- Joined
- Jan 12, 2009
- Messages
- 3,198
Sorry if that sounded a bit snippy. I have been reading a lot on the forum catching up on things, and it is MORE than apparent that there is no tolerance for any type of dissension, or even a question about the integrity of certain knives or their manufacturers.
Some of these guys.... they take a small notice of a defect as a direct challenge to their own personal integrity. There are some rough customers in some areas of this forum, and they don't like to hear anything bad about their chosen products.
I understand enthusiasm for a good product, but I also like to call 'em as I see 'em without being attacked on a personal level.
That certainly hasn't happened here on this subforum, so my comment may be out of place. :foot:
You are right about the "fanboy quotient" here on this subforum. Personally, I really like the polite, considered responses I see to almost every post. Folks here seem pretty pleasant!
As far as the knifes getting out the door that shouldn't, it is sad that CASE had the deal under control with their QC and somewhere it got away from them. Like I said earlier, I would never have doubted the quality of F/F of an earlier CASE, but now, it seems like all the knives go out the door and the chips fall where they will.
In a most embarrassing comparison, for the gun/knife show guys, they were showing their wares and we were comparing the knife I had in my pocket (OK... I took it there to tease my favorite dealer... I admit it) to the knives on his table. I pulled out my Remington Stockman for him to admire. He was really surprised at the near perfect fit and finish, as it was MUCH better than most of the knives (Queen, Bulldog, Carl Schleiper, and Boker and one or two GECs)
He loved the walk and talk. Loved the feel of the knife and noticed that not only had it been sharpened with even grinds at the factory, they had buffed the edge as well. Mighty sharp, and all three blades pulled the same. He noted that the backsprings and liners all fit to the point where you had to use a bright light to see the differences in them. The more he handled it, the more he liked it.
What a great knife, he said and handed it back. But then, what do you expect for $150?? A great knife! He informed me that he couldn't sell a $150 pocket folder at the shows as the folks just won't pay it.
I had to tell him, no, it isn't that classic Remington knife. Not even close. This was purchased at Academy Outdoors for about $12. It doesn't have China printed on it anywhere since it was all over the package, gift tin, and back label.
Like me, he was unsure of whether to be impressed with the quality of a $12 knife, or unhappy with the F/F of his $65 American made products. This subject is sensitive just about everywhere, so we were both careful. We are friends, so we took a decidedly philosophical note and then let it drop. The point was made to him though. If the Chinese ever start using really good steels, (although this is reported to be AUS6 testing out at 57 on the Rockwell - plenty for me!) the American knife makers will be in for a rough ride.
I wanted to hate this Remington, and looked hard for flaws. It isn't perfect by any means, but it is still much better than a lot of knives out there. Even though it was a gift from a favorite family member, I wanted to hate it because it was cheap and it was from China. Well... I can't. This particular specimen is that good.
I want to buy American, and will certainly pay more for it. But I will not pay SIX TIMES as much to get less product of anything. But if the quality is as good or better at 1/6 the price.... I'm not made of stone.
Yeah... I just got my second Queen knife. It is pretty enough to hold in your hand and just look at it. But the first one went back as it was deficient in just about all departments. One of the scale pins stuck up about 3/32" from the scale. Since it had been nipped, it was pretty sharp, but caught on everything in my pocket. One blade opened easily, and the other was a tug of war. It went back to the dealer.
Even this second try (Queen Barlow with the wharncliff blade), the blades are so stiff that you need to open it to the half stop, then change your grip, and grasping the blade itself finish the opening procedure.
You cannot open this knife with the nail nicks alone. I broke my thumbnail three times with this thing in the last two months. I like it and I will keep it, but it is too slow and hard to open to make a good pocket work knife. Too bad. For $65 you expect a little more... it is an EDC only when I am knocking around in jeans, not at work (construction).
It doesn't diminish my love for these knives, it just makes me a much more cautious buyer.
Robert
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I would be in there all the time.
