Plain/Serrations, why not both options

[Colin KC]

Whilst this question relates specifically to SOGs, it is relevent to most manufacturers.

I saw This thread , & wondered, why can't SOG skip the serration process on 10% of their production & sell the resultant plain blades as an option, available only through main dealers or something?

Or am I missing something very obvious here

 

[bushblade]

Hi Colin

I have asked the same question also mainly about the NW Ranger And again here Never did get a reason why many models only come part serrated just "SOG have no plans to make a plain edge version". So if you're missing something, I'm missing it too.

Will

 

[Bobby B]

I can't completely explain, but working in a manufacturing environment, I can say this:
Problems arise when changes are introduced to a standard process. To prevent this, extra controls are put in place. Extra controls cost more, ergo so do the knives.
Personally? I agree, it should be an option... BUT if they made 10% straight edged, and didn't sell them, those sit on the books. SOG made (if memory serves) 12 each of the straight edged Vision series, and it took them forever to sell out of those... that being the case, why take the time and effort to d it again?

 

[bushblade]

Sorry mate, still don't get it extra time and effort? surely adding serrations comes after grinding in the secondary bevel?

In the case of the night vision, as far as I know from what I read in the other thread very few people knew SOG ever produced a plain edge version, how can you sell something that nobody knows exists? But when it was discovered there seemed to be a lot of excitement. Most other manufacturers don't appear to have a problem with producing a plain and serrated version of their models, so why SOG?

IMHO the plain edge version would sell far better than part serrated, wouldn't it even be worth carrying out a bit of market research?

Will

 

[marty123]

As to the plain-edge Visions taking so long to sell, one reason might be that they were sold by SOG directly to the public at full MSR price, as opposed to the knives being sold through retailers at a suitably discounted price. Of course, most companies, SOG included, will charge MSRP when selling to the public, so as not to underprice their dealers.

I'd also like to see more choice of plain-edge as well. How hard can it be to do? The other companies do it quite readily.

 

[Bobby B]

Personally, I'd like the choice too, but market research (outside of these forums... ) and/or Spencer decided on combo edges...

I'd love a plain edged, clip point version of the Vision...