SOG Production Schedules

Krizzard

Krizzard

Joined
Jun 9, 2001
Messages
343
Hi there!

This a poser for SOG Knives, in regards to SOG Knives Production Schedules:
Could a representative from SOG Knives elaborate the how? why? and when?, new cutlery models are introduced.
Is there a long term blue print for the expansion of its products?
Are new models being developed internally with a dedicated team of designers, or is outside help sought?
Where are the prototype blades made and tested?
Are the US made SOG products done within SOG's own facilities?
And finally, are products discontinued solely on the reflection of sales figures?
I understand that these questions maybe of a sensitive nature, so if no comments come forth, just reply no comment.
Krizzard. out.

"...Whoever kills with the sword must be killed by the sword... "
- The New Testament, Revelation 13 :10


 
Hi Krizzard,

Thanks for your questions. You've certainly given a handful to answer. I'll try to answer them the best I can. (I'm still remembering your great essay...simply outstanding!)

  • How, why, & when new models? We are always working on new and innovative new models. Our goal is to present them at the SHOT Show annually in January. Presentation of new products at the SHOT Show is pretty much industry standard. We work up to the show (sometimes even with only days to spare) with the innovation of the new products and have working prototypes to show customers. From that date, we pace the new products out from about March through September, giving time to gear up production of each. Our best efforts and intentions are to have all new models shipping to dealers for the Holidays season (they often start purchasing in August/September). We are not always completely successful. All products designs are done with the consumer in mind.
  • Long term blueprint? Yes. We'll develop a new technology and introduce it on either a single product, or a small group of products. As time progresses, we add product around that technology. Examples are the compound-leverage technology on multi-tools started on the PowerPlier and now encompasses a handful of tools.
  • Prototypes. This is more delicate topic. All worthy concepts are turned into prototypes for testing and perfecting. Spencer is SOG's chief designer and is personally involved in all stages of this process.
  • US made products. SOG does not do large tooling or machining on-site. Assembly of an assortment of products does happen on-site (most of our tools are examples). Selected items are labeled "Made in the USA," and those parts are manufactured and assembly does happen within the US.
  • Discontinuing of products. From my understanding, for the most part, low sales would be the prime reason for discontinuing a product. Possibly another reason would be as we improve on a product, the older model will be discontinued. There may be other reasons, but I can't think of them offhand.

If you need me to elaborate more, please let me know.


------------------
Ron Andersen
Consumer Services Manager
SOG Specialty Knives & Tools, Inc.

Website: www.sogknives.com / Email: ron@sogknives.com

SOGLogo3.gif
The SOG Forum

[This message has been edited by Ron@SOG (edited 06-26-2001).]
 
Hey Ron!

Is moderating this forum a 24-hour job?
About your replies, .... most satisfactory!

No requirement to elaborate.
Except, more on designers if possible.
Like how many are there?
Are they all full time employees?
What does it take to be part of that team?
What's the average age?
The longest serving member? How many years in employment? Are they all American nationals?

p.s. Good nite Ron

Krizzard. out.

"...Whoever kills with the sword must be killed by the sword... "
- The New Testament, Revelation 13 :10



 
Hi Krizzard,

Yes, I moderate this SOG forum 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Or, I have this intuitive ability to clairvoyantly know when people have posted, then I run to a computer to respond. Choose whichever you would like to believe (or that I don’t have a life).
wink.gif


I’ll try to your question relative to our designing team. Spencer is the sole leading force of the design of our products. There is an assortment of personnel comprising the Research & Development Team serving various tasks. Some are resident SOG employees. Some are professionals not directly employed by SOG. Some are associated with our subcontractors.

I can share with you my personal involvement. I am the liaison between our consumer base and Spencer, sharing practical input about existing and future product. Also, I am the liaison between inventors who would like to pitch new designs and Spencer.

Again, I hope this information has been beneficial.


------------------
Ron Andersen
Consumer Services Manager
SOG Specialty Knives & Tools, Inc.

Website: www.sogknives.com / Email: ron@sogknives.com

SOGLogo3.gif
The SOG Forum
 
Hiya Ron!


Sorry to keep you up again! As usual if its a "no, no", post no comment.


i) Are all models produced in the same exact numbers?

ii) If not, what determins the production figures?

iii) Is there such a thing as economics of scale in the manufacture of these products?


Krizzard. out.

"...Whoever kills with the sword must be killed by the sword... "
- The New Testament, Revelation 13 :10


 
Hi Krizzard,

If I understand your questions, they are interrelated. Sales figures are confidential, but in general terms, if something is successful, we'll meet our customers' demands by raising production. Conversely, if sales slide, we'll reduce production levels.

------------------
Ron Andersen
Consumer Services Manager
SOG Specialty Knives & Tools, Inc.

Website: www.sogknives.com / Email: ron@sogknives.com

SOGLogo3.gif
The SOG Forum
 

Hiya Ron!

Guess this is it for me on the above said topic.

Thanks for the replies!

Krizzard. out.

"...Whoever kills with the sword must be killed by the sword... "
- The New Testament, Revelation 13 :10

 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top