Chris Reeve Official Site Images...

Marion David Poff · Dec 14, 2002

Chris or Anne,

I have a bit of constructive criticim that I would like to offer.

To put this in context, I like your knives, they are of very high value both in utility and in commercial value. And I am planning on getting a Yarborough/Green Beret Knife here in a couple days. In fact, my interest in it, highlighted the comments that I am making.

But, the images that you have for some of your knives do not rise to the level established by your product....

Compare the website image....

with the following images.....

by Jonny, a friend of carlchang....

KnifeArt

and True North Knives

Now, the Nkonka images are very good, and if that is the direction the website is headed, then I applaud that.

As to the images of the rest of the one-piece line.... They do your fine knives no justice....

Jocke · Dec 15, 2002

with the pic from Mr Reeve´s site. When
you shot at that distance and with all
that objects you can´t get them much better
with a digital camera.

I suppose Mr Reeve and his crew pay more
attention to their products and make them
as we like and the site is made to give you
some info about the products.

It´s not build up as the others dealer you
mention, they have often some unique models
in stock and then they need to show
how they looks.

So in my opinion it´s better we got
some great knifes instead some flashy
pics at Mr Reeve´s site.

))

Just my 2 cents.

Jocke

Buy a professional camera and your a professional
photographer, buy a flute and you own a flute.

carlchang · Dec 15, 2002

Dear Marion David Poff
I have to say one thing:
The two pics of Green Beret signed edition were taken by my friend, Jonny .And I posted it, not "Kevin Chau[?] "!
These two pics !

Marion David Poff · Dec 15, 2002

Carlchang,

My mistake, I apologize.

Please inform your friend that they are very fine images, and that I will probably by one in part due to his fine images....

I will modify the text above....

bruce · Dec 17, 2002

Can someone please explain what the issue is. MDP, you're probably sitting back saying, "why can't this guy see what I mean?" ...but it isn't obvious. If it's some kind of photography thing, I don't agree. All the shots show some aspect of the knife bettr than the others. Since I own one of these knives, I will say the first photo, the one you don't like, shows the handle better, they way it really is, than any other photo on the thread.

Besides, as a retired Army Officer, I like the "poncho liner" background and SF flashes much better than a non-descript dark surface. Most of the other photos are too dark for me.

Bruce Woodbury

rodmeister · Dec 17, 2002

At first glance I thought Marion was attempting to stir up controversy by criticizing CRK's photograpy. But after examining the photos, I tend to agree with him.

I had no intention of buying the Green Beret Knife (GBK) but examination of the pictures, expecially those by Jonny, convinced me I want one. I didn't like the busy, curvy lines of the GBK, as shown in the CRK photos, but Jonny's close-ups reveals the details: the non-slip texture, the ergonomic touches, and the extraordinary quality of the finish.

This supports Marion's thesis: that the CRK site pictures are not equal to CRK's knife-building standards. CRK's pictures failed to sell the GBK to me, but Jonny's pictures sold me completely. In fact, I'm lusting for the GBK!

BTW, I nominate Jonny to be CRK's official photographer, and Jocke as backup. I enjoy Jocke's pictures more, but he is more of an artist or impressionist, rather than a product photographer. Jocke's niche is originality and beauty rather than detailing.

Architect · Dec 17, 2002

Well Marion - I think it is very common for manufacturer web sites to be inferior to dealer/sales websites. Most manufacturers are in the business of distributing manufactured goods, not promoting retail sales.

Look at the websites of Spyderco, Benchmade, Kershaw, just to name a few. Most of them are pretty weak.

On the Spyderco website forum, this issue has come up many times, and Sal's only answer is, "were looking into it". In general, it is my understanding that by focusing attention for sales toward dealers, manufacturers help support the dealer network.

jki · Dec 17, 2002

I might have had misgivings about purchasing the knife if I had only seen the picture on the website. Having handled one at a knife show really convinced me to put my name on the list; the knife has simply superior ergonomics, fit, and finish. None of the photos above adequately show the ergonomic contours of the handle, which can only be seen if a photo is taken of the knife spine or edge on. A top view was posted in another thread on this forum. The handle features a significant palm swell on each side, and the butt end of the micarta sharply flares out, which is a very positive retention feature. None of the photos above is able to convey these features effectively.
I think that this is a fault in general of the Internet purveyors of knives; they fail to show some of the significant aspects of the knives. Most don't even show the backside of the knife, or the sheath, or the filework on the spine of the fancier specimens. In the case of natural handle materials, seeing the other side of the handle is at least a requirement, especially in handmade knives that cost hundreds of dollars.
That is why nothing can really replace going to a blade show and handling the knives in person. I once bought a knife from Bob Lum at a show; I had no intention of spending any money at his table until he handed me the knife I was looking at. Three seconds in my hand and I had to have it!
So I agree with MDP that photos could be a lot better. The GBK photo on CRK's website is strictly two-dimensional and nowhere near shows the quality or ergononics of this knife. Johnny's excellent photos at least are able to effectively convey the build quality and aesthetics better, but still do not show the handle countours. I suppose CRK will lose out on some sales because their website photo is not an effective sales tool, but then again I doubt that CRK really needs to market or sell their tools given their current production capacity, sales volume, and continuing backlog. In time, this knife will see wider distribution, and I predict that when people handle it, it will sell itself. This design beat out a hundred other competitors for the Special Forces contract award. It really is something special. It is on the cover of the March 2003 Tactical Knives issue, and the author (Chuck Karwan) states that "the Yarborough knife is, in my opinion, the single best combat knife in its size class ever adopted and issued by any military unit in history." All of you on the fence should definitely check it out!

SilverSeraph · Dec 17, 2002

Picture is worth a thousand words. I vote for better pictures.

Marion David Poff · Dec 17, 2002

I understand and appreciate all the perspectives that speak to a greater focus on making knives, rather than photographing them.

But, from a cosumer's perspective, and a picky consumer at that....

I read all about the Yarborough/Green Beret when it was first coming out, and I went right past it, based on that image.

Then, a couple days ago, I saw another image, which revealed a different perspective, so I searched for more images. Which led to the collection posted above.

The images make me want one, bad.

I have decided that it really has no place in my current accumulation, but, I still want it, really bad.

I want one because it is a well-designed and well-executed knife.

But, the website image does not reveal or even hint at it's greatness.

Architect- I believe I understand your comments in comparing Spyderco to Chris Reeve in regards to the imagery. And I agree with you, the Spyderco website images leave much to be desired.

But, I believe the comparison falls apart when you consider that Spyderco is stocked in any number of stores, all across America, where a potential customer can get their hands on one. Further, a purchase of a Spyderco is often times within the average mans discretionary purchase threshold.

A Chris Reeve is usually neither, thus increasing the value of the effective communication that a website can offer.

To end this on the proper note.....

I think that a Chris Reeve knife is a very fine knife.

carlchang · Dec 18, 2002

Marion David Poff

Please inform your friend that they are very fine images, and that I will probably by one in part due to his fine images

Really? He will be glad to hear that.
And I agree with you that the Green Beret is really a good knife.
With good pics, there will be more people like to buy it!

Danbo · Dec 18, 2002

It would only help Reeve knives to use better pictures. This is only common sense. The Reeve site pics are good, but the others are better and do a better job of convincing buyers.