Why?

[BMCGear]

I saw a criticism on instagram of CRK recently:

Introducing the same knife with slighly different materials < introducing a new innovative knife model.

I then read a reply from CRK on instragram (I'm guessing Tim):

I hear ya, but we are having a hard time keeping up with what we currently offer. We do have plans for new knives in the future and just brought out a new model this last year.

The conversation went on from there. My question comes after reading the thread on Instagram. CRK is doing things completely different than the rest of the knife industry. Many have now moved away from s35vn. While Benchmade and Spyderco have both settled on s30v as their base steel in most models they're releasing new steels frequently and ZT is putting everything out in 20cv. Most manufacturers are bringing multiple models to Shot and Blade. CRK however are not - they're not releasing 3 - 5 or more models each year and they're not chasing the latest and greatest in the steel race.

So with all that being said - why do you think that CRK is at max capacity? Why are their knives constantly selling out now more than ever?

 

[Therom]

I don’t have figures to say that they are selling more knives now than ever nor to have an estimation of the development of their business.

However considering CRK is a rather small company compared to the other “big names” of the USA made knife industry, their strategy to stay in a limited portfolio of products seems completely legit to me

And for steel, well I think that people knowing about knives are not that much into the “hyper high end steel race”.
They give priority to the quality of their process and treatment which make sense when you try to propose high quality products
And from a business point of view that is a differenciating point and it allows to keep higher margins.

I like to test différents steels, but based in my experience I would say that for basic EDC use decent steel make the job.
VG10, 154cm, s30v, s35vn, Elmax, s90v, s110v, 204p/20cv/M390 -for stainless steels- are all good to go steels for most applications.

I even like the carbon steel of the Opinel which is nothing but an high end steel

I think a small company shall focus on a limited number of steels and models to be sustainable and to defend their vision.

BM,ZT, WE... don’t really promote a vision, they provide products according to marketing trends, not even focusing on the customer needs.

I like companies like Spyderco, CRK, Emerson, Hinderer... which seems more interesting at the end because you can feel they want to fulfill a need

It will be great if CRK can offer a model every 2-3 years for sure but it will be catastrophic if they do that and loose any quality in the process

 

[Wavicle]

My thought is their decision to continue to focus on making the highest possible quality products and you do that by maintaining the right core people and equipment. Scale that up and you will lose the ability to observe details of each and every knife that ships out as they do now. Most made-to-order knives from them are 4 months minimum and 12 months maximum and that tells me they are running at max capacity within their quality controlled manufacturing capability and receiving the quality they expect from materials suppliers (Damascus, exotic wood inlays, and CPM-S35V, for example).

CRK is known world-wide for their commitment to quality and they have awards to back that up. And knowing that, most people that like knives will find a way to purchase one so they can experience "the best" and that is why they sell more now than ever.

 

[BMCGear]

My thought is their decision to continue to focus on making the highest possible quality products and you do that by maintaining the right core people and equipment. Scale that up and you will lose the ability to observe details of each and every knife that ships out as they do now. Most made-to-order knives from them are 4 months minimum and 12 months maximum and that tells me they are running at max capacity within their quality controlled manufacturing capability and receiving the quality they expect from materials suppliers (Damascus, exotic wood inlays, and CPM-S35V, for example).

CRK is known world-wide for their commitment to quality and they have awards to back that up. And knowing that, most people that like knives will find a way to purchase one so they can experience "the best" and that is why they sell more now than ever.

Isn't it interesting though that they're doing the opposite of what the other companies are doing with great success? I get that it's an entirely different business model but people keep thinking that CRK will eventually become obsolete. As of now that does not appear to be the case.

 

[Ajack60]

I'm guessing that with social media, CRK is getting more exposure now than ever before. In my limited experience dealing
with CRK directly, they have always been pleasant to talk to, treat a person with respect and make you feel like you matter. And with that, I will buy their products.
I got to talk with Ann at the 2016 Blade Show. She took the time toward the end of the day,( after being bombarded the whole day) to answer my questions with interest and not acting like it was bothersome for her. Not so much at some of the other booths.

 

[Tseg]

Isn't it interesting though that they're doing the opposite of what the other companies are doing with great success? I get that it's an entirely different business model but people keep thinking that CRK will eventually become obsolete. As of now that does not appear to be the case.

Differentiation is what increases the value of a brand. “Success” and “doing the opposite of what other companies are doing” go hand in hand.

 

[Stumpy72]

I’m glad to see CRK resisting the pressure to get into the great “chasing today’s high fashion blade materials” race. The dictates of the fashion world are fickle and frequently changing direction is costly. Maintaining legendary tolerances and quality control on a limited number of enduring classic knife models is IMO far more important than being the Fashion King Of The Moment. CRK having difficulty keeping production at a level that keeps up with market demand tells me that the market agrees with that evaluation.

The speed with which ZT, BM and other manufacturers models appear and then get discontinued speaks volumes about the frailty of the fashion-chasing aspect of the market. The incessant chatter about the deficient QC of some of those manufacturers speaks even more volumes about what I believe is an undesirable side effect of racing wildly in the great fashion chase. They make me think of Carnaby Street fashion, “flower power” fashion, goth fashion, emo fashion, today’s torn jeans rage and tail fins on American cars. I hope CRK sticks with their enduring business model/plan and continues to avoid the fashion-chasing race to oblivion.

 

[bart1]

Proven quality products never go out of style... The slip joint this year was a real breakout for them in terms of the line they offer... slow but sure!

 

[Peter Hartwig]

Their goal was never to be a huge company, but to fill a gap between the large companies and custom makers. From almost the start of knife forums they have had their forum. 1st on KF then to BF. Chris and Anne were regular responders in the earlier days. This has been better than any direct advertising and helped create a loyal and growing fan base. Limiting production just increases the demand. They have us searching their knives out vs them having to find us. Even so over the years they have grown considerably, yet still make a quality product that is respected throughout the knife world.
Seems like they have it right
Customer service is fantastic also

 

[nyefmaker]

CRK is a relatively small knife company. They do put out quite a few models if you look at their catalog. They also strive for precision and the tightest tolerances in the industry. They achieve this year in and year out and have received awards nearly annually. When I used to speak to Tim, he always stated capacity. Capacity is what keeps them from making more models. Again, they are a small shop max producing. There is also plenty at dealers sites, so they are delivering in a pretty high volume also. Most of the machines they use are also Reeve designed and built. CRK has never been a company that consistently offered new models annually. Every few years they will come out with something new, but that usually results in something being discontinued, again because of capacity. With the quality and precision that is in every CRK, it’s easy to say, damn....I wish they had another 20+ amazing models to choose from. But it’s never been their way, and it will most likely never will be. Watch the Exquisite Blade videos. They are still doing it this way. Honestly, I think it’s pretty cool they are offering designs like the CGG for example yearly now rather than every few years. If you know and understand CRK, you will easily see why they do the things the way they do. I am fortunate to have owned a couple hundred of them, and In All my years of buying CRK, nothing has changed. Chris is retired, Tim is young. Lots of years ahead of them, that’s for sure.

 

[loon#r]

Their lineup is robust. Their knives are of high consistent quality, great materials, engineering, etc. - they’re in high demand. We’d love to see more options, but that applies to everything. I’m surprised CRK took time to address the comments made.

 

[Therom]

I would like to see an extension of a slip joint product line at CRK
I like the impinda more than the mnandi bit if they can offer a version with one hand opening - and a finger choil - it will be my pick!

 

[Mo2]

I saw a criticism on instagram of CRK recently:

Introducing the same knife with slighly different materials < introducing a new innovative knife model.

I then read a reply from CRK on instragram (I'm guessing Tim):

I hear ya, but we are having a hard time keeping up with what we currently offer. We do have plans for new knives in the future and just brought out a new model this last year.

The conversation went on from there. My question comes after reading the thread on Instagram. CRK is doing things completely different than the rest of the knife industry. Many have now moved away from s35vn. While Benchmade and Spyderco have both settled on s30v as their base steel in most models they're releasing new steels frequently and ZT is putting everything out in 20cv. Most manufacturers are bringing multiple models to Shot and Blade. CRK however are not - they're not releasing 3 - 5 or more models each year and they're not chasing the latest and greatest in the steel race.

So with all that being said - why do you think that CRK is at max capacity? Why are their knives constantly selling out now more than ever?

This has already been discussed here.
https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/any-talk-of-a-steel-change.1534174/

Basically they don't need to do anything and it's hard for a small company to switch to something so new.

Not to mention they do s35vn pretty well vs most.

 

[BMCGear]

CRK is a relatively small knife company. They do put out quite a few models if you look at their catalog. They also strive for precision and the tightest tolerances in the industry. They achieve this year in and year out and have received awards nearly annually. When I used to speak to Tim, he always stated capacity. Capacity is what keeps them from making more models. Again, they are a small shop max producing. There is also plenty at dealers sites, so they are delivering in a pretty high volume also. Most of the machines they use are also Reeve designed and built. CRK has never been a company that consistently offered new models annually. Every few years they will come out with something new, but that usually results in something being discontinued, again because of capacity. With the quality and precision that is in every CRK, it’s easy to say, damn....I wish they had another 20+ amazing models to choose from. But it’s never been their way, and it will most likely never will be. Watch the Exquisite Blade videos. They are still doing it this way. Honestly, I think it’s pretty cool they are offering designs like the CGG for example yearly now rather than every few years. If you know and understand CRK, you will easily see why they do the things the way they do. I am fortunate to have owned a couple hundred of them, and In All my years of buying CRK, nothing has changed. Chris is retired, Tim is young. Lots of years ahead of them, that’s for sure.

I've never wanted a CGG before but the Lunar Landing has me changing my mind!

 

[idcastandblast]

I just wanted to weigh in here. I toured the shop recently. There are not a bunch of laborers in there. The place is filled with craftsman taking pride in their work and hand fitting each and every knife. I saw people using sandpaper to tune the washers for a particular knife. I saw people hand fitting the micarta and wood inlays, again, sanding down to match each knife. CRK has tools that are going to increase automation, but they will always need those crafts men and women.

 

[JJ_Colt45]

I think many big brands could learn alot from CRK and Hinderer even ...

find what you do best ... stick to it and make minor tweaks til it's as near perfect as it can be and then back it with great customer service ...

seems to be a winning business model to me ... rather than artsy strange looking odd grinds and trying to do a bit of everything kind of well ... instead of doing a few things exceptionally well.

 

[marthinus]

So with all that being said - why do you think that CRK is at max capacity? Why are their knives constantly selling out now more than ever?

Max capacity - the company consists of around 20-25 people. Kai group a few thousand. Benchmade and Spyderco a few hundred (based on a post I read a few years ago from Sal if I remember correctly)

Constantly selling out - because quality is valued more than quantity.

I have grown tired of constantly wanting something new in my life. Just want a quality product. These days there are so many new products pushed that have teething issues I value a refined product or a maker making the same knife a few years but year after year I can see continual refinement.

My 0.2 cents.

 

[BellaBlades]

Max capacity - the company consists of around 20-25 people.

Well said. Regarding employees, I believe it's right around the 40-45 mark these days.

 

[DrRollinstein]

Its wild that you see so many people whining about S35VN these days when 8cr13mov will perform well for a majority of knife users.

CRK likely just has no reason to expand so much. They're fine.

 

[Lapedog]

I saw a criticism on instagram of CRK recently:

Introducing the same knife with slighly different materials < introducing a new innovative knife model.

I then read a reply from CRK on instragram (I'm guessing Tim):

I hear ya, but we are having a hard time keeping up with what we currently offer. We do have plans for new knives in the future and just brought out a new model this last year.

The conversation went on from there. My question comes after reading the thread on Instagram. CRK is doing things completely different than the rest of the knife industry. Many have now moved away from s35vn. While Benchmade and Spyderco have both settled on s30v as their base steel in most models they're releasing new steels frequently and ZT is putting everything out in 20cv. Most manufacturers are bringing multiple models to Shot and Blade. CRK however are not - they're not releasing 3 - 5 or more models each year and they're not chasing the latest and greatest in the steel race.

So with all that being said - why do you think that CRK is at max capacity? Why are their knives constantly selling out now more than ever?

They made the Tilock, you got to give them that. The Impinda slipjoint is actually right in line with the modern slipjoint trend.

CRKs despite their cost are made to be working knives and for that purpose s35vn is a great steel.