Any updates planned?

H

huugh

Joined
Jul 16, 2005
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Are those just similar designs with no Kershaw connection, Japan-only runs done by manufacturer (something like Spyderco's Japan-only titanium Delica etc.), or a promise of things to come?

Kershaw, AUS8, $150
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Hattori, VG-10, $320
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Kershaw, AUS-6 $70 (MSRP)
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Moki, AUS-8, $103 (MSRP)
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Thomas W said:
Hi Huugh,

I seemed to remember another thread that had some good info on this subject.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=410674&highlight=kershaw

As with everyone in Japan, we utilize the talents of Hattori, Moki, G. Sakai, and others.
Click to expand...

I'll try to ask my question in other words, hopefully it will make more sense this time: these makers are producing defacto the same knives (under their own brands) with different blade steels than what is used for Kershaw models.
Is there planned a change in Kershaw's specifications for the producers to switch to different steel (as I understand it, these small factories are using only minority of their production capacity for their own brand knives, so e.g. the "same" models with different steels might act as a kind of prototype for "mass" production) or are the said knives completely independent activity of the makers (so there will not be any changes to Kershaw-branded products (hence the thread title))?
 
Ahh, sorry for the misunderstanding Huugh.

There are no plans as of today to change any of the materials on the Kershaw side. Most of these crossover models have been in our line-up for many decades, are not volume movers, and I just can't see any tweaks at this time.

I truth, none of the Japanese manufacturer's that are left have much ability for volume. I'd suspect in the next few years anything we have produced by Hattori will go away. Add the cost (MSRP) of a quality knife, and I just don't believe the future of knives is bright in Japan.

I believe those that have had the chance to carry a quality knife done up in Japan know their stellar capabilities, it's just that a very small percentage of buyers will belly up to pay for them these days.

For the sporting side of our business, knives made in Japan adds up to a very small percentage of sales. Now on the kitchen side...thats a whole different story:D

Hope that answers your question(s).
 
Thomas,

With what you just said and are predicting will happen with Japanese made knives, how was Kershaw able to give their customers such a KILLER DEAL:thumbup: on the Japanese made Lahar? I rack my brain every time I pick up my Lahar trying to figure out exactly how you guys were able to offer such a solid folder, with such fantastic materials (VG-10, G10, thick SS liners) for such a LOW price!

When I look at a knife like my Lahar and then look at a knife like my Al Mar SERE 2K, compare the materials (same), the place of manufacture (same), and then compare the price (HUGE difference), I come away baffled!:confused:

I thought, specifically because of the Lahar, that we might begin to see more, very afordable, Japanese made Kershaws, not less.

Thank you,
3G
 
I don't really have an answer for you on the Lahar 3G. I suppose we could raise the price.;)

I really honestly feel that Japan is to capacity, or close to it, with regards to sporting cutlery. I don't see many new projects, at least from us, made in Japan from here on out.

We do like the steel made in Japan though, so I would look to see more of that focus in the future.

I think what you all need to realize is that the quality that comes out of Japan is expensive. It's incredible stuff, just pricey. Here in the US, it's difficult, if not impossible, to get any serious placement that tuns into true volume at those kinds of price points. The truth is, how many $100+ pocket knives can one really sell? The answer big volume picture...not that many.

Here on BF's it's a different mentality, because we're mostly all knife folk that appreciate the finer cutlery on the market, but let's not fool ourselves into thinking that the upper end sporting cutlery market adds up to any real volume. In terms of sales, turns, capacity, etc...the perspective around BF's is a bit "off" IMHO. One's price points will tell everyone all there is to know about where a manufacturer is size wise. I could continue strong here, but it's best that I stop as it may cause some hard feelings.

The separation between a volume manufacturer and a specialty manufacturer is vast IMO. Kai USA is a volume moving company, and to get back to the original subject, that's why you won't see much in terms of future Kershaw Knives made in Japan. Now this is not to say that you won't see a specialty project or two similar to the Lahar, but that's where it will end.
 
Thomas, I rmember in the 70s and early 80s most knives from Japan were the low end models. Time has changed alot ! The 2420, 2425, 2410 liner actions and the Seagal knives were all top quailty knives. I have Carried a 2420 liner action as a EDC for 12+ years and it has held up very well....
 
Thanks for taking the time to explain all of that to me. As far as the Lahar goes, I don't think anybody'd be real happy with me if you were to raise the price because I mentioned what a killer deal it was.;)

Thanks and Regards,
3G
 
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