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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I can't wait to get this knife. It's gonna have to fill the void of me not being able to afford the 0561 lol
 
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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