Non-represented or under-represented knife designers in production knives

[bld522]

Ray Laconico's decision to license Kizer to manufacture production knives based on his designs got me thinking. How many other great designers are out there whose work is either not represented or under-represented in the manufacture of production knives? By under-represented I mean that production knives are currently available based on their designs but they're not the kind of quality they ought to be.

I already mentioned Ray as someone whose designs weren't represented in production knives until he recently penned an agreement with Kizer. But there are several designers in my opinion whose production models don't really reflect their talent. The designs may be similar, but not the materials, fit and finish used in their manufacture. Take Brian Tighe and Ken Steigerwalt for example. Most of the production knives based on their designs employ steel or aluminum handles and 8Cr or AUS-8 steel. Those knives don't approach the materials, fit and finish of the customs on which they're based. At least with Ray, Kizer used Titanium handles, S35VN blade steel, caged ceramic bearings and steel lockbar inserts in his production knives. They're still not Laconico customs, of course. But they're a heck of a lot closer to Laconico customs than Tighe or Steigerwalt production knives are to their customs.

So what other designers in your opinion deserve to have production knives made based on their designs or models made that more closely reflect the materials, fit and finish of their customs?

 

[bodog]

I think Jake Hoback would be a good fit for zero tolerance. With ceramic bearings and the roller detent, a heavy blackwash, and the style of the knife, I think it'd be a hit if they put it out as a full production run for under $300. And putting the detent strength in the hands of customers would only help.

Or this

http://www.jakehobackknives.com/hoback-roller-detent

 

[bld522]

Yep. Looks like it has ZT written all over it, all right. :thumbup:

One of the big problems is that there are more great knife designers than manufacturers capable of making production knives on their behalf. That's one of the main reasons I love to see new manufacturers come on board, especially manufacturers devoted to representing their collaborators' work to the fullest. It opens a conduit for designers like Ray Laconico and Matt Cucchiara to get knives befitting their talents out to a far wider audience than they could ever hope to reach on their own.

 

[Brian.Evans]

Great thread. This is exactly my goal. I'd love to collaborate with some good designers under the EK&T name and move from a knifemaker to a knife brand.

 

[NorthernSouthpaw]

Jon Graham comes to mind. His folding Razel is such an awesome design, it's a shame to see how badly CRKT F.U.B.A.R.ed the fit & finish. I think that's one of the main reasons he went to mid-techs. I think a Benchmade Razel in S30V that comes in around $200 would sell quite well.

Speaking of BM. Can you imagine how well received a Tom Krein Alpha with an Axis lock would be? . I rarely consider productions anymore, but I'd buy one of those in a heartbeat!!

 

[Comeuppance]

Reese Weiland

David Clark

 

[bld522]

Great thread. This is exactly my goal. I'd love to collaborate with some good designers under the EK&T name and move from a knifemaker to a knife brand.

You present a twist I wasn't actually expecting. I thought I'd get feedback from BF members re: knifemakers whose designs they'd like to see mass-produced or produced with higher quality materials, fit and finish. But you're actually looking for knife designers to collaborate with YOU! :thumbup: So of course, two questions immediately pop to mind. First, do you have the resources to support collaborators in getting their designs out to a wider audience and second, have you talked to any of them about doing that? If not, who would you like to bring on board?

 

[Brian.Evans]

First, do you have the resources to support collaborators in getting their designs out to a wider audience?

I'm working on it. I'm collaborating with two designers now, one for a flipper folder version of my Companion EDC. The other, a modified version of his original design with a longer blade and improved handle ergos. It's a lot of fun!

Second, have you talked to any of them about doing that? If not, who would you like to bring on board?

These are the two ways I've gone about it so far. Find a designer that you like and approach him about commissioning a design. This is what I did with the folder version of the Companion. This could be a flat fee or a royalty on pieces sold based system.

The second way that I've done this is to form a partnership with an established designer and bring collaborations to market.

As my brand gets bigger, I will have to move from knifemaker to production level. As the brand gets bigger, the bigger names you can attract as collaborators. No way am I getting Ken Onion, or Hoback, or any huge name guys. It's a give and take, just like every business. I've learned so much, but most days I still have no idea what I'm doing. I focus on providing outstanding service and superior knives. The rest wool sort itself out.

 

[bld522]

That is so cool! I wish you every success. :thumbup: