Custom makers/Production Collaborations?

K

knifenerd

Joined
Dec 27, 2000
Messages
2,550
We've all seen the proliferation of custom makers and production companies recently. They seem to be,if anything, on the increase.

Why is this? Who benefits the most? As the ultimate consumer, I think we all can agree that we certainly have alot to gain.

Is this a form of free advertising for the custom makers? Or a way for the manufacturer to enhance it's image? IMHO, everybody benefits from this.

As a brief example, I recently picked up a CRKT Point Guard. I've also handled the real thing. After playing with the CRKT, I now have pretty much decided to go with the "real deal". Pat Crawford will be the beneficiary. Probably Darrel Ralph as well, as a result of his collaborations.

Any other thoughts?

Dick

[This message has been edited by knifenerd (edited 03-18-2001).]
 
Good evening. This is just my opinion on the Custom knife/production knife collaborations.
Everyone wins in these collaborations, the custom maker gets his name and designs out into the mainstream knife buying public. The production knife companies reduce costs since the don't have to dream up new designs and take them from conception to production, they only need to find a way to mass produce a custom design. That has to save them some money. The custom maker also wins by either selling his design to the company or earns royalties, also some people will like a design enough to get the real thing from the custom knife maker. The consumer wins because the can get a custom knife design at production prices. They then will know if they want the real thing without spending the money for a custom. Of course this is only my opinion and your mileage may vary.
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A Pat on the Back is only a few inches from a Kick in the Butt.
 
Easyrider,
That is a pretty good explanation of how it all works for both us makers and the manufacturers.
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Thank you Kit for confirming my theory. I suspected that was how the collaborations worked. They really are a good thing for everyone involved.
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A Pat on the Back is only a few inches from a Kick in the Butt.
 
I agree that these collaborations are great for everyone involved. Personally, I am not in an area where customs are readily available. These knives give me a chance to see designs by the makers and if I like them follow up from there. This has led me to some new customs that I would have never otherwise considered.

Life is good.............
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Greg

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Always do right....this will gratify some and astonish the rest.
Mark Twain
 
ER Great Explaination!

Just wanted to add from a couple of friends who expressed that the collaborations have taught them quite a bit about the business aspects of their knifemaking and have helped them become more efficient. The factories have also benefited at times from information from the maker in improvements in fit an finish and the use of new materials.

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" The real art of living is to keep alive the longing in human beings to become greater versions of themselves." Laurens Van der Post in memory of James Mattis
 
Well, it gets people's designs out there. often, people will buy the collaboration and then the custom. it benefits the custom maker and the companies. I have a friend who is doing some collabs with a company and i asked him about it, and he said it lets his designs and name get out there, and if people like the design, they often want one of the "real deals". And it gives a person a chance to have a nice design and good quality w/o the wait and higher prices. Best example I can think of is Lightfoot's LCC and the MT collab. MT's LCC is incredible, much less expensive and no waiting time if they have it in stock.
 
Easy
Good explanation~

These collabs also bring the knife industry up to date with whats going on now in the knife world. 5-8 years ago factorys were behind the times as for design styles. They had the means to build knives but the designs were 50-60's styles. Its good to see the newer styles and blade to handle ratio ect that have improved performance.



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Web Site At www.darrelralph.com
MADD MAXX !
 
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