Trends & Fads.

[Mike Stewart]

Hey gang,

The knife industry has had a lot of very interesting changes over the years.

Is there one Trend or Fad that sticks out for you that has change the way we percieve the industry?

I'll use the Rambo movie as an example--Back when the movie came out--Every company and every import knock-off house had a sawtooth /survival knife for sale.

Have you seen anything like that since that time?

Mike................................

[TheBadGuy]

Kerambits are one of the latest trends I wouldn't mind seeing disappear in a year or two :poke:

[Stabber]

If knives are anything like fashon It eventually rolls around to be back in style.

I have yet to own a Krambit, But they are comfortable. I think some trends go from fixed to folder. Generally I like ALL knives thats why I have LOTS of emhttp://www.jerzeedevil.com/forums/images/icons/icon10.gif

[Clydetz]

I don't know if it's a fad or not but, even though I own a few, tanto style blades have not truly caught on with me. :decoder:

[Mr.LaBella]

I personally think the liner lock is outdated like most cheap steels.

i am not a "steel whore", but the trend is toward more exotic materials as highly visible means of sales.

i will be the first to admit, i fall for the 'hottest, best steel" every damn time...

why did i bump this?

:)

:poke:

[rbruce]

i am not a "whore"

You shouldn't lie like that.:doublefu:

[WT351]

Framelocks. Everybody is making one lately.

[swiftfoot]

autos

[bart-1]

I would have to say the biggest thing that made folders go wild was the pocket clips.

[blackwatch]

Covert deanimation?

I think the TSA restrictions are a fad. After all, they are mostly just "feel good" restrictions. Cuz, grammie ain't really gonna gank anyone with her knitting needle.

Right now, TSA is taking phone calls to hear thoughts about allowing < 5" knives (don't know which dimension...well, length...but of what). So, they are already considering loosening the stranglehold.

[Peter Lezard]

"Steel of the month." I don't know enough about steel for knives to really have an educated opinoin, but I seem to be the only dude on the 'net that will admit that... I have knives in ATS-34D2A244V440CVG10 etc etc that I like, and blades made of all those that I hated, and sold the week I got them.. If it cuts, don't rust to bad, and I can sharpen it in the bush with a fair degree sharpness, AND it fits MY hand AND makes me happy using it, then its a good blade. One mans pleasure is anothers posion, and I think there are enough knife makers to go around for all of us..... Was that a rant, or did I answer Mike's question...:idunno:

[GigOne]

The "tactical" scene. Not so much with the types of knives, but with the players. I'm tired of going to shows and seeing the "tactical geeks" running around. I like to call them the ninja crew. Ya know. . . .220+ pounds of shear fat, BDU pants, black t-shirt (whacked rock motif BS on the front and back), black converse sneekers or combat boots (bloused), studded wrist bands, Rambo bandana, flavor of the week carry bag (black), and at least one tat that makes jailhouse tat's look professional.

:faint:

I think that they're hoping that a purchase of some tactical. . . .will make them tactical. :elsaddo:

[LONE WOLF]

I personaly think different than you about the tactical scene. It is much older than some may think (Buck 110, Italian stilletos, OSS sleave daggers, etc) and will most likely be around for generations to come. They arent large combat blades that can chop through flesh and bone, nor are they glorified axes.They are quick, concealable, and deadly utility/emergencey/fighting knives. The tactical scene that you mentioned is made up of people who carry tactical gear and are urban survivalists.

edit: I was answering Gis post about the tactical scene. I have no clue who soloronin/etc/etc is

[Mike Stewart]

I have been in this industry for about 30 years.


The Tactical buyer has been there for a very long time.

The overwieght--camo clad--blouse Boot guys have been here for the whole time.

I actually think that this became much more noticable as the Vietnam War began to come to an end. The knives that these folks wanted has changed a bit but they are always there and actually are a large part of our buying market.

Our Armed forces have been into some conflict almost continuously since the Vietnam War--so--the battlefield changes and the wannabes have changed thier focus--jungle camo--desert camo--jungle camo--etc. The advent of the Tactical folder has had a tremendous impact on that portion of our market.

Would any of you say that the first Tactical Folders were most likely--Spydercos??

Mike................................

[LONE WOLF]

I think it depends on the definition of tactical folder. If its just a folder for fighting and concealment, I would say the first (In the last 200 years) would be the texas toothpic folder with the long slim blades. If we add to the definition a lock, then the 110/112 woulds fill that roll. Add one hand opening and the C01 worker from spyderco would be it. Add a lightweight synthetic handle and the Endura (also from spyderco) would be the first. Depend on how stringent ones definition of tactical folder is.

[blackwatch]

I guess my knife history knowledge is a bit deficient to make a clear call. However, I believe my understanding to this point was that Spyderco were the/at/near beginning of the tactical market.

I remember, when I worked for Remington, one fellah came in and had about 5 knives concealed on him. Well, concealed, except he enjoyed showing all the employees what he had. We all liked and collected knives, but still found it a bit...odd. Mall ninjas of the world, unite...and go somewhere else!*

*This post does not reflect the thoughts or ideas of Blackwatch, his trousers, anyone elses trousers, or snakes therein.**

**Unless you find it amusing.