Kershaw using Chinese steel on USA made models

Joshua J. said:
...this is a negative trend from a knife nut standpoint.
The problem is, this is the path to the dark side (not that dark side, the one that darksiders hate).
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I guess I don't understand. What negative trend are we speaking of?

Path to the darkside?
 
Im thinking he is talking about less premium knives for the fans, but making sure we knew he was NOT alluding to the "thin grind darksiders" crowd.

If that is it, he's WAYYY off in left field.

:)
 
There is no dark side here. I agree with 3Guardsmen.

3Guardsmen said:
Please do not let this turn into a 'rag on knives being made in China' thread!
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Kai is a Japanese company that maintains high quality in all its operations, including those in China, and especially in its largely American division at Kershaw.

Turning this into an oblique criticism of Chinese outsourcing is unacceptable in the General Knife Discussion anyway. Please take anything of the sort to the Current Events or Political Arena forums.

This discussion has been technical and enlightening. Let's keep it that way. :thumbup:
 
Dont shoot the translator GG. I know it doesnt, talk to that dude! :)

To answer your question directly, I believe it gives the US side more time to work on higher end products.

Quality makers should make lower cost items to reach a larger market sector. It would be foolish to do otherwise. How else can the "$10 knife buyer" ever see a Speedform?

$10-25 knives + catalog in package = knife industry growth

Thanks China!!!
 
Thomas W said:
I guess I don't understand. What negative trend are we speaking of?

Path to the darkside?
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Visions of steel with .3% carbon hardened to 50 Rc.

After reading the responses from the other forumites, I've calmed down a little.
When you see five new models in a row, all foreign made, it can seem a bit like an invasion.
I just needed to be reminded that these models represent an expansion of Kershaw, not a re-working.
The Tualatin factory is still running full steam, pumping out the knives I love, and that's not going to change any time soon. Right?
 
I do like the fact that Kershaw has been very open about the Chinese production of some of their knives. I recall seeing some pictures of one of their factories and a short interview with a Kershaw employee who dealt with international production in Blade magazine a few years ago. I feel more confident in buying and supporting a company when they're reasonably open with us users.

:thumbup:

Now I just wish they'd hurry up the RAM II. :D
 
Joshua J. said:
Visions of steel with .3% carbon hardened to 50 Rc.

After reading the responses from the other forumites, I've calmed down a little.
When you see five new models in a row, all foreign made, it can seem a bit like an invasion.
I just needed to be reminded that these models represent an expansion of Kershaw, not a re-working.
The Tualatin factory is still running full steam, pumping out the knives I love, and that's not going to change any time soon. Right?
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I am not a Kershaw "fanboy", but I am a huge fan of their products. I have owned and own many Kershaws, and while I like some more than others, there isn't a dud in the bunch. I can't say the same for my other folders from other manufacturers.

If anyone is concerned with the knives coming our way with this particular steel, then wait until you get a chance to check out a review before buying. Or at the price they are selling them, buy one and try it for yourself.

Remember to manage your expectations and buy the right knife for the job. These knives won't be Zero Tolerance type steel in the knives.... but I have NO doubt they will be GREAT EDCs (and in turn great for my tool bags), gift knives, truck tool box knives, etc. I am shopping the list for yet another EDC from these newer offerings for myself, now.

What would be great is if the OP would let us know what he thinks after testing the steel for himself! :thumbup:

Don't want to sound like an ad here, but really, if you buy Kershaw you will be fine. Their products are great and they stand behind them, and I don't believe the steel (or its origin) will limit their customer service in any way.

Robert
 
Joshua J. said:
When you see five new models in a row, all foreign made, it can seem a bit like an invasion
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Well this invasion was focused on the imports, it didn't include any of the upcoming USA models.
Tanto Zing
Speedform
Volt
10th Anniversary OCC folder
Limited Editions (at least 10 prior to year's end)
Not to mention the new mechanism we're working on for early 2010
The Tualatin factory is still running full steam, pumping out the knives I love, and that's not going to change any time soon. Right?
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That is indeed right.
 
I should add, sorry about the country of origin confusion on our site concerning these new models.
 
Thomas W said:
I should add, sorry about the country of origin confusion on our site concerning these new models.
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No worries, Thomas! I'm just glad to know that Kershaw isn't making a move away from the Sandvik steel in favor of alphabet steel on the USA made models!:thumbup:

Regards,
3G
 
Thomas W said:
Well this invasion was focused on the imports, it didn't include any of the upcoming USA models.
Tanto Zing
Speedform
Volt
10th Anniversary OCC folder
Limited Editions (at least 10 prior to year's end)
Not to mention the new mechanism we're working on for early 2010
That is indeed right.
Click to expand...

The high end lineup from Kershaw is indeed noteworthy.
I'm a little baffled by the lack of CPM S110V though. I though you guys had the exclusive on that stuff, why not throw it on a few more models while you can?

I'm very much looking forward to the new toys next year. Hopefully we'll see some new industry standards for cool, as usual.:cool:
 
Sorry for the diversion.

My BM Vex (sorry Thomas) is a good EDC in this steel. I would expect the Kershaws to be equally good in cutting, etc. It makes a lot of sense to source a steel from the country of origin just because of the costs and logistics. Kershaw has picked a good steel, it even keeps the Spyderco Tenacious owners happy.

Building a knife with this steel and using G10 raises the bar of what is acceptable in an inexpensive knife. It also creates a foundation of what to expect from a US made knife. Most buyers here are knowledgeable enough to understand the cost differences in country of origin. A similar US made knife - including our standard of living - is acceptably higher.

In anything, I hope that knives like these will provide options to new buyers who will be able to enjoy better materials for the money. My concern has been that for the price point of about $45, many popular US made knives use 420h and FRN.

If the buyer can look at value - bang for the buck - he'll choose the better materials if all other things are equal.

Country of origin is sometime controversial, but only in the first decades of it's introduction. Having grown up during the Made in Japan era, I've seen the transition from products imported to exploit price, to a dominant high quality image. Much of that was not due to a plan by the makers, but by the American owned marketing and merchandising importers.

Kershaw, BM, or Spyderco isn't importing stuff for the local flea market, far from it. It's time to accept that Chinese goods are a significant part of our consumption because of the quality, not in spite of it.
 
I own more Kershaws than any other brand because of their quality, innovation, and the way they stand behind their products. They are in the process of sending me a screw to replace the one I lost in my Random Task, a model that has been out of production for years!
 
Leatherface said:
Nothing wrong with 8cr13MoV...Easy to maintain and holds an edge ok

granted its not VG 10 but its pretty good for the cheddar

No hateraid drinking here :)
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What he said. :thumbup:

On my knives that employ that steel I notice no difference between them and my knives with aus-8 , probably the easiest to compare to.
And I like Aus-8 a lot for obvious reasons.


Tostig
 
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