Outdoor Edge?

blademan 13 · May 14, 2002

I cannot for the life of me figure out why some of OE's products are not more popular. Any of their knives I have sampled have been as good, or in most cases, better than the more popular similarly priced models on the market. Their collaborations with some of the knife worlds prominent maker's have resulted in very worthwhile products that just don't seem to light anyones fire. The Paragee is a super little knife for the money and compares very favorable to the Camillus EDC. The aluminum handled Magna is simply a brute of a knife and probably the best bang for the buck big folder on the market. Their QC is also very good IMO. The fit & finish is super, the blades are well ground and lock-up is solid. All in all, they offer outstanding products for the price. It is really a shame that they never got the recognition that they deserved, what gives?

Cosmic Superchunk · May 14, 2002

I agree. Outdoor Edge seems to be a sleeper in the production knife industry. The Paragee is an outstanding little folder, but the Camillus EDC has taken the limelight over the Paragee. The Kit Carson Magna is another amazingly crafted folder that deserves as much attention as others, but I think OE's lack of mention is due to a lack of marketing. CRKT's ads are bolder and more noticable by comparison as are Camillus' ads. The fact that Camillus is a much older and a well known established company may be another factor. Outdoor Edge does make great products and I was really disappointed when I heard that they had to put the Ray Appleton designed Cosmos on hold. Still, if they push their marketing a bit more, I'm sure their popularity will rise.

phatch · May 14, 2002

I, too, like OE products. Great value for the buck. I've talked to some vendors about it though. Vendors can't move them fast enough to be worth the investment. They aren't well known and are a bit oddball in design to appeal to the general public.

I tend to give them as gifts. They are priced right and good performers and it helps out this great company.

Phil

tarsier · May 14, 2002

I'm also surprised that the Field Lite and Pocket Lite lines are not more popular. They seem to be equivalent to the Cold Steel Voyagers in materials and construction, but they aren't available through the usual places that I shop online. I have heard that they are good quality tools.

92degrees · May 14, 2002

The Paragee is a fine knife. The EDC has a lot more advertising and marketing behind it, so it's pretty easy to see why it's so much more popular. Camillus' reputation likely helps too.

Mike Turber · May 14, 2002

You got me. I have been tooting the OE horn for years. In a poll on here I even rated them as the most underated manufacturer. Now that ALL of the collaborations are now being discontinued I find it sad to see such a good thing go down the tubes.

But right now IS the time to buy them (the collaboratiuons) they won't be around long and never at better prices.

I feel sorry for David. He has put a lot of effort into making a quality product. I have 3 Paragee's sitting on my desk and they are quite a knife. The Magna is a work horse. The Impulse is just plan COOL. But who knows, maybe the designs will live on in another way

Keith Montgomery · May 15, 2002

I am sure that these are probably good knives, but they just do not catch my eye. They have, for some reason, not been of any interest to me. Maybe it is the fact that I have never really handled any of OE's knives. I opened and closed a Magna a couple of times and the action was quite smooth, but I bought a Spyderco Military instead. The Magna just didn't impress me enough to be my final choice.

Sergiusz Mitin · May 15, 2002

In my honest opinion Outdoor Edge is real sleeper. I have 3 their knives:
* Paragee
* Aluminum handled Magna
* Black coated Impulse (bigger one)
There is nothing wrong with everyone of them!
Really a lot of knife for money, no way less than closest competitors offer. And far more than some much higher priced manufacturers...

David Bloch exhibits his knives at IWA Trade Show for many years and they really cause a lot of interest from pragmatic European side. Quite interesting sets of outdoor tools also.

So I have no ideas what objective matter could cause this sleeping.
Maybe not enough aggressive marketing?

phantom4 · May 15, 2002

I gotta agree that it is lack of marketing. I've been a knifeknutt for over 40 years and I remember when Spyderco first started as a small company with just a couple of products their marketing wasn't all that great. I was aware of the knives from adds but thought they were all gimmick. Until I got one! Then 2, then 3 now well over a hundred and still counting. I've carried Spydies for years and was always touting their virtues but I was amazed by the number of people, including knife people who were completely oblivious to their very exsistence in the early years.

phantom4