New Knife Company- Jack Wolf Knives

[Jack Wolf Knives]

Jack Wolf Knives , thanks for getting the dealer membership and being so responsive. I always enjoy seeing makers/manufacturers engage with members here. Congratulations on your new venture and good luck!

Thank you friend! The pleasure is mine to support the community here.

 

[Jack Wolf Knives]

I guess a way to look at this is Case vs Case/Tony Bose vs custom.

I see a place for all three. These are going to be priced a bit lower than the Case/Tony Bose knives too (although the Case/Tony Bose knives are edm wire cut and have pivot bushings).

Thats a good analogy, thank you for commenting!

 

[Jack Wolf Knives]

I’ve really been thinking about these knives today and kind of turned my thinking around in the last few hours. A coworker of mine showed me a modern flipper knife from China that was simply awesome, better quality and material than anything from a domestic maker for the same price. If that can be done on traditional slipjoints then I say great, competition spurs innovation.
Second, I really admire Jack Wolf Knives. How many of us would love to be Bill Howard or someday own our own knife brand? Benjamin is doing it, and that takes guts and nerve and capital. Heck I might be in for one just because I’m jealous and want to see a success story.

Your kind words of encouragement really mean a lot to me. Thank you for having an open mind and considering owning one!! I am really putting myself out there on this project but it’s been an amazing ride and I am super grateful for the chance to even try. It just feels right!

 

[Jack Wolf Knives]

Good luck on your venture. I like the designs and will be interested to see some photos of the actual product. The names are a little bit of a turn off for me, but I can see how those could really catch on with the Instagram/Facebook crowd. The “low drag Jack” catches my eye.

Thank you sir for the well wishes. Admittedly, I have fun naming them. Perhaps a bit juvenile, but I would be lying if I said that wasn’t an extension of my sense of humor. Pictures will be coming soon so thank you for staying tuned!

 

[Jack Wolf Knives]

Not a fan of the hollow grind to be honest.

Noted and thank you for the feedback sir.

 

[traumkommode]

I've owned a few of the Peña X knives. Reate's production is not in the same league (a league or two higher) than Lionsteel/Viper/et. al. They are about custom quality, which is why that price tag isn't untoward IMO. If Lionsteel hafted the back springs like Reate does, I'll bet their slip joints would all be $50 more apiece at least. These are excellent knives we're talking about. Cool to see them bolstered, too.

While I'm not a G10 fan, I do like Micarta. What I hope on that front is that the runs of these knives are made with more than the standard OD Green and natural canvas stuff. There are some gorgeous smaller-batch micartas out there that a lot of the custom makers and the re-cover artisans use, and I think people might scoff less about the expense if those were used.

Are you anticipating releasing in limited-run drops like the Peña X stuff?

 

[Kiteman72]

I've owned a few of the Peña X knives. Reate's production is not in the same league (a league or two higher) than Lionsteel/Viper/et. al. They are about custom quality, which is why that price tag isn't untoward IMO. If Lionsteel hafted the back springs like Reate does, I'll bet their slip joints would all be $50 more apiece at least. These are excellent knives we're talking about. Cool to see them bolstered, too.

While I'm not a G10 fan, I do like Micarta. What I hope on that front is that the runs of these knives are made with more than the standard OD Green and natural canvas stuff. There are some gorgeous smaller-batch micartas out there that a lot of the custom makers and the re-cover artisans use, and I think people might scoff less about the expense if those were used.

Are you anticipating releasing in limited-run drops like the Peña X stuff?

I concur with this!

The micarta selection needs to be considerably "sexyed up" beyond the standard colors and textures offered by other makers.

 

[jku]

I've owned a few of the Peña X knives. Reate's production is not in the same league (a league or two higher) than Lionsteel/Viper/et. al. They are about custom quality, which is why that price tag isn't untoward IMO. If Lionsteel hafted the back springs like Reate does, I'll bet their slip joints would all be $50 more apiece at least. These are excellent knives we're talking about. Cool to see them bolstered, too.

While I'm not a G10 fan, I do like Micarta. What I hope on that front is that the runs of these knives are made with more than the standard OD Green and natural canvas stuff. There are some gorgeous smaller-batch micartas out there that a lot of the custom makers and the re-cover artisans use, and I think people might scoff less about the expense if those were used.

Are you anticipating releasing in limited-run drops like the Peña X stuff?

The most direct comparison that I know of would be Peña X-series slipjoints at around $165. But those are G10 and don’t have titanium bolsters, so there’s some added cost that you really can’t argue about. At the same time, a full titanium front flipper framelock comes in at $274 as well, so I can see some hesitance about the price. Either way, they look very well designed and I think high confidence in build quality is warranted if they’re coming from Reate.

 

[hornetguy]

I hope you will find that these knives are a step above some other options in the market.

I think, in the spirit of promotion of your company, you should pass out free samples to porch members. That would get the word out in a BIG way. Unfortunately, it would also eliminate quite a few paying customers... although, Krispy Kreme donuts has used that business tactic VERY successfully... just a thought....

oh, and welcome to the forum as a dealer, Benjamin! I would like to see one of your knives, but will likely have to wait for the lower "value" line...

 

[Sharp & Fiery]

Benjamin,

I’ve been following this thread since its beginning. I’m just not sure how to respond but I want to. Please know that I don’t take things personally, and always want the best for manufacturers and any knife enthusiast in general.

Awesome that you got a dealer membership, and it will be great to have you around. I am very impressed with the amount of communication that you have expressed to the BF group of enthusiasts so far. Please keep that up.

Being from Canada and paying USD, made by Reate or otherwise...these are $350-$400 Canadian dollar production modern slipjoints. Not 100% if that is worth it for me.

The shields are a great idea and I would be on board at that pricepoint. The Vampire Jack really calls out to me, however it’s basically a Coffin Style handle. What is a huge turnoff for me is that the middle flairs look too pointed for me and cause me to assume that the handle will be way way too uncomfortable in use. Change this, and I’ll try one out at that pricepoint.

I do like that the covers are installed with screws. This makes it very easy for me to make my own custom wood/bone covers and may even create more business for me! haha.

I love that you have gone ahead and risked it all to open a company of modern traditionals. Just fantastic. Congratulations.

I wish you the best, and lots of success.
Change up the Vampire a bit, and I may be in for 2 of them...at least.

Very nice to meet you, Benjamin.

 

[Jack Wolf Knives]

I've owned a few of the Peña X knives. Reate's production is not in the same league (a league or two higher) than Lionsteel/Viper/et. al. They are about custom quality, which is why that price tag isn't untoward IMO. If Lionsteel hafted the back springs like Reate does, I'll bet their slip joints would all be $50 more apiece at least. These are excellent knives we're talking about. Cool to see them bolstered, too.

While I'm not a G10 fan, I do like Micarta. What I hope on that front is that the runs of these knives are made with more than the standard OD Green and natural canvas stuff. There are some gorgeous smaller-batch micartas out there that a lot of the custom makers and the re-cover artisans use, and I think people might scoff less about the expense if those were used.

Are you anticipating releasing in limited-run drops like the Peña X stuff?

Thanks for sharing that information on the construction differences between the brands. I think that is an important distinction when looking at the pricing. It is certainly reflected in the manufacturing cost.

As far as Micarta: I agree with you on the fact we have seen the same standard micartas a lot. I have to consider that they have universal appeal, and they are a bit safer from a business perspective as they seem to not fend off customers. So from a risk mitigation standpoint, it makes sense to offer those. I intend to make available these knives in the 3 standards: OD, Black, Natural. HOWEVER, I am also a HUGE fan of unique Micarta. It is going to be an effort to get those implemented with Reate as they are overseas and all of this killer micarta is coming from the good ol' USA. But I am actively working with a couple different micarta vendors to source the unique stuff because I absolutely want to offer it. Something I am learning is, not all micarta machines the same. Because they use fast moving CNC bits, some micarta can crack and chip during that process, or is for other reasons difficult to work with. So there has to be testing. Another consideration is the cost. Depending on the cost of the material and shipping, this may, and probably will, cause for a proportional price increase on the knife. So I am not sure yet how the market will take that. But I promise you this, I am going to try; albeit it may be a small segment of each production run to test the waters and see how they do.

As far as the runs: My goal is to run it like GEC, one production run of a knife with multiple cover variants, followed by a run of a different knife with multiple cover variants, until i cycle through the catalogue. Not sure how many pieces yet exactly but it will be in the low hundreds per run to begin with. Then, when I circle back around, I will create a variant of knife #1, whether it's blade shape, bolster arrangement, cover material, or some combination thereof. Followed by a variant of knife #2, etc. This way it keeps in interesting, and of course a nod to my own preferences, collectable. I hope to bring a new batch each month, but it might take some time to get that pace going because a lot of that depends on sales and recovering funds from the current production run. Another factor is, Reate is BUSY. So I am not sure yet how reliable they will be with timing of delivery from date of order. It's not even feasible for them to keep products in continuous stock, given how they work and how busy they are. So I think the small batch production model is going to be what fits. As I roll through this project, i will tweak the methods to match real world results. But I will do everything I can to keep knives flowing and keep it interesting for you guys, cause that is what I want to do, make you guys grin when the postman arrives!

 

[Jack Wolf Knives]

I concur with this!

The micarta selection needs to be considerably "sexyed up" beyond the standard colors and textures offered by other makers.

I just responded to traumkommode with my explanation on this so please take a gander!

 

[Jack Wolf Knives]

The most direct comparison that I know of would be Peña X-series slipjoints at around $165. But those are G10 and don’t have titanium bolsters, so there’s some added cost that you really can’t argue about. At the same time, a full titanium front flipper framelock comes in at $274 as well, so I can see some hesitance about the price. Either way, they look very well designed and I think high confidence in build quality is warranted if they’re coming from Reate.

That is the most direct comparison, that is correct. Please note that the Pena X-Series Zulu also does not have metal liners, rather the liners are G-10 just like the covers. That is a big distinction that affected the manufacturing cost of my knives. It is not cheap to machine Titanium, and when I added the integral bolsters, the price went up even more. But I really felt it was a touch that was needed, especially when I look at all my custom knives. Integral fluted titanium bolsters, I just love everything about that lol. And thank you for the compliment on the designs. Aside from all the awesome interactions I am getting with knife people, getting to express myself artistically and technically has been the most fun part of the project. I really love drawing these things, especially wresting with the interior parts to make everything work. I can't wait to get some time in on the bench with some masters to learn how they make them, as I feel that I need some hands on experience to really understand the big picture.

 

[Jack Wolf Knives]

I think, in the spirit of promotion of your company, you should pass out free samples to porch members. That would get the word out in a BIG way. Unfortunately, it would also eliminate quite a few paying customers... although, Krispy Kreme donuts has used that business tactic VERY successfully... just a thought....

oh, and welcome to the forum as a dealer, Benjamin! I would like to see one of your knives, but will likely have to wait for the lower "value" line...

I am open minded to just about anything my friend. Maybe we can setup a pass around, or something cool like that? And some kind of contest to see who gets to keep them, where we all vote, like best picture or something like that? Would love to hear your thoughts, and now I want a donut....

 

[Jack Wolf Knives]

Benjamin,

I’ve been following this thread since its beginning. I’m just not sure how to respond but I want to. Please know that I don’t take things personally, and always want the best for manufacturers and any knife enthusiast in general.

Awesome that you got a dealer membership, and it will be great to have you around. I am very impressed with the amount of communication that you have expressed to the BF group of enthusiasts so far. Please keep that up.

Being from Canada and paying USD, made by Reate or otherwise...these are $350-$400 Canadian dollar production modern slipjoints. Not 100% if that is worth it for me.

The shields are a great idea and I would be on board at that pricepoint. The Vampire Jack really calls out to me, however it’s basically a Coffin Style handle. What is a huge turnoff for me is that the middle flairs look too pointed for me and cause me to assume that the handle will be way way too uncomfortable in use. Change this, and I’ll try one out at that pricepoint.

I do like that the covers are installed with screws. This makes it very easy for me to make my own custom wood/bone covers and may even create more business for me! haha.

I love that you have gone ahead and risked it all to open a company of modern traditionals. Just fantastic. Congratulations.

I wish you the best, and lots of success.
Change up the Vampire a bit, and I may be in for 2 of them...at least.

Very nice to meet you, Benjamin.

Thanks for the feedback! You will find that I am responsive and easy to reach. That is my commitment to you guys. It's not my style to be quiet in the corner

On the Vampire: This has been a controversy in my own mind since I drew it. When I solicit feedback, some people theorize it won't be uncomfortable, others say it will. I resorted to this: Get the prototypes, put it in at least 10 knife guys hands, and see how it goes. If a change is warranted, I am 100% willing to do it. But I believe user feedback in the prototype phase is critical, especially on the aspect of this design.

Yep these are going to be GREAT for recovers!

It is very nice to meet you too and thank you for sharing your opinion!

 

[Misplaced Hillbilly]

Although not knife related I feel this IS related to understanding the costs and what small companies deal with when having things manufactured in China. Also this I feel adequately addresses the "wont buy made in China because I want my money to support U.S. businesses" ect. arguments.

Note also China is the current leader in titanium manufacturing.

 

[Sacto]

Any new company is exciting to me. These look great so far. I sincerely hope it works out well.

 

[Sharp & Fiery]

Thanks for the feedback! You will find that I am responsive and easy to reach. That is my commitment to you guys. It's not my style to be quiet in the corner

On the Vampire: This has been a controversy in my own mind since I drew it. When I solicit feedback, some people theorize it won't be uncomfortable, others say it will. I resorted to this: Get the prototypes, put it in at least 10 knife guys hands, and see how it goes. If a change is warranted, I am 100% willing to do it. But I believe user feedback in the prototype phase is critical, especially on the aspect of this design.

Yep these are going to be GREAT for recovers!

It is very nice to meet you too and thank you for sharing your opinion!

Thank you for addressing my post, Benjamin. Much appreciated.

 

[euroken]

Good luck to you for your endeavors! Just happy you are brining another flavor to the traditional/modern market. Really excited and hope to keep up to date with your releases.

My guess is that you had to do a lot of digging and shopping around to get to the price point and quality you'd like to achieve. I'm sure there is a huge range of price/quality combinations.

Thanks again and I will definitely be following!

 

[Jack Wolf Knives]

Although not knife related I feel this IS related to understanding the costs and what small companies deal with when having things manufactured in China. Also this I feel adequately addresses the "wont buy made in China because I want my money to support U.S. businesses" ect. arguments.

Note also China is the current leader in titanium manufacturing.

Very interesting, thank you for sharing!!