Is it a good idea to buy the first production knives of a new design?

[generallobster]

I was wondering if other people try and stay away from buying knives that are new and untested by time. In general I feel uncomfortable getting the first pieces that come out of a factory because I think they may have flaws that could be fixed later in production. At the same time I can think of 3 specific instances where I wish I had bought early instead of waiting for the factory to change aspects of the product: Old model pinacle with sebenza sized lock, old nimravus with clip-on sheath, and older model leathermans before they moved to mass production for stores like Target and Walmart.

 

[Walt Welch]

I would unhesitatingly buy any new offering by Chris Reeve without concern for quality or undiscovered bugs. Walt

 

[Santi]

**** off topic, sorry ***
generallobster :- E-mail sent to you many times, but it bounced. Just to let you know that the blade is not here yet.

 

[Dirk]

Most of the time I would not buy a new design as soon as it is released. However, there have been a few exceptions recently.

Microtech LCC MA - I bought one as soon as I could and I don't have any regrets.

Spyderco Chinook - I desperatly wanted this knife since the first time I saw it. No regrets. Another great knife. There are some minor issues that will most likely be worked out as production continues. These don't amount to anything that would cause me to give up on the knife and wish i had waited.

Spyderco Gunting - Don't have one as of yet, but I am still trying.

Beyond those 3 recent releases, I do generally stay away from a new design until it has been out for a while.

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Win if can, lose if you must, but always cheat.

 

[Griffon]

Good question.
I'd say it depends on the maker, so the question can't be answered with "yes" or "no". I also like to think that every time I make a decision, good or bad, or read about others' experiences, I get better at judging design and quality, so the next time I feel more confident making an early choice. Not that I need or buy lots of knives, far from it!

(I don't agree with your Pinnacle view, the new one actually seems better to me.)

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Urban Fredriksson www.canit.se/%7Egriffon/
Latest updates:
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"I've always been fascinated by Scandinavian knives [...] they're simple, in an advanced way". - Bob Loveless

 

[Santi]

I don't think it's a good idea, I always play safe. . .though I just could NOT resist some knives sometime.

But normally, I would say no.

*** off topic *** SORRY ***
Allen:- I got your mail, I replied, it's bounced. I don't know why.
Anyway, the blade is here, I like it. Thank you.
I'd like to know, for future reference, . . .how long it took for clearing at Citibank? hours, days, . . .any problem?
Thanks.

 

[dePaul]

I have to agree with Griffon. Most of the times, you will get a knife that features more than the latter production knives. I just came back home from a journey to Prague and with me I have a Buck Strider, 1st production run. Well, the knives features a BG42 tanto shaped blade (plain edge), heat treated by Paul Bos, Carbon Fibre scales, Titanium liners, Titanium clip and Titanium coating.
There are 500 of those knives. The later production will feature a ATS 34 blade. This single matter makes all the difference for me

 

[anthony cheeseboro]

I think that if i want a working knife I'll get an established model because I know the bigs will be worked out. If it's just a collecting piece, a first production or pre-production run is more distinctive.