What's special about the Hi-Jinx

[straitr]

Maybe not. But in terms of serving the high-quality knife community, I'll take ZT (or Spyderco or Benchmade or CRK, for that matter) over CRKT any day of the week. As far as I'm concerned, they've earned my loyalty and my dollars.

How has ZT earned your loyalty? Besides purchasing the knives, how do you display this loyalty?

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

For me, it's track record, reputation, and consistency. Other high end knife makers have established a track record of quality and consistency to the point that you know exactly what you're getting for your money. CRKT building it's first high end production knife is going to fight the same fight Hyundai did when they released the $61,000 Equus. While it may very well be a nice car, and win some awards, conservative people are going to spend that kind of money on vehicles made by well established manufacturers in the high end field, not an economy car companies first run at it.

So, for me, I want to see how it shakes out for those who chose to buy them before investing my own money. It's more of a reflection of my personality in terms of risk than anything else.

 

[Nellem]

 

[Kohai999]

For me, it's track record, reputation, and consistency. Other high end knife makers have established a track record of quality and consistency to the point that you know exactly what you're getting for your money. CRKT building it's first high end production knife is going to fight the same fight Hyundai did when they released the $61,000 Equus. While it may very well be a nice car, and win some awards, conservative people are going to spend that kind of money on vehicles made by well established manufacturers in the high end field, not an economy car companies first run at it.

So, for me, I want to see how it shakes out for those who chose to buy them before investing my own money. It's more of a reflection of my personality in terms of risk than anything else.

The Buy Tighe was CRKT's first entry into high end. I had a chance to play with it at SHOT...it is a superb knife by any metric. I have one on order.

The Hi Jinx as already mentioned is actually manufactured by LionSteel, and I feel that they have an overall quite positive track record. They have done knives for DpX, Spyderco and Fox...not perfect, but certainly above average.

The fact that the knives are already sold out at the manufacturer and distributor level, and soon to be dealer level indicates that the ELU's felt confident enough to purchase all 500 of the knives made. It is my personal and professional feeling that the knives will sell extremely well on the secondary market at a premium and those who choose to use them will experience great satisfaction in doing so, once they get broken in.

I have had the same experience myself with a ZT200.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

 

[RamZar]

It looks awfully thin in one corner of the Hi Jinx blade as well. I am confident, however, that Sal will get to the bottom of it and let us know what he finds out. He's already noted that it's the only instance of this type of breakage he's aware of, so it could just be an anomaly.

When raising concern about how much material has been taken out for the stop-pin, and how close that comes to the edge keep in mind that this blade is very thick, thicker than the blade of my XM-24 for example. With the strength in the z-direction I cannot see this blade break like the blade of the Southard. How many Southard breaks like that has been reported considering how many are in use every day?

Indeed. The same area for the Hi Jinx is wider and thicker.

We don't know exactly how many had the blades break like that on the Southard. I think it's a pretty insignificant number otherwise we would've heard more about it.

I know Spyderco strived in their designs to take out as much material to make the knives lighter. Look at the Military with partial liners and the holes in the Gayle Bradley liners. One time they went too far with the Spyderco Bushcraft and the one of the holes in the full tang was too close to the blade and they had a number of them breaking and a simple redesign was to not drill that one hole.

Many here compare the HJ to a ZT. I have and had ZT's too and I love them but this knife has something special about it: I can take it everywhere and take it out anywhere without the shock and horror caused by big black tacticals. This knife is smooth and shiny and doesn't look intimidating at all. People react very differently to it. It is a gentleman's tactical. I know some gets a kick out of trashing that description but as someone who has to move in and out of different corporate settings daily I appreciate that description and how the HJ embodies that.

That's part of the beauty of the Hi Jinx in that it's a hard-use built-like-a-tank flipper without looking "tactical". Bonus on the aesthetics.

 

[cigarrodog]

Ignoring for the moment this quibble, as a knife newby, I whole heartily agree with Nellem. For me, it's a fantastic, elegant, silky smooth, easy to hold, flip and close knife. If CRKT never produces another(which I doubt), then I'm holding something rare, indeed. As that great sage, Charlie Sheen said: "Winning!"

 

[straitr]

The Buy Tighe was CRKT's first entry into high end. I had a chance to play with it at SHOT...it is a superb knife by any metric. I have one on order.

The Hi Jinx as already mentioned is actually manufactured by LionSteel, and I feel that they have an overall quite positive track record. They have done knives for DpX, Spyderco and Fox...not perfect, but certainly above average.

The fact that the knives are already sold out at the manufacturer and distributor level, and soon to be dealer level indicates that the ELU's felt confident enough to purchase all 500 of the knives made. It is my personal and professional feeling that the knives will sell extremely well on the secondary market at a premium and those who choose to use them will experience great satisfaction in doing so, once they get broken in.

I have had the same experience myself with a ZT200.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

And I hope those that buy and use them, enjoy them, as I have nothing against anyone here, or CRKT or the HiJinx. I was merely answering the question posted as to why I, like bld522, would purchase other knives in this price range before the HiJinx. It's an individual, personal choice, like so often here on BF, is taken personally by others. Nellem's picture is a great example of people being offended, to the point of snide retaliation, by others not liking what they like.

This is as clear, fair, and civil as I can possibly be in trying to get this point across.

 

[bld522]

How has ZT earned your loyalty? Besides purchasing the knives, how do you display this loyalty?

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

Purchasing knives ZT manufactures that suit my needs is precisely how I display my loyalty, STeven. If you ask ZT, I assume they'd agree that purchasing their products is the most effective way anyone could display their loyalty to the ZT brand. To be perfectly honest, however, it took a very long time for me to get to the point of actually being willing to purchase a ZT knife. That had nothing to do with the quality of their knives or their dedication to the high-end market. It had to do with the fact that they simply didn't make a knife that worked for me. That situation turned around completely with the release of the 0770CF.

Neither the Buy Tighe nor the Hi Jinx are knives I would ever consider carrying. So the question of whether I'd purchase a high-end knife from CRKT is academic for me at this point. But a fair question would be whether I'd consider purchasing a high-end knife from CRKT if they made one that suited me. Obviously I'd have to evaluate it before I made a purchase decision. But I suspect I'd pass on it based on opportunity cost considerations and a desire on my part to purchase products from manufacturers who have made and continue to make high-end knives on a consistent basis. If that sounds like I'm biased, it's because I am.

 

[RamZar]

The Buy Tighe was CRKT's first entry into high end. I had a chance to play with it at SHOT...it is a superb knife by any metric. I have one on order.

I don't see the Buy Tighe with 154CM blade, MSRP of $750 and street price of $650 selling all 500 of them anytime soon!

The Hi Jinx as already mentioned is actually manufactured by LionSteel, and I feel that they have an overall quite positive track record. They have done knives for DpX, Spyderco and Fox...not perfect, but certainly above average.

The fact that the knives are already sold out at the manufacturer and distributor level, and soon to be dealer level indicates that the ELU's felt confident enough to purchase all 500 of the knives made. It is my personal and professional feeling that the knives will sell extremely well on the secondary market at a premium and those who choose to use them will experience great satisfaction in doing so, once they get broken in.

LionSteel makes high-quality knives period. Nobody is perfect. In some features like steel lockbar insert it's up to the OEM to ask for it since it costs extra. LionSteel makes knives for Knife Research, DPx Gear, Blackwater, Dendra, Pohl Force, Bastinelli Creations, Spyderco and CRKT. A long time ago they made some for Fox.

I don't see the Hi Jinx selling for more than $400 ever in the secondary market in numbers but I could be wrong. At $299.95 shipped which is what I paid for my two Hi Jinx flippers I feel I got more than my money's worth. The Hi Jinx has only been selling through dealers since around June 10th. Will they sell all 525 in the first month. We'll see.

 

[SaintlyBrees]

The Buy Tighe was CRKT's first entry into high end. I had a chance to play with it at SHOT...it is a superb knife by any metric. I have one on order...

I absolutely agree. I bought one when they first came out and love it. It is, admittedly, a love-it-or-hate-it design, but I happen to like that design. I also own a Brain Tighe Bronze Custom Nirk Tighe & the smaller CRKT version. The combo of the Klecker locking system and the Tighe design make these knives extremely usable. The Buy Tighe, with its 2 blades and 2 locks and 2 flippers, is unique in design. Mine has perfect F&F. Good materials like 154CM (59 - 61 RC) & Ti make this a very decent knife. Love mine.

 

[bld522]

At a street price of $650.00, the CRKT Buy Tighe is something of a bargain as well. A full custom Buy Tighe runs $1100.00. If I were in the market for either a Buy Tighe or a Hi Jinx, I'd purchase the Buy Tighe for its distinctiveness and engineering excellence.

 

[Nellem]

Nellem's picture is a great example of people being offended, to the point of snide retaliation, by others not liking what they like.

That picture had nothing to do with me having a problem with people not liking the knife because tastes differ. It had all to do with the argument that was made that CRKT should not have won the Blade Award because they've not been active enough in the high-end market. I'm sure most people will correctly interpret my picture and not see it as me being offended.

 

[RamZar]

At a street price of $650.00, the CRKT Buy Tighe is something of a bargain as well. A full custom Buy Tighe runs $1100.00.

Taking into account the same 20%-40% discount off of MSRP for the Hi Jinx and applying that to the Buy Tighe the street price should be $450-$600. If they really want to sell the 500 pieces it should have a street price of no more than $500!

If I were in the market for either a Buy Tighe or a Hi Jinx, I'd purchase the Buy Tighe for its distinctiveness and engineering excellence.

The design of the Buy Tighe is polarizing. I don't know how excellent the distinctiveness and engineering really is since not that many have been sold. Regardless, so far, I'm encouraged by the feedback from the few who have one.

 

[bld522]

I actually like the Buy Tighe. Problem is, I know I'd never carry it. And $500+ is too much money for me to spend on a knife that's just going to sit in a drawer.

 

[RamZar]

CRKT Hi Jinx is in stock at GP Knives for $299.95 shipped.

 

[Ken44]

I haven't read much of this thread, but just wanted to add that IMO CRKT may have been better off to have had a different name on their higher end models.
It would differentiate them from the CRKT name that many(including myself) won't pay a high price for no matter the knife.

Kind of like how KIA(Kershaw) markets their heavy duty knives as ZT.

I'm no businessman, so I may wrong to think that.

 

[straitr]

That picture had nothing to do with me having a problem with people not liking the knife because tastes differ. It had all to do with the argument that was made that CRKT should not have won the Blade Award because they've not been active enough in the high-end market. I'm sure most people will correctly interpret my picture and not see it as me being offended.

Which obviously offended you, otherwise you would not have made a sarcastic illustration.

Try articulating some reasons as to why CRKT does deserve the award. That way, you get your point across, and it's not left open to interpretation. To be honest, I'm interested in hearing them.

 

[Luis G.]

Which obviously offended you, otherwise you would not have made a sarcastic illustration.

Try articulating some reasons as to why CRKT does deserve the award. That way, you get your point across, and it's not left open to interpretation. To be honest, I'm interested in hearing them.

Mind asking that to the people who should be answering them? Blade Show?
They obviously did something right for them to have won an award.
What Nellem did with the picture was hilarious in my own opinion. People here say it isn't worth the money, and CRKT should have done better yet it won a pretty decent award if you ask me.

If anyone has a CRKT Hi Jinx they want to loan me to study I would much appreciate it. It's not my cup of tea or I'd buy one but would be interested to study it and post some pictures. Of course while it's in my care I would be responsible.

 

[mcg4248]

I got mine on Friday and at first I liked it, just wasn't obsessed with it initially. However after playing with it over the weekend I've come to really appreciate the knife. The blade is beautiful, the lock was a little sticky and at about 35% but the stickiness has certainly subsided substantially. It feels incredible in my hand but all knives of that length usually do (0801, southard, PM2). I like the grooved/milled out titanium in the handles and my fingertips land right inside them and it's comfortable to me.

I don't have any experience with the steel so I can't speak about that other than it came shaving sharp which I definitely like and is unexpected since I've never had a CRKT come that sharp. I'm hoping it won't rust easily so I'm a little weary of that but hopefully it's rust resistance is pretty good.

It certainly flips well and is super smooth, but the 0801 will always be my favorite and best flipper and it's also my favorite production folder so I'm certainly biased

All in all I'm impressed and happy with my decision. I'm sure as CRKT explores their higher end market they'll work out the majority of the kinks and minor mistakes they've made in their first go at the higher end market. I'm just happy to have a good one that looks beautiful and functions well and the f&f is good. I would definitely buy it again and I think people that are on the fence should take the chance and get one and see for themselves!!

Have a good day everyone!


Max G.

 

[straitr]

Mind asking that to the people who should be answering them? Blade Show?
They obviously did something right for them to have won an award.
What Nellem did with the picture was hilarious in my own opinion. People here say it isn't worth the money, and CRKT should have done better yet it won a
pretty decent award if you ask me.

If anyone has a CRKT Hi Jinx they want to loan me to study I would much appreciate it. It's not my cup of tea or I'd buy one but would be interested to study it and
post some pictures. Of course while it's in my care I would be responsible.

Well, interestingly enough, I didn't ask you, and yet you decided to lump me in with "people here" based on one post.

At no point did I say anything about, nor argue for or against, CRKT or the HiJinx winning any award prior to the post you quoted, so how about reading more before responding.

Because I don't go to Blade, or understand what criteria is used to judge knives for potential awards, I would like to understand what qualities make a knife, "Knife of the Year". Since Nellem believes that CRKT/HiJinx is worthy of the award, I asked him to say why instead of simply posting a sarcastic picture to taunt those that disagree. If you don't know why yourself, don't respond, as you have nothing constructive to add.

I'm still interested in knowing, if anyone here is privy to knowing themselves, I would like to hear it. This should also clear up the question in the thread title, "What's special about the HiJinx?" It's a simple question for those that know, and apparently inflammatory to those that don't.

 

[bpeezer]

Well, interestingly enough, I didn't ask you, and yet you decided to lump me in with "people here" based on one post.

At no point did I say anything about, nor argue for or against, CRKT or the HiJinx winning any award prior to the post you quoted, so how about reading more before responding.

Because I don't go to Blade, or understand what criteria is used to judge knives for potential awards, I would like to understand what qualities make a knife, "Knife of the Year". Since Nellem believes that CRKT/HiJinx is worthy of the award, I asked him to say why instead of simply posting a sarcastic picture to taunt those that disagree. If you don't know why yourself, don't respond, as you have nothing constructive to add.

I'm still interested in knowing, if anyone here is privy to knowing themselves, I would like to hear it. This should also clear up the question in the thread title, "What's special about the HiJinx?" It's a simple question for those that know, and apparently inflammatory to those that don't.

Unfortunately enough, I don't believe there are specific criteria for grading knife of the year. As far as I understand it, all the dudes running tables get to go around and vote on whichever one tickles their fancy. There's definitely a little bit of back-room politics and possibly even collusion involved. It's certainly not a transparent process