How do blade-makers decide on the grinds used for a specific model?

[Mitchell Knives]

Makes sense to me that equipment constraints are a huge dependency for knife makers. I guess the real question is how they decide which knife models get use of which equipment? For example, why is the Manix 2 now a saber grind while the sage series is a FFG?

It's most likely a logistics and equipment allocation issue.

Changing the grind of a particular model would involve the retooling, setup, calibration and validation of a particular piece of equipment. That's assuming that the equipment is available in the first place.

Large companies also base these decisions on OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) models and Lean Six Sigma principles designed to maximize output and minimize downtime.

In reality, it's the same factors that drive any other manufacturing operation.

 

[cramsey3006]

Their core customers are still the common man.

+1 on this. For every knife lover like those of us on BF, I'd say there are 100 or more that fall under "the common man." Most knife users need something that cuts, period. They don't care about steel, grinds, edge bevel angles, and whatnot.