Manufacturing questions

Brian_T · Jun 29, 2001

Mick and Duane,

How does a knife go from concept to production? In other words, what steps are involved between the first idea for a knife and the actual standardization of a production model?

How much initial testing is involved when you're putting a new design through its paces?

(Pretty high-brow huh?)

Thanks in advance,

------------------
Brian_T
brianthornburg@home.com

Duane Dwyer · Jun 29, 2001

Mr. Brian,
Strider Knives take generations to design and normally cost hundreds ... no thousands of lives.
(kidding)
I think evolution is the word best used here. We draw and grind prototypes. Then we commence T&E and if all goes well or after we make whatever changes necessary, we catalog the design. At this point the design continues down the path of evolution and this is an interesting thing that you especially will understand. Some of our designs change very little with time and some change a lot. I believe you have seen an early WB, and even though it was an excellent tool in the beginning, it has changed significantly for the better over the years. With our own experience, and input from our friends and client base, hopefully we will continue to come up with ideas and produce them as we have thus far.
And Mr. Brian, regarding your other question about production that I jokingly answered ... stay tuned and we will answer that one in depth. Thanks for posting cool questions,
Duane Dwyer

Brian_T · Jun 29, 2001

Thousands of lives huh? I figured it to take eons and MILLIONS of lives.

I think I've got it. So, when you were developing the EB series, for example, how many prototypes did you go through before you had the winning designs?

Re: The Older Model WB

Seen it? I use it every day. Heck, I've been TRYING to break it for weeks--with little or no successes. I find it hard to believe, however, that the current Model WB is actually better than mine. How could it possibly be better? Besides my other Strider Knives, this is bar-none the best knife I own.

------------------
Brian_T
brianthornburg@home.com