New Cooper Cutlery knives?

Arathol said:
So, here is something interesting.......Nick Stockhauser is a digital advertising agent from Cincinnati Ohio, not far from Winchester. Is it a coincidence that his second language is Chinese? Same guy?
Matt is Gilbert Coopers son. I wonder why his name is at the bottom of a communication from the companys advertising guy?
Click to expand...

It was a generic form that I filled out on the website, I wouldn't be surprised if they use Nick's email on it. The more we discuss all of this, the more I get the feeling that these guys might actually really be trying, but just might not be super business savvy, and probably don't understand their target audience very well, if you consider us the target audience.

I don't recall, did all of the Weed and Battle Axe knives sell out? I can't help but chuckle about those two choices. Personally, I want to see the fancy Schatt & Morgan's return.
 
draggat said:
The more we discuss all of this, the more I get the feeling that these guys might actually really be trying, but just might not be super business savvy, and probably don't understand their target audience very well, if you consider us the target audience.
Click to expand...
The problem is that there is a big inconsistency between the story and the product. Coopers claim that is that the knives are made using the old machines and S&M tooling. However, nothing sold so far resembles anything made by Schatt and Morgan or Queen.
 
Well, there's a fog of uncertainty: if, maybe, of course... Thing is, are the knives any good in terms of F&F, as users, in aesthetics? Have people who have bought earlier knives liked them and use them consistently? Will they buy more? Are they worth the cost, would you be able to sell them if the pattern wasn't to your taste? I'm not asking if people are wishing the company well and are hoping for better- We'd all like to see more QUALITY Traditionals on offer, but do these qualify and meet your standards?

As A Arathol points out, the claim to be using old machinery and Schatt M tooling/dies and yet not producing knives that look like their alleged ancestry is puzzling, this coupled with making knives that might've been made by Olbertz raises many questions. I remember being turned off by the company's fullsome marketing hyperbole BS at the start. Very unconvincing and overdone- rather like politicians' behaviour thinking they know what to say/reassure people with and having little to no ability in fulfilling these expectations. I'd like to be wrong.
 
Will Power said:
fullsome
Click to expand...
I think you're using that word correctly, which is pretty rare! 👍
One man's humble opinion.

I always thought it odd to want to buy, and to brag about using, machinery that had been frequently said to be so worn out it was a major part of Queen's problems.

But yeah, how are the knives. I'll never know; I can't stand to pay full Case prices.
 
screened porch screened porch I agree about the knackered machinery Jer, when stuff is worn out it can't be reliable nor can it produce consistency (I reckon SAK invests in new machinery all the time). Old cars may be interesting to look at and drum up nostalgia but they're not a very reliable mode of long distance transport :eek: But for some, old machines can be a symbol of authenticity or traditionalism I suppose..could be a cheap way of getting it :D

Nothing wrong with seeking any bargain provided the quality is there.

Thanks, Will
 
Well no, I mean able to sell one in that people want to buy it or trade.

A quality knife that's not to your taste can still be sold or traded well.

Many GECs are sold at indecent prices it could be said :D
 
This model is the Cooper Cutlery Connoisseur Walnut Green Jig Bone

The write up on Frank's store is;

All Cooper Cutlery Knives are Hand Made, Hand Pinned, and Hand Sharpened in the Winchester, Ohio Factory---100% USA Made on Queen/Schatt & Morgan Machines. All materials used are first class: 440 Stainless Blades 1/8", Stainless Back Spring, Brass Liners, all shields are hand pinned through the shield in nickel silver. The handles on this Trapper are made of beautiful, historic Walnut Green Jig Bone With Leaf Shield---50 Made.

I trust Frank after buying knives from him in the past and think he would not risk his reputation selling junk. His statement re; Cooper Knives:

In my opinion, these Cooper Cutlery knives are destined to be a great addition to any collection. First years of operation, Limited Production, High Quality.

fullsizeoutput_15c4.jpeg
 
rdave said:
With the newest GEC #59 Ironwood selling at the dealer price of $195 I thought the Cooper is worth a look.
About 3.7 oz, 4" closed, no half stops.

The knife is solid.
View attachment 1940153View attachment 1940154View attachment 1940155View attachment 1940156View attachment 1940157View attachment 1940158View attachment 1940159
Click to expand...
Looks good, finish seems ok; I'm less fanatic of the handle (question of taste, but...) looks more like Case than GEC.
Oh, I kept the best for the end : USA ONLY.
First time I see a company who does not need customers... so bye bye; cheeryooooh!😊😊😊
 
Frank's store says, "USA Only". I am certain another purveyor will ship to France considering the fine wine, cheeses and buttery croissants :)
 
rdave said:
This model is the Cooper Cutlery Connoisseur Walnut Green Jig Bone

The write up on Frank's store is;

All Cooper Cutlery Knives are Hand Made, Hand Pinned, and Hand Sharpened in the Winchester, Ohio Factory---100% USA Made on Queen/Schatt & Morgan Machines. All materials used are first class: 440 Stainless Blades 1/8", Stainless Back Spring, Brass Liners, all shields are hand pinned through the shield in nickel silver. The handles on this Trapper are made of beautiful, historic Walnut Green Jig Bone With Leaf Shield---50 Made.

I trust Frank after buying knives from him in the past and think he would not risk his reputation selling junk. His statement re; Cooper Knives:

In my opinion, these Cooper Cutlery knives are destined to be a great addition to any collection. First years of operation, Limited Production, High Quality.

View attachment 1940174
Click to expand...
Except for a minor difference in the spey blade, it looks remarkably like the Frost version you can get for under $20:

j8llpHd.jpg


I still wonder if they aren’t importing some parts and assembling them here using the old machinery. I feel bad for doubting, though, and don’t want to tear down anybody’s honest efforts.

Edit: I think the location of the spring pin is different, too, so yeah, maybe just a superficial resemblance.
 
Last edited:
Just Tom. said:
Except for a minor difference in the spey blade, it looks remarkably like the Frost version you can get for under $20:

j8llpHd.jpg


I still wonder if they aren’t importing some parts and assembling them here using the old machinery. I feel bad for doubting, though, and don’t want to tear down anybody’s honest efforts.
Click to expand...


Good point. As a basic trapper it looks like one of several brands like Case, as mentioned, and Frost as you said.
 
Just Tom. said:
Except for a minor difference in the spey blade, it looks remarkably like the Frost version you can get for under $20:

j8llpHd.jpg


I still wonder if they aren’t importing some parts and assembling them here using the old machinery. I feel bad for doubting, though, and don’t want to tear down anybody’s honest efforts.
Click to expand...
It's a common pattern, why even speculate w/o even a smidgen of proof?
 
brownshoe said:
It's a common pattern, why even speculate w/o even a smidgen of proof?
Click to expand...
Common pattern? What does that even mean?
The basic two blade trapper has been made for decades by many makers. Thing is, every maker has a different look. Different bolsters, different sizes, different blade shapes, etc. A Queen trapper doesn't look even remotely like the Chinese trapper from Frost Cutlery. Unless you are completely blind and know absolutely nothing about knives, you would never mistake one for the other. The proof is right in front of you. If you can't see it you just don't want to look.........
 
Arathol said:
Common pattern? What does that even mean?
The basic two blade trapper has been made for decades by many makers. Thing is, every maker has a different look. Different bolsters, different sizes, different blade shapes, etc. A Queen trapper doesn't look even remotely like the Chinese trapper from Frost Cutlery. Unless you are completely blind and know absolutely nothing about knives, you would never mistake one for the other. The proof is right in front of you. If you can't see it you just don't want to look.........
Click to expand...
I look and I see common features with other knives and no reason to call Cooper Cutlery a dishonest con. Where I come from people get their ass kicked if you malign someone's integrity w/o proof. Part of my job is uncovering fraud and that requires objective evidence before accusation. Haven't seen that here, but then I am certainly not an expert such as you.
 
Pollack said:
The Connosseur line sure looks like it was put together better than the first run.

Best regards,
Click to expand...

Thanks for the feedback. I haven't been following Cooper Cutlery as my little basket is 95% GEC. But I was interested to see what all the fuss was about after reading this thread. Just trying to keep an open mind. :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top