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The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
Price is$300$250 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/ - Order as many as you like, we have plenty.
Kelgard? Sebenza's?
- Thread starter Riley
- Start date
- Joined
- Jan 19, 1999
- Messages
- 842
A can of worms? That's putting it mildly. I can just see it now. A whole new category with, Lord knows, how many variations.
Do you have any idea what that will do to us poor dealers out here who try to stock the whole line? We're having a hard enough time, as it is, keeping up with all of the different styles and models now.
Being a full line CRK dealer is already overwhelming. We got standard, classic, plain, serrated, large, small, right hand, left hand, unique decorated, CGG, damascus, stonewashed, tanto, not to mention all the Umfaans and combinations, etc, etc. Now you want BLACK ones?????
What next???? Talonite???? (Oh no!!! NOW I've done it!!!)
Can't you just see it though? A unique decorated, black handle and blade with polished slab and a high circle motif highlighted in black........
STOP!!! You're giving me a headache!!!
------------------
Dennis Wright
("Have a knife day!")
wrightknife@ixpres.com
Do you have any idea what that will do to us poor dealers out here who try to stock the whole line? We're having a hard enough time, as it is, keeping up with all of the different styles and models now.
Being a full line CRK dealer is already overwhelming. We got standard, classic, plain, serrated, large, small, right hand, left hand, unique decorated, CGG, damascus, stonewashed, tanto, not to mention all the Umfaans and combinations, etc, etc. Now you want BLACK ones?????
What next???? Talonite???? (Oh no!!! NOW I've done it!!!)
Can't you just see it though? A unique decorated, black handle and blade with polished slab and a high circle motif highlighted in black........
STOP!!! You're giving me a headache!!!
------------------
Dennis Wright
("Have a knife day!")
wrightknife@ixpres.com
- Joined
- Jan 19, 1999
- Messages
- 842
No catalog.
I've been trying to build a website for the last couple of months but I can't get it to look the way I want so I've never put it up. I guess I'm going to have to find someone to build the darn thing for me.
Between the large and small Sebenzas and the Umfaans, I have 31 pieces in stock. I usually try to carry a pretty good selection of left hand models in stock.
I also have a good selection of replacement sheaths, slip pouches, belt pouches, replacement butt caps for the one piece and belt clips and screws.
(I really need to get that website up)
As far as prices go, I'm pretty much in line with CRK prices on most of the regular stuff and a bit higher on the exotic and custom items.
I was bumping the prices on the Unique decorated models but, with this overstock, I've put all the folders at the CRK list.
The one piece range is at list except for the 9" models.
If there's a particular model or type that you're interested in, let me know and I can e-mail a photo.
------------------
Dennis Wright
("Have a knife day!")
wrightknife@ixpres.com
I've been trying to build a website for the last couple of months but I can't get it to look the way I want so I've never put it up. I guess I'm going to have to find someone to build the darn thing for me.
Between the large and small Sebenzas and the Umfaans, I have 31 pieces in stock. I usually try to carry a pretty good selection of left hand models in stock.
I also have a good selection of replacement sheaths, slip pouches, belt pouches, replacement butt caps for the one piece and belt clips and screws.
(I really need to get that website up)
As far as prices go, I'm pretty much in line with CRK prices on most of the regular stuff and a bit higher on the exotic and custom items.
I was bumping the prices on the Unique decorated models but, with this overstock, I've put all the folders at the CRK list.
The one piece range is at list except for the 9" models.
If there's a particular model or type that you're interested in, let me know and I can e-mail a photo.
------------------
Dennis Wright
("Have a knife day!")
wrightknife@ixpres.com
- Joined
- Oct 3, 1998
- Messages
- 3,264
Gentlemen ...
This looks like a thread that should be allowed to cool overnight.
------------------
- JKM
www.chaicutlery.com
AKTI Member # SA00001
This looks like a thread that should be allowed to cool overnight.
------------------
- JKM
www.chaicutlery.com
AKTI Member # SA00001
- Joined
- Jan 19, 1999
- Messages
- 842
The question was asked and answered.
As you said, they're my knives. The arguments have already been made. Reread the appropriate threads.
The profit on many CRK knives is somewhat less than 30%. Get your facts straight.
"Dennis the Menace"??? If I had wanted to use that as a handle, I would have registered under it.
No flame wars here, but if you don't want to start one then why make the comments?
------------------
Dennis Wright
("Have a knife day!")
wrightknife@ixpres.com
As you said, they're my knives. The arguments have already been made. Reread the appropriate threads.
The profit on many CRK knives is somewhat less than 30%. Get your facts straight.
"Dennis the Menace"??? If I had wanted to use that as a handle, I would have registered under it.
No flame wars here, but if you don't want to start one then why make the comments?
------------------
Dennis Wright
("Have a knife day!")
wrightknife@ixpres.com
Probably out of boredom.
All kidding aside, it just gets a little irritating, but no BIG deal, I guess. It just seems as though you make a BIG point to make it clear that you are a CRK dealer now that you can't / don't advertise here on BFC. (Though I believe you can now, since it's free and all.) As I recall, you said that you won't advertise, or even SELL to ANY member of BFC ever again. I don't care to do the search, so I may have missed something, but that is the way I remember it. Now I don't wish to keep you from doing so anyway, but don't say one thing, and do another. If I'm right, K-Guy is ineligible to purchase anything from you as a BFC member. Did you "take that back?"
As I understand it, dealer cost is 25% off retail, but if you put in an order over $3,000, you get an aditional 5% off, totalling 30% off retail. This is all from memory though, and it's been a while. So...I wasn't too far off.
-AR
As I understand it, dealer cost is 25% off retail, but if you put in an order over $3,000, you get an aditional 5% off, totalling 30% off retail. This is all from memory though, and it's been a while. So...I wasn't too far off.
-AR
- Joined
- Oct 7, 1998
- Messages
- 1,838
I purchased a Black-T coated large Sebenza (old style) from Les Robertson a few years ago. I shall refrain from describing the action or utility of this knife for the following reason: (as I remember it)
Les having these knives coated was allegedly resented by Chris. The reason given was that the tolerances of the CR knives were so close that any coating would adversely affect the action of the knife.
Whether this was true or not, Les was allegedly somewhat upset at Chris' position. This may or not have any bearing on the fact that (so it is rumored) Les contacted the Knife Guild (or whatever it is called) and pointed out that Chris was selling 'custom' knives, but in fact he had not personally ground the blades for a few years.
It is true that Les, a custom knife dealer, decided to no longer carry CR knives, since in his opinion, they were not custom, but production knives. He thus offered his remaining stock, including some of the coated knives, at a discount. I was one of the ones who took advantage of this opportunity.
It is also true that CR knives are now known as production, not custom, knives.
Thus, I feel it safe to say that any dealer's concerns about a line of coated CR knives complicating inventory are unfounded.
Walt
[This message has been edited by Walt Welch (edited 07-26-2000).]
Les having these knives coated was allegedly resented by Chris. The reason given was that the tolerances of the CR knives were so close that any coating would adversely affect the action of the knife.
Whether this was true or not, Les was allegedly somewhat upset at Chris' position. This may or not have any bearing on the fact that (so it is rumored) Les contacted the Knife Guild (or whatever it is called) and pointed out that Chris was selling 'custom' knives, but in fact he had not personally ground the blades for a few years.
It is true that Les, a custom knife dealer, decided to no longer carry CR knives, since in his opinion, they were not custom, but production knives. He thus offered his remaining stock, including some of the coated knives, at a discount. I was one of the ones who took advantage of this opportunity.
It is also true that CR knives are now known as production, not custom, knives.
Thus, I feel it safe to say that any dealer's concerns about a line of coated CR knives complicating inventory are unfounded.
Walt
[This message has been edited by Walt Welch (edited 07-26-2000).]
- Joined
- Oct 7, 1998
- Messages
- 1,838
Oh, BTW, I discussed the possibility of a Talonite (r) bladed CR folder with the Reeves. It seems that there are two problems which preclude this from ever becoming a reality.
One is that the jigs which hold the blade are dependent on the blades being ferromagnetic. Talonite is not ferromagnetic.
Second, there is concern about the general durability of Talonite.
It seems that a Talonite bladed CR folder is not a thing which will ever come to pass.
Walt
One is that the jigs which hold the blade are dependent on the blades being ferromagnetic. Talonite is not ferromagnetic.
Second, there is concern about the general durability of Talonite.
It seems that a Talonite bladed CR folder is not a thing which will ever come to pass.
Walt
- Joined
- Jan 19, 1999
- Messages
- 842
Jackyl,
You are partially right. Awhile back, during BFC's "no banner, no selling" policy I did state that I wouldn't take any new customers from BFC and, while that policy was in effect, I did not.
The few calls I got from forumites who were seriously shopping and who had not purchased from me in the past were referred to either James Mattis at Chai Cutlery or Murray Haday (Sp? Sorry if I missed, Murray) at ProEdge. Former customers were (and still are) welcomed.
The reason that I made that statement was it seemed that, because it was well known that I am a major CRK dealer, I couldn't make a post over here without getting flamed by a few of you for "advertizing". (I still can't, apparently).
Being the type who tends to shoot back when fired on, I figured that, if I wanted to post in peace, I would need to remove that aspect. Besides, with BFC's policy at the time, it was only fair. I wasn't a banner owner, they didn't want non-banner owners selling here and, since it's their forum, I felt that it was appropriate.
BTW, I never said that I wouldn't sell to any BFC members ever again. What I said was that I wasn't taking any NEW customers and, during the time that BFC's policy was what it was, I didn't. If their policy was still in effect, I still wouldn't.
The first reason didn't work (obviously) and BFC has, since, changed their policy. In light of all of that and, after being asked by a few forumites to reconsider, I have changed my policy too.
I made a hasty decision because of a few juvenile comments and it was a mistake. I have corrected it and am going on about my business. If that bothers you, I guess you'll just have to live with it.
K-Guy asked a question and I answered it. That was the courteous thing to do. He wasn't asking to buy anything. I will be happy to e-mail pictures of anything I have in stock or in my collection to him or anyone who wants to see them, whether they are buying or not. If someone calls and asks about something I don't have, I always refer them to someone who I think does.
As to my mentioning the fact that I am a CRK dealer, yep, I do that. I'm proud of it and I believe that it lends credence to the comments I make concerning the CRK line. My "expert's credentials", so to speak. It's common knowledge that I am a dealer so it should be no big deal.
The way I see it, what I am doing is no more advertizing than James' posts and scans whenever he receives new product.
This is my favorite forum and I like talking about CRK products. The fact that I am a dealer doesn't disqualify me from that any more than it does James.
As for CRK's wholesale pricing, I figure if Chris wanted it discussed on the open forum he would have posted it here. Suffice it to say that your memory is a bit defective in that regard. The 25% you mention is wrong, as well as the figure required for volume discount, and the break on exotic and custom pieces is nowhere near that high.
If you wish to discuss this further, might I sugget e-mail? No sense in bothering the rest of the forumites with what is, essentially, a problem that you have with me. You have the address.
If you don't, as you say, want a flame war then don't light the damn fire.
------------------
Dennis Wright
("Have a knife day!")
wrightknife@ixpres.com
You are partially right. Awhile back, during BFC's "no banner, no selling" policy I did state that I wouldn't take any new customers from BFC and, while that policy was in effect, I did not.
The few calls I got from forumites who were seriously shopping and who had not purchased from me in the past were referred to either James Mattis at Chai Cutlery or Murray Haday (Sp? Sorry if I missed, Murray) at ProEdge. Former customers were (and still are) welcomed.
The reason that I made that statement was it seemed that, because it was well known that I am a major CRK dealer, I couldn't make a post over here without getting flamed by a few of you for "advertizing". (I still can't, apparently).
Being the type who tends to shoot back when fired on, I figured that, if I wanted to post in peace, I would need to remove that aspect. Besides, with BFC's policy at the time, it was only fair. I wasn't a banner owner, they didn't want non-banner owners selling here and, since it's their forum, I felt that it was appropriate.
BTW, I never said that I wouldn't sell to any BFC members ever again. What I said was that I wasn't taking any NEW customers and, during the time that BFC's policy was what it was, I didn't. If their policy was still in effect, I still wouldn't.
The first reason didn't work (obviously) and BFC has, since, changed their policy. In light of all of that and, after being asked by a few forumites to reconsider, I have changed my policy too.
I made a hasty decision because of a few juvenile comments and it was a mistake. I have corrected it and am going on about my business. If that bothers you, I guess you'll just have to live with it.
K-Guy asked a question and I answered it. That was the courteous thing to do. He wasn't asking to buy anything. I will be happy to e-mail pictures of anything I have in stock or in my collection to him or anyone who wants to see them, whether they are buying or not. If someone calls and asks about something I don't have, I always refer them to someone who I think does.
As to my mentioning the fact that I am a CRK dealer, yep, I do that. I'm proud of it and I believe that it lends credence to the comments I make concerning the CRK line. My "expert's credentials", so to speak. It's common knowledge that I am a dealer so it should be no big deal.
The way I see it, what I am doing is no more advertizing than James' posts and scans whenever he receives new product.
This is my favorite forum and I like talking about CRK products. The fact that I am a dealer doesn't disqualify me from that any more than it does James.
As for CRK's wholesale pricing, I figure if Chris wanted it discussed on the open forum he would have posted it here. Suffice it to say that your memory is a bit defective in that regard. The 25% you mention is wrong, as well as the figure required for volume discount, and the break on exotic and custom pieces is nowhere near that high.
If you wish to discuss this further, might I sugget e-mail? No sense in bothering the rest of the forumites with what is, essentially, a problem that you have with me. You have the address.
If you don't, as you say, want a flame war then don't light the damn fire.
------------------
Dennis Wright
("Have a knife day!")
wrightknife@ixpres.com
Les Robertson
BANNED
- Joined
- Oct 10, 1998
- Messages
- 3,565
Normally I dont read the factory forums, but Walt did bring this to my attention. He tried to answer as best he could.
First, I don't use Kalguard when I have knives coated. Chris is correct, that Kalguard, because it is so thick, would in fact impair the operation of the Sebenza. I found long ago that it comes off to easily (for me anyway).
What I had put on the Sebenza's was Roguard. This coating is very thin but durable. Consquently, as Walt has pointed out, does not have a negative impact on the operation of the Sebenza.
Second, I had nothing to do with Chris being "sanctioned" by the US Knifemakers Guild. That was a completely seperate issue from this. For these details it's best to talk directly to Chris.
As Walt said, it was I who chose to stop doing business with Chris. As I do not sell factory/production knives.
I have held all along that the Sebenza is an excellent working knife. Also, Chris and Ann Reeve are excellent people to do business with.
------------------
Les Robertson
www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com
"If you are out to describe the truth, leave elegance to the tailor"
Albert Einstein
First, I don't use Kalguard when I have knives coated. Chris is correct, that Kalguard, because it is so thick, would in fact impair the operation of the Sebenza. I found long ago that it comes off to easily (for me anyway).
What I had put on the Sebenza's was Roguard. This coating is very thin but durable. Consquently, as Walt has pointed out, does not have a negative impact on the operation of the Sebenza.
Second, I had nothing to do with Chris being "sanctioned" by the US Knifemakers Guild. That was a completely seperate issue from this. For these details it's best to talk directly to Chris.
As Walt said, it was I who chose to stop doing business with Chris. As I do not sell factory/production knives.
I have held all along that the Sebenza is an excellent working knife. Also, Chris and Ann Reeve are excellent people to do business with.
------------------
Les Robertson
www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com
"If you are out to describe the truth, leave elegance to the tailor"
Albert Einstein
Les Robertson
BANNED
- Joined
- Oct 10, 1998
- Messages
- 3,565
Normally I dont read the factory forums, but Walt did bring this to my attention. He tried to answer as best he could.
First, I don't use Kalguard when I have knives coated. Chris is correct, that Kalguard, because it is so thick, would in fact impair the operation of the Sebenza. I found long ago that it comes off to easily (for me anyway).
What I had put on the Sebenza's was Roguard. This coating is very thin but durable. Consquently, as Walt has pointed out, does not have a negative impact on the operation of the Sebenza.
Second, I had nothing to do with Chris being "sanctioned" by the US Knifemakers Guild. That was a completely seperate issue from this. For these details it's best to talk directly to Chris.
As Walt said, it was I who chose to stop doing business with Chris. As I do not sell factory/production knives.
I have held all along that the Sebenza is an excellent working knife. Also, Chris and Ann Reeve are excellent people to do business with.
------------------
Les Robertson
www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com
"If you are out to describe the truth, leave elegance to the tailor"
Albert Einstein
First, I don't use Kalguard when I have knives coated. Chris is correct, that Kalguard, because it is so thick, would in fact impair the operation of the Sebenza. I found long ago that it comes off to easily (for me anyway).
What I had put on the Sebenza's was Roguard. This coating is very thin but durable. Consquently, as Walt has pointed out, does not have a negative impact on the operation of the Sebenza.
Second, I had nothing to do with Chris being "sanctioned" by the US Knifemakers Guild. That was a completely seperate issue from this. For these details it's best to talk directly to Chris.
As Walt said, it was I who chose to stop doing business with Chris. As I do not sell factory/production knives.
I have held all along that the Sebenza is an excellent working knife. Also, Chris and Ann Reeve are excellent people to do business with.
------------------
Les Robertson
www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com
"If you are out to describe the truth, leave elegance to the tailor"
Albert Einstein
I am one of the lucky purchasers of a Black Sebenza acquired from Les at the NY Show several years ago. For starters it is stunningly beautiful. Later I'll edit this post and add a picture. The coating (knife is totally mint) does not even slightly impair the action which is smooth as silk. Hey, give the guy a break...he built a better mousetrap!!
------------------
Once in a while you get shown the light
In the strangest of places if you look at it right.
------------------
Once in a while you get shown the light
In the strangest of places if you look at it right.
- Joined
- Jan 11, 1999
- Messages
- 669
The issue of the black coated Sebenzas has been discussed at length in other posts and I am not going to go into it here. Suffice it to say that we will not coat Sebenzas with Kalgard or any other coating.
One point I do want to clarify, however, is the inference made by Walt Welch and the subsequent comment by Les Robertston concerning me being sanctioned by the US Knifemakers Guild. I appreciate Les's compliments and know Walt as a loyal customer but I want to set the record straight.
I have been a voting member of the Guild since 1989 and have never been sanctioned by the Guild. Verification of this can be made from any member of the Board of Directors. It was of my own volition that I stopped selling any CRK knives at the Guild Show and it was at the 1998 Guild Show in Las Vegas that I exhibited one knife, which I had made entirely myself. At that show, I made available an information sheet explaining the development and structure of Chris Reeve Knives, and my reasoning for not having Sebenzas or one-piece knives for sale there. I am still a member of the Knifemakers Guild and intend to remain so. I did not exhibit at this years show in New Orleans because I am developing an exciting new product and there were no hours available for me to make a one of a kind, sole authorship piece.
For those who do not know the background, Scott Cook joined Chris Reeve Knives at a time when I did all the finish grinding, the decorating and the sharpening on every knife that left my shop. Scott is a very talented knifemaker and gradually he took over these responsibilities, leaving me free to manage the company, and to develop and improve procedures and products. Bryan Baker joined the company 6 or 7 months later; he learned various processes and helped Scott by taking over some of the operations. When Scott completed one of my fixed blade designs without any assistance from me, I was proud to have someone else make knife of my design and to my standards. I have never presented a knife that I have not made as one of my own. There was a period of transition where we were grinding knives side by side and at that time, I let it be known wherever possible what the situation was. The wording in our brochure was changed, as was other publicity material. We were subjected to some criticism at that time but as I have posted elsewhere, just because a person does not know of something, it does not mean that it is not public knowledge.
With Scott and Bryans assistance, Chris Reeve Knives has grown to the point where we have 10 full time employees and we are in a position to earn awards like the 2000 Blade Manufacturing Quality Award. We strive for integrity in our business and our products and that is why I am explaining this in some detail. I am very proud of my staff and my wife for backing me all these years and building the business from my single person custom shop to the factory that we are today. The quality of our knives has increased because the people making the knives are able to concentrate solely on the job at hand and I am able to devote my energies to developing procedures that gain consistency and increase production, among many other things. We have had a back order upwards of 4 months for the past four years, despite almost doubling the annual output of knives.
My thanks to everyone for their support!
Chris
One point I do want to clarify, however, is the inference made by Walt Welch and the subsequent comment by Les Robertston concerning me being sanctioned by the US Knifemakers Guild. I appreciate Les's compliments and know Walt as a loyal customer but I want to set the record straight.
I have been a voting member of the Guild since 1989 and have never been sanctioned by the Guild. Verification of this can be made from any member of the Board of Directors. It was of my own volition that I stopped selling any CRK knives at the Guild Show and it was at the 1998 Guild Show in Las Vegas that I exhibited one knife, which I had made entirely myself. At that show, I made available an information sheet explaining the development and structure of Chris Reeve Knives, and my reasoning for not having Sebenzas or one-piece knives for sale there. I am still a member of the Knifemakers Guild and intend to remain so. I did not exhibit at this years show in New Orleans because I am developing an exciting new product and there were no hours available for me to make a one of a kind, sole authorship piece.
For those who do not know the background, Scott Cook joined Chris Reeve Knives at a time when I did all the finish grinding, the decorating and the sharpening on every knife that left my shop. Scott is a very talented knifemaker and gradually he took over these responsibilities, leaving me free to manage the company, and to develop and improve procedures and products. Bryan Baker joined the company 6 or 7 months later; he learned various processes and helped Scott by taking over some of the operations. When Scott completed one of my fixed blade designs without any assistance from me, I was proud to have someone else make knife of my design and to my standards. I have never presented a knife that I have not made as one of my own. There was a period of transition where we were grinding knives side by side and at that time, I let it be known wherever possible what the situation was. The wording in our brochure was changed, as was other publicity material. We were subjected to some criticism at that time but as I have posted elsewhere, just because a person does not know of something, it does not mean that it is not public knowledge.
With Scott and Bryans assistance, Chris Reeve Knives has grown to the point where we have 10 full time employees and we are in a position to earn awards like the 2000 Blade Manufacturing Quality Award. We strive for integrity in our business and our products and that is why I am explaining this in some detail. I am very proud of my staff and my wife for backing me all these years and building the business from my single person custom shop to the factory that we are today. The quality of our knives has increased because the people making the knives are able to concentrate solely on the job at hand and I am able to devote my energies to developing procedures that gain consistency and increase production, among many other things. We have had a back order upwards of 4 months for the past four years, despite almost doubling the annual output of knives.
My thanks to everyone for their support!
Chris
- Joined
- Oct 3, 1998
- Messages
- 3,264
I noticed this phrase:
Hmmmm....
Shall we start the chorus of "Whatizzit?! Whenizzit?! Howmuchizzit?!" here, or in a new thread?
------------------
- JKM
www.chaicutlery.com
AKTI Member # SA00001
Hmmmm....
Shall we start the chorus of "Whatizzit?! Whenizzit?! Howmuchizzit?!" here, or in a new thread?
------------------
- JKM
www.chaicutlery.com
AKTI Member # SA00001