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Year's most innovative company
- Thread starter fudo
- Start date
- Joined
- May 17, 2002
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- 5,757
I think it´s CRKT. They constantly come up with interesting new models (including a lot of custom collaborations), Benchmade and Spyderco share close second IMO.
Although they aren't the best knives by any means I would say Kershaw is the most innovative due to there success with the speed safe stuff. Spyderco and Benchmade are my two favorite production makers But there wasn't anything ground breaking out of their shops this year.
- Joined
- Apr 1, 2001
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- 737
Sebenza.
Here's why: they just keep on selling, and selling, and selling. They don't rely on new models, etc. to keep them going. Just good old fashioned service and quality product. Many other companies could learn from them.
Inovative idea: good products and good service.
Here's why: they just keep on selling, and selling, and selling. They don't rely on new models, etc. to keep them going. Just good old fashioned service and quality product. Many other companies could learn from them.
Inovative idea: good products and good service.
- Joined
- Jul 24, 2002
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- 5,868
1-BOSS Knives B/C they started from the ground up and have allot of great looking knives at cheap prices.
2-Benchmade for the 921, 960 and the "Benchmite" thats coming out this month.
3-Spyderco for the Kiwi
4-CRKT for the D.O.G. folder and the Lake Series
5-Kershaw for there Raibow Leek
I know that allot of the companies listed above have allot of models that are new that I didn't list, But the models I listed are the ones that I used to give them there ranking
2-Benchmade for the 921, 960 and the "Benchmite" thats coming out this month.
3-Spyderco for the Kiwi
4-CRKT for the D.O.G. folder and the Lake Series
5-Kershaw for there Raibow Leek
I know that allot of the companies listed above have allot of models that are new that I didn't list, But the models I listed are the ones that I used to give them there ranking
I don't know which company has been most innovative, because I don't follow the entire knife industry that closely. So, I'll just say the most innovative company I know, instead of the most innovative company of all.
Busse.
A lot of their innovation goes unnoticed, because it is more subtle than a new mechanism. Also, a lot of their innovations become such standards in the industry that they come to superficially appear similar to other knifemaker's wares. But they are constantly experimenting, and pushing new limits.
They're just about the only company out there that has designed their own steel from scratch, INFI, reputedly involoving a new steelmaking process, as well as containing an element not previously used in the cutlery industry. Now they have made a new steel for their new Swamp Rat line of knives, SR101, a variation of 52-100, which allows them to achieve very high steel performance for a rather moderate price. They also have their own ("transverse wave") method of heat-treating their knives to maximize the steel's performance. Because of these innovations, they have been able to create high performance steels that many consider to be the best in the cutlery industry.
Getting beyond their steel, their other materials are also innovative, such as the Resiprene C handles on their new line of knives, and their long-wearing crinkle coatings.
They are also innovative in the area of design. Some of their blade designs, like the Paul's Hatchet, are quite different. They have created their own type of serrations, which are sturdy enough for chopping, easier to sharpen, and still cut and tear well. Then there's the Ergo handle design. And the BAT tip design, to get the best combination of penetration and tip strength. And the experiments to create the grippiest ground-in pattern for micarta handles. And the assymetrical edge (1/2 convex and half flat ground), for combining strength and ease of sharpening.
Busse Combat Knife Company is now readying to release their first folder, reputedly with a new type of lock.
Busse Knives constantly evolves their line, often with true innovation.
Busse.
A lot of their innovation goes unnoticed, because it is more subtle than a new mechanism. Also, a lot of their innovations become such standards in the industry that they come to superficially appear similar to other knifemaker's wares. But they are constantly experimenting, and pushing new limits.
They're just about the only company out there that has designed their own steel from scratch, INFI, reputedly involoving a new steelmaking process, as well as containing an element not previously used in the cutlery industry. Now they have made a new steel for their new Swamp Rat line of knives, SR101, a variation of 52-100, which allows them to achieve very high steel performance for a rather moderate price. They also have their own ("transverse wave") method of heat-treating their knives to maximize the steel's performance. Because of these innovations, they have been able to create high performance steels that many consider to be the best in the cutlery industry.
Getting beyond their steel, their other materials are also innovative, such as the Resiprene C handles on their new line of knives, and their long-wearing crinkle coatings.
They are also innovative in the area of design. Some of their blade designs, like the Paul's Hatchet, are quite different. They have created their own type of serrations, which are sturdy enough for chopping, easier to sharpen, and still cut and tear well. Then there's the Ergo handle design. And the BAT tip design, to get the best combination of penetration and tip strength. And the experiments to create the grippiest ground-in pattern for micarta handles. And the assymetrical edge (1/2 convex and half flat ground), for combining strength and ease of sharpening.
Busse Combat Knife Company is now readying to release their first folder, reputedly with a new type of lock.
Busse Knives constantly evolves their line, often with true innovation.
- Joined
- Jul 7, 2000
- Messages
- 1,556
When people call companies like Kershaw "innovative" for the speed-safe, or CRKT for their collaborations, think about who they're really paying the compliment to. Kershaw didn't come up with the speedsafe, and CRKT is just coming out with cheaper versions of custom knives. How are either of these companies innovating anything?
I'm not saying I don't respect their contributions to the knife world immensely, I'm just saying that I don't consider them "innovative."
I consider a company innovative when they pioneer their own designs, concepts, and ideas, especially ones that might take some time to get used to. When you look at the hot stuff that a company is churning out, ask yourself who was really responsible for it.
I'm not saying I don't respect their contributions to the knife world immensely, I'm just saying that I don't consider them "innovative."
I consider a company innovative when they pioneer their own designs, concepts, and ideas, especially ones that might take some time to get used to. When you look at the hot stuff that a company is churning out, ask yourself who was really responsible for it.
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- Jul 7, 2000
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Well then what do you consider "ground breaking"?
TOTC I disagree.I think it is innovative if a company can mass produce a custom design and make a profit.Way back when no other company would make an investment and take a chance to make a production "Paul" folder,Gerber took the chance.CRKT is now making the DOG lock.They are taking a chance investing in new tooling to see if the public will take to this design.Spyderco was innovative years ago when they took a gamble on what they say was the first custom collaboration with Terzoula.That changed the way knife companies thought and brought a flood of custom collaborations.Its these companies that introduce people into the custom market.
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- Jul 7, 2000
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Ok, you've got a point, but I think it only goes so far...
When you're the first company to collaborate, that can be called innovative. When you're the first company to bring a risky maker to the market, that can be called innovative.
But CRKT is taking little if any risk on the Dog lock. They're just jumping on the axis/bolt/rolling/ball/arc lock bandwagon if you ask me. Everyone wants a piece of the axis type lock but they all have to have their own version. Pretty soon, they'll all have them.
Gerber = Bolt
REKAT = Rolling
BM = Axis
SOG = Arc
Spyderco = Ball lock
and now CRKT = Dog lock
They all look just about the same to the average consumer. And even to those of us who are very educated on these designs consider some of them to be just about identical.
So where's the innovation? Where's the risk? CRKT just wants a piece of the pie, just like everyone else.
They way I see it, CRKT just keeps churning out the collaborations, and trying to get more $$$. I'm perfectly fine by that. I love their products and I respect what they do. But I don't consider them to be innovative. I think they were when they first caught on in the market: they were able to make amazing knives affordable at a level that hadn't really yet been achieved. But now they just have a cycle going.
If BOSS knives turn out to be quality pieces, then I will consider them to be innovative. They will have outdone CRKT at their own game: making good knives super-affordable.
When you're the first company to collaborate, that can be called innovative. When you're the first company to bring a risky maker to the market, that can be called innovative.
But CRKT is taking little if any risk on the Dog lock. They're just jumping on the axis/bolt/rolling/ball/arc lock bandwagon if you ask me. Everyone wants a piece of the axis type lock but they all have to have their own version. Pretty soon, they'll all have them.
Gerber = Bolt
REKAT = Rolling
BM = Axis
SOG = Arc
Spyderco = Ball lock
and now CRKT = Dog lock
They all look just about the same to the average consumer. And even to those of us who are very educated on these designs consider some of them to be just about identical.
So where's the innovation? Where's the risk? CRKT just wants a piece of the pie, just like everyone else.
They way I see it, CRKT just keeps churning out the collaborations, and trying to get more $$$. I'm perfectly fine by that. I love their products and I respect what they do. But I don't consider them to be innovative. I think they were when they first caught on in the market: they were able to make amazing knives affordable at a level that hadn't really yet been achieved. But now they just have a cycle going.
If BOSS knives turn out to be quality pieces, then I will consider them to be innovative. They will have outdone CRKT at their own game: making good knives super-affordable.
- Joined
- Nov 25, 1999
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- 1,499
Basically I would tend to agree with TOTS. In my opinion innovation is something what initiates a kind of new trend in the industry. New fashion at least, taking this term in good, reasonable sense... Later news what are repeating or even developing this trend could be considered as inventions but rather not as innovations.
Ill try to explain.
On the other hand I cant consider as innovations some pretty senseless inventions like trials to recompense the lack of overhardened blade strength with blade thickness and hype around. Or like idea to sharpen the blades on the single side only...
Well, what could be considered as the latest innovation according this train of reasoning? In another words, what could specify some kind of new trend in the knife industry?
Maybe Sal Glessers ideas about little-big knives what are legal everywhere and provide much more capabilities than it seems at the first look? Greatly probably, for me at least...
Edited to correct some UBB spells
Ill try to explain.
- Once SPYDERCO came with opening hole, pocket clip, serrated edge and this became the classic example of innovations influencing whole knife industry a lot.
- Tim Leatherman came with his Pocket Survival Tool initiating the new type of universal emergency tools what are more than common today.
- Some time ago BENCHMADE came with their Axis Lock and this was true innovation on the common liner and back lock background. SOG Arc Lock, SPYDERCO Ball Lock and more similar designs are inventions with no doubts. However in sense of the trends they are developing the tendency what was initiated by BENCHMADE.
- KERSHAW came with color-handled Boa breaking the tendency to make mandatory black or at least gray handles on so-called tactical folders and this was even more noticeable innovation than their Speed Safe opening assist mechanism. Immediately BENCHMADE (940 Osborne), SPYDERCO (Bob Lum Chinese) and over manufacturers came with colored handles approving this KERSHAW move as new trend or innovation.
- Speed Safe opening assist also could be considered as innovation because it got some emulation as TIMBERLINE opening assist mechanism (Discovery Lock if I remember properly) and now SOG one.
- SPYDERCO came with new Compression Lock what didnt get any over manufacturer emulation so far, however looks very promising and I believe in future it will become not less common than Liner Lock at least.
- CRKT came with LAWKS mechanism what rises Liner Lock reliability and safety and this also should be approved by all means. Im not any specialist in patent rights, so I cant discuss CRKT exclusiveness for LAWKS. However worth to mention that GERBER Michael Walker Tactical is equipped with very similar device although the name is not mentioned.
On the other hand I cant consider as innovations some pretty senseless inventions like trials to recompense the lack of overhardened blade strength with blade thickness and hype around. Or like idea to sharpen the blades on the single side only...
Well, what could be considered as the latest innovation according this train of reasoning? In another words, what could specify some kind of new trend in the knife industry?
Maybe Sal Glessers ideas about little-big knives what are legal everywhere and provide much more capabilities than it seems at the first look? Greatly probably, for me at least...
Edited to correct some UBB spells
glockman99
RIP Dann, you were a good guy.
- Joined
- Jun 12, 2000
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- 21,269
SOG...The Flash and Vision series of folders. The use of gold-colored TiNI on their Multi-tools. The X-42 Recondo and Field knives. The "cheezy" but "different" SOG Duo.
- Joined
- May 9, 2000
- Messages
- 29,205
I don't see much innovation this year. No new locks, materials, ground-breaking design features or innovative ways to manufacture knives. What I see is a lot of companies building on a theme.
In my opinion, this is a good thing to have happen. There have been enough innovations over the last few years to last for at least a little while. Now maybe is the time for companies to work on improving the designs they already have.
In my opinion, this is a good thing to have happen. There have been enough innovations over the last few years to last for at least a little while. Now maybe is the time for companies to work on improving the designs they already have.