The future of CRK?

T

Talley1013

Joined
Oct 15, 2010
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414
Watching the BHQ shop tour videos got me thinking about the future of CRK. Mr. Reeve isn't a young man and certainly has to be thinking about retirement and enjoying his golden years. What do you guys think the future of CRK will be when Chris finally retires? Does he have anyone that he has groomed to take over the business when he retires?

I ask this because I am a newcomer to the CRK game. I have only been into CRK for a little over a year. I hate to think that I am getting into these great knives at the end. Maybe someone can reassure me that CRK will continue to produce outstanding knives in the future.

On a side note, my 25 should be here on Tuesday!!!!

ET
 
Its crossed my mind several times as well. I would think a company as respectable as CRK would have appropriate contingencies in place, but you never know. I'm only in my 30's; Will I have warranty support for my $500 to $1000 knife 20 years from now? I hope so!

Regardless, it's not going to stop me from buying more and supporting the brand while it's still here!
 
Better to have art and enjoy it in the first person, than to always wonder " what if?"
 
Chris reeve doesn't make the knives anymore. He leaves it up to the people who are well trained and strive for quality. They will still be there when he is gone.
 
I suspect that with a brand as huge as crk is in the knife community that if they don't carry on past our children's lifetimes, there will assuredly be some knife nut somewhere who can handle all repairs and spa treatments.
 
While I like to think that CRK will continue down the line generationally (like Randall or Buck Knives) it is not a major concern for me as a user or collector. Did the people buying Loveless' knives wonder who would fulfill the warranty in thirty years? Do the people buying Ken Onions or Kit Carsons do today? Any knife company could fold or be sold off, just look at Schrade or Cammilus.
 
He'll probably sell it to Cold Steel so they can make 7.5" folders with incredibly tight tolerances. :D

Nah, I suspect this company will long outlive it's founder and, if I had the guess, I suspect that's the way Mr. Reeve would want it.
 
I know he has a son, but Chris and Anne seem to play things close to the vest when it comes to the future of CRK, new products, etc.

I have quite a bit invested in CRK, and will continue to grow that collection over the next few years.

I figure that worst case I will find a knife maker that will service my knife if CRK isn't around any more. There seem to be many talented people in the industry.
 
I would appreciate knowing if Chris Reeve has a plan for his company to continue. If that would be his son running the company or a possible sale so that his company continues. I am planning to purchase my first Chris Reeve knife, a Sebenza 25, and would like to be assured that I will have a warranty for my $500 knife. After all isn't that part of what we pay for besides the outstanding quality and attention to detail.
Would appreciate any responses. Thanks.
 
I think it unfair to require a business owner to lay out the future plans of a privately held company. Chris has a lot of passion for the knives he makes and the industry he helped revolutionize. Why else would he be releasing new models like the Nyala and Ti-Lock, constantly tweak existing models like the Mnandi and Umnumzaan, and redesign the bread and butter Sebenza if he was at the eve of closing the business?

People buy houses, cars and electronics every day with little thought about who will service the warranty in the short term future. That new tablet computer costs how much? And if you didnt pay extra for the insurance and drop it, who will service it? I buy a new smartphone every 24 months and spend more on the cell phone that I do on a modest CRK.

People buy houses from small mom/pop builders all the time - I'm in the Homebuilding business and I can tell you that the survival rate for the small builder isn't good.

So - I say buy and enjoy. CRK has been around for many years, there is a lot of historical data out there as far as how durable the knives are, and there will be knife makers that can always sharpen, tune, refinish your knife.

I spent more for a custom slip joint (from a one man shop) than the new large 25 costs - so I probably run more risk than the average CRK buyer.
 
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APerna said:
Who's to say you won't go first!!!!!!!!!!
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LMAO

Seriously tho, if Chris expires in the next 20 yrs or so I'm sure his company will continue. His wife Anne and son Tim will probably keep the machines turning. Chris also has interests in his company that I'm sure will like to step in if the company ever goes for sale. As for us, the users, our advantage is these knives are built to last a lifetime. Buy two, stick one in you pocket and safe queen the other.
 
I can't believe that someone would want to know about the warrant on a knife, if something happens to the man that warranties that knife. Chris is a great man , that built a remarkable company. I have about 8 of his knives and if something happened, I'd be more upset about loosing a great man / company than who was going to service my inanimate object. I think this discussion is rude to say the least. But for those who are this concerned about it, why don't you buy some more CRK knives and hope for the worst .... Maybe they will skyrocket in value and you can cash in on someone else's misfortune.
 
I think Mr Reeve enjoys his live - no need to retire.
Through his knives he will live forever.
red mag
 
ALJR said:
I can't believe that someone would want to know about the warrant on a knife, if something happens to the man that warranties that knife. Chris is a great man , that built a remarkable company. I have about 8 of his knives and if something happened, I'd be more upset about loosing a great man / company than who was going to service my inanimate object. I think this discussion is rude to say the least. But for those who are this concerned about it, why don't you buy some more CRK knives and hope for the worst .... Maybe they will skyrocket in value and you can cash in on someone else's misfortune.
Click to expand...
thanks for saying what I was just thinking! You hit the nail on the head!!! Many thanks! Need to change the subject........
 
ALJR said:
I can't believe that someone would want to know about the warrant on a knife, if something happens to the man that warranties that knife. Chris is a great man , that built a remarkable company. I have about 8 of his knives and if something happened, I'd be more upset about loosing a great man / company than who was going to service my inanimate object. I think this discussion is rude to say the least. But for those who are this concerned about it, why don't you buy some more CRK knives and hope for the worst .... Maybe they will skyrocket in value and you can cash in on someone else's misfortune.
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Well put:thumbup:
 
ALJR said:
I can't believe that someone would want to know about the warrant on a knife, if something happens to the man that warranties that knife. Chris is a great man , that built a remarkable company. I have about 8 of his knives and if something happened, I'd be more upset about loosing a great man / company than who was going to service my inanimate object. I think this discussion is rude to say the least. But for those who are this concerned about it, why don't you buy some more CRK knives and hope for the worst .... Maybe they will skyrocket in value and you can cash in on someone else's misfortune.
Click to expand...

Well put, like the class act you are my friend. I find this discussion in poor taste (or misguided to say the least).
 
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