This Billionaire Owns 3 Knife Companies.

[@MatisseStLaurent]

Ultimately, it’s the consumer who suffers with all these acquisitions because of the horrible customer service.

[@wesb123]

Drop in quality and services is exactly what happens and you can make experience this in every product niche. Milwaukee tools and Makita tools are super perfect examples. They went from being the best in the world and I mean the very best to just being slightly better than Harbor Freight.

[@Logan2070]

It's said that if you keep digging, everything in the world is owned by just a handful of companies.

[@DamionJR4923]

BlackRock is one of them

[@peen2804]

Absolute toddler grade npc comment

[@nachoisme]

How few companies there actually are in our grocery stores despite the number of options is shocking.

[@nathanielmatthew9555]

​@@DamionJR4923 untrue. BlackRock mostly invests in blue chips.

[@chaddamron3877]

💯

[@Mowntandewey]

Private Equity is the bane of creativity

[@nachoisme]

It only exists for profit…not longevity, quality product or anything else. Just money.

[@Anson120]

Yep! perfect comment it is true.

[@christianlishen1280]

Ben it was great to meet you at Georgia bushcraft! As a long time watcher of your content (starting prior to knife banter at Blade HQ) it was an awesome experience getting to talk to you. Thank you so much for buying a knife from me, having it on the show and most importantly Thank you also for your critiques. The “L” and the “I” in my logo can definitely can be seen as an “A” I’ll look at trying to come up with a different logo to make it more clear. As for the sheath, I’ve already talked to my leather guy about redesigning it to be more inline. Originally he came up with that design to keep the sheath thin so as to allow your hand to past it and still access your pocket.

[@christianlishen1280]

Also may I say that my work being among the rare few that was so cool/unique/wonky that it called to you enough to be one of 3 customs! The fact that you like my work (even if not aesthetically haha) means a lot to me. Thank you again!

[@dickdenisse9960]

Your knife is just weird enough, I like weird. ( I hope that's not offensive, english is not my first language). With a smaller sheath I would love it as an EDC.

[@OUTDOORS55]

You might be surprised. I had the ceo of a VERY large company reach out for knife sharpening advice several years ago. Mr Gores is probably in the middle of the Amazon jungle as we speak chopping some trees with a cold steel machete.

[@GBall_Vision]

That's probably pretty rare

[@nathanielmatthew9555]

@@GBall_Vision CEOs love cosplaying as working class. Look up Zuckerberg's ranch.

[@benbanters]

Tell us the company or it never happened. 😏 That’s actually really cool.

[@mikehedrick4349]

Hey, so about those two piles of cardboard in your video... ✌🏻💩

[@mswindoc]

Private Equity Corporations buy a company that has "profit potential", meaning it is already profitable, but hasn't "maximized" its process to the point of "enshitification". Once the PEC assumes control, they speed up the "enshitification" process, by minimizing costs...material, labor, equipment, etc...until the product(s) produced are no longer desired by their original market. PEC's continue this "squeezing" until just before they think the output has maximized throng purchasing. At or just after this point, they begin to sell off their stock and / or the company's resources, to finalize the most profit they can bring in before they inevitably shutter the business.

[@blueswan2175]

You see with great clarity grasshopper

[@escargotiskuhol]

Sounds like Dracula

[@BearandOtterOutdoors]

It was great getting to meet you, Ben! Thanks for the shout out!

[@MattGuardiola]

I love seeing the new knafs at night thumbnail every Fridays! WHAT!? Blade hq owns flytanium?! Definitely did not know that. Interesting for them to continuously highlight products from a brand they own without disclosing that they own them.

[@brandongoede5907]

“Big fish says make more money” is the perfect encapsulation

[@lerch400block]

Casually shows a page with Pat Tillman and Rodney Dangerfield. Absolute Legends 😢❤

[@daphnedevi]

I love the little whispered POW at 31:18

[@crossandcopperedc]

So awesome to get to meet you at Georgia Bushcraft Ben and make it into the video.

[@adhdhobbyguy6063]

private equity is god awful terrible and horrible for just about EVERY business. If you want your quality to go to dogshit and profit be the only important thing, go private equity.

[@adhdhobbyguy6063]

youtube is editing comments like crazy

[@elde667]

@@adhdhobbyguy6063 No surprise.

[@MarcHPhelps]

I came, first episode, for the David C. Anderson interview but videos like this one are the reason I stayed! Another fun and “wonky” episode, keep up the amazing work!!

[@NMiller_]

Consolidation that looses jobs for hard working people so a billionaire can become more so doesn't sound like a good thing.

[@kylemiller1390]

I would say one of the reasons people love venture capital and private equity is the success Warren Buffett has had with Berkshire Hathaway and the modern obsession with economic goodwill. The problem is most of these small companies have little to no economic goodwill and so when the large companies find that out they decide to try to sell bad products in more locations as a way to compensate.

[@Rugaard_DK]

funny as always, keep it up, and a merry xmas and a happy new year to all

[@DuxLindy]

generally a bad thing for manufacturing, especially if that manufacturing is overseas. al mar, cold steel, schrade. I can't think of a company in this circle that's improved since acquisition.

[@escargotiskuhol]

So true

[@madtownangler]

Same thing happened to bike companies. A lot of them got bought out by Trek also and don't exist anymore

[@kevinsanders]

Whoa! Lifelong Pistons fan and decade long Ben fan….didn’t expect this intersection today!

[@benbanters]

The mashup you never knew you didn’t need. 😝

[@AndyDickason]

Man those are awesome photos from Georgia Bushcraft!

[@thecrossyououtpodcast]

28:03 I need a knife boys T-shirt like right now!!! And I am loving my new Lander 3 CLIP POINT!! Wife got it for me , for Christmas and the burrito for all my knifes.. So I a happy knife boy

[@Mikey_Trailz]

Moon Crew Represent! Fav show of the week! Let's Goooooooooooooo! Happy Holidays to the KNAFS Crew!

[@elde667]

This was AWESOME…..thanks & Merry Christmas guys.

[@Mowntandewey]

I hate that the same thing happens to breweries and distilleries.

[@davidcooper8390]

The field trips and the sharpening shop are my favorite parts of each week.

[@benbanters]

That makes me happy to hear. We're still trying to figure out how to make field trips sustainable-- they're hard to make. But I'm really glad you enjoy them.

[@chrisreuther4546]

This is incredibly interesting... but I think this whole thing you covered is why people get all twitch about companies and where they spend money. As the companies get bigger they tend to focus more on money exclusively other than other ethics and the people. Deep down I think this bothers people... and people get on the soap box about greed and jobs and such... but it's so interesting to know this.

[@Limicola1]

Love that little custom knife!

[@ZiggityPow]

Thank you for the Ninos Knife Kit. I've been 3d printing them by the dozens along with using your poster graphics to teach hundreds of Cub Scouts. We need a Baby Banter size knife with a finger safe crossbar lock to recommend.

[@270ultimate]

I've got a buddy who's made a living by picking up trash in a small town. His goal is to get enough customers that larger, regional companies will buy him out. Then he waits out his 2 year non-compete clause, and does it all over again.

[@ALtheSciencePal]

Awesome to have a win in my hometown of Venice Florida!! Sup Chris!

[@Ajaxykins]

Thanks for the industry news! Now I know to watch if they start going downhill much more. I didn't mind what GSM was doing with cold steel save for some questionable steel choices at the start of their ownership Also I appreciate that you're an aesthetics guy, because I am too and maybe that's the reason I've been a big fan of everything you guys have put out so far!

[@twatmunro]

All of those companies have gone to crap since they were snapped up. No way in hell am I buying from any of those junk firms.

[@davidgarrett5671]

So you have purchased Cold Steel knives since they were purchased? Why would the knives be any different, Lynn didn’t assemble them nor did anyone in the California offices. So what has changed?

[@harperexplores9349]

GSM sees potential. Brands are just names with customers and the potential for goods is more important than the knife community.

[@Bisqcateer]

Man PureVolume nostalgia! It's not the name of Taylor's band, but it was a popular music streaming site for rock-related music. It was Myspace Music before Myspace Music lol.

[@leveler267]

Yes, my comment made a Knafs @ Nite video! 😂 PureVolume was where all the metal and hardcore bands posted their new singles pre-2010 before streaming services like Apple Music, Spotify, and KZbin came about.

[@travisaurus_rex]

That's how I wish most small fixed blades were designed. A lot of them now seem to have long blades and short handles

[@ScottWalton]

Someone needs to tell him to acquire/ fund Crucible. Seems he could afford it and would ensure his knife companies continued raw material.

[@LuisGonzalez-gl4wc]

Plus he would have a stranglehold on the entire knife industry with that acquisition.

[@bobnery]

Need more of the knives are tools mantra in the community!!

[@AdventureCarry]

Keep up the great work guys! And long live Vegimite Shapes 💪💪

[@RaulRobles-kx6ok]

Great job. Very informative

[@MountainMenAxes]

Market returns to these companies are everything!

[@lancewatson2839]

Loving my new moondust Lander 3!

[@David-ek4fh]

I designed the most popular tool in the 21st century. Acorn in German won the contract and a sub of s&w bought it instantly killing the contract. Even Swiss has pachmyer in the handle. 3 features were me, 3 were modified for our purpose, 8 features from existing tech and 1 was rejected. Rejected because I didn’t explain why but it’s good that it was due to obscurity of utility.

[@ProjeKt_Mayhem]

This particular PE firm owns a portfolio of outdoor brands. Makes sense to own a few knife and firearm accessory houses. And of course, they are diversified.

[@Barry-Sweaty]

I don’t know why I’m messing with these small fish. Bring on some super tanned super slashy mores Gores.

[@everydaycelt]

As Qui-Gon said, “There’s always a bigger fish.”

[@realbroggo]

Most consumers would be shocked at how often their favourite brands/labels are bought and sold. Worse still, true ownership is often hidden behind multiple corporate layers. This means that often you have no idea where your money ends up. Unfortunately brands aren't always (ie. rarely) bought/sold with consumers in mind. Most conglomerates buy a brand to either: a) build it up to sell for profit or b) run it into the ground for tax purposes or to deliberately remove it from the market. Just how it is. Sharp blades all.

[@davidgarrett5671]

Ben, do a deep dive into eyeglass lenses/frames. One company owns almost all of them.

[@wesb123]

Right, and if you live in the right town, you can go to the warehouse swapmeets buy them direct at manufacturing cost. 😂😂😂😂😂

[@benbanters]

That’s crazy. I need more cheap frame options. 😆

[@davidgarrett5671]

@ I agree. It is like if the big shark swallowed CRK, Hinderer, Olamic, Benchmade, Spyderco, WE, Civivi, Sencut, Kizer, Demko, and all the MKM makers.

[@cheeseblast]

Indiana checking in, Josten's did my class ring and gown as well

[@willblake72]

Guys, billionaires aren't cool dudes. We don't have to pretend to wonder whether these things are good or bad.

[@adhdhobbyguy6063]

this is the way.

[@Robs_Nerdy_Knives]

How do you know this? Are you personal friends with each billionaire and have insight into them?

[@willblake72]

@@Robs_Nerdy_Knives aww, honey, you don't have to stand up for the mega rich. They aren't gonna see your comment and proclaim, "Oh that Robs_Nerdy_Knives seems really neat and respectful of our feelings, let him in the club".

[@CNYKnifeNut]

​@@Robs_Nerdy_Knivesthey're not gonna throw you a few crumbs for defending them on YT. They're gonna continue turning the US into an oligarchy, and you're gonna keep defending them.

[@imyourdad9642]

ABAB- all billionaire are bastards e

[@Deraldgjr]

VF Corporate is Vanity Fair. Yes, that Vanity Fair 🤣 they own Vans as well.

[@annasoH323]

The giant fish really helped here. God help us as we try to navigate this odd world.

[@Nkdc333]

Folks should start looking up transitioning companies to employee owned as a retirement strategy. A local hardware chain is in the process of that and it seems to be a great way to leave a legacy.

[@LylePbike]

Equity firms buy companies in different areas to diversify. So when one part of the economy is struggling, they have other unrelated companies prospering. It's to protect from the risk.

[@GBall_Vision]

I love the taste of old shoes 😋

[@the_knights_edge]

@knafs Ben you guys are awesome man. Very informative stuff about the crazy corporate world that we live in and presented very well! I would buy another knafs knife just based off of the integrity and the fearlessness that you exemplify in this video. This is the type of stuff that needs to be put out there about the dangers and the greed of conglomerates. I currently own the Lander v.1 21st anniversary of opportunity edition and love it(did a review on it on my channel if you'd like to check it out, I'd love that) and I can definitely say I'm set on adding another Knaf to my collection! Thanks and keep up the great work!

[@thedangerisreal]

Buy local, shop local.

[@alexandergutfeldt1144]

Buy smart!

[@jumpingforjordan1]

I've been waiting 20 years for an apology for that font. Thanks.

[@benbanters]

You're welcome, Jordan. I see the error in my ways now. (Although, that grungy, cool-kid font was all the rage in 2005. Can't deny it.) See you at the reunion next year?

[@cintage]

It’s sales. Doesn’t matter what you sell, as long as you can sell it. That’s the direct path to extreme capitalism. Problem is that many workers turn into „collateral damage“ on the way. High finance doesn’t care about people. One of the reasons why I like companies like KNAFS. 😊

[@benbanters]

Love you brother! ❤ Let’s sing a duet together soon.

[@cintage]

@benbanters Again? 😂😂

[@williamdavies1192]

This is all a by product of the Cantillion effect and ties back to the FED and creation of $. Those closest to the money printer have access to the cheapest capital and buy up those that don't.

[@monkpato]

What's that little Cold Steel knife?

[@1980JPA]

Ben the "i don't know if it's good, i don't know if it's bad" statement disappoints me significantly. You are knowledgeable enough to know exactly what it is. Please don't hedge. It is ALWAYS a bad thing because the sole interest of the equity firm is diametrically opposed to to creating a community and producing quality. The answer to every single decision is "the choice that costs less". They will always go for fast growth over all other concerns because they don't plan to own it long. Short term gains over long term security for the product line and the employees. Private equity is ALWAYS BAD for a consumer interested in A QUALITY product continuing to be the same quality as before being owned by private equity.

[@nathanielmatthew9555]

Hahahaha commie

[@1980JPA]

I typed that comment arrogantly assuming that it was universally true. I now realize that it is only true within my own ethics and values. ill leave it at that.

[@nathanielmatthew9555]

@1980JPA wow. Very mature response

[@benbanters]

I’m sorry to disappoint. My brief experience in that world was mixed. It gave me a TON of experience and exposure that has really helped Knafs. It gave people really good jobs (albeit, they’ve now laid off a significant portion of their workforce). I think many things in life are grey when we want them to be lily white or jet black. I’d put VC/PE in the grey category from my perspective.

[@davidgarrett5671]

As a person who for a while was a business major and has stayed active in the business world (none of this was new to me and not even new to people who follow knife influencers) I would agree with Ben. Sometimes companies are on the brink of bankruptcy or do not have the capital to expand their business to a wider market. A good example is Crucible who was going bankrupt in 2009 and were purchased by a small investment firm out of Cleveland. Are you saying that Magnacut and other CPM steels were bad? I’m very curious as to how Crucible got themselves in the shape they find themselves now. They are looking for a venture capital firm to save them but they may be forced to bankruptcy first to void some of the many contracts and agreements they have made, such as not selling Magnacut to the the Asian market.

[@blantons1404]

All owned by Blackrock or Vanguard

[@fwrose6272]

Hope KNAFS don't get swallowed up by the BIG FISH

[@wesb123]

You think the Chinese factory making them will care?

[@jon-erikbutcher3609]

I see there was a script or subtitle or something at the tip top of the screen when the dude is talking about Bastard Files. I’m on my phone and can’t see it, can anyone else see it?

[@unfi6798]

G'day guys.! Tom Gores may own a lot of little companies but he does nor own Knafs. In time Knafs will be like Buck or Case, full of history & tradition, eventually the brand Knafs will sell itself. If Apple can do it so can Knafs. Merry Christmas & safe New Year from Christmas Island & Australia.

[@nathancwest]

AHHHHH!!! THE DREADED GAS STATION KNIFE!!!

[@JoshuaMurphyFMEN]

It may be how the western world works. Unfortunately in the Neoliberal age, the pursuit of profit and unrestrained growth by a few multinational corporations comes at a great price to everyday Americans. Ben mentioned the pandemic; interestingly, we saw the largest transfer of wealth from the working class to the 1% in history with the COVID relief package and the curtailing of democratic power. This massive concentration of wealth in the hands of a few billionaires is wholly unAmerican in my opinion. There is no profit without exploitation.

[@erinsquirkychannel501]

Coldsteel should of sold to Kizer and SOG to Kershaw been better that way they would do more with them and grow them the right way

[@davidgarrett5671]

Austin: “investing in growth” is economic speak for what you are doing at Knafs, spending money to create/sell more products and expand the company.

[@grahamblackall]

He owns 3 knife companies, but i bet that he doesn’t own 3 pocket knives!

[@mikehedrick4349]

So which conglomerate sent you an offer ben?... 🤑✌🏻

[@keepout7811]

Ben looks like David Wallace from “The Office”

[@Oneoneone111One]

Good video!

[@Meatpopsicle2050]

Lighting is odd. Too bright?

[@kpfagerberg]

Sad because America used to be full of idea men and people that worked to make a well known brand. Now it’s about selling to make some quick cash.

[@MouseCIick]

The future is becoming more like cyber punk. Wub wub.

[@none4now-k9c]

It all just kind of sucks. Big billionaires controlling everything. Oh on the worksharp giveaway....yall put " worksharp giveaway winner" on the email. I was like ,what! No way! All excited I clicked on it. Not the winner. Dang. Well thank you for the 10% off code. Wish I could afford one of your knives right now but it's got to wait till we recover from the holidays. Anyway love your content and products. Please don't let the big shark eat you guys!

[@handyandqu]

Vista outdoors won't exist in a couple months or less one regulatory process works it's self through they sold of all their divisions, they have sold all their brands. There will be a new company after their recent sell offs happen, which sound like it's going to again acquire new companies. All shares to be paid out to holders, this has been happening before may.

[@benbanters]

Super interesting. Thanks for sharing.

[@ClubEDCguate]

I love stuff from PMBushcraft

[@karlmadsen3179]

Didn't you two guys used to be over at Blade HQ?

[@benbanters]

Yes indeed. Feels like a lifetime ago.

[@dumbdizzalw3640]

I thought that yearbook looked familiar. I went to school with you but a grade younger

[@benbanters]

I’m sorry about the cover font. Truly. 😝 Go Trojans! Swing into the store in Clearfield one day and say hello.

[@dumbdizzalw3640]

@benbanters I've been there a couple times and at the sidewalk sale

[@benbanters]

@@dumbdizzalw3640 crazy. You’ll have to introduce yourself next time you’re around. I’d love to meet (or remeet!) you.

[@escargotiskuhol]

Is it good or bad? Definitely bad for knife enthusiasts as we prefer the old knives from Cold Steel, Camillus, etc. Excellent episode! I just subscribed after realizing these two guys are my favorites over at Blade HQ

[@davidgarrett5671]

Cold Steel knives are still made at the same Taiwanese manufacturer as they were before at the same specifications.

[@escargotiskuhol]

@davidgarrett5671 but with inferior steel

[@davidgarrett5671]

@ It is the same steel that Cold Steel has used for years with the same company doing the same cutting, grinding, heat treatment, etc. In some cases/models it is with higher end steels. It definitely isn’t lower.

[@paullambert4445]

The billionaires now own all of America. It doesn’t look like we are ever going back. They have more money than countries do. Thanks. I love your show! 🎸🔪

[@vashock]

Hey look….! A knafs slip joint? Nope…..still waiting in WI.

[@harperexplores9349]

Starbucks became Starbucks because of private money

[@1337flite]

I gotta say I love Knafs and think Ben is a cool guy, but I'm wondering in 10, 20, 40 years who Ben and Athena will sell Knafs too - I hope no one. I hope one of their kids is interested and they takes over the the company.

[@10Lav]

Customer service for Cold Steel and SOG is non-existent.

[@wesb123]

Are they really trying to convince us that this is not the dude from Fleetwood Mac?

[@benbanters]

🤫🤫🤫

[@trainwon5699]

Hey don’t blame the big corporations they didn’t force these small knife companies to sell!

[@blueswan2175]

I think we are going to very soon see how much these type of guys should be emulated or hated......its bad Ben(for blue collar) ,sorry i've been around +60yrs and on top of the all other challenges as we are facing as a country and globally altruism and compassion aren't on the menu

[@LuisGonzalez-gl4wc]

Private Equity should buy Crucible.

[@PirminZemp2731]

I Love Cold Steel Knives Pirmin From 🇨🇭

[@fatmanandschizard]

All that money and he can’t make the pistons good

[@benbanters]

He needs to have them cut more meat in half during training. 🤣

[@ClubEDCguate]

farewell mustache 🫡

[@benbanters]

It was a good run.

[@doates1000]

Venture capitalism is far reaching. For example Nestle is an umbrella company for everything from dogfood to Perrier water. It won't be long before there are a handful companies that literally own everything. Kind of sad really.

[@joncox9719]

So, when are You and the Wifey selling out for Millions? 🤭🤣😂

[@benbanters]

I’ve been telling Tom Gores “no” for years now. 🤣

[@paulwebster8882]

Ben, you can forgive yourself for past failures. It's high school for hecks sake. Leave it in the past.

[@jeremiahlbfg2417]

That’s gonna be me 😌