The KING OF KNIVES! We Have Questions...

[@KnifeNerdery]

Long-term Portlander here. Portland holds such an interesting place in the knife world. It absolutely is, without question, one of the major knife capitals of the world. There are few places on Earth with such a concentration of knife industry expertise. But it holds that place, at least in part, for a fairly different reason than Solingen, Seki, Maniago, Thiers, Yangjiang, Taichung, and others. Most of these famous knife capitals are concentrations of manufacturing itself. There are knife *brands* headquartered in each of them, but the ratio toward manufacturing is so high that nearly all of them serve as OEM hubs for the rest of the world -- there is excess capacity beyond what the brands themselves can utilize that they fill with the projects of others elsewhere. And this difference is reflective of America's position in a globalized economy in general: across nearly all industries, America makes things, but it also *has things made*. The knife industry in Portland is a good microcosm of that phenomenon. We *do* manufcature knives here; Benchmade and Zero Tolerance/Kershaw are the major factories still doing the raw construction of knives here. But the majority of Portland knife brands are now, in part or in full, globalized production companies, utilizing manufacturing capabilities of many countries (including the US) for different products or parts of products. Some evolved into this mode of operation alongside other industries; some were always this way. A couple weeks ago, I had the honor and pleasure of getting to tour CRKT's headquarters and warehouse, and I got to see the place where every single CRKT knife ships out from. I got to see where they do their QC, hardness testing, and even material composition testing. I got to meet nearly everyone there and shake hands with the people who actually run CRKT on a day-to-day basis. It was incredibly cool to witness, and it helped me understand just how much work goes into bringing knives into fruition, beyond the literal cutting and shaping of metal that we all picture in our heads. But all of that said, they shouldn't have used the word "made". "Made" is technically an ambiguous term, but it's not meaningless. Almost everyone understands it to mean the core manufacturing steps that shape raw materials into a finished product. And there is absolutely zero chance that over half of all knives sold in the US are *made* here. I realize this is a marketing move probably spearheaded as much by the city itself as it was the knife industry, and I don't expect municipal PR people to understand the nuance of distributed manufacturing. Portland loves crowning itself with superlatives -- Bike Town, Stump Town, Bridge Town, Nation's Largest (and also Smallest) Urban Park, Most Microbreweries/Food Carts/Strip Clubs/whatever Per Capita, and so many others. But there are a lot of knife companies listed there, all of whose PR departments theoretically had to sign off on it. At least one of them should have corrected that word, especially with it being literally the opening argument.

[@GarrettsGear]

Too long didn't read. Sorry you live in that shithole :(

[@benbanters]

Kevin! You are a national treasure. Thank you for your detailed thoughts and analysis. That was a wonderful read, and you said it all so much better than I did. Well done, my friend.

[@nukevapes]

Glad to see you back online guys ! i loved your chemestry in bladeHQ and well, still talking knives ! Love you guys !

[@DaddestOutlaw]

Portland in the 90's was amazing, Early 2000's still pretty awesome then it turned into tent city/needle town. I grew up in Portland and loved it but it no longer is the city I once loved. Also Benchmade thinks they are royalty when in reality most Chinese made knives are better now at a fraction of the price and we don't even need to speak on Gerber.. Keep up the great work guys and cant wait to get my hands on the kickstarter knives!

[@3ckell3]

I’m from Portland and you nailed it!

[@tomturbuckle0076]

It does seem that whatever innovation Benchmade has come up with once other companies can use those innovations they end up doing it better. My kizer drop bear feels much more refined then my bug out.

[@HaveAKnifeLife]

Facts 💯

[@southside1975]

Toy sure your looking at the knife prices from china. They get free shipping and pay slave labor how can you compare price points. The good knifes from china are well over 200$ and it cost them 1/4 to make unlike other company's who pay their people decent and give them benefit's. They are great at one thing Plagiarizing hard working people's idea's but sounds like that's not a issue until it's something you designed.

[@hunterglaspell]

Comparing China pricing to American pricing and acting like it’s an impressive feat that they are able to get knives lower cost in China is a wild point of view. The only thing that has changed with China is they have access to machining tech they didn’t two decades ago. Now that their machining practices are on par with other countries, they are able to match quality of knives from American manufacturers, but do so in morally questionable ways to keep the price down.

[@GreyrDrangeid]

Thanks for the video Ben, Austin, and knafs crew. Favorite Friday show!

[@knafs_co]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@maxlvledc]

I CAN'T miss these..my favorite part of my week. Cheers!

[@EDCandLace]

Agreed!! This is a feel good video every time they drop one. Videos put out good vibes and I always end the video smiling and wanting more!

[@CuttingBoardRx]

Thanks for answering all my questions. Rx is a reference to the prescriptions. I often offer alternative options for the knives that I review on my channel. Can’t help being an engineer! PS. I am getting both Lander 4 variants and have already come up with at least one Rx: make sure the lanyard could be removed without un-weaving the cord. Benchmade has it right on the Water knives!

[@knafs_co]

Looking forward to seeing it!

[@roberthowell7814]

Thank you for the video. If more people would do their own research about what a politician says everybody would be more informed, and politicians would be more careful about what they say. It’s obvious to me. Most politicians have no fear of being fat checked, so they play fast and loose with the facts. There is no possible way. Their numbers are correct or even 50% correct. Thanks for paying attention.

[@egbluesuede1220]

OMG I have that exact same Rambo knock off knife you showed in the sharpening shop. I'm sure there were many, but I'm laughing because I still own mine from the 80s and just pulled it out this week to admire. My tip is twisted and bent, but never considered sharpening it!

[@Nothingtoya]

Something that's kind of nice about the Rat1 and Rat2, to get the knife I've wanted, I've bought different ones and swapped blades and liners. So far I haven't had a problem with the liner lock on them.

[@davidcooper8390]

I just got a Lander 1 and took it backpacking. Best summer sausage cutting knife I have ever had.

[@DylanLey]

How do you decide to make a knife as a Knafs-branded knife that is oem-ed by another company vs. making a knife under the brand of another company (ie WE/Civivi, MKM)?

[@mistold]

Great episode as usualy fellas. My lander came in but it wont dethron my pocket from the lander 2. That action! That size.... chefs kiss

[@flapxjackson]

They’re an hour away from Portland, but William Henry knives are made in McMinnville.

[@benbanters]

Spruce Goose! Love McMinnville.

[@harperexplores9349]

I’m so astounded how deep into the process you bring us along with you like no one else in knives. Olight is trying to help us appreciate their process as well but I can’t find anywhere in the knife industry. Also I like richlite in Blue. I use it in making some custom fixed blade handles for myself and love the material for its durability and density.

[@ok9nja741]

16:22 When I replaced the blade on my Spyderco Delica, I had to replace the backlock as well, even that mechanism has to be hand-fitted.

Is there any plan in the future of Knafs to make bigger knives than the Lander ones (+ Lulu) ? I would like to see a propositions from Knafs for a 'medium' size (like a Tops B.O.B.) and a 'big one (like a BK-9) and if not trying to see high end steels (like B.O.B. and BK-9 with 1095) it can be done with a 'nice' price

[@BishopWhite95]

Just backed the Kickstarter last minute! Couldn’t be more excited!

[@JustIN2EDC]

You should do a fold over Taco style kydex sheath that way it's less presents in your pockets a lot of us would really appreciate that

[@siningy]

Those are dried Chinese Plums! Dried fruits are popular in China, but you should be able to get these at any local Asian Market

[@patrickpatterson8972]

We need those space kitty posters! Great show guys, thank you for taking the time to do these.

[@youknowwithMartyKauffman]

So there should be a blade show in PORTLAND

[@flapxjackson]

Blade Show West was in Portland a few years. It was held at the Monarch Hotel in Clackamas at first. Then it moved to the Oregon Convention Centre. I believe the last show in Oregon was 2019. If you want to attend a knife show in Oregon, there’s the Oregon Knife Collectors Show in Eugene, OR. It’s held in April at the Lane County Fairgrounds.

[@youknowwithMartyKauffman]

@@flapxjackson cool thanks for the info

[@eriktaylor5704]

I too love 14c28n. I didn't understand its attributes until I purchased a Joker Ember. So easy to strop it back to a razor's edge. Hope to see a version of the Lulu in 14c28n.

[@jooky5]

I really like my big I dual side click pen and was stoked to check out this new pen they’re launching, but it seems to be a smaller, more expensive version of the bastion bolt action pen

[@jonathanklein7875]

Why isn't Kai USA/Kershaw/Zero Tolerance part of the Portland Metro? Tualatin is just as close as Oregon City (Benchmade).

[@MrWishihadagibson]

I can’t decide which version of the lander 4 I’m most excited about.

[@StarDarkAshes]

The gas station knife had to have been sent in by Zac. He’s the only one that buys that stuff and would actually send it in for sharpening. Every one else would just let it dull. 😂

[@cashdingo6386]

Spyderco/Knafs collab like they do with Lionsteel, the Spylander 005 with a hole opening and a compression lock and magnacut.

[@cashdingo6386]

Ooh, do it like the Smock where it has a button actuated compression lock

[@Limicola1]

Great video! Lotsa fun. Please consider making the Lulu with 14c28n. Please... :) A Scandi style knife needs a Scandi steel. :)

[@robertbarker5802]

Richlite scales and a Lynch clip will be heading my way. If the blades require hand fitting then how about a nekkid knaf option that would let you pick a scale or none to make your own?

[@russellcharles7839]

Kershaw is Tualatin, Benchmade is Oregon City. Gerber is southern Portland. Close but not all Portland. Most Gerber and Kershaw products are Chinese now and Benchmades standards have gotten terrible.

[@ParrishJMiller]

Anyone familiar with the city of Portland knows that exaggerations of its own importance are its primary export.

[@mattboerio]

We are perhaps, the most important city civilization has known.

[@stephenbarabas6286]

​@@mattboerio🙄 yeah if you want Fentanyl or ANTIFA

[@stephenbarabas6286]

​@@mattboerioImportant if you want homeless and fenty

[@mattboerio]

@@stephenbarabas6286 Don't knock it 'til you try it!

[@josiahmontgomery4860]

Haha! Damn good comment sir

[@d_sharon_design]

I'm gonna need a dried pear link on this.

[@bmljenny]

I think they might actually be plums, not pears. At least, I've had things that look exactly like this from Chinese markets labelled as salty/sour dried plums.

[@d_sharon_design]

@@bmljenny Thank you! *new side quest unlocked*

[@dwilks89]

Austin are you rocking the sinn u50?

[@jonf2086]

Why wasn’t James Brand part of the Portland knife club?

[@benbanters]

Whereas and heretofore they couldn’t handle the intolerable script font of the manifest and proclamation, they opted to demure. 😏

[@scotthumphrey99]

Have you talked about the wiha bit kit/ red lander knife combo yet. I saw a post about it but haven't heard too much info on it.

[@chrisoneill325]

The Lander 4 sheath would be so much better as a taco style instead of pancake style. I know it's only like 0.25" difference, but it would make it so much nicer to pocket carry.

[@beaumontdale675]

Kershaw is Portland based

[@muppet21alvaro]

I need those stackable trays

[@theknifepub]

Poor Ted... crowned the first who came to sight 😂. The Big Idea Early Bird is a great Deal, I'll go for that! You should totaly go for the certificate for the corn-scales 😂 Thank you for the great video ❤ Best wishes from germany

[@sixpakshaker88]

Corn Lander 1 scales?

[@chabongomongo]

I already pledged the drop point Lander 4. Should I add the sheeps foot before tomorrow? 😬

[@BoneHead1776]

I did

[@brentmellinger1798]

I’m surprised kershaw/ZT didn’t join the Portland declaration train. I mean I know technically they are in Tualatin but same state/close enough lol. If they a really are anywhere near 50% then I’d say USA made kershaw and ZT have to be included in that stat.

[@Movillapablo]

The corn scales are gonna be legen…. Wait for it….

[@bluemike23]

They’re gonna be A-Maize-ing….

[@jarofaar8618]

Now I want lander 2 scales in richlite!

[@roberthicks686]

I wonder why Kai wasn't on the founding members list.

[@TWknives]

Great episode yall 🙌

[@WesleyEvan87]

Kershaw isn't a park of this? hmmmmm....

[@benbanters]

I wondered about that too. Whereas, they chose not to participate.

[@WayofKnifeEdcGearHouse]

@@benbanters not the 'whereas' lololol

[@twatmunro]

How is Sheffield not on that Knife City t-shirt?

[@knafs_co]

That should definitely be on the list.

[@JHawk0124]

Being from Indiana, it’s gonna be cool to have corn scales, as a homage to my home state 😂 🌽

[@CopyNPasteComments]

Golden, CO is fuming

[@benbanters]

Rocky Mountain high uprising!

[@EDCandLace]

Golden Co is sitting back relaxing saying to it's self "my heat treats are better I'm golden I'm not worried about a thing"

[@addisontalks]

If Portland can crown themselves the knife city, Boise should be able to claim the title of the premium knife city (since Koenig and CRK are both here). Maybe it's confirmation bias, but I feel like we gear people forget that not everyone is deeply ingrained into the world of gear. It's probably fair to say a brand is truly well established if my grandma or the random dude next to me in the store would recognize it.

[@jwiLx]

Sales > opinions tbh. And Kershaw, ZT, KAI..etc arent even listed here. They too are Portland metro.

[@WayofKnifeEdcGearHouse]

Knafs At Night, the EDC Fact Checker 😂 good work guys, kinda a wild claim

[@TalkingDonkey2]

Love the show

[@mistold]

I deal with oems in China... i have seen my products get semi copied and offered. Trust comes into it but like Ben said; part of the territory. Plus i think if civivi or kiser modified a knaf design they would be back to their original in a sense. They cant polish the knaf diamond any more than it is!

[@jasonbruchmiller4580]

Portland love knives so much that a homeless guy can walk down the street waiving a samurai sword and no one cares! True story, I see it almost daily.

[@flapxjackson]

I thought a machete was a tweakers blade of choice.

[@stuartb9194]

I'm not questioning your pears, but most of the Chinese snacks I see like that are a type of prune. Love the show, keep them coming

[@juliansecomb3703]

I would guess that number is less than 5%.

[@bluelivesmatter3600]

Portland is a very Liberal city and it shows big time. Just look at the homeless people , needles everywhere , businesses closing and moving elsewhere and even the Police are now useless due to liberal policies. However their are a lot of great people living in Oregon and are into knives and hunting ,overlanding etc. I personally am a big fan of Benchmade and have several of their knives. I have not purchased any BMs in the past couple years due to price gouging. Look at what Civivi , Kizer , CJRB , and many others are doing and the pricing differences. Also Kershaw is doing much better the past year or so. I hope BM will come back down to earth before they lose their share of the market.

[@randyscj429]

Hello Y'all, been seeing you since BHQ days. The problem I have is small handled knives shorter than 4" would be less than a good grip purchase. I get the shorter neck knives as emergency use. But that's just me. Keep up the good work and vids. Keep up the good work and vids. The fixed blade looks great. Be safe and take care, "God Bless", sincerely, Randy. 😇🙏👊 P.S.: Well as for the letter, that's the way politics goes and why I don't play politics as it's a liars game and only benefits those who are on the team... (From the politics I've seen and IMHO) Just say'n. L8TR!!!

[@brettwarner719]

I love seeing the Kizer setup. It’s never going to not be funny to me that there are people that still disparage Chinese knives. You won’t find a cleaner more state of the art setup in the States. Now we just need China to relax their pocket knife prejudice. It sounds like even without specific laws if you are caught with a folder you get a visit from the Ministry of Truth.

[@TalkingDonkey2]

🔥🔥🔥

[@bukithd]

I spy a Sinn dive watch. My other pricey hobby.

[@Mikey_Trailz]

I have ordered replacement blades from Kizer and yes that is very true as I found out the hard way when I had to file off some of the blade where it makes contact with the lock bar so it would lock properly. This is my favorite show on KZbin as it gives me nostalgia from the Ben and Zac BHQ days! I backed the Lander Fixie and cannot wait to get it in my hands! Thanks Ben and the Knafs crew! I commented too early! My boy Neo is in the video! He is such a great friend! I hope to get to hang with him again in the future! This made my day!

[@g.dilla.]

Maybe they define Victorinox as a multitool and not a pocket knife.

[@elizabeththompson4424]

yeah... never heard of STEELPORT KNIVES looked it up & they're expensive kitchen knives I'm not paying much over $100 for a kitchen knife!

[@truthseeker6045]

I can’t believe the corn 🌽 scale has beat out doing a mermaid . 🧜‍♀️ My heart is sad .

[@GarrettsGear]

Anything with Ted Wheeler's signature on it means it's useless trash.

[@Leftyotism]

When banana Katana?

[@dawg4135]

Portland as a destination 🤣😂🤣😂 Who in their right mind would want to go there after what the mayor and other politicians have let that place become. Remember when they attacked the court house for a month straight. Hate to get political but that part was a joke.

[@Spewf]

🌽

[@mangobadger]

Re: Portland, it’s always a bit sus when someone pats themselves on the back - the louder the sussier. Also: I too love aluminum sandals 13:00 😂

[@MichaelWallace-g9r]

Keep Portland weird. So weird!

[@jonesyxxiv]

Too bad Portland is one of the worst cities in the world.

[@nederlander9321]

I live there. It's not.

[@flapxjackson]

@@nederlander9321But Orange Man says it is so it must be bad.

[@nederlander9321]

@@flapxjackson Orange Man can't even spell it. Besides, we got the overpriced Benchmade knife factory just several miles from here.

[@Mo.89.]

CuttingBoardRx is the worst KZbinr with the worst take on everything in the knife industry 🤮 disappointing to see him sharing his awful opinions here too

[@EnriqueScott-se3vp]

P.C. who cares

[@d.holder595]

Misinformation and disinformation! There is no “fun” in that.

[@ras9182]

Need more KNAFS CO. Inside Information in the video

[@TheAdequateMedia]

I make paid Adds for a living, on TikTok shop, etc, for health centric brands. I would like to offer my services, been in the community for a while have yet to grab one of yours

[@jwiLx]

Theyre still MADE in Portland. Do better research. Ive worked there for 17 years. Sure there are technicalities - Meh. Also, dont forget Kershaw, ZT, KAI...etc. Tualatin is still considered Portland Metro.