- Joined
- Aug 29, 2007
- Messages
- 24
Since it seems like everyone else is posting questions/suggestions for Thomas* today, I think I will too. Also, this could start a good conversation here.
*Thomas, do NOT reply if your still on vacation, WAIT until you get back; Thomas, back away from the computer, DO IT NOW!!!
Why isn't there any true left handed folding knife models? It seems like it wouldn't be a huge production change cost to make a few popular models in left hand models (just handle changes and other small parts, but same blade, springs, and such) and then Kershaw would have a very unique product that would stand out even more from other manufactorers. I know most left handed people just swap the clip to the left side get used to the traditional right hand models, but you would think left handed people would rather buy a model that is easy for them use from the beginning.
There is a personal reason to my thoughts even though I'm right handed. I like to have a knife in my left pocket while on-duty *just in case* I have someone grabbing my gun and my right hand is busy retaining it. In fact, if I could only carry one knife, it would be a lefty model just for that reason. Since I'm right handed, I don't have the dexterity in my left hand as if I was a true lefty. My left hand just can't get used to quickly working the knife lock in it's current state. Plus, under stress, it seems that pushing the lock away is more of a gross motor skill versus a fine motor skill of having to pull the lock towards you (it has been proven while under extreme stress, you loose you fine motor skills long before you loose your gross motor skills). Before anyone makes the comment, I know if I had to use the knife in defense I'm not going to be so worried about having to put it away as getting it out.
This reminds me of the left handed models of AR-15's produced by Stag Arms. I'm sure in the past people wrote gun companies asking for left handed models and the companies went by the traditional responses of "you can learn to use right handed models like everyone else" and "we don't see a profitable market by doing this". Obviously, none of the companies listened except Stag. Stag developed the mirror image AR for the lefty bunch. Their AR made magazine articles and from what it appears like, their lefty models are a well selling product line for them. The only difference in the knife market is that setup is a whole lot simpler so once the first company starts the lefty models the other knife companies will follow, like the assisted opening concept. With a company like Kershaw were it's not a hugely known brand versus others (like Buck for example) Kershaw could at least get their name and quality known by being the first major brand to get the lefty models out.
Of course I could just be thinking of the next flop in the knife industry, or most likely, I'm just the newbie that doesn't realize that other companies already have decent lefty models out.
*Thomas, do NOT reply if your still on vacation, WAIT until you get back; Thomas, back away from the computer, DO IT NOW!!!
Why isn't there any true left handed folding knife models? It seems like it wouldn't be a huge production change cost to make a few popular models in left hand models (just handle changes and other small parts, but same blade, springs, and such) and then Kershaw would have a very unique product that would stand out even more from other manufactorers. I know most left handed people just swap the clip to the left side get used to the traditional right hand models, but you would think left handed people would rather buy a model that is easy for them use from the beginning.
There is a personal reason to my thoughts even though I'm right handed. I like to have a knife in my left pocket while on-duty *just in case* I have someone grabbing my gun and my right hand is busy retaining it. In fact, if I could only carry one knife, it would be a lefty model just for that reason. Since I'm right handed, I don't have the dexterity in my left hand as if I was a true lefty. My left hand just can't get used to quickly working the knife lock in it's current state. Plus, under stress, it seems that pushing the lock away is more of a gross motor skill versus a fine motor skill of having to pull the lock towards you (it has been proven while under extreme stress, you loose you fine motor skills long before you loose your gross motor skills). Before anyone makes the comment, I know if I had to use the knife in defense I'm not going to be so worried about having to put it away as getting it out.
This reminds me of the left handed models of AR-15's produced by Stag Arms. I'm sure in the past people wrote gun companies asking for left handed models and the companies went by the traditional responses of "you can learn to use right handed models like everyone else" and "we don't see a profitable market by doing this". Obviously, none of the companies listened except Stag. Stag developed the mirror image AR for the lefty bunch. Their AR made magazine articles and from what it appears like, their lefty models are a well selling product line for them. The only difference in the knife market is that setup is a whole lot simpler so once the first company starts the lefty models the other knife companies will follow, like the assisted opening concept. With a company like Kershaw were it's not a hugely known brand versus others (like Buck for example) Kershaw could at least get their name and quality known by being the first major brand to get the lefty models out.
Of course I could just be thinking of the next flop in the knife industry, or most likely, I'm just the newbie that doesn't realize that other companies already have decent lefty models out.
...That's why I'm always trading. HOWEVER, I SURE WOULD like to see Kershaw come out with a few more "lefty-friendly" knives, and they can start by bringing back the 1056 model, to go with my 1050!.
