Buck's new models

B

Brian Lavin

Joined
Oct 3, 1998
Messages
1,290
I have not been over to the Buck web-site for awhile, big mistake ! Really like the new stuff, especially the Big Sky and Cyclist models. Also, don't remember the name , but the multi-purpose knife/tool was also very interesting. Jeff, are these shipping now ?
Thanks.
 
Brian,

The Big Sky definately is as its in the same case as that monster #909 Custom Shop bowie at Scheels here in Rapid City. Didn't ask for the case to be unlocked so I could handle it. Its smaller than I thought... maybe 9" OAL or so, but definately looks like it can do a job
smile.gif
!

-=[Bob]=-
 
Brian,
The big Sky is rated at 8 1/4" overall with a 3 3/4 inch blade... Quite a comfortable knife and is shipping.. I think we've finished 500 or so...
There was 81 cyclists on shelf as of yesterday so we are in production also...
The new improved style Odysseys are starting to ship in the ATS-34 and 420HC models... The Carbon Fiber Odyssey first articles are here and we expect production pieces shortly. This version is sweet...

Jeff



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Jeff "Without data it's just another opinion" Hubbard
JeffH@buckknives.com
www.buckknives.com
Watch for Pete's Custom Knife Shoppe on www.buckknives.com


 
Jeff, What improvements on the Odysseys? I liked the ATS34 on the plain blade. I don't understand the decision to go to 420HC on it. Why stay with ATS34 on the serrated one and use inferior steel on the plain model? The sales were just starting to pick up on these things. They were a great value for the price. Now,I believe, the plain models will not do well at all. I certainly will not be able, in good concience, to tell customers that they are getting as good a knife in the plain model. I'm not sure I even want to carry them. The serrated ones sell well for me so I will probably just stay with them. In fact, I sold my last one in the store just yesterday. I have to restock.

As far as the Carbon Fiber models are concerned, I'm sure they will be pretty, but I don't see how the CF makes the knife worth twice as much as the Zytel model. I know Carbon Fiber is expensive, but it doesn't add that much to the value of the knife.

Not only doesn't it sell, it isn't that good to begin with. I know it's pretty, and strong for its weight, but after a little while in a pocket, it starts to fray around the edges and it gets scratched up. G10 is strong for its weight and it doesn't look all scratched and ragged after being in a pocket for a while. It's not as expensive either. CF does not make the 182CF worth twice the money as the 181FX.

I think someone in marketing needs to get out into the real world. I mean, if it was so great, why is Spyderco dumping their CF models? The stuff just doesn't sell at the prices that are being asked for it.

The way I figure it, if I stock 3 or 4 of the Carbon Fiber models, I will have, pretty much, a lifetime supply.



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Please excuse the crayon. They won't let us have anything sharp in here.
wrightknife@ixpres.com


 
Thanks Bob & Jeff, I'm going to start looking for the Big Sky and Cyclist asap.
So many knives, so little $
wink.gif
.

[This message has been edited by Brian Lavin (edited 06 May 1999).]
 
Dennis, Thanks for the Insights on your dealer's perspective..

The Odyssey series have gone through a traumatic change the last year, lets see If I can re-cap some of the changes.
The Odyssey started as a 2 model series...
1. ATS-34 with a plastic side and single liner (linerlock)This knife had a plasitc backbone
2. ATS-34 with G-10 and single liner (early protos were of Micarta. This knife had a steel backbone. (Only 2000 made)

Feedback on the G-10 was that it looked so much like the plastic, consumers were unsure of the value paying the difference in price.This is mostly what drove the decision to use CF and also CF seemed to be more mainstream.

Changes for 99 are this..
We now have three in the series (so far)
Major changes to the whole series include - Full steel backbone and double liners on all models. We found that by adding the second liner, the knife had better action and less handle flex that could contribute to lock failure. We also decided not to carry the 181 in serrated and not serrated both, just serrated.
1 - Model 186- designed as a price point for the consumer that likes the Odyssey series but needs to save money or doesn't care about specialty steel (mostly mass merchant type customers who shop by price.) This model has a full steel backbone and no blade chamfer. No serration helps acheive price point.
2 - Model 181 - ATS-34 steel serrated blade. Plastic handles. This model also has a steel backbone with two liners also. No blade chamfer.
3 - Model 182CF - Ats-34 with chamfer and serrations. Carbon Fiber scales and double liner with steel backbone. The switch from G-10 was based on feedback from reps and others.. As far as price differences, it all goes back to MFG costs and a standard formula. The carbon scales are about 4-5 times the price of the plastic scales.. I have noticed some scratching on my CF at the top where the knife sticks out on my pocket also.

The feed back you provided is most beneficial to us. I'll be giving your comments to our marketing group if you don't mind. CJ is active here, so he will see them also.

Jeff

------------------
Jeff "Without data it's just another opinion" Hubbard
JeffH@buckknives.com
www.buckknives.com
Watch for Pete's Custom Knife Shoppe on www.buckknives.com


 
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