How bout the OD-2 !!!

[J_Curd]

You wont be disappointed with a Kershaw no matter where it's made. They have the highest QC I have seen to date.

 

[riffraff]

I love my little ENER-G. I like the flipper mechanism, and the blade geometry.

That said, I remember the first time I saw one...I didn't care for the geometrical designs in the G-10. And it wasn't so much the designs themselves, as it was the white edges that the machining left in the gray G-10. It looked...I dunno...unfinished, somehow. Obviously, I got over it.

But my point is that you never really know what's going to appeal to people, or what they'll be indifferent to, or, as in my case, what they'll be put off by.

I should mention I plan on picking up the bigger ENER-G (in black G-10 )

 

[SPXTrader]

Please allow me a little latitude in this reply...

The realities of the industry is 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.

The Kershaw fans here are used to being able to input their thoughts and suggestions freely, as it should be. We don't have the innermost working knowledge of what it takes to make just a minor change to a run, much less tooling up for something completely different. I'm not saying we should have detailed info, but I can see that common sense on our part should lead us to understand these issues. (Reader's Digest version: We are spoiled)

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 believe (at the least I hope) that we all are interested in seeing Kershaw, along with all other manufacturers, being successful and profitable. I personally do give a hoot about your success. This ensures my ability to buy your knives in the future.

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.

If it takes overseas production to meet the expectations of your biggest customers, the big box stores, and allow you to turn a profit then that is what you must do. Those that are pulling for Kershaw to continue to be successful will buy one or three, regardless of the origin. (Please see the Reader's Digest comment above)

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

An analogy that may or may not fit: I buy a new pair of sneakers once a year. It's agony. I know that the shoes I've come to know like old friends won't be there any more. It takes me hours to find a new pair that meets my wants. But inevitably, when I leave the store I'm not 100% certain that the pair I just bought will turn out as good as the older ones. After a month, they're every bit as enjoyable as my old pair, and I'm happy. (Reader's Digest version and comments: We are spoiled, change makes us nervous, and to help eliminate this, buy knives you like in multiples and start thinking outside the box)

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?

This is a dilemma to me. Like the ENER-Gs and the Mini Mojo/Mojitos before, the Ram is an incredible amount of knife for the money. I'm unsure here. The only WAG I can make is that these have been overshadowed by the AO's (realizing the MM's are AO, but how many that aren't familiar with Kershaw know this?).

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.

To the masses, probably. But if that is where you find profitability, then so be it. I know 80% of your production is USA, but to "big box" and their everyday shoppers it might not be an issue.

I'll continue to support Kershaw no matter the direction you take. I'll probably even continue to ask about knife variations that will never see the light of day. Let's face it: you and Kershaw have raised our expectations for years now. It's time we re-read your KAI 2009 post, this time with a little different view.

I hope I haven't stepped on your toes Thomas, or made any assumptions that are out of line. I just wanted to give you my take on this.

P.S. You know my two favorites are my ENER-G's and TIZDP Cyclones!

 

[firebert]

I like that there is still one OD model still made in the US. That way, consumers have a choice between American-made and a low price-point.

If I remember right, the term is "price discrimination". Having several similar products at different price-points allows consumers to purchase the one they can afford (or for the guys here, all of them). The result is higher volume (because of the cheaper option), while still providing higher-end products (with a higher profit margin).

The speed/spec bump is a good example. The basic model is quite reasonably priced and available to the casual user. The spec bump is designed for the serious user wanting better handle material and blade steel (at double the cost).

I don't mind seeing some production moved overseas as long as the quality stays appropriately high. It might get more people interested in new and interesting designs.

Just make sure to make us knuts high-quality, American models as well.

Phillip

 

[J_Curd]

The reality of global production is simple - if we want to have all the latest greatest toys, most of them will be made outside of the US. Cameras, video games, computers, GPS units, car stereos...if they were made in the USA, none of us could afford them. Welcome to a global economy. I don't try to fight it...I like the fact that my flat screens and digital cameras dont have an extra ZERO on the end of the price tag.

 

[dontshakepandas]

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?

Perhaps people don't realize that this knife is as fast as it is. They look at the Kershaw line and see all of the assisted openers and assume that they are faster. It could also have something to do with the location of the lock button. If they are used to an axis lock they may think it is too low, or not ambi enough (although it really is). Maybe updating to the RAM III would fix some of the problems, maybe not.

Either way, you have one of the most difficult jobs there is. Predicting what human beings will do is one of the hardest things to do in the universe. Even rocket science works off of the principles of physics which are unchanging, people change their minds every 2 seconds.

 

[DelrinFred]

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.

Some really good discussion going here. Couple of thoughts came to mind while I was reading this thread:
While there is obviously strong loyalty to the Kershaw brand, to some there is a conflict/misunderstanding between the brand and the place of manufacture. Customers need to be educated that the quality associated with the brand is distinct from the place of manufacture. For example, Sony has used their brand loyalty to sell both top of the line electronic equipment as well as lower priced lines for the Best Buys of the world. Nobody even asks where their TV's are made anymore.

Another thought is whether establishing a Custom Shop would be useful. Smith & Wesson has done this, as well as Crossman Ams. Take a look at Crossman's build your own gun approach. As far as I know these operations are profitable (or at least don't lose money), and go a long way toward providing custom features and building customer loyalty without requiring expensive special production runs.

 

[SPXTrader]

Two points DF. With KAI being the mothership of Kershaw, they have a good feel for Asian manufacture. This gives them a distinct advantage as far as maintaining QC. Kershaw still labels all of their Oregon made knives as Made In The USA.

As for the custom shop, I'd love to see it, but I know with the production running 24/7 at Tualatin, they're at capacity. This makes a custom shop impossible.