They want to know why.

[Bigfattyt]

Suggestion Blade HQ, look up Jared Oeser. He makes some of the nicest slipjoints right now. He is from Lehi. His knives are very limited, and in demand.

He would probably be willing do an interview. He represents an up and coming maker who is really setting trends right now in the industry.

There are plenty of name recognized makers.

Tony and Reese Bose, Pena, Dr. T, and many many more.

But Jared Oeser is pretty local.




I do agree, the traditional sub forum can be prickly. In all my time, my only infraction ever was on that forum. They chased me out, and I did not return for some time. Then Jared Oeser invited me back in. It was before he was making slip joints. He and I knew each other from an in person meet up about knives.

The forum is very generous and giving. But pretty rigidbon rules and topics.

 

[KBA]

To continue the conversation:

I liked Cory's post, however, if I read, or saw a youtube video by a vendor, I would think they were just selling me a knife. I like the idea of having a common everday traditional carrying guy (or two) explaining why. When I read the traditional forum post, it is the history of craftsmanship and passion of traditional knives that makes me want to buy one just to try it out. Cory for example carries a Queen Stockman, one I havent tried, and his enjoyment of it makes me want to buy one just to see. If you don't have a passion for the knives you carry Im done listening. Heck, I watched a video on front flippers last night and the guy just loved them. His passion for them was obvious. I had to research them.

 

[paulhilborn]

I just didn't take offense with any part of the video, I guess I didn't see anything disrespectful. Questions were asked to why one would carry a traditional and never criticized why one would? I didn't feel their humor was disrespectful either?

I am a dyed in the wool (yes even my sayings are old) traditional knife carrier. I own both modern and traditional but haven't carried a modern in a couple of years as my traditional does all I need cutting task wise. They even handle what I consider "hard use" as I use my traditionals on construction sites regularly.

I appreciate any knife talk anytime, folding, fixed, traditional or modern carry, it's all good. Again I found nothing offensive and appreciate that they honestly addressed the "why". I know on the trad forum that most appreciate the slower process in the cutting task, take time and appreciate the beauty and simplicity of the task at hand and many will scoff at the mundane, all black, sterile, quick flick, draw attention to one self modern folder and the occasional "when's the last time I needed to stab through a car hood" comment...Thanks Cold Steel

So, "in a nut shell" (there I go again with the Old phrases) sarcasm, bias works/goes both ways. Maybe we all just go back to useing our car keys to open boxes

 

[Cory Hess]

Brett, I don't disagree that I'd prefer seeing an everyday knut than a vendor in these videos. My suggestion was more of a backup option in case they didn't find anybody to take up their offer. TheApostleP is a great example of a guy that makes great videos because of his love of slipjoints. I brought up Buck because they're right next door in Idaho. The Daniels came to mind because they're straight up knife knuts. Talking to them I get the feeling that Queen is just an extension of their hobby, much like you see with alot of dealers. Ken and Ryan would be perfectly happy to sit and talk Case or GEC knives with you all day. In my head it would be one of those guys sitting at a table full of Case or GEC knives talking about the features and benefits of a slipjoint moreso than them sitting at a table full of Queens. Another option would be to hit up the annual knife show in Oregon. I know that there's plenty of guys there that love talking traditional knives.

I really wish that Utah wasn't 1,000 miles away, as I'd love to talk slipjoints with the BladeHQ crew. I'm not the most knowledgeable guy out there, and definitely not the most photogenic, but I do love talking pros and cons of different knives.

 

[KBA]

Bladehq, there are a lot of people on the forum that I respect. Two of the highest just posted above me. Paul and Cory would make great guest on the show. If only they had a way there.

 

[supratentorial]

The books that BladeHQ ordered have a lot of good info in them. After they read them, people will be asking them for answers ! The author of the original edition of the Guide, Bernard Levine, is a forum member with his own subforum here on Bladeforums. He would be a great person for BladeHQ to interview since he has a lot of knowledge about knives.

BladeHQ did an excellent job responding to feedback. Good luck with the videos guys! Enjoy the books !

TheApostleP is a great example...

Not a good example. TheApostleP owes me, several other forum members, and the entire forum a sincere apology. And it should be posted here on Bladeforums (though not in the BladeHQ topic). TheApostleP made insults against all of us. Most recently, he posted a youtube video that misrepresents what happened and stirs up "vitriol and hate" for Bladeforums in the comments.

Contrary to what he claims in his video, he was given a chance to explain himself and he enjoyed weeks of discussion that was uninterrupted.

I did welcome him to present his side of the story. I stuck around to give him that chance even though I had already left the discussion. Despite lots of guidance, he chose to make nasty insults in all of his replies. I responded to his claims about the knife and didn't retaliate to his repeated insults. And when he came back days later with more insults, I also did not retaliate. Instead, I again opened the door to conversation about the knife that he was selling. I tried to get him on track and it worked for a short while. Apparently (I was not there), weeks later he got in a fight elsewhere in the forum on another subject.

TheApostleP could learn quite a bit from the professionalism shown by BladeHQ. TheApostleP owes me in particular and the forum in general a sincere apology. It should be posted here on bladeforums. It is long overdue. It is the right thing to do. A sincere apology doesn't contain further insults or complaints.

 

[Markesharp]

The books that BladeHQ ordered have a lot of good info in them. After they read them, people will be asking them for answers ! The author of the original edition of the Guide, Bernard Levine, is a forum member with his own subforum here on Bladeforums. He would be a great person for BladeHQ to interview since he has a lot of knowledge about knives.

BladeHQ did an excellent job responding to feedback. Good luck with the videos guys! Enjoy the books !



Not a good example. TheApostleP owes me, several other forum members, and the entire forum a sincere apology. And it should be posted here on Bladeforums (though not in the BladeHQ topic). TheApostleP made insults against all of us. Most recently, he posted a youtube video that misrepresents what happened and stirs up "vitriol and hate" for Bladeforums in the comments.

Contrary to what he claims in his video, he was given a chance to explain himself and he enjoyed weeks of discussion that was uninterrupted.

I did welcome him to present his side of the story. I stuck around to give him that chance even though I had already left the discussion. Despite lots of guidance, he chose to make nasty insults in all of his replies. I responded to his claims about the knife and didn't retaliate to his repeated insults. And when he came back days later with more insults, I also did not retaliate. Instead, I again opened the door to conversation about the knife that he was selling. I tried to get him on track and it worked for a short while. Apparently (I was not there), weeks later he got in a fight elsewhere in the forum on another subject.

TheApostleP could learn quite a bit from the professionalism shown by BladeHQ. TheApostleP owes me in particular and the forum in general a sincere apology. It should be posted here on bladeforums. It is long overdue. It is the right thing to do. A sincere apology doesn't contain further insults or complaints.

Jake I totally agree with you on ApostleP. I went to his You Tube channel and he was bashing Blade Forums and all of us who are members. That is not right in my book.

 

[heday60]

@BladeHQ I'd stated my opinion went down during the video, well it went back up during your participation here. A point of observation regarding the video, at the point of the race would have been a good spot to start talking about the purpose of the knives, like... Well the traditional doesn't do to well at that, what are some of the things they do, and do some comparisons.
Show the nice thin slicing blades, and add the other various blades, and styles of knives and some of their uses. Some things both knives do well, some things the tactical does better, some the traditional. That's the real joy of having so many options. I have and use both types, as well as fixed blades, and I don't want to use a tactical if I'm slicing or peeling an apple, or carving wood, or pruning a branch, likewise I don't want to use a traditional if I'm splitting that branch I pruned. Honestly, cleaning fingernails shouldn't be mentioned.

The hosts seem to be fine, and I know marketing can be challenging and the added challenge of expanding a product to a base that thinks of this type of product as cheap and only used by the older, or hipster, crowd is doubly challenging. Show the versatility of both and you might expand both markets.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

 

[Cory Hess]

Jake, I have to admit that I've been out of the knife loop for the last couple of months. Life has been hectic, and I hadn't been on BF or YouTube and I missed the SFO and conversation that followed. After reading what I could, some posts have been deleted, I'd have to agree with you about ApostleP. Bad recommendation on my part. It's been an informative morning reading all of that stuff, and I'm frankly shocked as that isn't the impression I got from meeting him this last summer and watching his videos. Oh well. We haven't always seen eye to eye, but I've grown to respect you and your opinions greatly. In my experience, you take the time to formulate well thought out stances and do the research to back up your claims. You are an inspiration and somebody that has challenged me to do a better job of these things myself, in all aspects of my life.

Brett, I really appreciate the kindess and would like to reciprocate. I've always thought of you as somebody with unquestionable character.

BladeHQ, I wanted to echo the sentiment that my estimation of your company has greatly improved after reading your responses in this thread. That's not to say that I have thought poorly. I just considered you another in a long list of dealers. Seeing your responses here would put you on a much shorter list of dealers I'm interested in doing business with. Kudos to you.

Sorry for the derail. I didn't realize what a mess I was stepping in with the suggestion of TheApostleP. After reading his posts from the last couple of months I'd say that he's a bit too divisive to be used in marketing materials. Plus, his friendship with Derrick at KSF might be an obstacle in his willingness anyways, which I should have considered prior to posting.

At this point I think your best option might be to check out the Oregon Knife Club Show that I mentioned earlier. I believe it's in April. It will be chock full of traditional enthusiasts that will be eager to discuss the ins and outs of slipjoints with you.

 

[supratentorial]

I've tried to help get him on track and he can send me a private message if he wants help with the situation. I will reply with the same courtesy as I did in the forum. There's enough hostility in the world. No need to create hate over pocket knives. But he should stop and apologize.

 

[philllll]

Kudos to the guys at BladeHQ for their good-natured response to feedback :thumbup: And for supporting the Blaeforums community :thumbup:

I didn't have time to watch the full 18 minutes and I suppose many don't. I did forward through it a bit. Narrowing the focus and making the video (or multiple videos) much shorter... maybe around 5 minutes... might make it easier for people to find time to watch the full video.

The production value was good. And the commentary seemed good-natured and down to earth. The information on traditionals might have been better if researched beforehand but you didn't claim any expertise.

You guys should keep a few reference books on hand in the store. Levine's Guide to Knives and Their Values (now Blade's Guide to Knives and Their Values) has a lot of good info about tradtional knives. You might talk to WR Case Cutlery and Tony Bose at shows.

The skit with one dollar bills was cute. I thought it was funny that they were all ones and that you enjoyed the fresh from the box smell

I agree with Jake! I thought the video was goofy and fun. While I didn't agree with everything you guys said, you still kept my attention enough to watch the whole thing. I definitely laughed out loud when Ben started making it rain with the dollar bills. Even though you two clearly aren't traditional knife guys, it's admirable that you were willing to make a video about that segment of the knife community. Props to you for stepping out of your comfort zone. Another video or two are probably in order to clarify some things, and it'd be great to see one centered around the higher-end traditionals that are out there today.

Sending you an email about blade show!

 

[Ryouchijtx]

They don't begin to get it. They just keep returning to 'cheap' and 'nostalgic'. I don't get people who are supposed to represent knives et al who have no appreciation for anything but modern tactical style knives and lifestyle. They're not doing their company any favours given that BladeHQ sell plenty traditionals. Why didn't they get someone over 23 to represent traditionals and perhaps actually sell some?

I should work there and joint the video I'm 24 and a staunch supporter of the porch, custom traditionals, GEC, old Case etc.

 

[palonej]

Jake I totally agree with you on ApostleP. I went to his You Tube channel and he was bashing Blade Forums and all of us who are members. That is not right in my book.

Yup! Arrogant know it all. In the BF bashing vid he refers to himself as a babe in the woods when it comes to forums.
If that is true, why would he deem it necessary to come here and 'set us straight' about Mike Stewart & Derrick B?
A mod saw right through that BS and set him straight.......he didn't appreciate that too much.
His attitude makes me nauseous.
Joe

 

[KBA]

I agree with the following statements concerning ApostleP. I believe he has allowed his little success in the YT realm to inflate is ego. We will see if it is truly the pride before the fall or if his Christian testimony is real and he humbles himself.

To get back on topic:

What annoyed me (beyond the ignorance of slipjoints) is it seemed Bladehq was only pushing knives they had in stock. I may have missed in but it seemed like a poor pitch. I wasn't sure if it was a infomercial/commercial or a genuine discussion.

Did they talk about any knives they did not sell? I can't remember

 

[BladeHQ]

Quick follow-up: we found a couple takers for a Blade Show video follow-up on traditionals, we're having lunch with Jared Oeser on Friday and our library of traditional knife books just came in. Thanks for the kind words, criticism and suggestions! Now we just need a couple rocking chairs and we can try this video again in the coming months! :thumbup: -Ben

 

[supratentorial]

Quick follow-up: we found a couple takers for a Blade Show video follow-up on traditionals, we're having lunch with Jared Oeser on Friday and our library of traditional knife books just came in. Thanks for the kind words, criticism and suggestions! Now we just need a couple rocking chairs and we can try this video again in the coming months! :thumbup: -Ben

I'm looking forward to interview with Jared. :thumbup: Should be really good. I remember when he started making knives. Didn't take him long! He showed interest and then BOOM he was making great knives! He's also particularly interesting because some of his knives are very traditional patterns and others blur the lines between traditional and modern knives. Should be a fun interview.

KBA, I remember there was an old USA made Schrade Old Timer. IIRC it belong to a staff member's grandfather. I still use an Old Timer 8OT by the way! I don't recall the others at the moment.

 

[KBA]

Sounds great.

Which edition did you grab of the Levine? The lastest is not as accurate and I believe it is the 4th ed that you'll want to own. I may be wrong on that

 

[palonej]

Great idea doing another vid!
Big kudos and really looking forward to it!
Joe

 

[T. Erdelyi]

As traditional knife lovers, we tend to be more protective of our "children"(traditional knives). Overall, I found the video somewhat informative and entertaining. It probably exposed a more modern knife crowd to some traditional patterns, so that is good thing. And it was knife related in the first place, with a positive knife spin, so that was good. The speed test gave me a chuckle. Maybe modern knife enthusiasts place more value on the speed of deployment, and are horrified by the lack of a lock, who knows. There's a butt for every seat, or so they say. Other than the speed test, I don't think they really "put down" traditional knives. And their point is well made about taking out a traditional knife in public as compared to a modern folder.

I'd like to think that both worlds can co-exist. I carry both, and each have their use, IMO.

I agree with you 100%, there's no reason to have to choose sides unless that's what you want. I feel there's room enough in my pockets for both modern one hand folders as well as traditional and vintage folder. When I can carry a 100+ year old knife and use it as my edc for everything short of pryin' apart flanges on a 4" steam trap that says a lot to the utility of a simple slipjoint folder. Hey traditional slipjoint folders made today by some of the most talented knifemakers to date. The hybrid interests me, a cross between new materials with old styling seems to be a reasonable solution to bring both worlds together.

Interesting. The "traditional" guys are a prickly lot.

Really, I've been a traditional knife guy since my first knife but I can appreciate both the new materials and designs of the modern folders and the more traditional knives that have been around hundreds of years and the work that went into them. That bein' said, I never once considered myself prickly.

Ok I watched the video. I don't see the big deal.

I did notice the use of the word "nostalgia" as the reason for using traditional pocket knives. I've often used the same word to describe why I use a traditional pocket knife. I do find the style fits me, but multiple blades with different shapes are great for different tasks.... if nothing else, one blade gets to cut apples and tomatoes for lunch and the other cuts heater hose, boxes, belts, packaging etc. Another big plus is that the blades are almost always thinner and slice better than something 1/8 thick. Finally, the craftsmanship can be interesting.

I sold or gave away all of my modern folding knives a few years ago. If I need something that stout, I'll grab a fixed blade.

I suggest you guys come visit the porch, read jackknife's tales, and find out what traditionalshe are all about.

I've been a friend of the porch since day one of BFC's history, I find the atmosphere and the people who frequent it to be the type of people I love to talk knives with, especially when it comes to history which is one of the things that keeps me coming back to traditionals, the knife tells the story and well made traditional knives stick around a long time gathering many stories from many owners.

I just didn't take offense with any part of the video, I guess I didn't see anything disrespectful. Questions were asked to why one would carry a traditional and never criticized why one would? I didn't feel their humor was disrespectful either?

I am a dyed in the wool (yes even my sayings are old) traditional knife carrier. I own both modern and traditional but haven't carried a modern in a couple of years as my traditional does all I need cutting task wise. They even handle what I consider "hard use" as I use my traditionals on construction sites regularly.

I appreciate any knife talk anytime, folding, fixed, traditional or modern carry, it's all good. Again I found nothing offensive and appreciate that they honestly addressed the "why". I know on the trad forum that most appreciate the slower process in the cutting task, take time and appreciate the beauty and simplicity of the task at hand and many will scoff at the mundane, all black, sterile, quick flick, draw attention to one self modern folder and the occasional "when's the last time I needed to stab through a car hood" comment...Thanks Cold Steel

So, "in a nut shell" (there I go again with the Old phrases) sarcasm, bias works/goes both ways. Maybe we all just go back to useing our car keys to open boxes

I'm with you Paul I like talkin' knives, all types with all peoples as long as they can stay civil which is the atmosphere on the porch, one of civility.

As for the video, I didn't take any offense, I was entertained and I got to see two people who seemed to have a great chemistry together try to engage some people into a conversation about what people like and carry traditionals. Were they well informed? No but that can be rectified, were they experienced? No but at least they were willing to do a video and engage in some dialog. Would I like to see mere experienced and knowledgeable people interviewed by them? Certainly but that'll come at least they're out there makin' videos that aren't one guys hands and a knife for 20 minutes talk in a monotone and just bore the hell outta me. At least it wasn't a guy doin' a review from 30 feet away where you can't hear him or see what he's reviewin' or talkin' about.

Ben, good on you for pickin' up the books and if I'm ever in your neck of the woods I'd gladly sit down and talk knives with you, maybe I can enlighten you as to whats so attractive about carryin' a traditional folder and we can also talk modern folders, tactical and traditional. I've been around the block a few times and I'm sure a short conversation about knives could easily turn into a dinner and discussion about knives, you're buyin' dinner though (call it a business dinner and write it off )

I did subscribe to your channel though and who knows when my finances are a little more liquid I'll most likely try you out for my next purchase.

 

[Fanglekai]

I didn't find the video offensive. I thought the two fellas didn't know very much and that it was weird that they were making a video in the first place, given their lack of knowledge on the subject. I think it would've made more sense to do research first and then report it in a video, along with asking questions for viewers.

In any case, there are plenty of reasons to carry a traditional and plenty of very nice ones that'll get people hooked. I'm a big fan of "dual carry" - carrying both a modern and a traditional. A small knife like a peanut, GEC #22, numerous Victorinox models, or really most 3.5" patterns fit easily into the watch/coin pocket of jeans. Then I have a choice of which one to use. I think that's another angle that would be good to cover if you want to ease people into traditional knives. Get the customer to buy two knives instead of one. That's great for business.