Kai USA 2009

Thomas,

What a really great post. That post inspired me. It inspired me to be more of an optimist and not so much of a pessimist.

Over the last 2 years I have really grown to like your knives. I also greatly appreciate (and still do) the items you sent me in the past.

I just wanted to say thanks very much for sharing that information. This year any money I spend will be on Kershaw products or ZT products. It's not that I don't like the other companies out there it's just that I'm bored with their offerings and you guys have a lot of cool stuff right now.

My knife purchasing has gone down to about 1 knife every 2-3 months, so instead of buying 12+ knives this year I'll be buying 4-6 knives. That's cool with me. Heck I'm glad I can afford anything. I'm thankful that I already have a great selection of knives.

Thanks again Thomas! Seriously, I appreciate it.

:thumbup:
 
This sounds a little scary to me. I hope all is well at KAI. I will always buy Kershaw first, for all the reasons we all buy Kershaw's. I hope the change is a good thing for us all. Just keep production of Kershaw (the majority of it) here in the USA. Any other change I can cope with.
 
1. I have no problems with Thomas, Kai, or anyone in this forum. I like you folks. REALLY!

2. I do have a problem with everyone blindly following each positive statement with another positive statement. Without thought, without reason. If you say something positive about Kershaw you’re in the club. Opposing views will not be tolerated. This is evident by the hundreds of threads in this forum.

3. What I read was bad news to the Kershaw faithful (me included). Wrapped in a pretty bow to make you feel good. Mixed in with doom and gloom. Followed by Change, Courage and Challenge for the future. It seems to me a way of softening the blow. When it arrives.

4. It struck me funny that the last time I heard something like that (outside of a political speech) was followed by, BUDDY UP AND GEAR UP! Look guys, It’s bad out there for all of us. If we don’t laugh we cry.

5. The choice is yours. Think for yourselves. Or have someone else do it for you. Follow the crowd, faceless in their masses. Or speak your mind and stand alone if you must.

In peace, goodwill and respect for you all. I leave this thread as to not upset anyone further.
 
i don't think you are upsetting anyone desert. i think we took thomas' statements as facing the harsh reality of this economy and what kershaw was preparing to due to stave off financial hardship during these tough times. we here have simply banded together and rallied around a man we have much respect for (thomas) and his willingness to give us the messages without sugar coating. i personally have a lot of respect for the fact that he is not trying to shine us on into believing that kershaw will weather the coming storm unscathed and that by allowing us to know the truth and their plans for the future; me and my fellow forumites will be all the more inclined to support our favorite knife company in the future.

please don't think opposing opinions are unwelcome in our sub-forum, we just ask that as we attempt to share our own opinions in a respectful manner and with decorum that those who do not share our views and wish to express them due so with the same manner of respect and decorum to us, the moderators and kershaw.

thank you.

Matt
 
Desert Heat said:
In peace, goodwill and respect for you all. I leave this thread as to not upset anyone further.
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I think this is the best idea, and nothing more needs to be said regarding your opinions on the matter. If you feel the need for further discussion on the issue, please start your own thread so as to not detract from the point of the original message.

I had every intention to not reply to Thomas's insightful and heartfelt commentary on the company we love and the knife industry in general. I believe it is self-explanatory as to why no reply was necessary. However, after additional posted comments I feel compelled to say what's on my mind regarding this.

It took courage to post what he did. I have yet to see any other manufacturer make this information known. For this I applaude you Mr. Welk.


I would add 1 more C to the list from a customer's point of view:

Commitment. The statement Thomas made shows that KAI is in this for the long-haul, and will do whatever it takes to ensure their viability and top ranking in the industry. If stormy seas lie ahead for the industry in the short-term, this attitude will only make Kershaw stronger in the long-term. The fact that he took the time to compose and share his feelings with us shows his commitment to us, the consumer. For this, I am grateful.

These will be exciting times for us my friends. The fact that Kershaw has chosen to seize the moment and be proactive rather than reactive speaks volumes about the company. I feel this can only lead to bigger and better things to come.

Congratulations Thomas. You have looked into the abyss and have walked away with greater insight and forethought. I'm proud to be a very small part of this community, and look forward to 2009. I wish you and all at KAI fair seas and following winds.
 
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SPXTrader said:
These will be exciting times for us my friends. The fact that Kershaw has chosen to seize the moment and be proactive rather than reactive speaks volumes about the company.
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Kershaw has been a great company for a long time. A few years ago, instead of just sitting around continuing to be a great company, they set out in a new direction, with assisted openers and other very exciting new designs. They didn't "have" to, but they looked to drive change instead of having change drive them -- who knows what the competition will offer?

Now they need to change, the economy won't allow sitting around. They know how to do this, and we can see they have the courage to face the need and adapt to it.

A quick response, not a bitter one :)
I do have a problem with everyone blindly following each positive statement with another positive statement. Without thought, without reason. If you say something positive about Kershaw you’re in the club. Opposing views will not be tolerated. This is evident by the hundreds of threads in this forum.
Click to expand...

This is the Kershaw discussion forum on Bladeforums, not a meeting of Kai's sales office, not a conference of panicked stockholders. We are here to get together with friends who also enjoy the knives, AND also enjoy the camaraderie, which is a good thing in itself.

The world around us under the best of circumstances can be much less welcoming and caring. Here at least we get to cheer each other on.

Bladeforums has other knife testing and feedback forums for critiques. THIS forum IS a club, why wouldn't we cheer the company on?
 
DH: Esav, Matt, and SPX summed it up perfectly. We have no problem with you. Just go about making your point a bit better. We followed with good responses as Esav said, because we support Kershaw. We know that economic hard times are on us, and its nice to see a company willing to fight and to change in order to keep themselves where they are in their particular industry. Please stick around, and voice your opinions, just go about saying them in a more, "professional" manner.
 
spiralarchitect said:
I think the only thing that is going to turn this "situation" around is a thorough dose of positive mental attitude and insightful and thoughtful leadership in business and government. You guys must have a top notch management team at KAI USA.:thumbup:
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Very well said SA.

Thanks for taking the time for your very insightful write up, Thomas. :thumbup:
 
Hey Thomas, Great post , a little scary but awesome none the less. I have been supporting Kai / Kershaw for some 28 years and I don't see that changing anytime soon. I too know the effects of our economy crisis , I have worked only 3 days so far this month, and It looks to be a dismal year in the building industry. However, I just returned from a Gun show where I had my largest ever knife sales for a three day sale, interesting for a down economy. Also December was the best month I have ever had on ebay in the some five years I have been selling there. I know in my life attitude is everything and my thinking process is key to that attitude, I work on it daily. I have no fear of the future , I will adapt to stay afloat and I have faith in my favorite company, that they will do the same and in the process I will learn from them. I look forward to 2009 and know that we will all emerge stronger and better for the experience. Know that I will be praying for all my friends at Kershaw and for all on this forum as well . Thanks again Thomas for the attitude adjustment. :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

Dave
 
Love you Thomas, and Kershaw. Hope your family has a great year.

And like I tell some of my customers: Here in Texas, we choose not to participate in the recession.
 
Thomas,
Very good stuff !!! As long as everyone is on the same page and rowing in the same direction - good things ahead for Kershaw !
Also, it took Courage for me to accept the Challenge but next time I will Change and let you win the damn arm wrestling match - now send me a couple orders !!!

Later
 
tsdevanna said:
Also, it took Courage for me to accept the Challenge but next time I will Change and let you win the damn arm wrestling match - now send me a couple orders !!!

Later
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Umm, I don't remember losing but if you want to go for real for real next time...I'll be there.:D Just keep Randy out of it, I want no part of that.

Oh yea, let me get to those orders.
 
I did want to thank everyone who both read and responded to the original post, your words are much appreciated, and we'll keep putting forth an effort that I trust is worthy.
 
What Thomas is writing about Kai USA is true about him, and true about the whole company. I have known the principals and principles involved for quite a while, before Thomas arrived there, and was really happy when he did...he is a crucial member of the team.

What he is showing you all is some basic foundations about Kai USA. The TEAM is the most important thing...there is no one individual more important than the whole team...and they face tough times, but with courage, willingness to change, and embrace the challenge, they will weather the storm much better than those whose group is comprised of individuals constantly more interested in themselves and individual pursuit, than in a group effort and accomplishment.

Proud to know the team(except for Craig, he is a limey dillweed who has a Glasgow nuzzle comin' his way:D)

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
Thomas W said:
I did want to thank everyone who both read and responded to the original post, your words are much appreciated, and we'll keep putting forth an effort that I trust is worthy.
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you are welcome TW.

oh and you are at 2,999 posts :D contest for 3k???
 
TW, thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. I sincerely hope that you and KAI USA survive and thrive during these most challenging times.
 
to see a company rising to the occasion rather than wringing hands or getting the lobbyists busy on a bailout. Congratulations to Thomas and the rest of the team for not losing faith in yourselves. The Asian long view and American energy are a worthy combination. You will prevail.

Now, how to continue to sell durable goods to a saturated and traumatized market? Continue to improve materials, design and craftsmanship, just as you have been doing. The composite blades were a tour de force. Maybe now is the time to play with some intriguing handle materials like horn, dymondwood, well-done synthetic stag, checkered/knurled materials, the old "christmas tree" type scales, or kits for the aspiring knifemaker. Finely crafted fixed blades for display, treks, hunting and fishing. Maybe a kitchen line in between the AUS 8 rubber handled knives and the Shun. And maybe it's time to come up with some killer multifunction implements that are sturdy, simple and reliable rather than layers of stamped metal.

Is there room for improvement? Yup. Will you find new markets? Oh yeah.
 
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RT. thank you for your post. you show decorum and respect even when mentioning constructive criticism. and with such a low post count!. you will go far here.

and welcome to the kershaw forum (if you havent posted here already)
 
Thomas, I ditto everything posted here.
In addition, I would like you to know (and KAI corporate)
that Your continued connection with "all of Us" is so very
satisfying....and makes me eager each month to hear news
from Kershaw about what is happening and how they continue
to stay closely in touch with their customers. I believe that
Kershaw is doing almost everything right, as humanly possible.
They are certainly near the top of my limited budget for
collecting expenditures in 2009....Hang in there ! !
 
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