Since becoming a dealer for CRKT and now having bought and sold $5000 plus, i have been getting contacted by the following companies:
Kershaw- a little more cost than CRKT
Cold Steel- Pricy
Benchmade Very Pricy

While all very flattering, this requires a sizable investment.

What's your thoughts on these brands?

Thanks for your opinions!

Kershaw is decent, not my first choice, though.

I prefer Benchmade knives, I have 5 of them from the lower end ones to a couple of automatics. While they are pricey, the quality is there. The life sharp warranty is outstanding though I wish they sharpened serrations.

Last I saw, they gave a 20% or 30% discount to military and other first responders so that might be a tough customer segment for you to attract.

If Kershaw comes with ZT, then that is a no-brainer, do it.

Skip Cold Steel.

Benchmade is nice.

Exactly what feersum said.

I really like Benchmade.

quote:

Originally posted by feersum dreadnaught:
If Kershaw comes with ZT, then that is a no-brainer, do it.

Skip Cold Steel.

Benchmade is nice.

Can’t argue with any of this. First sentence is especially on the mark.

Kershaw is nice but doesn't really make what I want. I usually get a Benchmade when it comes to folders, though I am looking at a small Spyderco at the moment. I don't consider Cold Steel at all.

Who is your primary market? Can you compete with amazon pricing? I have been. CRKT fan for the past decade. I can buy multiple CRKTs for the price of a single benchmade.

When I was active duty I carried a cold steel folder on my belt daily. Since I’ve retired I carry a smaller benchmade.

There is always a market for the higher end knives but it is a smaller market.

I’ve got three benchmade knives..they are amazing and properly made. I’ll have to say they are the leader of tactical knife making.

Kershaw would be an incremental step up and probably has the most value for the money.

I've been looking at RJ Martins knives and see Kershaw has some of his designs.

Maybe no one really sells Kershaw here? The price point seems right.

Talk to the folks in The Essential Edge forum.

For everyday carry, I prefer a couple Spydercos, with H1 steel that I have. Though I’m honestly not a knife aficionado. I’ve never even held a Benchmade or CRKT.

Being a knife-a-holic, I like most mid-tier and higher knives. Kershaw is a rung or two down from where I hang out most of the time, but their Zero Tolerance knife line is top shelf.

The Cold Steel garb can be marketed to the mall ninja types that love making videos in their mom's basement or garage of themselves abusing stuff.

Benchmade is a legit knife manufacturer that holds quite a bit of market share and their knives are made right here in the USA. For that fact alone, I would invest with them.

Good luck.

Not a big knife guy, but I've bought 3 Benchmades in the last couple years. Top notch manufacture with a great product.

Depends on who your customers are. Knife collectors will steer you into Benchmade or better....but then they'd never walk into a store and buy one...they'll buy something more boutique elsewhere.

Ask your customers or create an easy survey.

My daily carry went from a Benchmade to a Kershaw Leek, and I couldn't be more pleased. Thin, handy, and sharp.

I think both are good, and will have their own market that won't overlap much. Why not both?

Was about to buy a Benchmade Griptillian, with G10 grips, but wanted to see the Spiderco Paramilitary 2, really likes the Spiderco better. Just felt better in my hand, the blade was literally razor sharp. Will probably get a Benchmade sometime, but the Paramilitary is now my EDC.

I have about 5 Benchmade autos and 1 non-auto, have EDC one for close to 20 yrs.

Haven't even held a ZT knife. A very brief look at prices online says I won't in this lifetime.

I keep buying Benchmade knives. They’ve given me no reason to consider anything else. For me, great daily use knives at reasonable prices.

But what is your business strategy? Who are your target customers? What do do they want to buy from you? What would generate better margins? Better revenue and cash flow?

What’s good may not be the same as what you can sell. Don’t take this the wrong way but, for example, if I like benchmade, why would I buy from you versus using the 20% coupon for REI next week?