So, something has been nagging at me......

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Consider this: KaBar sets the MSRP at X. For retailers, the price is set at W (wholesale, which can be adjusted up or down for the volume and is generally 40% less than X), and SUGGESTED to be marked up to X. Most retailers need to compete with each other and lower their prices from X to Y so that their profit margin is only 10-15% above W. Over the past several years gas and prices have been going up for those retailers and they have been forced to raise their prices. Then Joe Consumer goes to (Insert Retailer Name Here) and they notice that "Hey I can't get a BK for 50 or 60 bucks and it's more like 70 or 80 (where retail would be 100) KaBar musta raised the prices, this sucks!" I'm broke and out of work but I pay for quality, I have even payed full retail by ordering from KaBar direct because what I wanted wasn't available otherwise. If I was able to get a better price that would have been great but I know that I'm not going to have to worry about any issues with it and even if I do, they will take care of it because that's the kind of company they are. I KNOW that the whiners can't say that about their less expensive junk blades. Even some of the so called hard use makers knives don't stand up to the test... Sorry for the rant, I feel you Moose...
 
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Well im new to the Becker knife world having just got my bk16 in the mail a couple days ago and anyone who complains about these knives is just out of there mind. I have several other knives mostly Buck which I also believe to be a great company to do business with but I must say for the price point no one compares to the Becker line.
 
I've noticed the same thing lately, new changes in manufacturing to better the product and haters still be hatin. But i think its just apart of life. People always seem to find a way to complain but a lot of them just neglect the things that have been improved to satisfy the consumer. I am completley happy with the direction that Kabar and Uncle E have taken and I can't wait to see where it goes in the near future. Great knives for a great price, and made in the good ol USA by guys who use knives. Who could ask for more....
 
First I heard of any dissatisfied customers.

Most of the places I go where Beckers are mentioned they are well respected as a damn good reliable tool. Pound for pound (I'm looking at you, BK2) the Becker line is the best bang for the buck when considering all aspects of construction, reliability, longevity, and service. Of course you're preaching to the choir in here, though :D
 
Yeah, I do apologize for the thread somewhat.

Its important to note the progress that Kabar has made from, say, 2 years ago.

That's really what I wanted to do, not start a rant.

Ok, maybe just a little rant, but hey, you should see the other one I posted in a saltier place. Make your toes curl.

Fact is, Kabar is going above and beyond to make their customers voices heard and happy.

Moose
 
I'm with you, Moose. KA-BAR has increased both the number of Becker models, and the quality at the same time, which is hard to do. They're not always perfect, but KA-BAR is standing behind them. These are the reasons that Ethan is happy he escaped from the Camillus bankruptcy, and licensed his designs to KA-BAR. Talk about win-win-win situations, Ethan, KA-BAR, and we have all come out ahead.
 
Moosez45 said:
For some reason, folks seem to think that Kabar is lowering the quality of the BKT knives. Whether it be the steel, handles, sheaths, or grind, for some reason, folks aren't seeing it.

So, I wanted to point out a few things, mostly, the quality upgrades that YOU GUYS AND GALS have helped make happen.

Steel, 1095CV, sure it ain't some hyper new super steel, but its been around a long time and Kabar has the best HT in the biz.

Coatings, ya'll said the old coatings wore to easily, so, you got a newer, tougher coating.

QC, some of you got a bent blade, we that was due to roll stamping and now that is gone.

Switch from Grivory to Zytel, THEY ARE THE SAME THING, JUST A DIFFERENT NAME!! both are equally durable and adaptable, just don't put them in an open flame.

The sheaths suck, well, have you seen the new ones? They are better material with tougher stitching, more options, and are on going to be one every blade soon.


Oh, and did I fail to mention that the price has only gone up 4% in the last 5yrs? Yeah, that is it, even on the most expensive BKT knife, that's only an increase of $4.

SO, all the new quality upgrades, a slight increase in price, and the same tough as knives as before.

If you are not seeing the quality upgrades, then you simply are not looking.

Bottom line, Kabar is bending over backwards to increase every level of the the BKT line, except the price, which, is not going to break your wallet.

Sorry for the rant, but these things need to be pointed out sometimes.

Feel free to comment, but I won't let this turn into a debacle, anything other than cordial discussion, and I'll close this thread and issue warnings.

Moose
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These things are great to hear. I love a company that listens to their customers.
 
I agree, one heck of a business they have earned, by honesty, hardwork, quality products, customer service, and some patriotism. Love me some New York steel.
 
Got my first Becker on February 14 2011. Yep my love got me something I love, my BK11. I have bought and am proud to own the 2, 7, 14, 10 and 16 since and a Phat Bob to go with it. Best knife for the money bar none. I was afraid to "use" my other knives I have bought in the past. I know that I can beat the living shit out of my Beckers and the worst I've had happen is I had to strip the coating because I intentionally trashed it, which is one of the best parts. I'm a fanboy, I admit and I felt dirty the first time a bought a knife that wasn't a Becker, I later learned that was ok.

Bottom line is that I have never felt this loyal to a brand before now and this forum is one of the reasons, another is quality and the other is I know that we have a big brother like Moose to look after us here. Thanks for all you do for us Uncle E is pretty lucky to have you...
 
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Is the new coating already available on the non-tweeners? If not, then when? OP also mentioned new sheaths. When will those be coming with the non-tweeners?
 
cjr7 said:
Is the new coating already available on the non-tweeners? If not, then when? OP also mentioned new sheaths. When will those be coming with the non-tweeners?
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New coatings will be released when old stock is depleted. Months out I think. Although the new sheaths have been popping up
 
I like KaBar. They make good stuff.



1095 is one of my favorite blade steels. KaBar's version of it IMO is probably the best in the industry.
 
Don't know if I mentioned this in the last post or another thread, but playing with my BK7 today I noted that it really IS noticeable the better quality of stock sheath. Liner doesn't grip out of the box, but the overall construction is noticably better. Not going to pitch this one!
 
clich said:
New coatings will be released when old stock is depleted. Months out I think. Although the new sheaths have been popping up
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Are the new sheaths like the tweener sheath? Do you know which models are getting new sheaths?
 
cjr7 said:
Are the new sheaths like the tweener sheath? Do you know which models are getting new sheaths?
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Only the tweeners get sheaths like that. The rest are more or less like the old sheath, but made better with Molle attachment backs. They also have Velcro backed retention snaps so the loop can stay open.
 
Just keep in mind, the critical view points are the ones that drive product improvement. :)

I have no complaints, though. I do have a BK17 on its way to me. :) Keep up the good work guys!
 
gytheran said:
Just keep in mind, the critical view points are the ones that drive product improvement. :)

I have no complaints, though. I do have a BK17 on its way to me. :) Keep up the good work guys!
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G, you are correct.

And you all know that we do not stifle any complaints, we just ask for information to go with them.

The complaints or criticism is how changes are made. I just prefer them to come in the form of constructive, instead of just brand bashing.

Moose
 
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