Kershaw Knives News Thread

Hey Thomas I thought you said these weren't available untill next month. Looks as though I can get my JYD right here.
Dave

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Thomas W said:
Currently we have about 70% of the Kershaw line produced here in Oregon. The remaining balance of knives are done in Japan and a few are done up in China. All SpeedSafe assisted openers are made in the US, as are all ZT knives. The Shun kitchen cutlery is made in Japan.

We are on a big kick to continue to produce more and more of our product line here at the Oregon factory. We have found that we are able to produce quality USA made knives at affordable price points for the masses (without sacrificing materials or tolerances), as well as establishing high end USA production for those that need it. This is our current focus and direction of which I am sure many are pleased with.

While there seems to be more and more companies utilizing imports as their core products, or as a way to stay competitive, it is a trend we have little to do with.
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Thats good to hear Thomas.. Kershaw offers a great product. Nice to hear that even though you are owned by a Japenese company, you are looking to increase production here in Oregon instead of seeing it go overseas...
 
i like the news about using sandivik steel. It has held up great on my et and cyclone.
 
Thomas W said:
We are on a big kick to continue to produce more and more of our product line here at the Oregon factory. We have found that we are able to produce quality USA made knives at affordable price points for the masses (without sacrificing materials or tolerances), as well as establishing high end USA production for those that need it. This is our current focus and direction of which I am sure many are pleased with.
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Well it seem that Japanese does not charmed with this myth that production this days must be in China . As I understan cheap production in China is standart item in any bussiness plan and checklists.

When I was in Japan it was pretty interesting to see that.

First made in China prodacts are not cheap as here (whic is strange because Japan way closer to China then US)
Secong there is a lot of products made in Japan as well (and from other cuntries).

The Kershaw example when they making good knives with good price is very important. May be other knife manufacturers will learn this from Japanese KAI which seems to be more patriotic then "native" knife producers.

It seems that "cheap manufacturing in China" is just an excuse for managment to not to do their job here and instead give up their work force to China - it is easy to order things there then maintain bussiness here, which require attention, consume time etc...

Thanks, Vassili.

Back in USSR for Brezhnev and company it was easy to buy wheat in Canada then support their own agriculture. In result Russia which 100 years ago feed entier Europe turn totally dependent on canadian wheat. Now day in Russai nobody even think about buying wheat abroad - nonsence, with all this land it is rediculos! But for commies it was easy just sign check to Canada - no troubles. But when oil dollars disapper it turns to collapse of Soviet Union...
 
As I mentioned, Kai is committed to be a true US manufacturer. We are self sufficient and are looking to expand on what we have already accomplished. It takes a ton of work to get it done here in the states, but it can in fact be done. The Kai USA plant continues to generate more knives than we ever have, and we are doing it with more efficiency than ever before. I believe our products are superior now than in the past, and we will continue pushing so to make USA made knives with genuine quality, and a true value for our customer base. To do this in volume is a daunting task, one that we are all very proud of, and I have confidence it translates into a satisfied ELU.

The recent decline of US manufacturers and manufacturing along with the rapid growth of a lot of questionable quality imports is a transformation that is before us all. As a manufacturer you must make the tough decisions you feel necessary to stay successful. Although we have our own factory in China, Kai USA utilizes it infrequently, and I don’t see that changing. On the contrary, of all the new products we have slated for 07, the majority will be made here in the US.
Could we take the import road that many others have? Without a doubt, but we see importance in our continued USA movement, and we will most certainly stay the course. Kai USA has made the commitment to produce knives in volume, here in Tualatin Oregon, and feel it is the right direction for us all. We trust you will agree.
 
Thomas W said:
As I mentioned, Kai is committed to be a true US manufacturer. We are self sufficient and are looking to expand on what we have already accomplished. It takes a ton of work to get it done here in the states, but it can in fact be done. The Kai USA plant continues to generate more knives than we ever have, and we are doing it with more efficiency than ever before. I believe our products are superior now than in the past, and we will continue pushing so to make USA made knives with genuine quality, and a true value for our customer base. To do this in volume is a daunting task, one that we are all very proud of, and I have confidence it translates into a satisfied ELU.

The recent decline of US manufacturers and manufacturing along with the rapid growth of a lot of questionable quality imports is a transformation that is before us all. As a manufacturer you must make the tough decisions you feel necessary to stay successful. Although we have our own factory in China, Kai USA utilizes it infrequently, and I don’t see that changing. On the contrary, of all the new products we have slated for 07, the majority will be made here in the US.
Could we take the import road that many others have? Without a doubt, but we see importance in our continued USA movement, and we will most certainly stay the course. Kai USA has made the commitment to produce knives in volume, here in Tualatin Oregon, and feel it is the right direction for us all. We trust you will agree.
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As a homegrown Oregonian and a Kershaw Collector for a quarter of a century, I totaly agree with that philosophy. Thanks Thomas for sharing that vision. :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:
 
I would like to see a Kershaw Forum as well. Alot of knife for the buck! My first EDC was a Kershaw 1514 that I bought from A G Russell several years ago. What a knife,still in rotation with some others in my collection. A G Russell has the Grooves listed on their site.They look awsome and I may pick one up.

MPE
 
Yes, let's have a Kershaw forum. I have been buying Kershaw Ken Onion designs since they came out. Great knives, good looks, good quality and I actually use them.
 
Alright guys, I'm out for a few days. Have a great Thanksgiving! ...and remember carve that turkey with a Kershaw! :thumbup:

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:D peace
 
Hey Thomas?

this old topic popped up in my head a few days ago, and i decided that i diddnt want to bring it up for some reason or the other, i never really knew.

...but now its bothering me. so i have to ask it so i dont loose anymore sleep.

so... what did you guys conclude about a kershaw Balisong in the line-up ?

:thumbup: :confused: :)
 
what did you guys conclude about a kershaw Balisong in the line-up ?
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drano, we gave it some pretty heavy discussion, I was actually very high on the idea. It was sorta, kinda, somewhat squashed (against my objections), but was not killed. It's an item I want to revisit in the future, so don't give up hope.
Actually, we even had R&D draw up a few, and some rapid proto's were even produced. They worked well, and I liked em quite a bit.

So...I don't know what to say about a Kershaw Bali-song, other than I know there are at least 2 strong voices inside of Kershaw that are in favor of the knife.

Keep bugging me about this every now and then, so I don't forget to bring it back up.
 
Thomas W said:
Actually there will be no 440A in any of our future offerings, as we are changing over those models that incorporated 440A to 13C26 (Blur's, Leek's, Blackout, Whirlwind's,Baby Boa, Centofante/Onions, and Mini Mojo's).
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Thomas,

When do you expect the switch to 13C26 to be done? I was going to purchase a Mini Mojo in a week or so, but if it's going to switch to 13C26, I'd like to wait, but it'd be nice to know how long that wait would be. I also have several Baby Boas (including the limited all black and all grey ones, love the blade shape and overall design, tho small) and wouldn't mind picking up one in 13C26 also (as well as other Kershaws).

P.S. I, too, would love to see a Kershaw Balisong.
 
JSR said:
Thomas,

When do you expect the switch to 13C26 to be done? I was going to purchase a Mini Mojo in a week or so, but if it's going to switch to 13C26, I'd like to wait, but it'd be nice to know how long that wait would be. I also have several Baby Boas (including the limited all black and all grey ones, love the blade shape and overall design, tho small) and wouldn't mind picking up one in 13C26 also (as well as other Kershaws).

P.S. I, too, would love to see a Kershaw Balisong.
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Yes I am looking forward for Black Chive with this steel. It is very nice little knife, 420 is just does not mutch it IMHO. Will you make Black Chive with Sandvic?

Thanks, Vassili.
 
JSR, getting all patterns slid over to 13C26 will be a running change. We do have stock on the shelves, and additional 440A to use up. I would say most models will be changed over in Jan, and all by March.
I don't know details concerning the order of what models and when the steel change will happen at this time.

Vassili, Chives and Scallions will not be done up in 13C26, sorry.
 
Thomas - great! I'll wait till after March then and probably pick up a Mini Mojo and a few other Kershaws with the 13C26 blades.
 
I asked for information on the Lavine forum about a Solingen-made Kershaw stag lockback. Seems that Kershaw made a limited number of knives there during the 1980s.

IF I COULD GET INFORMATION about how to upload photos from my computer (the $10 membership work?) I'd start using that mechanism for discussions.

Information or advice?
 
I remember people getting angry at me for suggesting a mini mojo steel upgrade....

In any case, another request for a KO balisong.
 
im sorry...:rolleyes:

cant help but chuckkle to my self.... :p

zdp/titanium bali. ...tee hee hee:D


anyhoo...!
 
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