How bout the OD-2 !!!

Thomas said something about it a few weeks ago. Anyone else notice that the steel is 8cr14. Looks like this one might not be made in the USA.:grumpy:
I hope I am wrong.
 
presz said:
Thomas said something about it a few weeks ago. Anyone else notice that the steel is 8cr14. Looks like this one might not be made in the USA.:grumpy:
I hope I am wrong.
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:confused: :confused:

That's not what that Acrobat file shows, on either count.
 
I still have it open the OD-2 shows 8CR14 and the OD-1 shows 14C28N. I hope it is a miss print.
 
It also says Made in the USA

It seems strange to me that one model of the knife would be made here and the other overseas, but I guess it's possible.
 
extremelean said:
NOTE that it does not say where it is to be made.
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Due to the steel and the FRN scales I'd wager that this is another beginner's model for the big boxes. As for where it is made.....only Thomas can say.... so we wait.

Speaking of beginner's Kershaws, I did pick up an Oso Sweet today..... The onion not the Onion...LOL :D
 
spiralarchitect said:
Due to the steel and the FRN scales I'd wager that this is another beginner's model for the big boxes. As for where it is made.....only Thomas can say.... so we wait.

Speaking of beginner's Kershaws, I did pick up an Oso Sweet today..... The onion not the Onion...LOL :D
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Not until your post just now did it ever occur to me that "OSO Sweet" might be the name of an onion. Duh. :rolleyes:

Now I have to see if there's an onion called "PackRat." ;)
 
The OD-2 is indeed made in China.

I guess you all will want an explanation OD-1 (USA), OD-2(China)?

As you all know we are a quality volume US manufacturer, and there are not many of those left. The OD series was designed for big box business. Both blades were slated for China production, but through our talks with multiple big box buyers, they wanted the OD-1 produced here. So be it.

Buyers won't give the OD-2 a sniff at a MSRP of $59.95, but we did get placement at $29.95 MSRP. So be it. We changed up country of origin, construction, steel, handle material, to justify the price difference. I think it works.

I hope this makes sense, it's all about volume and moving units.
 
Thomas.....completely and 100% understandable!!
I will have one of each no matter what!!
As long as Kershaw stands behind it, I'm GOOD.
 
In retrospect, there have been pasts knives that we have done, that in my mind we're nice patterns, but were not successful on a sales front. Makes me wonder if we wouldn't have made them over seas that they would have had more mainstream success. The ENER-G's, Cyclones, Cent./Onion all come to mind.

Sure a lot of you on this board enjoy them, but not many else. What should I take from that?
 
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Thomas W said:
In retrospect, there have been pasts knives that we have done, that in my mind we're nice patterns, but were no successful on a sales front. Makes me wonder if we wouldn't have made them over seas that they would have had more mainstream success. The ENER-G's, Cyclones, Cent./Onion all come to mind.
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Quite possible. Never thought of it like that.
The 3 you listed all look good, function very well and had quite a few options.
Maybe a lower price point due to offshore manf might have helped.

Thomas W said:
Sure a lot of you on this board enjoy them, but not many else. What should I take from that?
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That we are superior and others don't know what they're talking about? :D

mike
 
I think the Cyclones would have been a huge success made overseas and priced for the big box stores. No "on/off" SpeedSafe tho. Wouldn't be cost efficient. There is an online dealer that is selling the MC's en masse at $ 35 shipped. The ENER-G's flipper system scared people I think. I dunno, I'm not 100% certain on this. I really don't understand why it or the Mini Mojo/Mojito didn't catch on better.

Speaking of the ENER-G, are there still thoughts being given to the satin hollow grind with the black G-10 slabs?

And Mike is correct...we are superior! :D
 
Thomas W said:
In retrospect, there have been pasts knives that we have done, that in my mind we're nice patterns, but were no successful on a sales front. Makes me wonder if we wouldn't have made them over seas that they would have had more mainstream success. The ENER-G's, Cyclones, Cent./Onion all come to mind.

Sure a lot of you on this board enjoy them, but not many else. What should I take from that?
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Interesting stuff, Thomas; appreciate your sharing things like this and giving us insights into the realities of the industry.

No question in my mind that knife enthusiasts have a very different perspective than does the rest of the knife-using public, including many who use knives a great deal in the course of their work, hobbies, or whatever. Perhaps it's just the fact that for us, the knife itself is of interest, apart from the work it can do. I've known a couple of makers of custom stringed instruments -- one a guitar maker and the other a violin maker -- and both had extraordinary sharpening skills and an appreciation of the specialized knives used in their work. But for them it was all just a means to an end.

An aside ... I'm particularly sorry to hear that the ENER-G's haven't found more interest. Over time I've really come to appreciate my ENER-G II, which is IMO a great design and a delight to use.

But I guess that's the nature of many businesses ... you just don't know what the market wants until you put it out there and see what happens. I like the fact that Kershaw is so willing to try out new ideas, designs and features: fun for us enthusiasts, and ultimately good for the company.
 
I'd like to think "Made in the USA" still carries a lot of weight for a lot of people. I know when I bought my first Kershaw, a Scallion at a Bass Pro Shop before I became a knife knut, that it was made in the US was a major factor in my decision.

Maybe it doesn't any more. Unfortunately, it's getting harder and harder to find products made here. It's practically a novelty when you do - "Huh, this [insert product name] is actually made in the USA, I wonder where?" Maybe people don't even consider where things are made anymore because they assume everything is made in China.
 
Dog of War said:
Interesting stuff, Thomas; appreciate your sharing things like this and giving us insights into the realities of the industry.

No question in my mind that knife enthusiasts have a very different perspective than does the rest of the knife-using public, including many who use knives a great deal in the course of their work, hobbies, or whatever
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The realities of the industry are something I've always kinda of smiled about when reading the perspectives of this board. What I've found is that most can't see past their own interests, wants, and desires, and to heck with the details. While I can appreciate finding what you want and what works best for you, in many cases that's not what is best for the manufacturer. In fact, it can even be bad for business. What I don't know is if anyone that fits into this category gives a hoot about anything but what they want?

I wish the OD-2 could be made here, but again, the reality is that it won't sell at the USA price point. Should I then not make it, or should we make it well in China and throw it out there for a price for everyone to enjoy? It's a question we deal with, and something you all should think about.

It is amazing to see the reaction on this board when their favorite knife gets discontinued. Strange how that happens isn't it?

The RAM is falling into this same category. It's the easiest and fastest flipper we have, yet sales are slow. If it was $39 MSRP and made in China would we not be having this conversation? You tell me what to do?


But I guess that's the nature of many businesses ... you just don't know what the market wants until you put it out there and see what happens. I like the fact that Kershaw is so willing to try out new ideas, designs and features: fun for us enthusiasts, and ultimately good for the company.
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Appreciate the thoughts, but doing new idea business today can be risky, as the rewards have to follow.

Brodie002 said:
I'd like to think "Made in the USA" still carries a lot of weight for a lot of people. I know when I bought my first Kershaw, a Scallion at a Bass Pro Shop before I became a knife knut, that it was made in the US was a major factor in my decision.
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Obviously we a very pro USA in our manufacturing, and it is good to hear from those that do purchase on Country of Origin. I will tell you this is also risky business, and sadly we find less and less that Made in the USA gets customers to reach for their wallet.

Hopefully that first paragraph didn't sound too harsh. :) Just thinking out loud today.
 
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My first post at BF.

I've found the steel used in Made in China knives to be all over the scale with regards to quality. I don't buy knives made there, because I want the knives I have to be what they say they are. I recently bought a ZDP Shallot. Had it been made in China, I would have passed. I'd have wondered if it really was what it said it was and wouldn't have been willing to take the chance. As it is, I'm thrilled with it and it was a bargain at the price.

I'm not the collector that a lot of guys are, but when you make a nice pattern with the good steel, I can't help but part with some $$$ to have one.
 
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