Inside Information

[Morrow]

I'm all for what results in the least amount of drama.

 

[oharal]

I also don't see much use in producing very small runs of a new knife that you can't make money on. The LE runs Tyrade, Volt, Tilt, Speedform, 0777 all had to be a huge drain of time and resources.

I'm reeeaaaal curious how you are so sure of all of this. You really think KAI manufactured knives they LOST money on?

 

[NeverMore1701]

I have no doubt some models are a net loss, but they produce a huge amount of interest in the brand.

 

[kornphlake]

I think KAI could be a bit more strategic with the timing of when information is released. Make an announcement and have the product hit shelves 3 weeks later and customers don't have much time to imagine what the knife should be before they have it in their hands. If the marketing game KAI plays is to create hype by announcing products that aren't yet available it means that when the product becomes available it has to live up to the hype. I think KAI does a good job of delivering the products that they promise, but there will always be backlash when the hype turns viral.

That said it's a vocal minority that have problems, I won't make a strong analogy because it will turn the thread into a polical debate, but I'll point out that there are millions of Americans (I can't speak for other parts of the world) who feel they deserve whatever they want and will complain about anybody or anything that keeps them from getting what they want. Meanwhile, the rest of us live in the real world. If keeping product information secret costs KAI a few customers, it's probably not a big deal, they're likely not the kind of customer KAI wants anyway.

 

[Ridgeback08]

Personally I would love as much information as KAI is willing to share. Surely they can't and shouldn't share everything, I get that, but their presence here on the forums and the information they share with the enthusiasts here is awesome!
-I definitely would be interested to know the total production number after a limited edition is fully released.
-Likewise I'd love an estimate of how many will be produced in a limited run (I totally understand an exact figure is impossible, but a rough estimate would be greatly appreciated to help determine how quickly we need to jump on some).
-Approximate release dates factor into that as well and would be awesome, or if that isn't possible even the order in which models will be run so I can make ready with funds when I know a model is slated to be produced (even a quarter of a certain year would help immensely in managing knife funds for us without unlimited resources).
-Last, any inside scoops on upcoming models are always awesome and keep the drool flowing! If it has to be held until products are ready to ship I totally understand, I just love the anticipation of an awesome new model coming out!

At the end of the day not everyone can get what they want, but I think the communication that has occurred recently is great and I hope the relationship between KAI and the enthusiasts here on the forums continues to grow stronger! Thanks KAI for all you do!

 

[jimw451]

How come all Manufacturer's don't share vital information? Do any of them?

Before it gets buried too deep, this is an excellent question. I personally don't keep up with any other brands the way I do with KAI, but I would be very interested to hear how far other companies go with the specifics of production and ETAs.

 

[roy06]

I'm all for what results in the least amount of drama.

Amen.

 

[presz]

It has been stated here before a few times that LEs are not a money maker.

I'm reeeaaaal curious how you are so sure of all of this. You really think KAI manufactured knives they LOST money on?

 

[PURPLEDC]

man, its such a catch 22. On one hand having that information shared makes the buyer feel closer to the company. You feel part of something. Its one thing to just buy things you like and its another to feel like your invested with those who make the stuff. Any time there is that sense of a relationship with two parties certain expectations rise from it and those expectations might not always be met.

I have no objections if this is a direction KAI wants to go in, but I do feel that people on the consumer side should be respectful at all times and choose their words carefully as well as their tone. I do think people should be able to voice there opinion even if its not a positive opinion. But it should be again worded properly. I believe that any feedback is good feedback as long as its respectful. But I also think that the mods and employees of KAI should all ready know that no matter how well the majority would follow the rules you are bound to get a rogue A-hole that is going to have a look at me episode. In those cases I would ask that employees of KAI understand that that person doesnt represent the opinion of the collective. Thick skin is nearly a requirement if you are going to work closely with the public.

So I would say if us consumers can agree to keep it civil even when facing a decision we dont agree with and if KAI can try not to get too offended when someone breaks from the herd and throws a tantrum then im all for it. I think in the past some people felt certain issues werent handled with finesse on both sides. When your dealing with media such as this where there is no showing of emotion but what the reader interprets tempers can flare rather quickly as people for some reason always assume the worst in another persons intentions. People just need to remind themselves of it and learn to brush it off.

 

[ShepardCC]

Personally I'm not looking for a bunch of information. Mainly I want to know when to within a week, a knife will be released so I can deposit enough money into my account to buy it. That's all really.

 

[RamZar]

It has been stated here before a few times that LEs are not a money maker.

Perhaps not directly but indirectly such technological and aesthetical showcases attract more people to your entire product line.

 

[Maybeso]

I'm all for what results in the least amount of drama.

:thumbup:

Indeed.

If info will be disseminated by KAI again at some point in the future, ball park figures should be fine for what I'm reading as reasons people would like to hear them.

 

[PURPLEDC]

But I also don't see much use in producing very small runs of a new knife that you can't make money on. The LE runs Tyrade, Volt, Tilt, Speedform, 0777 all had to be a huge drain of time and resources.

I dont know man, I doubt they would do limited additions if they werent profitable. Usually if your not going to sell quantity of something there is some padding in price to make up for units that wont be sold. When things like the 0777 have complications then i could see that eating into profits and bring you closer to breaking even. Now Im not saying they are gold mines but I think they bring people to the brand and keep people interested and buying the rest of the line. I think if they were to do away with limited editions they would lose some interest with collectors. Especially those who worry about serial numbers, production numbers and release dates. To be completely fair though, im not a huge fan of Limited edition knives. But my reasons are usually pretty selfish. I just dislike chasing knives and huntin preorder lists. But I often wonder If I would want certain knives as much as I do if they were plentiful. If I know I can pickup a certain knife any time with no worry of it being discontinued soon, i have less motivation to make it happen.

 

[stebolicious]

I'm all for what results in the least amount of drama.

We'll see how that turns out.

 

[KnottyEagle]

How come all Manufacturer's don't share vital information? Do any of them?

I don't follow other companies as nearly as much as I do KAI, but I haven't seen any of the other bigger companies share detailed information (production numbers, release dates, first look thread, etc.).

I agree 100% with what u said but believe its hard to balance that line and people will always be trying to tip toe it.......feel to not to have any problems at all it will have to be a one strike your out deal. Ive seen plenty of times where criticism has been taken as disrespect by Kershaw addicts like myself and it turned bad fast. People who love a product and the people they know behind the product don't want to hear any criticism they take it personal.....I don't agree with it and feel feedback is important like you do but ive seen it countless times on here. As much as id like to see people respect one another views and thoughts from what ive seen sadly I don't see that happening unless there is strong rules in place.

There's no doubt balancing that line is tough.

Before people come into say, a First Look thread, they need to know ahead of time that anything said hostile like will be received with backlash from long time lovers of KAI and will not be tolerated by the Mods. It shouldn't even have to be said in the first place, but I think the Mods need to make a point of it. I also think big-time KAI lovers need to try and stay away from the mob mentality and keep a civil conversation about the product in question. As long as criticism is constructive and well-worded, and the big-time KAI lovers don't get a mob mentality, than I think things will work out.

I'm reeeaaaal curious how you are so sure of all of this. You really think KAI manufactured knives they LOST money on?

I'm sure every company has produced knives they've lost money on. I know It's been said before, and maybe not directly, but KAI has lost money on knives.

 

[agile_1]

How come all Manufacturer's don't share vital information? Do any of them?

I think that some of the traditional folder manufacturers do - Case etc. share information on production runs, quantities etc.

You know, you just have to ignore the noise, and share information that will be good for business. How do you know what will be good for business?

Well that's the money question isn't it.

 

[RevDevil]

How come all Manufacturer's don't share vital information? Do any of them?

I cannot answer the first question, but a couple of manufacturers do provide some degree of information. Spyderco to be specific often does provide some data on total pieces in a run, Rc range information, and potential release time frames (not usually exact dates). In my mind, I know that things can will delay a project, be it because of scheduling, material shortages, equipment malfunctions, etc. some of the whiny posts are what ruin it for some of the forum goers I think. Most members here have a reasonable understanding, it's those without any clue that seem to get lambasted for not reading sticky'd threads and using common sense before submitting a thread. We would do well without so much speculation and "I heard from a dealer that sells under a bridge next to the swap meet that said..." Sort of notions.

 

[skyhorse]

How come all Manufacturer's don't share vital information?
Do any of them?

1) It's likely they want there knives to hit the market before the counterfeiters.
2) None that come to mind.To do so would greatly reduce the competitive edge and flexibility of any manufacturer.

 

[presz]

Even if they aren't losers they can't be big profit makers on their own 1000 units sold for $250 ea with lets be on the high side 20% profit. Probably more like 5%. That doesn't pay for the Shot Show booth, hotel and travel cost for the group for the week. They are a marketing product that we get to enjoy. The high volume products pay the bills. 100,000 Blurs sold for $7 profit each to Walmart pays the bills. I'm throwing out things think about. The LE don't make real $$ directly, but they do work as a great advertising tool.

I dont know man, I doubt they would do limited additions if they werent profitable. Usually if your not going to sell quantity of something there is some padding in price to make up for units that wont be sold. When things like the 0777 have complications then i could see that eating into profits and bring you closer to breaking even. Now Im not saying they are gold mines but I think they bring people to the brand and keep people interested and buying the rest of the line. I think if they were to do away with limited editions they would lose some interest with collectors. Especially those who worry about serial numbers, production numbers and release dates. To be completely fair though, im not a huge fan of Limited edition knives. But my reasons are usually pretty selfish. I just dislike chasing knives and huntin preorder lists. But I often wonder If I would want certain knives as much as I do if they were plentiful. If I know I can pickup a certain knife any time with no worry of it being discontinued soon, i have less motivation to make it happen.

 

[nwmetalbug]

As far as why they do LE runs first and foremost the people that work there are knife nuts themselves so they will do their best to bring us over the top,awesome products just because thats what they also enjoy. Just watch a couple of Marios videos to see how much they like building knives.