New Cooper Cutlery knives?

L.H.S said:
Do you mean literally "tooling" like as in Queen never made the exact patterns that these Weed & Co knives are, this particular (though pretty common) Trapper and Coke Bottle Hunter?
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Yes. The trapper pattern for instance does not look much like any trapper made by Queen. The blades in that particular trapper design are pretty common among German makers though. The German Hunter, well its really not much like a Queen coke bottle hunter other than the basic shape, and the name speaks for itself.
 
ea42 said:
I don't think they purchased much if any of the Queen or Schatt tooling. I think they primarily purchased machinery and maybe some tools.

Eric
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According to Cooper he purchased some 95% of what was available at the Queen auction. I would guess that much of the tooling was included as he has also said that Bluegrass Cutlery bought back their Winchester dies, and someone who was at the auction has said that Cooper bought tooling as well as tools and machines. .
 
Ahh, OK, well that answers that question. Since the knives don't seem to match any Queen knives I was doubtful that he had the tooling, or at least the fixtures for blanking liners and bolsters, etc. Then again I don't have a knife in hand so it's pretty premature of me to assume that LOL.

Eric
 
I have a lot going through my head, so sorry for rambling. I'm a bit torn. I think it's awesome someone wanted to try and make another traditional brand right here in the good old USA. Many of us have been patient to see what was going to be turned out. Now here we are, pointing out faults, problems. And are again waiting to see a wow product. 5 to 6 employees there from what I understand. Are they volunteers? I doubt it. Nor can I imagine the cost of Queen's equipment and everything else that was purchased to start this endeavor. One would think Cooper is all in. I hope to see minimal "non USA" components used in the future. I get they are new and had to start somewhere. Wouldn't it have been possible to make a few, slowly, learn as you go, then have at it? Maybe mark up a couple dozen as protos with an explanation and priced accordingly. Then put out the quality you're striving for, or the best you're capable of. Maybe it's easy for me and others here to say these things. I guess you could look at as if the first 6 or 8 hundred are prototypes. I have handled a few of these and saw what everybody has been criticizing, and some other issues. Price. I understand you don't want to undervalue your own product right out of the gate. Fine line between creating a high price point or high value for your product with a less than stellar start and reviews. Start too low and you better put out one helluva knife to justify a big increase in price. GEC's have increased, but we're still buying them. Another "I'm torn" moment. The shield. It sure has caused a lot of attention. Was that planned? If so, ballsy at a minimum. I will continue to support Cooper in hopes to be impressed with future releases. Like the next one? Please. Just some advice. Don't use a bong shield. Let's get traditional.
 
Angry Angus said:
I have a lot going through my head, so sorry for rambling. I'm a bit torn. I think it's awesome someone wanted to try and make another traditional brand right here in the good old USA. Many of us have been patient to see what was going to be turned out. Now here we are, pointing out faults, problems. And are again waiting to see a wow product. 5 to 6 employees there from what I understand. Are they volunteers? I doubt it. Nor can I imagine the cost of Queen's equipment and everything else that was purchased to start this endeavor. One would think Cooper is all in. I hope to see minimal "non USA" components used in the future. I get they are new and had to start somewhere. Wouldn't it have been possible to make a few, slowly, learn as you go, then have at it? Maybe mark up a couple dozen as protos with an explanation and priced accordingly. Then put out the quality you're striving for, or the best you're capable of. Maybe it's easy for me and others here to say these things. I guess you could look at as if the first 6 or 8 hundred are prototypes. I have handled a few of these and saw what everybody has been criticizing, and some other issues. Price. I understand you don't want to undervalue your own product right out of the gate. Fine line between creating a high price point or high value for your product with a less than stellar start and reviews. Start too low and you better put out one helluva knife to justify a big increase in price. GEC's have increased, but we're still buying them. Another "I'm torn" moment. The shield. It sure has caused a lot of attention. Was that planned? If so, ballsy at a minimum. I will continue to support Cooper in hopes to be impressed with future releases. Like the next one? Please. Just some advice. Don't use a bong shield. Let's get traditional.
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I'd consider a weed whacker shield :p
 
Running a successful business that sells only made in the U.S.A. traditional knives is a difficult proposition at which many companies with long histories and expertise have failed. Trying to create a start-up that follows that business model is even harder. From my perspective this company has further handicapped themselves with pricing, quality, and a divisive name/shield. I wish them luck but don't expect them to be around very long.
 
These sound terrible with all the reviews of guys who have received them so far. I’m really hoping folks at least contact for warranty, return or complain to hold the company accountable for the poor products at these prices.
 
Maybe this is where their trappers came from:

“About 10 years ago, a friend of mine, John Parker — he and Kevin Pipes started Smoky Mountain Knife Works — sold me about 4,000 knives that weren’t done. I set up a garage on my property and taught myself how to make knives. I read a lot of books and watched a lot of videos. It drives my wife crazy,” Cooper said, laughing.

This part seems far-fetched, even factoring in the 4,000 unfinished knives he bought from John Parker:

"Since June of 2020, Cooper and his three employees have produced 5,000 knives."
 
Stelth said:
Maybe this is where their trappers came from:

“About 10 years ago, a friend of mine, John Parker — he and Kevin Pipes started Smoky Mountain Knife Works — sold me about 4,000 knives that weren’t done. I set up a garage on my property and taught myself how to make knives. I read a lot of books and watched a lot of videos. It drives my wife crazy,” Cooper said, laughing.

This part seems far-fetched, even factoring in the 4,000 unfinished knives he bought from John Parker:

"Since June of 2020, Cooper and his three employees have produced 5,000 knives."
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Let's hope other models aren't finished and in waiting. I thought the recent run was a "trial" run to learn from. And SMKW was established in the 70's. Although, that might explain the very "Rough Ryderish" looking blades.
 
old boomers mad about things changing. Who would have guessed 🤷? I personally happen to be a med card holding vet who has had a slipjoint in my pocket since age 4. being close minded won’t help in any business.
 
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