What to do?

tokerblue said:
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.
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True, if a company wants to steal a design like a certain OTF maker did, then let them show everyone that they are douchbags. Their knife will never be what a KAI knife is.
 
Thomas I am glad you're part of this community. There is more good info floating around here than juvenile drama. Having a place where we share ideas and opinions is great, but when those ideas and opinions get into ears of the big boss, thats when they really count. The thieves that steal and copy need to be boycotted and starved to death.

As far giveaways go. I would love to be on the receiving end, but we all know that a you shouldn't give away knives. "A gifted knife will sever a friendship." The recipient should a least offer a coin in return even if the knife is a gift. Your experiences seem to illustrate this old adage.
 
I say ignore the "want it now" whiners. Its like kids begging to open gifts before Christmas. Enjoy the anticipation that long lead in times afford you so it adds more excitement when you receive the knife you've been drooling over. I bet there is some benefit to sales figures when something has a a long lead in but I understand with people stealing designs why it may not be a good idea.

Give-a-ways are cool but I feel pity for the human race as a whole when someone ruins it for everyone by looking a gift horse in the mouth. Whatever the decision is there is going to be someone unhappy with it.
 
I have also experienced some ill-received goodwill, professionally and personally. Believe me when I say that fixing cars can yield some similar encounters. Some people just feel entitled to things. Some people just lack integrity these days.

My kershaw addiction started with a random leek blem some odd years ago. And now, thanks to the warehouse sale, I own more Kershaws than any other brand!

I am currently watching the future line-up to see if Kershaw will come out with a fixed blade that would make a viable EDC concealed carry in WA, (and one that would also tickle my fancy) Does Thomas take requests for custom productions????? lol!

Since it is the season for Giving, I have a Modified Blur (new blem rescue blade on a used brown handle) Its in great working condition, torsion spring is excellent. First "I NEED it" PM me an address and it will be sent out. (probably not in time for Christmas delivery though)

kind gestures should always be appreciated, but never expected.
 
Nicegy525 said:
Since it is the season for Giving, I have a Modified Blur (new blem rescue blade on a used brown handle) Its in great working condition, torsion spring is excellent. First "I NEED it" PM me an address and it will be sent out. (probably not in time for Christmas delivery though).
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This is another reason why this sub-forum is the best. Cheers to you my friend! I couldn't PM you LOL.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone! It would be nice to see everyone who gets a nife through this sub-forum in the next little while, pay it forward. Let's keep putting great blades in the hands of great people!
 
Illegitimi non carborundum

best

mqqn
 
amnesia997 said:
This is another reason why this sub-forum is the best. Cheers to you my friend! I couldn't PM you LOL.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone! It would be nice to see everyone who gets a nife through this sub-forum in the next little while, pay it forward. Let's keep putting great blades in the hands of great people!
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opps, didnt realize I had to be a contributing member to use the messaging functions. ill remedy that asap
 
PM's aside. If you wanna ship it to Canada, I'd be happy to give it a cozy pocket to live in :)

Shhhmoke and a pancake?
 
I hope the people who have complained about the free gifts have read this thread and feel ashamed of themselves.:shame:
 
Can't argue with the direction. Ya gotta do what ya gotta do.

All I know is that I really like this forum. I stepped away for a few years but now I'm back into the knife game and excited about what Kershaw is coming out with in '12.
 
As others have said, I'd be very grateful to receive a free knife. If it's free, people shouldn't complain if it took a few weeks to arrive.

Regarding first looks and prototypes and long lead times... I love seeing first looks and prototypes. They give us a glimpse as to what is coming soon. I do admit the long lead times are a little difficult but I am a mostly patient person. I can see impatient people only waiting a few weeks to get their hands on it. Here's one example: I think I first saw the ZT 560 on the KershawKnivesMike YouTube channel back in mid July and I preordered one in August. So essentially I've been waiting for 6 months and it hasn't bothered me. I haven't gone crazy or bitched about waiting yet, but I'll be really happy when I receive a package.

I also waited awhile for my ZT 0303 (picked up second hand) and also a smaller amount of time for my ZT0350CBZDP.

So no, I don't think it's irrational or rash to stop doing giveaways or show first looks. Showing a new product right before it's released or during a production run might be better for the people who are impatient but people like me that are patient don't get to enjoy first looks.

Thanks for being transparent, I really appreciate companies that are mindful of their practices and communicate directly with their customer base. Just another reason why I love you guys.
 
All I can say is, the fact that Thomas gives so freely of his time, and expertise, here is one BIG reason I have acquired several Kershaw's the past few months. You don't see that level of dedication from many companies, and their employee's. And, Kershaw's reputation for customer service is second to none. So, Thomas, THANK YOU sir. You are very much appreciated.
 
What to do? Just keep on doing what you do best: Make excellent knives- You'll have my business, and a good chunk of my bank account too :D
 
Well you have to do what you have to do. I liked having the heads up about coming products, but I guess the crooks like them as well.

I can't believe that people complained about a free knife. I never thought knife people would do that. It saddens me. I guess there are rotten apples in every hobby.:mad:
 
Thomas that this stuff actually bothers you and that you work so damn hard to please everyone is why I've become a Kershaw loyalist. Your knives are excellent but you and the companies excellent customer service are why I keep buying your products. No company is perfect and what a company does to make things right when they aren't is the best measurement of a company. That you worry about the constant whiners, and that Kershaw makes communication so easy with forum and social media presence shows a devotion to your costumers that I wish more companies would show. Hell, I wish I worked for a company that was so neurotic about customer service.
 
Thomas - "all that is gold does not glitter, and not all those who wander are lost"

Never stop following your heart and trying to do the right thing. Kershaw is one of the very best on the planet at making knives, and the spirit you've shown is part of what got you there. I'll gladly take any "testers" off your hands, but regardless - I'll continue purchasing Kershaws until that spirit fades.

And don't forget that something given is never as valued as something earned. Welfare does not equate to happiness.
 
Thomas W said:
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.
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Are the pics still going to show up in magazines? Are the proto's still going to appear at shows a year ahead of production? If so, then a thread in a forum is largely irrelevant.

Personally, I don't think the pre-production hype and long waits on preorder lists (really, preorder lists at all) are really serving the company. I'm sure the model serves to generate more than a few impulse buys; and while that might be good for the short-term bottom line it does nothing to cultivate long term customer satisfaction.
 
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