What are your ZT wishes for the Blade Show 2014?

grownstar said:
I've asked this before and I'll ask it again: What other top tier manufacturer has such a constant presence on the forums?

Some people can't grasp how awesome it actually is that we can shoot the breeze and get company feedback in threads like these.
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Enjoy the conversation, and am most appreciative of the observation. Unfortunately I've found that some forum members don't really like to get challenged, and are more interested in their own opinion. The most outspoken are usually the most sensitive as well. In the end, we don't miss the subforum here, but continue to want to set the record accurate where needed, and straight shoot with those that are interested.

Back on topic, Blade Show is coming soon!!!
 
Bugout Bill said:
-Balisong

-Autos
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First off BB, I still run the Kershaw and ZT divisions and everyone is aware I post here.

On topic, Unfortunately there are no plans for either of these genres. Too bad, as I think both would be super cool.

Thomas
 
Apec said:
A monolithic Ti framelock - that would be something, since right now those are pretty much exclusive to the world of customs.
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LionSteel has been making monolithic (aka integral, monoblock, solid one-piece) frame locks since 2010. Initially, it was titanium and Ergal (7075) aluminum. They're now in the process of shipping their first one-piece frames of carbon fiber as well as micarta.
 
RamZar said:
A robust and narrow profile KVT flipper full titanium and frame lock with a just under 3" inch blade of M390 that weighs under 4 ounces. Blade thickness could be 0.12-0.14" with a strong tip. Kind of like a Kwaiken or even a mini 0801.

A new KVT flipper in the 3.75"-4" blade length.

A 0600 scaled down to a 3.5" blade with pure titanium handle.

0454M390.

0801M390.

An updated Kershaw RAM as a ZT!!!

More of the gorgeous and practical contoured CF on the 0777. Expensive but worth it! Nobody has anything close to the frame of the 0777! Great design and manufacturing!

With KAI's manufacturing prowess those monoblock titanium, aluminum, Micarta (and soon CF) frames that LionSteel is so famous for.

We asked for pens last year and I'd like to see some without a screw on cap. My Hinderer pens have a habit of coming loose and consequently lost! For instance, like my Fellhoelter TiBolt Pen.

Would like to see 0801CF, 0770CF, 0888MAX and 0888M390 released before Blade Show!

There's still a lot that's coming from ZT hopefully this year:

  1. 0102
  2. 0180
  3. 0454
  4. 0562
  5. 0562CF
  6. 0566BW
  7. 0566BWCF
  8. 0620
  9. 0620CF
  10. 0770CF
  11. 0770CFM390
  12. 0801BLK
  13. 0801BW
  14. 0801CF
  15. 0888M390
  16. 0888MAX
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Wait, is a 770cfm390 happening?
 
I would be very curious to see what a gentlemen's folder from ZT would look like.

And as a card carrying Lefty I can say that is one of the reasons the axis is as popular as it has been.
 
Kai Corp. said:
Well it's possible, not sure about probable though.
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Is there a material difference in price for machining/purchasing m390 vs. elmax for you? I'm just curious because I know that they are both very highly regarded steels, and I'm wondering how the economy of the steel itself factors into you choosing one steel over another for a knife. Obviously steel choice will vary based on application, but something like the 0770 seems as if it would be well served with either.

Oh also please note that I am referring the the company as you, not you personally.
 
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instructed2 said:
Is there a material difference in price for machining/purchasing m390 vs. elmax for you? I'm just curious because I know that they are both very highly regarded steels, and I'm wondering how the economy of the steel itself factors into you choosing one steel over another for a knife. Obviously steel choice will vary based on application, but something like the 0770 seems as if it would be well served with either.
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Elmax is a bit cheaper to purchase for us, and is a little more manufacturable friendly.
 
NorthernSouthpaw said:
I would be very curious to see what a gentlemen's folder from ZT would look like.

And as a card carrying Lefty I can say that is one of the reasons the axis is as popular as it has been.
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I think the closest we may ever see is the 0770CF and unfortunately for you it's a liner lock.

Kai Corp. said:
Southpaws always get mad at me here, but from a sales perspective, who cares?
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Kai Corp. said:
Elmax is a bit cheaper, and is a little more manufacturable
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Thank you for responding so promptly. I'm not sure if this is something you would know the answer to, or even if you can share this information, but with a knife like the 0562 which is produced with both elmax and m390, how does the actual cost vary in dollars to produce a blade in one steel over the other?
 
A zt-collaboration with "tracker dan" for a mass produced Bloodshark-like fixed knife...at the $75-125 price point (should make tons of profit with his name, design and sheath and zt's distribution)
A double sided fixed karambit and/or a foldable karambit with wave opening that is more affordable than Spyderco but has a better lock than Emerson's.
A knife similar to the ZT566 except with a stabbier point and functional opening studs like the blur--not blade stops in disguise. I thought that was going to be the perfect EDC, but the blur is much easier to open--just like the frame lock better, but no point if I can't open it. Titanium and other fanciness would also be nice. The 566 os a bit heavy for what it is.
 
Hmm, Elmax is good good stuff. I am very anxious to pick up the Vanadis 4 Extra pieces when they come out. That tomahawk is more than likely going to be one piece of BA gear, not to mention the new fixed blade. In the end, it's fun to check out new folders and gear and see how they perform. I'm ready. :D
 
instructed2 said:
Thank you for responding so promptly. I'm not sure if this is something you would know the answer to, or even if you can share this information, but with a knife like the 0562 which is produced with both elmax and m390, how does the actual cost vary in dollars to produce a blade in one steel over the other?
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In manufacturing, the cost of a given product is mostly driven by time. It's time/labor that force the price to where it goes. Most manufacturers will have some kind margin attached to specific products as well. Cost accounting should be a very important element within any manufacturer.

It should be noted that the cost of doing business is quite different from manufacturer to manufacturer.
 
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Kai Corp. said:
In manufacturing, the cost of a given product is mostly driven by time. It's time/labor that force the price to where it goes. Most manufacturers will have some kind margin attached to specific products as well. Cost accounting should be a very important element within and manufacturer.
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Thank you for indulging my curiosity by answering. I was just curious because I know with some other products like cars, the higher price of a higher end model is largely driven by what position the company sees it taking in the market. Take for example a Porsche 911 base vs. a 911 Turbo. While the turbo does cost more to manufacture (hopefully), it doesn't cost $70,000 more to make even though that's the difference in their base prices. The turbo costs so much more partially because Porsche wants it to assume that position in the market. I was curious if the difference in price for a 0562 in elmax vs. m390 (I know there are also other differences besides the blade steels, but bear with me) is due to a big difference in manufacturing cost (also I know it's only a $50 difference in msrp) or if it is mainly due to were you all see the knife in the market.

Maybe I should finish by saying that I am amazed at the low prices Kershaw and ZT are able to charge for knives with such high build quality and high quality materials, and I can't wait to buy even more of them.
 
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instructed2 said:
Thank you for indulging my curiosity by answering. I was just curious because I know with some other products like cars, the higher price of a higher end model is largely driven by what position the company sees it taking in the market. Take for example a Porsche 911 base vs. a 911 Turbo. While the turbo does cost more to manufacture (hopefully), it doesn't cost $70,000 more to make even though that's the difference in their base prices. The turbo costs so much more partially because Porsche wants it to assume that position in the market. I was curious if the difference in price for a 0562 in elmax vs. m390 (I know there are also other differences besides the blade steels, but bear with me) is due to a big difference in manufacturing cost (also I know it's only a $50 difference) or if it is mainly due to were you all see the knife in the market.

Maybe I should finish by saying that I am amazed at the low prices Kershaw and ZT are able to charge for knives with such high build quality and high quality materials, and I can't wait to buy even more of them.
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I'm sure there is as you describe in your post. No doubt there are conversations about what the market will bear.
 
ALLHSS said:
I agree that locks create inherent restrictions on design, but you might wanna check your example of the axis flipper.
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I actually think his example was a good one. The Axis flipper has A LOT of restrictions and compromises compared to more traditional flippers. Just because you can make an Axis flipper doesn't mean you should...
 
Kai Corp. said:
I'm sure there is as you describe in your post. No doubt there are conversations about what the market will bear.
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Personally I think the fact that msrp for the 0562 was only raised by $50 for the addition of cf, m390, and a different blade finish is incredible and well worth it. I just couldn't help but ask these questions, because the economics of the knife industry fascinates me.
 
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