Collaboration Thoughts

Wow.........I have just recovered from two weeks in Sunny Calif (and 90 MPH traffic) and just found this thread (actually someone told me about it) We are definitely planning the higher end (I wont say hi end because we are trying to make it as affordable as possible) with S30V for the blade and Titanium 6/4 for the handle and clip.

I think what EVERYONE would like to see is a more cost effective knife that still has an excellent blade steel, and in that vein I have been trying to get the idea of a 440C blade going on the less expensive version..........dont know how that is going to pan out but personally I believe that 440C "as heat treated by Paul Bos" is one of the excellent steels in the lower price range, and personally feel that it surpasses the likes of ATS 34 and 154CM. There are a few people who feel the same way about this particular steel, one being Ken Onion and the other Walter Brend. That is saying quite a bit right there. So thats my feelings, and have relayed them to the guys in charge of the project. I certainly appreciate all the positive feedback on this thread and would like to say thank you to all of you and especially to the Buck Family for taking me on board. Aloha, Tom :)
 
i concur with my buddy tom on this

as an owner of multiple mayo knives the only collaboration i would consider buying is one with higher end materials

440c is an excellent knife steel though and is underappreciated with the "knifeknut" crowd.

however, a reasonably priced mayo/buck could sell very well as the design is "eye-appealing" and would have a much broader market in a sub $50 knife than a $150-200 knife.

the success of the camillus edc in multiple price points is a good example.
 
oh... i also want a left handed version


mr. mayo, feverdoc and i are all lefties by the way!!! :p
 
Originally posted by tom mayo
I believe that 440C "as heat treated by Paul Bos" is one of the excellent steels in the lower price range, and personally feel that it surpasses the likes of ATS 34 and 154CM.
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Right on! Always hate it when folks give 440C a bad rap! It is an outstanding steel!!:D :D

Can't say enough how excited I am about this piece . . . with a 440C model in the pipes it may become my new fave "gift knife" too!:D :D
 
C.J., There have been a ton of good ideas put forth already but I think that you may want to consider this; Many people began their love affair with knives with a simple, inexpensive knife that they "just liked the looks of". After using it awhile they saw the need to step up to something a little better.
STAY TRUE TO THE BUCK TRADITION! Produce a quality knife made with good materials at a price within the reach of the general public, but stay true to the innovative design features and functions of the collaborator. To satisfy the purists, offer each newly introduced model in a "top end" limited edition variation available only by special order. That way you wouldn't have to gamble with an inventory of high dollar knives made with expensive materials. A true "Knife Nut" is used to waiting months or years for delivery of a special knife. You will also be creating a crop of new "must haves" for the hard core Buck (or collaborator's) collectors. You can accept special orders for a certain number of days following the release of a new collaboration, then do a special run of the amount ordered only. Number them. This will create some instantly rare versions and stimulate interest in collecting and using Buck knives.
Racer Roy


KNOWLEDGE THE IS NOT SHARED IS LOST.
 
Do both, the biggest cost for you is going to setting up the tooling. "Limited" high end production knives tend to sell in limited numbers. Most people who would spend $50 or less on a knife have never heard of Tom Mayo, and probably have no idea what goes into a handmade knife. My bet is the average guy will balk at a $200 knife, if that's his only option. BUT...if you offer two versions, and all of a sudden he realizes the "True Path"....HA, now another knifeknut! I remeber not too long ago when I quivered at the thought of a $200 knife, now I rarely look at it if it doesn't have premium steel, etc. But the keys are function and aesthetics, IMHO.
 
Originally posted by bandaidman
oh... i also want a left handed version


mr. mayo, feverdoc and i are all lefties by the way!!! :p
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yes PLEASE make a left handed version, or at least a reversible clip. I think making two models would be good, a aluminum handle 440c blade version and a ti handle s30v handle. if the cheaper one can be priced close to 100 and the higher end one close to 200 then it'd definitely be a seller
 
High end materials are a must! Either do it right or don't bother doing it at all.

Regards,

Tom Carey
 
Righty, lefty, I don't care. When are these puppies due to be available??:( :confused:


I gotta have one or ten:D .
 
Hi end is fine for me.
I have developed in what some people call a steel-snob.
The truth is I found out I can not buy all the knives and therefor have to make decisions. Over the years I bought what pleased my eye not knowing what's in it. Some where jst fine, others i take out and have to ask myself: "you had that much money to buy this pice of crap?" I do not want this to happen again. That's why I settled at high-end.

hope this helps

Greetings
red
 
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