisible member that keeps lurking in the Kershaw threads? Like right now:

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 3 (3 members and 0 guests)
SPXTrader, Thomas W

WHO ARE YOU AND WHY WON'T YOU IDENTIFY YOURSELF?

I was gonna post something relevant to this thread, but I forgot what it was...this unknown lurker has put me on tilt...

Sorry about that, been short on time. My response here was glossed over, mostly because there are some pressing matters internally.
The upcoming SHOT Show is quite consuming, oh then there is that budget.. hope you all understand.

 

[thombrogan]

Sure wish it could come with the 13C26 steel.

The ad stated AUS-6A which is fairly close and that Welk guy said it'll actually be in AUS-8 which is even closer (and with a larger array of alloys!).

I think it's very awesome that Kershaw is offering a follow-up to their non-Speedsafe Vapor series and is doing so with Speedsafe and a flipper, with AUS-8 instead of AUS-6, and with a lower price-tag (IIRC, the Vapor II retailed for $29.97 at Wal-Mart until those USA-made Vapor II knives took their place).

 

[jonnymac44]

Thanks Thomas for addressing this thread. I tried to make it clear, but it always sounds better coming straight from you. I appreciate it.

Cheers,
Jon

Hope I didn't overstep bounds by posting that catalog page.

 

[2brothers]

Thanks Thomas for addressing this thread. I tried to make it clear, but it always sounds better coming straight from you. I appreciate it.

Yeah, what Jon said.

We know your busy, now get back in there and make us some more blades.

mike

 

[SPXTrader]

QUOTE:

When you go see a big box buyer they give you a list of requirements that they want a knife to fit into. It is important to note that performance and where it's made rarely are on the list of those requirements. Looks, price, and margin, and not necessarily in that order. If you want to play, they have their rules you need to understand before you belly up. With these real significant dollars available, one must do their best to get placement. To most that means outsourcing overseas. To us not as much. We have more than a few USA pieces in the big box stores. The OSO was a knife designed to meet some requirements for the big box's.

Thomas W



Thanks for the info Thomas. Personally, I understand completely. To be competitive AND profitable, you have to meet the customer's needs. I'm not aware of any company that manufactures a product solely for the intent of product purity, well perhaps Ferrari or its like, but you don't see them for sale at Wal-Mart!

Well put...I believe this will satisify all the curious...

 

[Thomas W]

One could say more so than any other entity, the big box retailer has altered the way knife manufacturing is currently being done, and sadly has forced many manufacturers to change the way they conduct business (count me in as one of the purists).

We have tried to combat this reality by investing into the factory here in Oregon, but many have no choice but to hand over their production to unknown plants in unknown places.

 

[SPXTrader]

Thomas, we know you're a purist...that's why you have agreements with Ken, Tim, Lee, RJ, and the others. I honestly believe that if you could get Ken to collaberate on a Taboo and sell that same knife at a street price of $ 199 and make a profit, you'd do it!

 

[DarrylS]

The ad stated AUS-6A which is fairly close and that Welk guy said it'll actually be in AUS-8 which is even closer (and with a larger array of alloys!).

I think it's very awesome that Kershaw is offering a follow-up to their non-Speedsafe Vapor series and is doing so with Speedsafe and a flipper, with AUS-8 instead of AUS-6, and with a lower price-tag (IIRC, the Vapor II retailed for $29.97 at Wal-Mart until those USA-made Vapor II knives took their place).

...I think that may be cause to pick up one or five o' those lil' OSO's as soon as they pop up. At the price of it there will be no reason not to have a Kershaw in every nook and cranny where it might be needed...I have been "thunderstruck" by that Speedsafe as well...:thumbup:

 

[offsetlover]

Thanks Thomas for clearing alot up for us. It is definatly appreciated, along with the rest that you do, be it here on the forums or at Kershaw where, as you said, you are busy with the SHOT show and the budget (which hopefully means more cool sharp pointy objects for us ). cant wait till she comes out. btw, Fearless Leader, what is the release date for the Oso?

 

[2brothers]

We know buddy.

Your good in my book because your favorite ride is a '69 Coronet R/T. USA Muscle :thumbup:
One of my bro's 69 Roadrunner is sweet.

mike

 

[Thomas W]

Thomas, we know you're a purist...that's why you have agreements with Ken, Tim, Lee, RJ, and the others. I honestly believe that if you could get Ken to collaberate on a Taboo and sell that same knife at a street price of $ 199 and make a profit, you'd do it!

Well it is unfortunate that all manufacturers can't just make the best knife they are capable of every time out, but we all know it just wouldn't add up at the end of the day.

Personally speaking, I'd have rather had the OSO made here, with a composite blade of 13C26 and ZDP-189, all wrapped up in Ti framelock with carbon fiber inlay's, quad carry, individually serialized with a nice display case, but maybe that's again just the purist in me coming out. It also defeats the purpose of this focused and specialized project.

 

[kneedeep]

Well it is unfortunate that all manufacturers can't just make the best knife they are capable of every time out, but we all know it just wouldn't add up at the end of the day.

Personally speaking, I'd have rather had the OSO made here, with a composite blade of 13C26 and ZDP-189, all wrapped up in Ti framelock with carbon fiber inlay's, quad carry, individually serialized with a nice display case, but maybe that's again just the purist in me coming out. It also defeats the purpose of this focused and specialized project.

I think I'd like your version of the OSO, but I could probably buy eight of the Walmart ones for what it would cost. On the other hand I have to wonder if there would be more profit from the eight inexpensive ones than the one boutique version. In any case, if the quality of the OSO is good I think Kershaw will benefit more from eight new customers, than one of us with the boutique knife.