Queen Cutlery Company Closes

[Chui]

- the demise in any form of any of the these wonderful niche manufacturers is desperately sad.

Truly hope there is a way for them to turn it all around...........fingers and thumbs crossed

 

[LastRodeo]

We can't even hardly decide on a yearly forum knife, yeah, the buying and running of a cutlery company should go well...not.

Green Bay Packers shareholders have no voting rights and get no dividends. they are basically just making a donation to the organization.

 

[sitflyer]

Green Bay Packers shareholders have no voting rights and get no dividends. they are basically just making a donation to the organization.

I don't follow sports so had no idea what that off topic reference meant, so thanks for clearing that up.

 

[Dean51]

I wonder why nobody has pondered whether Queen working with these steels may have been part of the problem? Working with high rockwell steels on equipment that wasn't made for it, would result in a lot of defects and a lot of equipment maintenance. And they didn't produce huge lots of anything. I have talked to other makers using similar equipment, and their concern was always the eventual cost and volume issues. New equipment would resolve these issues, but most old style factories don't have a couple million to spare. Maybe the factories that are sticking to the steels the equipment was made for know something after all?

You nailed it.
I’m sure there is more back ground that factors in as well but D2 is very hard to work compared to 1095. Then to try and do it on that old labor intensive equipment that GEC and Queen has and it’s no wonder GEC doesn’t do more 440C.

Anyone who has re ground the primary grind on both 1095 and D2 will understand the difference real quick.

I for one will miss Queen. There is no way I’ll go back to using the older more traditional stainless steels.

 

[solphilos]

I've never owned a Queen but have seen many beautiful examples posted here. Never bought one due to many complaints of q.c. issues, but its always sad to here of an iconic cutler close its doors, or any U.S. manufacturer for that matter. Hopefully something good comes from this and here's to a bright and long future for U.S. cutlery businesses, and all American manufacturing while we're at it.

 

[idahoguy]

I hope the new tax laws can help Queen in their decision making about a potential future. Make Queen great again!

 

[LastRodeo]

I don't follow sports so had no idea what that off topic reference meant, so thanks for clearing that up.

Both yours and the post you quoted were spot on. The GBP are a fine example of how enthusiastic supporters for a product can save the brand without becoming a part of the problem (stand back and let those that know the business make the decisions).

 

[waynorth]

Back in the day - not so long ago - Queen made beautiful knives!! Mechanically beautiful as well as visually!!!
Mini-EJ!!

 

[waynorth]

 

[brownshoe]

My Queen made knives were like people. Each one was an individual with pluses and minuses. Unlike Swiss Army or Case, which are obviously much more "factory" made than hand made. I was willing to accept the "quality issues" just like with people. I think it's kind of sad that so many people "got off" on bitching about Queen. I never got one that the imperfections required it to be sent back or repaired. Just like others, I bought a diamond hone and learned how to free-hand reprofile an edge on a Queen The knife's a treasure to this day, present from family members. All this ignorant speculation about why Queen failed is sad too. Like many things there probably is not a single reason for their current closing. However, the constant denigration of their product as "intelligent knife discussion" probably didn't help.

May God help Queen's family...

 

[kamagong]

Hear, hear Charlie. My finest production slipjoint is a Queen-made knife. Genuine pearl covers with flush pins, she is a remarkable example of the cutler's art.

 

[waynorth]

That's a fine knife, Christian!!!

Back a few more years!

Amazing Bone, above and below!

 

[waynorth]

D-2 and Stag!! What more could a Sodbuster aks for??!!

 

[Dirk D]

...
I have a theory that I don't think has been mentioned yet ... in the old days, all you had were traditional slip joints and everybody carried a pocket knife (even my grandfather who was a banker). Today, even if a young man has an interest in pocket knives (which is rare), it will likely be slanted toward tacticals/lock blades of all shapes and sizes - which are the "cool" knives. Quality traditionals (for the most part) appeal to us who are long in the tooth, with $$ to spend on collectible things, and unfortunately represent a dying breed. Plus the fact that I'm the only one out of maybe 25 guys in my office that even carries a pocket knife (the secretaries always come to me when they need a package opened). I think it's a bigger problem and much of the downfall of the knife industry is cultural ... even the few guys I work with who hunt, don't carry a pocket knife regularly. I really think the USA made quality traditional slipjoint market share is so limited, Case, Buck & GEC cover the bases ... the lesser known companies are destined to struggle today

Good point !
And this is not only an American problem, also in Europe you would rarely find a guy with a pocketknife. My 17y old son will probably the only one with a pocketknife among all his friends.
And here in Europe there´re several countries with strong restrictive knifelaws, which doesn´t make it easier to carry a knife. But most of them have restrictions against locking knifes and/or one- handed openers of a certain length, so normally this would be a benefit for the traditionals, which dont´t fit in those categories. But somehow it´s not 'cool' anymore to carry a knife. Thank God I´m too old to feel the need to be cool
(maybe also the makers missed the point to make it a needed Hipster equipment )

 

[johnny twoshoes]

My Queen made knives were like people. Each one was an individual with pluses and minuses. Unlike Swiss Army or Case, which are obviously much more "factory" made than hand made. I was willing to accept the "quality issues" just like with people. I think it's kind of sad that so many people "got off" on bitching about Queen. I never got one that the imperfections required it to be sent back or repaired. Just like others, I bought a diamond hone and learned how to free-hand reprofile an edge on a Queen The knife's a treasure to this day, present from family members. All this ignorant speculation about why Queen failed is sad too. Like many things there probably is not a single reason for their current closing. However, the constant denigration of their product as "intelligent knife discussion" probably didn't help.

May God help Queen's family...

This forum allows everyone to share their opinions freely and that’s not a bad thing in the least. It seems like you were content with quality control issues that others weren’t willing to put up with, which is perfectly fine, but the overall sacrifice of quality doesn’t keep a company afloat.

If we saw the same number of positive posts about Queen knives as we do about Case and GEC we wouldn’t be hearing of their closing most likely, but people get burned from a less then acceptable product when it’s so easy to compare them to that of other makers.

Queen has a history, a brand recognition that should only lend to their support, but that’s all lost when the product consistently lacks the quality standard of even their previous product. On top of that the price rise didn’t seem earned if the quality wasn’t going to rise as well.

I’ve attended the Queen knife show on many occasions and have had the chance to speak to previous ownership and current management, my experience was never good enough for me to keep trying with their product. I purchased a show knife directly from the manager and was handed a random knife from a big cardboard box, it wasn’t until
I got home that I noticed the large crack in the pile side. Experiences like this do not benefit a companies future.

 

[johnny twoshoes]

On a more positive note....

 

[T. Erdelyi]

One of the nicest forum knives we've had, made by Queen. They sure made a nice knife.

I remember all the fighting and arguing during that knife, all the opinions over donated stag. I was more afraid of that knife bein' the last forum knife. Turned out to be one of the most sought after Forum knifes next to the EO Jack with the bottle opener GEC made. All the work and issues that revolved around that one. Still , next to the '08 Northwoods, hands down my favorite pre dot forum knives. A lot went into the Barlow, 2 different stamps, Queen on one side Schatt Morgan all the arguing over what the bolster stamp should be. Much props to the guys involved in that one, you have my utmost respect, I woulda went nitz dealin' with the membership. IIRC they came late, shipped late and wasn't the money to start put up by one of our own then he had problems shipping because of an operation or injury. Or am I mixing up 2 separate forum knives? Anyway, don't wanna see them close their doors and sell the name to Taylor or if someone's gonna buy it at least let AG Russell get it as him and Goldie seem a lot more involved in the day to day business and product quality.

Assuming this is not going to go well for the current owner...For those of you that truly care about maintaining an American Industry & a company with a rich history - think of the ownership of the Green Bay Packers - if we can get enough of us to pitch in we can all become owners & change the course of history for the future of these knives. Think of it - what if we could muster enough economic resources to bring this brand back to full luster & turn a profit? Those that took part would not only benefit financially in the long run, but also would become legendary in the knife community.

What a dream, I would love to be involved in something like that, what a dream job, to be the facilities mechanic who as part owner could use my skills as a mechanic and a manager to get the current equipment up to spec and improve where needed and possible. I've done this a couple of times with companies where we went in as a group and the company was bought out and restored to it's former glory and most times better. Equipment and manufacturing procedures updated.

Then I remember all the work and long nights and weekends, the salary cuts and all the aggravation, think about my age and health... Then I wish them all the luck in the world.

In the send I would love to see them succeed and work out any issues they might have to everyone's satisfaction and benefit.

 

[Phil in Alabama]

I hope they are able to restructure and survive. It's sad to see yet another old American knife company failing. I don't have a giant collection of knives, but ten of them are Queens and amongst the favorites of my stash. They were the company that made quite a few knives from steels that were/are above average, like D2 and ATS34, and bone jigs that larger companies rarely offered. Many of their patterns dated back to the companies beginnings, almost like stepping back in time.

 

[Will Power]

You nailed it.
I’m sure there is more back ground that factors in as well but D2 is very hard to work compared to 1095. Then to try and do it on that old labor intensive equipment that GEC and Queen has and it’s no wonder GEC doesn’t do more 440C.

Anyone who has re ground the primary grind on both 1095 and D2 will understand the difference real quick.

I for one will miss Queen. There is no way I’ll go back to using the older more traditional stainless steels.

Mostly, I agree with you and knifeswapper, but there's an inherent problem with this way of looking at it-and it's based on diminishing returns. OK if we assume that Queen and other Traditional cutlery companies largely use very old and thus worn /temperemental equipment, the argument that they 'can't' really risk striking out & machining more modern (and interesting steels) like D2, 154, 440c, Sandvik 14 etc etc as it takes a toll on elderly machinery, ultimately leads to extinction. Not everybody wants or is satisfied by the mantra that a 'real' traditional pocket knife must be only in good old 1095. Moreover, sooner or later, the said machinery will also be unable to produce 1095 at acceptable levels of quality. But as pointed out by another poster, the idea of being wise like GEC and not risking their machinery on hard stuff steels does NOT explain Queen's recent abysmal build quality and suicidal price ascents. Hopefully GEC will be able to invest in newer more efficient machinery as all companies must do to remain viable.

People may like to quote the rather lazy adage of a bad workman always blames his tools, but you just try and make anything half decent consistently with worn out unreliable equipment. Try a long car journey in a worn out old banger and see if you can expect faultless performance, safety and comfort....uh uh.

 

[Will Power]

In an ironic twist, this arrived yesterday as a gift (also a fine CASE Redbone Penknife) from Half Stop. Beautiful Stag on a wonderful larger Penknife from Queen City, many thanks indeed Ron.

I try to speak as I find, I've had Queen knives that have enraged me (notably the last one I bought) others have deeply impressed me, this one is in the latter category a wonderful knife to own.

Gone maybe Queen Cutlery, never forgotten though.