[Yo Mama]

Other forums a customized blade made for members, usually at a good price for what you're getting. Plus, if you're a forumite you have more pride in ownership. I want to show off a highroad blade!

I'd want something most could easily afford, if at all possible. To be clear, it would only be with mod approval, and I'm only bringing the idea to the table.

Anyone in?

[hso]

It would have to be offered by THR and not a member,

You'd be surprised by the "challenges" of bringing such project to fruition. Setting up a NFW group buy is a significant headache without the needed commerce software to collect monies. Imagine 100 times the headache. Sites that conduct such "business" usually have the backing of a retailer.

[conw]

How about a Case with a spyderhole (licensed of course) that's legal in all THR members' locations (or at least the NFW section), and is suitable for self-defense?

That ought to make everyone happy...

[hso]

What do you guys think the minimum orders are on these projects?

[Yo Mama]

I think minimum is normally 200-300.

It would have to be a knife EVERYONE wants.....which makes this the fun part :evil:

conwict, you have an interesting proposition my friend!

[rjrivero]

hso: Sent you a PM. If you think we could be of help, let me know. Regards. RJ

[kbbailey]

....interesting, keep talking....

[OH_Spartan]

What about approaching Benchmade about a % discount for THR members that have the THR-approved logo or design laser-etched on the blade.

Perhaps we set up an electronic approval where a THR mod verifies the member in good standing, limit to one per user and/or household if there is fear that this would be abused by non-THR members.

Benchmade would handle the financial transactions...THR would not.
Benchmade already laser-etches as a service they offer, so they have the infrastructure to handle the customization.
Benchmade has a full product line, so surely all THR members could find something they like.
THR mods could set up a thread that takes a verbal commitment from THR-members. this list could be shown to Benchmade as part of the negotiation. "we think X% is reasonable because we're going to sell YYY knifes."

I picked Benchmade because they make great knives; sell knives at a variety of price points and they offer custom laser etching already. There may be other makers with the same characteristics.

[Paulgibs]

I'm not in any position to opine on the degree of difficulty in pulling this project off, but if it's do-able, I'm interested.

[OH_Spartan]

Another, maybe simpler approach could be to work with the knife maker/manufacturer to get a series of coupon codes set up. THR-members could PM a THR-moderator for their coupon code to use at check-out.

I'm sure there are other creative solutions that are far better than anything I have offered here. I'm just trying to keep the conversation going.

[Yo Mama]

Benchmade has their own forum and their own knife, so I'm not sure if they would be interested. They are actually rounding up the final list now.

Also, normally there are more people wanting the knife than the number offered, resulting in a waiting list. This is good, as it's natural for some to say they want one, but fall off the list due to personal reasons.

[OH_Spartan]

so benchmade is finishing up a THR forum knife?

[Yo Mama]

No, Benchmade has their own forum, and their own knife.

[Gordon]

A twist on this which is fun is various custom knife makers make a "THR" knife and label it as such and have a blind raffle that runs off a lottery number. Say 100 spots at $5 each with a cut off date of when the raffle goes no matter what the card has filled. The maker posts work in progress ect. and gets to knock him/her self out. The winner gets a valuable one of a kind, everyone a winner!

[conw]

That was a joke... I will literally die if that idea becomes a tangible item.

However, before dying, I suppose I would place an order for it...and try to last until it came out ;)

[OH_Spartan]

Ahhhh...got it, thanks Yo_mama.

Maybe I took the conversation down a bad road by throwing Benchmade's name in the mix. The point of my posts was to try to identify problems to be solved. Namely:

THR will have trouble taking $$ for the knives, ensuring the knives actually sell, and deciding on a design that accommodates all the knife snobs on THR.

Imagine a knife-maker or manufacturer that: takes online orders, sells quality knives at a range of price-points and has the ability to custom engrave with a THR logo

You now have a THR/Manufacturer partnership that solves all the problems outlined above. Perhaps the only remaining problems are safe-guarding that the manufacture isn't giving away too much $$ to non-THR members. The THR needs to protect their brand, logo design, etc. to make sure we are staying true to the THR. This could be set up by a coupon code or some other process.

Again, just trying to keep the conversation going.....I'm sure better ideas will surface.

[hso]

That was a joke

and another bad one, at that. :neener:

Folks,

If someone wants to approach Derek with some ideas I encourage you to do so.

[conw]

Well it was meant to illustrate how difficult a THR forum knife would be, to make everyone happy.

Guilty as charged though!

[hso]

Add the axis lock and you'd have the ultimate knife.;)

[jbkebert]

I would be interested in a chance from one of the forum's knife makers.

On the logo item idea. Outdoor edge does engraved logo items at reasonable prices. The two outdoor edge knives I own are really very good knives.

[conw]

Psshhht. You can't have an ULTIMATE knife without a tanto point... or better yet a BESH wedge!

Also, we could put Bear Grylls's name on it somewhere.

[hso]

conwict,

Heck a "tanto" is just a wharnecliffe that's upside down.

[newbuckeye]

Why would you have to narrow it to ONE style? Pick a maker, have a folder, a fixed, a lockable and a something else......??

[hso]

newbuckeye,

Because you have minimums that have to be ordered and Spyderco has a 500 piece minimum. Other companies go as low as 250. At those numbers you can't be assured of selling 250-500 pieces of just one knife. Start doing this all at once with different knives and you assure yourself of financial failure. Doing it in a serial manner reduces the risk, but there's still risk if you don't sell all of them quickly. THR isn't coupled to or supported by a commercial site that can absorb that sort of financial strain. The staff are unpaid volunteers and members don't pay to support the operating cost of the site. It would be a major undertaking and risk.

OTOH, if folks wanted to commit to demonstrate a real interest instead of just "talking at the bar"...

[KCAce]

I really like the idea of a forum knife, too, and would love to see a Benchmade or any of several other possible makers (Gerber, Case, Spyderco, Buck, etc.). Or another thought, if knives have volume issues, why not a cane or walking staff made by a reputable manufacturer with 'THR' applied some way? I'd prefer a knife, but maybe something else would be 'easier', while being a somewhat nicer than a T shirt or ball cap.
KCAce

[Valkman]

A simple Case knife would be cool, with THR lasered into the main blade.

[451 Detonics]

I own several forum knives...a very nice barlow from Blade forums...

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z271/reloader1959/slipjoints/bar1d.jpg

and here is one from the All About Pocketknives forums...

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z271/reloader1959/slipjoints/aapk1.jpg

Generally you can get a company to make a run as low as 100 knives but the fewer knives that are ordered the higher the price. Buying a standard knife and having it laser engraved is a much cheaper way to go...only costs between $5 and $10 bucks per knife for the engraving. Of course they aren't nearly as distinctive either.

Some companies won't do a forum or club knife at all and some like Case are going to require a much higher minimum order. GEC, Queen, and some of the smaller companies are more likely to be willing to do smaller runs.

[bikerdoc]

Proud as I am To be a member of THR, I have no interest in a forum knife.

My collection is large and eclectic, with few logo knives. Just not my thing.

YMMV, just my .02, carry on.

[Yo Mama]

I was actually hoping a maker here would do the knife. Fixed blade makes it easier as you won't have arguing over locks on a folder.

Something small, maybe 3 inch blade, and a user.

[hso]

Yo Mama,

If you're volunteering to set up a group buy what do you think is involved with managing such an effort and do you have the time, and money, to put into it?

[Yo Mama]

Time yes I have, money, not much. 2 kids are killing me!

I could help in any way needed, I was just trying to bring the idea to the table. If I should not have, please close the thread, just thought it would be cool for the forum and users. :)

[SG1]

I would be in for a forum knife. As someone else mentioned, standard pocket folders are probably the easiest and cheapest. I wouldn't have to have a high-end knife to be proud of it. Especially since it would be sentimental in value with the THR name on it.

[sidheshooter]

I can always use one more blade. I vote fixed, small, user-for simplicity.

Hey, where is JShirley? He might have some ideas...

;)

[ArfinGreebly]

So, I'm wondering . . .

There are almost too many options available.

There's a lot of quality out there, and several countries of origin from which to choose.

It's easy enough to just insist that "it's gotta be a US domestic product," but think a minute about where else good cutlery comes from.

At the risk of using too much imagination, would something like this be a one-time deal? Or would there be opportunities for the "THR SAK" or maybe the "THR Mora" or even a "THR Opinel" over some period of time?

Just wondering, y'know?

[Loosedhorse]

Expense is always a consideration. Maybe there should be a low cost ($40-100) and a high-cost ($300 cap) option? If this is to be someting that people would actually carry for "serious work", I think those are the price-points.

If it's something that's just for show, $8 from China should do it. :(:what::rolleyes: But personally, I'd prefer something like this (http://www.knifeart.com/knifeartcom.html) for $225. A knife I'd actually carry, and carry proudly. Something to buy so I can toss it in a drawer? No thanks, but that's JMHO.

[Vonderek]

Money is pretty tight these days so I would be interested in a basic no-frills fixed blade. Fancy & expensive I couldn't do it.

[Yo Mama]

At the risk of using too much imagination, would something like this be a one-time deal? Or would there be opportunities for the "THR SAK" or maybe the "THR Mora" or even a "THR Opinel" over some period of time?



I would have never known about Victorinox, Mora, or Opinel had it not been for this forum. I'd be happy with any of them.

[CWL]

I've just picked-up Forum Knives at BladeForums as well as JerzeeDevil. These are single run unique knives based on existing patterns. I believe both of these was min order 100 pcs. Cost included shipping (the organizer received single shipment and then distributed to all participants).

The BF knife was a GEC Easy Open Jack @ $99 incl shipping.
http://greateasterncutlery.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/852211-blade-forum.jpg

JerzeeDevil was ProTech TR3 manual with flamed Ti scales @ $199
http://www.protechknives.com/knives/media/2012a/Jersey-Devil-full.jpg

I'd get a THR Forum Knife if we had one, but I know how much of a PITA it would be to organize, collect money, distribute ... and then have to hold a few people's hands when they bitch & moan about pointless little issues... it'll be a thankless task!

If this is too many, I'd love it if HSO organized another custom knife group purchase... wonder if Kim Breed is still willing? ;)

Mod note: See new thread.

[sm]

My first thoughts of being something simple, and affordable for all, such as a Vic Classic SD with THR logo for starters.

But...Kim doing something really gets my attention and I concur with John on this.
Again, keeping in mind we have have a diverse bunch on THR, my thoughts run to again simple, like a Mora 120 "whittlin' knife", fixed blade, made of 01 , with a Kydex sheath.

Just thinkin' this would fit the needs and uses over many folks for many tasks.

Steve

[Tomcat47]

I like the idea of THR forum Knife!

How about a style such as the Masters Of Defense 875
I made knives for MOD just before the Black Hawk merger/buyout.

They were available in 3 blade styles
Tanto, Clip Point (Hunter), Drop Point

And I was just using the 875 as an idea design...MOD/Black Hawk knives are pricey.

One Body - 3 Blade designs.....cause we are all different! :)
I have all the 875's but am fond of the Clip Point :)

I'm In.....!:cool:

[Derek Zeanah]

No promises, but the knife fairy rode up on his swift brown steed last night to pay me a visit.

Anyone still interested?

http://www.shootingreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/20120504-0165.jpg

http://www.shootingreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/20120504-0167.jpg

http://www.shootingreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/20120504-0187.jpg

http://www.shootingreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/20120504-0177.jpg

http://www.shootingreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/20120504-0179.jpg

http://www.shootingreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/20120504-0181.jpg

http://www.shootingreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/20120504-0183.jpg

http://www.shootingreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/20120504-0191.jpg

[sm]

Anyone still interested?

YES!!

[jbkebert]

Yes...

[Ian Johnson]

yes!!!! I really like that little fixed blade

[newbuckeye]

Heck yeah!

price?

[hogshead]

Yes definitly. Was just getting ready to say you would have to make a Sig fanboy knife and a Glock fan boy knife so they wouldn't pout. But I like that. DETAILS please.

[Gordon]

Yes , even tho I don't like hollow grinds. The deal is this kind of "forum knife" requires some craftman that can crank them out. In my opinion Kim Breed stepped up to the friggin plate and knocked it out of the field with his Necker group buy deal, so I guess I need at Least 2 Breed knives to call it another 'collection'.LOL

Btw I was here from the beginning and was also on the earlier one under another name, so an 2002-2012 knife would be kewl.

[Vonderek]

The knife is terrific, the text not so much. The dates make it look like an epitaph, like the website died in 2012. Also the font style is a little too basic. If possible a font a bit more script-like would be better suited to the style of the knife...like a "Viner Hand" or something calligraphic.

[JShirley]

Okay, I could potentially see a different font.
What did you have in mind instead of the dates?

[hso]

Folks, that's just an example of the quality that the laser engraver can do and not a final design.

[sm]

Gordon wrote:
Btw I was here from the beginning and was also on the earlier one under another name, so an 2002-2012 knife would be kewl.

I too am a "plankowner" and having the date would be kewl.

Re: Laser Engraving.
Different Fonts are available of course, then again a unique logo for THR could also be used.

Larry Ashcraft could perhaps weigh in on some suggestions. *smile*

[Vonderek]

John, I don't have an answer to your question about the dates. I was just making an observation and I know it's important to members who have been here longer than me to have the dates on the knife. Maybe instead of the the tombstone-like dates under the name have "Est. 2002".

TheHighRoad.org / 2012
est. 2002

Branding a la Harley Davidson or Levis. My suggestions are intended as constructive criticism. I think it's all good, just needs a little tweaking.
I'm just thinking & typing out loud.

[sidheshooter]

Count me in on the Breed; I'm sold on his work. As to brainstorming, perhaps the same logo that appears at the top of these pages?

http://images.thehighroad.org/thr_logo_500w.png

[JShirley]

Okay, thanks.

Like sidheshooter, I had considered using the logo, but putting any dates on it would then be so large it would "take over" the blade aesthetically.

The "est" idea is a good one.

[hogshead]

I like the logo.

[sm]

Vonderek

I like your suggestion.

[Lerk]

I like the logo idea

And if it's a breed, I'd have to get another, just got my 2 neckers in today from Kim and they are wonderful

[hso]

The black scales or a green like the THR logo colors?

[Ian Johnson]

I think either black or green would look awesome but Id choose green

[Lerk]

Defenitely the green

[Centurian22]

Even only becoming active on this forum recently I would love to see, purchase and treasure a Benchmade THR knife. I am usually slightly picky about my knives but I would be forgiving and accepting of a deviation from my standard preferences due to the circumstances. Another idea to throw out there that could be less expensive and potentially easier to deal with: a range bag or soft gun case (either handgun, long gun or both).

Edit: My apologies for not seeing pages 2 and 3 before posting the above. Upon 'catching up' looks like this idea has made great progress. I can see the value of the logo and of both types of dates though I think I lean more towards the Est. 2002 being more 'timeless' and less 'tombstone'. I also vote green.

[valnar]

Count me in. I'd buy it.

It doesn't have to be the perfect knife we all want. Many of us have knives that are for many different purposes. Whatever the design, I'm sure I could put it to use somewhere. You'll simply never get everyone to agree.

So when in doubt, go with vanity. Make it pretty...make it useful. If THR members can't find a reason to own it for its utility, then make it worth owning for its looks. You'll sell more that way.

[sidheshooter]

Bump?

[Gordon]

Green scales for me

[JShirley]

You are not forgotten.

I will update when there's something I can update. :)

[sidheshooter]

Awesome.

[rjrivero]

I too am standing by. Someone drop me a PM when this is off the ground.

[esheato]

I'm interested...

[Centurian22]

Sounds good can't wait to see it.

[JShirley]

TheHighRoad is a registered trademark, and can only be used with specific permission. If a forum knife is made, it will be purchased through THR or a designated agent. We still have not decided on the specific inscription, though the knife would indeed have green scales, not black. I'm closing this thread until we have something concrete to put out. Rest assured, as soon as we have something to share, we will.

John