New ZT/Hinderer Flipper is Coming!!!0560/0561

bld522 said:
I still say they'll be plenty of 0560's and 0561's to go around in 6 months. If KAI has as much business sense as I think they do, they'll strike while the iron is hot.
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Not a chance,I would guess 18 to 24 months before you start to actually see them in stock on dealer sites. That's my guess.
 
Interesting. I assume that's because the backorder is so large that it will take KAI that long to clear it. Sure leaves a lot of money on the table for an awfully long time, though. Then again, 0560's have already shown up on at least one dealer site . . . but they didn't last too long. ;)
 
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bld522 said:
Interesting. I assume that's because the backorder is so large that it will take KAI that long to clear it. Sure leaves a lot of money on the table for an awfully long time. Then again, 0560's have already shown up on one dealer site . . . but they didn't last too long. ;)
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Wish we could make everything we wanted in the time frame needed, but unfortunately it's not a reality. As I've mentioned, capacity ceilings make it difficult to satisfy everyone. With two brands having priorities, sacrifices have to be made. For every dollar we leave on the table, we're depositing it in other areas. Not a perfect situation, but at least we're not standing around hoping for the phone to ring.
 
And when it comes to the 0560/0561, you have the great good fortune of having Rick Hinderer's name attached to them. I don't see the demand for knives based on his designs diminishing anytime soon. So the money should still be there when the time and circumstances allow you to scoop it up. :)
 
It's probably best to additionally address that our business priorities and our dealers desires differ greatly from what most here on the forums find important.

The enthusiasts here on BF or any knife forum are more performance focused with their likes/dislikes. They understand build quality, spec, tolerance, materials, and price associated with given projects. The specialty manufacturers are popular around these parts. Outside of the enthusiasts, the price points far exceed what the public will pay and/or even understand.

Kershaw Knives is a volume brand. We're in National accounts (Wal-Mart, Academy, Dick's, TSA, etc...). These main stream accounts work on margins and price points. Performance falls down on their list of priorities. Volume is...a bunch. The majority of our capacity goes towards these accounts and the products they consume.

ZT is a specialty brand. Despite the looks of it on this forum, it is still small in comparison to Kershaw (although it's trending upwards quickly). We continue to increase our ZT production, while balancing the volume Kershaw needed to keep passing grades on vital scorecards.

Thought perhaps some perspective was in order here.
 
Yes, yes. Perfectly understandable. And glad to hear that ZT production is trending upward quickly. If ever a specialty knife company deserved to expand its operation, ZT is it! :thumbup: :thumbup: I guess my question is, now that you've hit such massive home runs with Mick Strider, Ken Onion and Rick Hinderer, who do you collaborate with next? I can hardly wait to find out. :D
 
Thomas W said:
It's probably best to additionally address that our business priorities and our dealers desires differ greatly from what most here on the forums find important.

The enthusiasts here on BF or any knife forum are more performance focused with their likes/dislikes. They understand build quality, spec, tolerance, materials, and price associated with given projects. The specialty manufacturers are popular around these parts. Outside of the enthusiasts, the price points far exceed what the public will pay and/or even understand.

Kershaw Knives is a volume brand. We're in National accounts (Wal-Mart, Academy, Dick's, TSA, etc...). These main stream accounts work on margins and price points. Performance falls down on their list of priorities. Volume is...a bunch. The majority of our capacity goes towards these accounts and the products they consume.

ZT is a specialty brand. Despite the looks of it on this forum, it is still small in comparison to Kershaw (although it's trending upwards quickly). We continue to increase our ZT production, while balancing the volume Kershaw needed to keep passing grades on vital scorecards.

Thought perhaps some perspective was in order here.
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Maybe it'll give you a good reason to open another manufacturing facility? :)

Was ZT intended for enthusiasts at first or was it just to make good strong working knives?

ninja edit: Either way you still have a customer for life on both brands, especially ZT.
 
prng said:
Maybe it'll give you a good reason to open another manufacturing facility? :)
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We're currently progressing through a fairly large investment into the current facility. It will assist in our production output. We're seeing benefits from the investment now.

Was ZT intended for enthusiasts at first or was it just to make good strong working knives?
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It was originally planned as knives for the military channel, and has evolved to general market.

ninja edit: Either way you still have a customer for life on both brands, especially ZT.
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Appreciate the support!!
 
Enough is enough.....
Alpha took matters into his own hands.
All that specialized training paid off. :D
Finally where one of these belong... In my hand!
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After 191 pages, it has finally happened - Alpha Hunter has a ZT0560!! Congratulations - I hope you enjoy it.
 
Sweet. Way to go Alphahunter. :thumbup: :D Based on when I placed my preorder, if Dave's projection is correct, I'm only 18 to 24 months behind you. :(
 
CONGRATS AH!!


jimmer_5, any idea if the 560 and 561 will be released at the same time or if not what the gap will be.
 
Thomas W said:
We're currently progressing through a fairly large investment into the current facility. It will assist in our production output. We're seeing benefits from the investment now.
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Funny but I was looking at the facility via Google maps and it doesn't look like you could squeeze an additional wing on that property anywhere. I was thinking (if I owned it :rolleyes:) of where walls could be knocked out and extended to house addtl. lines, equipment and such.

It sure doesn't look that big for a facility that makes so darn many knives!! Keep up the good work. :D

Good score A.H.!! :thumbup:
 
cziv said:
Funny but I was looking at the facility via Google maps and it doesn't look like you could squeeze an additional wing on that property anywhere. I was thinking (if I owned it :rolleyes:) of where walls could be knocked out and extended to house addtl. lines, equipment and such.
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The investment was in machinery that fit into the current factory space.
 
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