There's the weakness. Like others have said, the CRKT name is pretty heavily associated with budget-level knives. That could change given time and effort, and this knife definitely helps with that, but for now the CRKT name is holding this knife back. Like it or not, brand name matters to many people, and that CRKT logo just isn't that appealing to people who are used to buying ZTs or Benchmades.
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New CRKT Hi Jinx
- Thread starter eschwebach
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There's the weakness. Like others have said, the CRKT name is pretty heavily associated with budget-level knives. That could change given time and effort, and this knife definitely helps with that, but for now the CRKT name is holding this knife back. Like it or not, brand name matters to many people, and that CRKT logo just isn't that appealing to people who are used to buying ZTs or Benchmades.
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For what it's worth, the more I look at this knife the more I think it's a fine looking piece. Ken Onion has always been one of my favorites, anyway.
But I agree with most of you that it throws the Hi Jinx off a bit when it shares the same branding as the Drifter. I know the fact that Lionsteel is making it will add some much needed street cred.
But I agree with most of you that it throws the Hi Jinx off a bit when it shares the same branding as the Drifter. I know the fact that Lionsteel is making it will add some much needed street cred.
RamZar
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I commend CRKT for trying to get into the premium market. It won't be easy and it won't happen overnight.
Remember Kershaw of about 10 years ago. It took knives like Tyrade, Speedform, Volt, Tilt, etc. to slowly upscale the brand and paved the way for the introduction of the premium Zero Tolerance brand in 2006 which is now (starting in early 2013) transforming itself from just a producer of hard-use built-like-a-tank knives.
Remember Kershaw of about 10 years ago. It took knives like Tyrade, Speedform, Volt, Tilt, etc. to slowly upscale the brand and paved the way for the introduction of the premium Zero Tolerance brand in 2006 which is now (starting in early 2013) transforming itself from just a producer of hard-use built-like-a-tank knives.
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I think CRKT should come up with new line of product. Like KAI and ZT, Toyota and Lexus. I'm sure many would agree that CRKT knives are not bad manufacture. Since their selling point of "well designed knife with budget price that can be replaced when it is lost" has excellent appeal for rough hiking, camping, and hunting trip.
I saw retail price of $375 and at the same time CRK are selling less than that. (around $325) I think CRKT should start in $200 range MAP (It can be $300 range MSRP) to compete with Mid range production series to gain reputation.
Like many others, I'll be keeping an eye on CRKT's next move.
MFL
I saw retail price of $375 and at the same time CRK are selling less than that. (around $325) I think CRKT should start in $200 range MAP (It can be $300 range MSRP) to compete with Mid range production series to gain reputation.
Like many others, I'll be keeping an eye on CRKT's next move.
MFL
I bought the knife because I love the Hi Jinx. It compares well to my Chris Reeves. I'm sure other folks are buying it for the same reasons. Those who don't like CRKT won't buy the knife. This is my first CRKT and will remain that way until CRKT produces another knife of the same quality.
$400 is a little steep, but I have to say I am impressed with a few of the models CRKT has put out this year. When my only other comments for the last ten years have been nothing but ridicule, that's saying something. It's not like they're in the same league as Kershaw putting Maxamet on the 888 or the Spyderco K2, but having something made at Lionsteel is a good start.
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What do I mean? I mean that it cost me $299 @ KW. Just what I said.
After several people bought it at that price (see RamZar in this thread) KW raised the price by $100. Speculation as to why. Reportedly a mistaken price, but they honored it. Some discussion elsewhere about it.
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Yep. Not sure what happened but people are speculating and reportedly KW stated to a caller that the $299 price was a mistake. Still, BladeHQ started at $299 and went up to $400. House of Blades started at $299, went up to $350 and is currently (subject to change!
) back down to $299. So, who the heck knows what is going on.They have said that they would honor those orders and BladeHQ are good people that do what they say they will in my experience. So I think you're probably good-to-go.
Yep. Not sure what happened but people are speculating and reportedly KW stated to a caller that the $299 price was a mistake. Still, BladeHQ started at $299 and went up to $400. House of Blades started at $299, went up to $350 and is currently (subject to change!
They have said that they would honor those orders and BladeHQ are good people that do what they say they will in my experience. So I think you're probably good-to-go.
That's what I've heard! Never had to deal with their customer service but I shot them an email about it so I'm sure I'll hear back within the next few days!
I know it's a CRKT, but I'm excited for this knife!
I really like the looks of this knife. I could care less about the brand name on it if it's quality construction. And a big thumbs up to CRKT for looking around at what's going on in the knife world and bringing something to the table. I really wish people wouldn't dismiss them so early. This is the first big step for them, no need to shove em down the stairs just yet.
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Unfortunately, CRKT carries a current stigma from days gone by. Many of their newer offerings have a great F&F. I own several CRKTs and think that they have come a long way over the last few years. The Ripple, the Eros, the Nirk Tighe, the Sampas, the Graphite, along with a few others are knives that I can easily say are excellent buys at their respective price points because I own them and like them. My one wish is that they would use a better grade of blade steel on occasion, but then I could say the same thing about many of the Kershaw offerings. I like the direction that they are moving and these collaborative efforts are good stuff.
From personal experience, and not internet postings, I can see how and where CRKT is going. Keep an eye on them. I think that we'll see more upscale knives like the Hi-Jinx and the Buy Tighe coming from them in the next couple of years and if I like the knife, I won't hesitate to buy. :thumbup:
I've got a feeling that most people are going to like the Hi-Jinx. IMHO, you won't be at all sorry that you bought it.
Well said.
But (FWIW) it is actually their second big step, their first being the Buy Tighe - the CRKT 20th Anniversary knife. It is an admittedly love-it-or-hate-it style, but a fine knife nonetheless. Decent steel at 154CM, outstanding reproduction of the custom Buy Tighe, Ti handle, detailed anodizing of blue accents on the silver handle, Nirk locking system, LE run of 500. Super flipper. Came out in Feb. of this year. Very, very nice knife that a lot of people don't like because of the unique Brian Tighe styling.
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That's a lot considering the use of Titanium
Watch the video on page 1, the blade and handle scale thickness is crazy
