Katz Knives.

Lack of innovation?

I have one, I like it, but it's got to be something like ten years old.

They never had good market penetration in the US (were they big anywhere?), it seemed to me. They seemed to have a hard time telling people WHY they should pay more for a Katz. "Because they're a little better" wasn't enough.

I think at their price vs performance point, they're worth buying, but they aren't very convincing. If I'm going to pay more than Buck or Case, why shouldn't I get something with an Axis Lock, etc? Benchmade and Spyderco made that jump, Katz always seemed to struggle there. I don't know anyone who thinks they're BAD knives, or are THAT overpriced (although if there's an actual complaint that's it.) But I've never had guys who were totally sold on the brand telling me why I need more Katz knives, unlike the BM, Spydie, Emerson, CRK, etc fans.
 
It's been a long while since they made any new models really worth mentioning. They have done some new ones in the past few years, I think, but they're just variation of their older stuff. Slightly modified, etc.
 
I just spoke with Mr. Katz over the phone regarding a question I had about the dive sheath for my BT 10 boot knife. I asked him how come I never saw his stuff around in stores or magazines and he stated that something like 90% of his business is done overseas (Europe) and he wasn't getting enough return to justify advertising here in the States. He told me his sales were increasing dramatically on an annual basis, so there is no need for him to change his marketing strategy/ product line much. He also said that he had had several of his designs (I don't remember which) stolen by other companies and seemed understandably bitter about that.
I will buy from him again.
 
I've just traded a Katz Kagemusha fixed blade hunter and it is really a great knife! Japanese XT-80 steel full tang blade with kraton handle, and a nice leather sheath, perfect size, balance and ergonomics, so I'm very happy with my first trekking knife. I recommend it to everyone!
Tom
 
I've always wondered why they never caught on here, I had a heavy duty folder of theirs about 10-12 years ago, built like a tank.
 
I've handled a few Katz knives and they are really solid, sharp, well constructed knives....but the materials they use for the knives certainly do not reflect their price tag. The knives are expensive and made with inexpensive materials in other words.
 
I have one of their Lion Heart models( I believe that is the model name). It has white micarta handle and about a 6.5" blade. Very nice knife. I also had a custom kydex belt sheath made for it. It is definately a user.
 
The Katz knives I've handled at a local dealer were extremely well made. Fit and finish was on a par with the top production knives and the stag on the fixed blade I handled was absolutely gorgeous. The only problem I have with Katz knives are the prices. The Lion King model pictured below was priced at $325 bucks... As far as I can see they make a great product but I can't see spending that kind of money on a production knife when I can go to several different knifemakers and get a great custom made hunter for less. (Bob Dozier, Charles May, Geno Denning, and Gene Ingram, to name a few)

http://www.katzknives.com/

K-302ST.jpg
 
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