What to do?

[OldPhysics]

So...here we are, just over a week before Christmas.

This week I posted about wannabe manufacturers copying our award winning designs, and coming to market prior to ours.

Customers have additionally been upset at what they consider long lead times with new products.

Due to these two situations, we've opted on not allowing First Look threads, and only showing products when we're ready to ship.

You all may have noticed that we used to have a bunch of giveaways, but it has been some time since we have put up any new threads sharing our products with our valued customers.

Mostly this is due to winner reactions once they receive their giveaway. More than once there were complaints about the product itself, or the time it took to receive their free knife. I was called names, and even had people claim to not buy our products again because of a giveaway. Its just got me to the point of not having them anymore.

I've opted to give random knives out to folks I simply feel like giving them to. So far it's worked well.

What's with all this fallout from good intentions turning bad? Are we reacting in a right manner with our decisions in theses cases?

I really don't understand the negative reactions. Maybe its the result of what folks are calling the new Culture of Entitlement??

Perhaps all you can realistically do is minimize your exposure.

Sigh.

 

[Holmesmade]

In my personal and near useless opinion, some people will whine and cry about anything, just because they can. I've seen the generosity of people on this forum and several others and witnessed some of the most childish ass-hattery possible on nearly every one of those forums due to that same generosity.

Thomas, you and the others at Kershaw have my sincerest condolences for the behaviors you have endured from some of the people who have received gifts from you. Personally, I would make note of them and bar them from future giveaways, but that's just me. (Actually, I would be sorely tempted to hunt them down and poke 'em in the eye with minty flavored toothpicks...)

You have to make the decisions that work best for you. Maybe, after some time has passed, you'll be able to return to the giveaways and advance viewing threads. Unfortunately, at some point, someone's going to whine again. There's always one of THEM, anywhere you go.

 

[cziv]

I really don't understand the negative reactions. Maybe its the result of what folks are calling the new Culture of Entitlement??

Perhaps all you can realistically do is minimize your exposure.

Sigh.

I don't understand this either OldPhysics. My understanding of the post was that Thomas has done give-aways and the ingrates had the nerve to complain about the free knife they got? That would hurt my feelings too. In fact, when I first read it I went barreling into the forum and searching for giveaway threads ....... I didn't find any. I guess that's what Thomas meant by giving out knives to folks that he felt like giving them to.

It's a pretty sad commentary though. I understand completely after the Microtech debacle to hide new releases but there's no cause for members who are blessed with undeserved generosity to spit in the hand that gave them a nice knife or other gear. Bad news to think about that happening.

 

[joewest69]

So...here we are, just over a week before Christmas.

This week I posted about wannabe manufacturers copying our award winning designs, and coming to market prior to ours.

Customers have additionally been upset at what they consider long lead times with new products.

Due to these two situations, we've opted on not allowing First Look threads, and only showing products when we're ready to ship.

You all may have noticed that we used to have a bunch of giveaways, but it has been some time since we have put up any new threads sharing our products with our valued customers.

Mostly this is due to winner reactions once they receive their giveaway. More than once there were complaints about the product itself, or the time it took to receive their free knife. I was called names, and even had people claim to not buy our products again because of a giveaway. Its just got me to the point of not having them anymore.

I've opted to give random knives out to folks I simply feel like giving them to. So far it's worked well.

What's with all this fallout from good intentions turning bad? Are we reacting in a right manner with our decisions in theses cases?

It has been a while since I've purchased a new kershaw (my last was a volt blem), but your participation in this forum is what keeps me interested. Getting involved with your customers speaks volumes about your company. :thumbup:

 

[Minibear464]

Free knife? Psshhh. Better come with fast shipping or I'm not taking it! If someone gives it to you... you shouldn't complain, especially if it's such a valued knife. Some people are never grateful for anything, seriously.

 

[BikerTrash]

People really complained about a free knife? I have been gifted a few knives, and I keep them to remind me of who gave them to me.

This is also the first I have heard of the design copying. Wow. I have a machinist who can make things for me, and I am currently having him make me some beads I designed, but never has it crossed my mind to copy someone's design.

 

[CUTS LIKE A KRIS]

I'm not an active participant of this forum since it reopened, and don't believe I have entered a Kershaw knife giveaway before but I often carry Kershaw, and will continue to purchase them when I see the right price at the right time. Mine have never failed me, and you guys put out a great diversity of knives in your own style- for that I commend you. Detractors are always out there, as are those willing to try and nickel and dime anything they get- no matter where the original comes from. I've sent others on this board gift knives that they said had sentimental value in memory- only to see them try and sell it right away! But I will not let them keep me from trying to knife help another if I have the chance. I'm a massage therapist, and I can't help everybody to their satisfaction (My neck has been killing me for 10 years- can you fix it in 30 min? WHY NOT!!!!); but it is those that I CAN help effectively that make my job complete. My point- change if you have to, but know that for everybody that is a whining waste of time there are many more that appreciate everything you do.

As far as sneak peaks of new designs- how about a silouette to tease, with a little bit shown each week or so leading up to the release- that way you are keeping people interested and not giving away too much until you are ready! Week one: flipper/thumb stud. Week two: lanyard hole/pommel.........

Keep up the good work and try not to let scum keep you down!

 

[Turbo Tension]

There are people on BF that don't have, or have never had, a kershaw? for reals?

I am one of those people. I'm awaiting my email for the 560 patiently. I might grab some leek blems from kershaw guy to play with in the meantime after seeing this thread

 

[Bolt]

Thomas, here is a good example of what you are dealing with, and it just simply shows that people will always be this way. I work in Home Improvement and my partner and I did a deck last summer for a couple not far from where we live. They loved it, and so did their friends who live much further away. Their friends just had to have us come build them a deck too. We told them that it was too far, and the cost would be too much due to travel. They insisted that we do the work and only us. They said they were retired and it was now winter, so they did not care how long it took us. When we started they were all nice and sweet, bringing us coffee in the morning, and then I got Bronchitis and missed a few days work. My partner worked on another job, and the phone calls started to rain in. When will you guys be done with the deck? We really would like to see it done soon. As we just about wrapped it up yesterday, the coffee had stopped coming a week ago, and their attitudes were piss poor. Sure made my long drive in the morning feel worth it. People will be what they will be, but we can not allow it to change the good inside of us, or we would all end up as butt heads. Looking forward to the 561, Cryo, and what ever else you have going this year. Thank you for all that you do, and poo on the rest of them. Merry Christmas.

 

[cziv]

I've sent others on this board gift knives that they said had sentimental value in memory- only to see them try and sell it right away!

Talk about feeling used! That would make me want to send a Postal Worker to their ouse and say the package was delvered to the wrong address and have it retuned to me. Unfortunately there's no such service. It doesn't diminish the good deed that you've done though. There's no accounting for some people ...geeesh.

 

[1SHOT1KILL]

Originally Posted by CUTS LIKE A KRIS
I've sent others on this board gift knives that they said had sentimental value in memory- only to see them try and sell it right away!

Talk about feeling used! That would make me want to send a Postal Worker to their ouse and say the package was delvered to the wrong address and have it retuned to me. Unfortunately there's no such service. It doesn't diminish the good deed that you've done though. There's no accounting for some people ...geeesh.

Since you guys went there...I'm going here...

from eBay...bidding is up to $300:
"This rare, extremely cool, limited production Kershaw Tilt, #35, was given to me by Thomas at the Kershaw Factory sale in November because I was the first person to say hello to him on the last day of the sale, Sunday (really). He picked it out for me as I shopped the sale (I did not see any Tilts for sale at the warehouse sale). I haven't used, carried or sharpened this knife. It did not come with a box or paperwork. There is a tiny bit of the DLC coating, along the top two corner edges of the blade, inconsistently showing a little bright metal (the pics don't show it to my eyes) so I'm calling it used. However, I cannot see any other hallmarks of non-new. It is my understanding that the reason for the DLC coating in the first place is due to the coloring that takes place where the titanium lockbar is cut and the DLC coating is an attempt to render the knife consistently colored."

 

[cziv]

dunn11 - Ughhh! Good/bad find 1SHOT1KILL

From an eBay page:

"Returns: No returns or exchanges"

On Dec-17-11 at 21:04:26 PST, seller added the following information:

The question was asked, "Is this Tilt a blem or 2nd since it was acquried at the factory sale?" If it is then the Kershaw Lifetime Warranty does not apply, I've learned. Because I acquired it at the Warehouse Sale you could assume that it is a blem or 2nd and therefore without manufacturer's warranty. It is not marked as a blem or 2nd.

 

[ZYA_LTR]

Wow, i can't believe people nowadays...bitching about a gift? I guess some have just become to complacent and expect to much without thinking of how it affects others, or the effects on other from our actions.....

I'm sorry to see the first-looks go away, but can understand the privacy issue, and i would rather have a beatiful Kershaw knife that is truly original, instead of one that others have copied before or immediately after release.

As for giveaways, those would obviously be nice to have, but should never be expected...Although i will definetely keep an eye out for whenever they may pop-up occasionally.

 

[hickman1]

Sithus1966 was kind enough to send me a VaporIII that was given to him by Thomas W. I can honestly say that it will only leave my possession if it is to be given to another member here on BF. People that whine about free, do any of them offer to pay the shipping costs? I can't really say anything about the theft of intellectual property, aside from the losers who feel they have to copy someone elses designs deserve to go bankrupt.

And Thomas, when/if you guys take my suggestion to Brittany to roll out a G10/ CB hybrid Leek, I expect a free one the day before they are made... (sarcasm)

 

[OldPhysics]

Early notice of new models and giveaways are fun, but a place to talk about products already in our hands is better. This will still be a great forum.

Not to be a cynic or anything like that but I've given away stuff and never heard from the recipients -- not even to say the stuff arrived.

I sneezed a sneeze into the air,
It fell to Earth, I know not where,
But hard and cold were the looks of those
In whose vicinity I snoze!

-- Mad Magazine

Ah, yes. I have learned to take pleasure in the moment I had the box over to my Postman.

 

[OldPhysics]

I don't understand this either OldPhysics. My understanding of the post was that Thomas has done give-aways and the ingrates had the nerve to complain about the free knife they got? That would hurt my feelings too. In fact, when I first read it I went barreling into the forum and searching for giveaway threads ....... I didn't find any. I guess that's what Thomas meant by giving out knives to folks that he felt like giving them to.

It's a pretty sad commentary though. I understand completely after the Microtech debacle to hide new releases but there's no cause for members who are blessed with undeserved generosity to spit in the hand that gave them a nice knife or other gear. Bad news to think about that happening.

Let us instead focus on the positive.

We have a Kershaw Sub-Forum!!

 

[BobSig]

The worst part of this is learning that there are people out there who would dare to complain about a free knife.

 

[Gadgetman7]

Thomas, I understand your position but I will really miss the new product first looks. I never really bought Kershaw or ZT knives until coming to this forum. The first looks you provided convinced me to buy two (2) ZT 551's and a ZT 350. From there I have ordered several different Leeks and a Blur. I budget for this hobby so the first looks allowed me to plan for your new releases that I may have had to pass on otherwise. I will really miss those. Just wanted you to know that the first looks did sell some knives.

I've never been lucky enough to win anything but I can't imagine why anyone would complain about a gift. That's pathetic. I applaud your decision. If I plan I can afford to purchase knives but I know there are people who can't. I'm sure you can know help out those Kershaw fans with the new policy. Maybe one of those fans will have a nice Crhistmas because of you.

Hope you have a Merry Christmas.

 

[madchild1]

I used to carry cheap crappy knives that always failed on me. Then I bought a Kershaw.

Kershaw's customer service is second to none. This forum, and Thomas participation in here was the reason I bought my first Kershaw. I love my Kershaw knives, and I cant believe that someone would complain about being given a knife...

I fully understand and support the decision not to post about knives until they are ready to ship. Smart move!

As for the name calling, how about this; Thomas is a good guy!! Other companies can learn from this guy....

 

[toker]

Thomas, I understand your position but I will really miss the new product first looks. I never really bought Kershaw or ZT knives until coming to this forum. The first looks you provided convinced me to buy two (2) ZT 551's and a ZT 350. From there I have ordered several different Leeks and a Blur. I budget for this hobby so the first looks allowed me to plan for your new releases that I may have had to pass on otherwise. I will really miss those. Just wanted you to know that the first looks did sell some knives.

- Same here. I normally buy Spyderco, Benchmade and Emersons. I do own a Leek and a Chive, but I wasn't really drawn to other Kershaw/Zero Tolerance knives until I saw the ZT0777. I never would have even noticed this subforum if I wasn't obsessed with finding out everything I possibly could about the ZT0777. The first look at the Hinderer collaboration Cryo is another knife that made me notice KAI.

IMO, you lose out on a great marketing opportunity when you don't show previews of upcoming knives. It's sad to say, but the knife industry is always going to be fighting ripoffs, whether they be cheap Chinese knockoffs or shady companies like Microtech. Withholding previews for a month or a year isn't going to change that.