Echelon

Love it, Thomas! I am totally behind the idea of a similar family of knives. It might be a bit premature, considering I have yet to hold one in hand, but I love the envelope-pushing design. I hope you go ahead with the black and green non-translucent handles that we're shown in the first-look thread, maybe as limited, sprint run type of thing at first? And then, if successful, I would love to see more similar designs in the same vein. It's a beautiful design, strange, sure, & not for everyone, but I think it will sell well. I'm in for 2 at least!
 
osodavis,

Interesting back story on the Echelon. Jim MacNair (the designer), had contacted me a couple of times over a 24 month looking for a design position. Unfotunately there was nothing available. At the OR show Jim was in town, and had asked for a pass so to show us his portfolio. I agreed, and we met. Going through his work, he brought out sketch's of what is now the Echelon. I felt we should hire him over his overall skill set, but was moved by the Echelon. An interview at the factory confirmed the relationship, and a position was created.

We have a lot of variations spawning from the Echelon...We'll have to see where it goes.
 
Usually Kershaw's knives go for 55-65% of MSRP. So we can assume that the Piston will be about $55 and the Echelon will be about $60.

They are some BEAUTIFUL knives. :D
 
Just got another email saying they are still on back-order. I want this knife really badly.
 
I saw one at Blade 2011, tried to buy it, found out they were not selling knives at the show, tried to find one at a dealer, found out they were not in production, have made numerous inquires, was told they would be out "sometime early this year". It is the only thing I have seen that could replace my Leek as an EDC. The line falls behind me girls. :p
For those of you who haven't seen or held one, they are as nice as they look. If you like speedsafe you'll be impressed.
 
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I was lucky enough to handle the Echelon at SHOT last week. I generally go for bigger folders (3.5" or larger blade) because I find them to be more comfortable and secure in the hand. However, after handling the Echelon, I came away very impressed by its ergonomics despite it being smaller and lighter than what I typically prefer. Combine that with its very cool looks, distinctive but also useful blade shape, and quality materials, and I think this one is going to be a winner. :thumbup:
 
Reminds me of the Strider baby huey......am i right?

PsgFn.jpg
 
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Echelon (and Cryos!) Content from Going Gear's stop by Kershaw's SHOT booth!

[video=youtube;pzqRWOfMENI]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzqRWOfMENI&feature=youtube_gdata_player[/video]
 
GenKraid said:
Echelon (and Cryos!) Content from Going Gear's stop by Kershaw's SHOT booth!

[video=youtube;pzqRWOfMENI]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzqRWOfMENI&feature=youtube_gdata_player[/video]
Click to expand...

Wonder why there is no Piston's in that video?
 
So from the video the Echelon is going to have G10 that's not dyed? If that's the case i wonder if it will take Ritt dye easily. I can see multiple purchases :)
 
They have run an ad for the Echelon on page 35 of the April 2012 issue of Blade magazine.

Also on page 29 of the February/March 2012 issue of Knives Illustrated.

So, I would think that it should be available soon.
 
I have a transaction from Knifecenter.com that is in the amount that the Echelon cost me. Have not heard from them, but if they are charging me I better be seeing a knife soon!
 
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