Idaho Made Poll (Proper)

[Professor]

Just a vision, but my vision included CRK-spec'd balisongs and multi-tools, and a new one-piece line made of chocolate.



Professor.

 

[teacher]

Just a vision, but my vision included CRK-spec'd balisongs and multi-tools, and a new one-piece line made of chocolate.



Professor.

I think you are on to something..... :thumbup:
I am especially interested in the "one-piece line" you speak of. I am ready to pre-order now.....

 

[JediKnight86]

Looks integrated on the Startac, looks like an afterthought on the Sebenza. I can't imagine how ugly it's going to be if they manage to fit it onto a Mnandi.

I'd really like to know what is the "good reason"? I think the mark makes the knives yell, "Look at me look at me I'm MANUFACTURED IN THE USA." When before it was "are you sure this isn't custom?" It's like CRK is trying to prove something all of a sudden.

Any bets on how long it takes the Chinese knock-off's to add it? I say 6 months.

 

[shunsui]

Thank you for all your sometimes passionate oppinions.But I can not please everybody all of the time. It is there for a reason that is important and is not going away.So calm down and be happy.

Don't like the big version, probably wouldn't buy one, but I feel a person gets to run their company any way they want.

Thanks for the response. :thumbup:

 

[Chris Reeve]

I apologize if I offended anyone – that was not my intent.

Chris Reeve Knives is, and always has been, a different company. When I introduced the Sebenza in 1988 while we were still in South Africa, I was told by some people that the mechanism was great but the knife was ugly. But it broke new ground; we have won many awards because it grew on people and more and more people liked it.

I am the one who is responsible for the wording and the placement. I did it to be different and to be noticeable because (1) I am proud that our knives are made, not only in the United States but in the beautiful State of Idaho and (2) we are one of the few knife companies left that are completely USA made, and with US materials.

We have produced a couple hundred handles in various models that need to be assembled and sold. Suggestions of where “Idaho Made” should be positioned will be considered. It is important that this should be engraved to safeguard the integrity of your knives going forward. There are many Chinese knockoffs, the quality of which is improving all the time.

We appreciate your interest in our knives but you must realize that we are human too!

Chris

 

[TAH]

Mr. Reeve,

If "Idaho Made" needs to be on the knife, I suggest that it is stamped on the inside of one of the scales. This seems to be a reasonable compromise for both you and your customers.

Also, I don't believe the stamp will safeguard the integrity of the knives from Chinese knockoffs. They are already using your logo. I doubt they will hesitate to use "Idaho Made".

 

[CAD]

First choice.......inside of a scale.
Second choice...on the pocket clip.

Thanks for responding to this thread!!

Chris D.

 

[BBQ BOY]

Great response Mr. Reeve. I totally understand where you are coming from. I am proud to be a CRK owner because it is obvious that you take pride in your company.
I am ok with Idaho Made but like most I think the placement is not liked. My suggestion would be to place it on the lock bar maybe.

 

[Professor]

How about a considerately-done suggestion poll for Mr. Reeve as to where you would prefer the "Idaho Made" stamp should go, since it's here to stay? Sounds to me like he very much listens to our feedback, and is considering our suggestions for its location.

-lockbar?
-inside of lockbar slab?
-inside of non-locking slab?
-location as-is?
-your ideas?
-pocket clip?
-under the pocket clip?

Just a thought.

Professor.

 

[JNewell]

I understand where people are coming from...but I don't recall a firestorm when the Classic was introduced...I may be just senile. I don't know if it addresses the needs, but I liked the suggestion for the Idaho-shaped mark. I have bought several Buck knifes in part because I have found knives I was interested in that had the 2006 (I think it was) ID stamp celebrating their move from CA (boo) to ID (yay).

 

[shooter81]

Mr. Reeve,
First off thank you for responding to us. I know that its greatly appreciate by all. I think your biggest problem is you are a victim of your own success. You have single handedly designed a knife that to many of us is an absolutely perfect cutting tool. We save our money, go to shows, and sometimes search for months to own one of your creations. Either rightly or wrongly when you invest so much of your time and money in a product, and then carry and use them everyday for years you really bond with and grow to love that certain item, and you kind of come to feel a level of ownership.(not saying its right, just saying it's the way many of us feel) Also the wonderful costumer service and people you have working for you, it all adds to the great passion your company generates from your customers. We have a level of loyalty to your knives that I don't believe any other maker can claim, so when changes are made it isn't just an oh well, I'll find another knife moment, it's serious. We feel as though something we have so much vested interest in is changing and sometimes that's hard. With this Idaho engraving for example, I don't think anyone said they were finished with you or your wonderful knives, many of us just decided we would have to buy the older ones off the secondary market until the design was changed. We still wouldn't carry anything else, we just didn't want to carry those particular ones. I know I personally don't have anything against Idaho, and the fact that y'all are American made is outstanding. It is one of the many reason I buy your knives. In this day and age it fills my heart with pride knowing that one of the finest knives ever produced is made right here in the USA. In fact I think if you put USA made or USA inside the Idaho state in a little less obvious location as many people have suggested there wouldn't have been any outcry at all. It is of course completely your decision and your company. This is America and you have the right to do things anyway you see fit, I just thought that you might be interested in why some of us reacted the way we did and why we started the poll. I know that I in no way speak for everyone who voted, this is just the way one man sees it. No disrespect was meant to you personally.

 

[Peter Hartwig]

Thanks Chris for the response. I am glad you are trying to address this problem. I have no problem with Idaho Made-actually like the play on made in USA. The problem is in placement and look. If you could work it into a better blend with the knife, I think the problem ends(you did a much better job on the Star-Benza).
That original plain/ ugly Sebenza developed into a almost cult like following and has come back to bite you. I can't buy your knife in it's present form, so I hope this can be figured out. Regardless-best to you, your family and workers.

 

[Josh K]

Mr. Reeve,
First off thank you for responding to us. I know that its greatly appreciate by all. I think your biggest problem is you are a victim of your own success. You have single handedly designed a knife that to many of us is an absolutely perfect cutting tool. We save our money, go to shows, and sometimes search for months to own one of your creations. Either rightly or wrongly when you invest so much of your time and money in a product, and then carry and use them everyday for years you really bond with and grow to love that certain item, and you kind of come to feel a level of ownership.(not saying its right, just saying it's the way many of us feel) Also the wonderful costumer service and people you have working for you, it all adds to the great passion your company generates from your customers. We have a level of loyalty to your knives that I don't believe any other maker can claim, so when changes are made it isn't just an oh well, I'll find another knife moment, it's serious. We feel as though something we have so much vested interest in is changing and sometimes that's hard. With this Idaho engraving for example, I don't think anyone said they were finished with you or your wonderful knives, many of us just decided we would have to buy the older ones off the secondary market until the design was changed. We still wouldn't carry anything else, we just didn't want to carry those particular ones. I know I personally don't have anything against Idaho, and the fact that y'all are American made is outstanding. It is one of the many reason I buy your knives. In this day and age it fills my heart with pride knowing that one of the finest knives ever produced is made right here in the USA. In fact I think if you put USA made or USA inside the Idaho state in a little less obvious location as many people have suggested there wouldn't have been any outcry at all. It is of course completely your decision and your company. This is America and you have the right to do things anyway you see fit, I just thought that you might be interested in why some of us reacted the way we did and why we started the poll. I know that I in no way speak for everyone who voted, this is just the way one man sees it. No disrespect was meant to you personally.

Seven people privately and one publicly have stated just that.

 

[BBQ BOY]

I think I am going to have to buy one now. It will be a good conversation piece one day.
On the suggestion of having Idaho Made placed on the locker. I think that is a bad idea since that can easily be taken off or manipulated if counterfeits are a problem.

 

[akubra]

Thanks for the response, Mr.Reeve!

Here are my 2 cents on the issue : as a couple of other members have noted, the "Idaho Made" looks pretty cool on the Startec Umnumzaan, as it looks subtle and blends in well. On the Sebenza, however, I just don`t like that it`s "upside down", and also dislike the placement and the size of the stamp.

I don`t think that it would keep me from buying another Sebenza (I actually prefer the Classic`s to the all "clean" Sebenza`s!), yet I`d prefer the stamp to be a little more subtle and in a different spot. Maybe near the top edge of the lockbar side, where once the "C-l-a-s" of the Classic model was placed, or perhaps on the spine on the front of the knife?! Putting it inside the handles would pretty much defeat the purpose in my eyes, as a lot of folkes might not even notice that it is there.

I also like the idea of an Idaho shaped mark, and have always wondered why CRK`s don`t sport serial #`s anymore. I`d be totally up for individually numbered knives.......... .

Anyway. Long story short-I`m all for the "Idaho Made" stamp, but would just wish that it would get a makeover.

 

[cc33777]

I'm guessing this won't last long, and eventually the "Idaho Made" stamp will be moved/shrunk/changed. I'm all for being proud of where the work and manufacturing is being done, but it shouldn't detract from the otherwise beautiful and simple look of the knife.

Maybe someday these "Idaho Maidens" will be collectors items.

 

[akubra]

I'm guessing this won't last long, and eventually the "Idaho Made" stamp will be moved/shrunk/changed. I'm all for being proud of where the work and manufacturing is being done, but it shouldn't detract from the otherwise beautiful and simple look of the knife.

Maybe someday these "Idaho Maidens" will be collectors items.

Should the stamp/location get changed, I am totally sure that this is what will happen. And then even some of those who cried out loud, and stated that they would never buy one of them, will be after them........ .

 

[shooter81]

Seven people privately and one publicly have stated just that.

My mistake, 8 people out of 232 are done with you Mr. Reeve.
I think my point was understood by most people.

 

[bruleront]

Agreed, akubra. I think positioning the stamp similar to the Classic is a great idea.

Perhaps like this: "Idaho" in a semi-circle above the pivot (where "Classic" is/was) and "Made", in a straight line, below it (in the "MM" position). I don't know if it would fit, but I've been wanting the Classic style engraving back in some form. Really compliments the overall design, IMO.

EDIT: Reply to post #95.

 

[law1173]

I am free to spend my money how I like, as we all are. I may prefer a knife without the markings but admire the form and function of the knife no matter what; and that is why I already put my name in for a 2011 annual.

And if it were to be a temporary thing, people will one day probably say they are "special" and worth more...