2:30 A classic pocket knife scales for SAK would be awesome. I wish custom scales like that are available to swap. I usually don’t pay much attention to intros and jump right to the contents, but coincidentally I just picked up a CRKT Fossil and saw your intro. 😮
Those are interesting ideas, Mark. Thanks for sharing them! I noticed that Victorinox has a corporate psychology that is hyper-focused on stability, slow subject-focused change (OUR ideas), and thoughtful singular efforts when the time for change comes (our ONE new idea has arrived). The stabilizer temperament is very good for long-lived business operations but it's not known for gracefully engineering change to suit a charged-up, creativity-oriented market. The ideas you have kindly offered also really focus on a presentation of breadth of options (not just one idea / outcome, but many). So, in case they really aren't a great fit with the Victorinox mentality, I wonder about things like: 1) Where are the third-party companies that could easily build out the aftermarket a bit? Why can't they exist even on a close basis with Victorinox after all, if for example we have Mikov and such already established as elements of Victorinox's self-honored history? And... 2) Why can't other companies analyze the basic material feel & quality that is captured by Victorinox, and work to that model? They'll never be Victorinox, but they could easily claim a huge stake in the quality market. You yourself mentioned that higher prices are OK with you. If so...such a company could easily start high and work low later. Not even Swiza has been able to do this as far as I'm aware...maybe there are others I don't know about though. I think it will just take the right person in charge. (You should go for it ;-)) Just some thoughts though. Thanks again.
The problem is that you could ask 100 enthusiasts what custom stuff would be best, and you'd have about 3000 different answers... none of which would sell in sufficient volumes to be financially viable. Same for custom tool layouts, but with the same additional restrictions that impact the likes of Roxon, in that certain tools are designed to be paired and/or only fit in a certain configuration, so won't be an option... and then you'd have to employ a whole new assembly team, purely to sit there assembling each custom order by hand. Not financially viable for Vic, and the increased price would not be affordable for the customer. Vic is so successful due to the economy of scale and the high production rate of automation. They can make enough actual Swiss Army (Soldier model) knives for a whole year's supply of the Swiss Army's requirements in less than one day. Custom and special orders either need to sell in similar volumes, or sell for far higher prices, neither of which is going to happen. The closest you'd get is if enough enthusiasts all agreed on the same features, like Magnacut blades and CF or Micarta scales... but even then they'd be expensive Limited Editions. Besides which, most of the custom model demand is already be met by independent modders. Vic doesn't need to get into that little niche and probably has no interest in robbing skilled enthusiasts of a much-loved paying hobby. A better option would be a small production reissue of all the old and obsolete models - New collectors come along all the time, but are joining the fight over the ever-decreasing supply of second-hand models... a market from which Vic makes no money, either. A Reissue range would have a slower, but still steady sale rate over the long term and satisfy the fan base far more than yet another tarted up Classic SD.
Lol, Vic doesnt actually have to do anything at all. The only company to actually give them a run for their money is Leatherman, who isnt even terribly competative in terms of price/ build quality. All the knife nerds in the world can moan about the steel and lack of options but it doesnt change the fact that their still the best at what they do, and their knives are still selling.
@@markcoffman494 Speaking of handles though... there is not a multi-tool, and relatively few folders period, that can touch a 3 layer, Philips Back, 91mm SAK for pure comfort.
Speaking of handles though... there isnt a Multi tool, or even many folders period, that can compete with a 3 layer, philips back, 91mm SAK for pure comfort. No hot spots, perfect width for most hands, all the closed blades and their shoulders are tucked up nicely into the handle.
Victorinox has been doing this since 1884 and their products are issued to military in over 20 countries. They're making bank 😂 I fully understand what you're saying (and in many ways agree), but they expect you to do these things aftermarket.
I have the Farmerx in alox it's perfect for what i use it for. They are not hard to mod yourself or have some mod it. If you mod it, then you have a tool that is unique to you.
Victorinox has two huge issues that affects their brand: 1. Moving away from knives and promoting other niche items. Its not like people are expecting to purchase luggage from a knife manufacturer. 2. The website is a mess to navigate for people looking for a certain knife model.
I don't disagree with your points however they arnt huge at all. Diversity is excellent and could lead to them creating a new better market. The site is fair enough I suppose tho I'm pretty sure people would just Google the model they want and then click the link
The one thing traditional knife makers should do, is try and copy the action that SAK get, where the pull is light, until about 2/3 of the way, then when the actual slipjoint engages, it’s a heavier pull and the knife blade is harder to accidentally close on you. They seem to be the only knife company that can consistently do this, I’ve never handled one that was any different from that. It might have to do with the length of the backsprings, I’m no expert. I think SAK are classic knives that don’t really need to change much. Be cool to have harder steel I guess for better edge retention, but other than that, I’m happy with the same old SAk.
Victorinox has a business model that just works. They have been around for 140 years; they will likely be around far beyond 140 more. They try different things from time to time; some have been a success, and many, not. Yes, some uncommon features would be nice to have on a SAK, but then it would take away from the hobbyist modders and the customizing businesses. Victorinox is not going to listen to the wants or wishes of a few people unless; Victorinox finds that their idea will be useful, appealing and reasonably affordable to the masses; as well as, turn a reasonable profit. Over the last few years I see so many people whining and complaining about Victorinox because of: the steel, the scales, the corkscrew, the can opener, the small blade, the big blade, the awl, the package hook, the scissors, and everything else... Take away everything that the Knife Snobs, Brand specific Fan Boys or the Tacti-cool EDC guys complain about with a Victorinox.... Then add what they want... And what do you have left? The answer is an overpriced single blade flipper.
They certainly need to keep up with new technologies like better blade steels, Modularity, better Handle materials. They need to take some cues from Roxon. They could really sell a lot of units with customization as you say as well
@@markcoffman494 I think they won't sell the carbon fiber handles as spare parts. As it was a limited edition they will ask for the knife and repair it, for sure.
I carry a Swisstech Listig everyday (a Victorinox Classic clone essentially, but with G10 scales), and one of my main reasons for choosing it over the Classic is the scales.
The build your own knife is a huge miss. Enormous. The demand is clearly there. They could literally charge almost whatever they want for them, in conjunction with the scale and other options you outline here.
Why bother Victorinox? There are already several producers of customized scales, e.g. Micarta, Carbon or Titanium in different colours, different surface patterns etc., buy one of them. Customizing the tools is a whole other story. Victorinox has a large number of different sets of tools, it's hard to believe that you really don't find one suitable for you. I'm not a collector, I'm a user, so I don't care much of the look of the scales. I wish, they would improve on their blade steel - M390, S30V or Magnacut would be great options.
2:30 A classic pocket knife scales for SAK would be awesome. I wish custom scales like that are available to swap.
I usually don’t pay much attention to intros and jump right to the contents, but coincidentally I just picked up a CRKT Fossil and saw your intro. 😮
@@thinh_pham91 hope you liked the intro! Wrote all the music for it. And I agree we need more scale options
plenty of different SAK covers sold on Etsy and Ebay but many of them are higher cost than the knife they are going on
Those are interesting ideas, Mark. Thanks for sharing them!
I noticed that Victorinox has a corporate psychology that is hyper-focused on stability, slow subject-focused change (OUR ideas), and thoughtful singular efforts when the time for change comes (our ONE new idea has arrived). The stabilizer temperament is very good for long-lived business operations but it's not known for gracefully engineering change to suit a charged-up, creativity-oriented market.
The ideas you have kindly offered also really focus on a presentation of breadth of options (not just one idea / outcome, but many). So, in case they really aren't a great fit with the Victorinox mentality, I wonder about things like:
1) Where are the third-party companies that could easily build out the aftermarket a bit? Why can't they exist even on a close basis with Victorinox after all, if for example we have Mikov and such already established as elements of Victorinox's self-honored history?
And...
2) Why can't other companies analyze the basic material feel & quality that is captured by Victorinox, and work to that model? They'll never be Victorinox, but they could easily claim a huge stake in the quality market. You yourself mentioned that higher prices are OK with you. If so...such a company could easily start high and work low later.
Not even Swiza has been able to do this as far as I'm aware...maybe there are others I don't know about though. I think it will just take the right person in charge. (You should go for it ;-))
Just some thoughts though. Thanks again.
your custom victorinox is exactly what i want. well done. also modularity from the company would be awesome.
The problem is that you could ask 100 enthusiasts what custom stuff would be best, and you'd have about 3000 different answers... none of which would sell in sufficient volumes to be financially viable. Same for custom tool layouts, but with the same additional restrictions that impact the likes of Roxon, in that certain tools are designed to be paired and/or only fit in a certain configuration, so won't be an option... and then you'd have to employ a whole new assembly team, purely to sit there assembling each custom order by hand. Not financially viable for Vic, and the increased price would not be affordable for the customer.
Vic is so successful due to the economy of scale and the high production rate of automation. They can make enough actual Swiss Army (Soldier model) knives for a whole year's supply of the Swiss Army's requirements in less than one day. Custom and special orders either need to sell in similar volumes, or sell for far higher prices, neither of which is going to happen. The closest you'd get is if enough enthusiasts all agreed on the same features, like Magnacut blades and CF or Micarta scales... but even then they'd be expensive Limited Editions.
Besides which, most of the custom model demand is already be met by independent modders. Vic doesn't need to get into that little niche and probably has no interest in robbing skilled enthusiasts of a much-loved paying hobby.
A better option would be a small production reissue of all the old and obsolete models - New collectors come along all the time, but are joining the fight over the ever-decreasing supply of second-hand models... a market from which Vic makes no money, either.
A Reissue range would have a slower, but still steady sale rate over the long term and satisfy the fan base far more than yet another tarted up Classic SD.
Lol, Vic doesnt actually have to do anything at all. The only company to actually give them a run for their money is Leatherman, who isnt even terribly competative in terms of price/ build quality. All the knife nerds in the world can moan about the steel and lack of options but it doesnt change the fact that their still the best at what they do, and their knives are still selling.
@@bushleague3472 and you know what’s sad… you are right! These are just my hopes! 🥲
@@markcoffman494 Speaking of handles though, there is no other multi-tool that even comes close to a 3 layer, Philips back, 91mm SAK for pure comfort.
@@markcoffman494 Speaking of handles though... there is not a multi-tool, and relatively few folders period, that can touch a 3 layer, Philips Back, 91mm SAK for pure comfort.
Speaking of handles though... there isnt a Multi tool, or even many folders period, that can compete with a 3 layer, philips back, 91mm SAK for pure comfort. No hot spots, perfect width for most hands, all the closed blades and their shoulders are tucked up nicely into the handle.
@@bushleague3472 absolutely true
Victorinox has been doing this since 1884 and their products are issued to military in over 20 countries. They're making bank 😂
I fully understand what you're saying (and in many ways agree), but they expect you to do these things aftermarket.
I have the Farmerx in alox it's perfect for what i use it for.
They are not hard to mod yourself or have some mod it.
If you mod it, then you have a tool that is unique to you.
Victorinox has two huge issues that affects their brand:
1. Moving away from knives and promoting other niche items. Its not like people are expecting to purchase luggage from a knife manufacturer.
2. The website is a mess to navigate for people looking for a certain knife model.
I don't disagree with your points however they arnt huge at all. Diversity is excellent and could lead to them creating a new better market. The site is fair enough I suppose tho I'm pretty sure people would just Google the model they want and then click the link
Agree. Users need other scales to our victorinox
The one thing traditional knife makers should do, is try and copy the action that SAK get, where the pull is light, until about 2/3 of the way, then when the actual slipjoint engages, it’s a heavier pull and the knife blade is harder to accidentally close on you. They seem to be the only knife company that can consistently do this, I’ve never handled one that was any different from that. It might have to do with the length of the backsprings, I’m no expert. I think SAK are classic knives that don’t really need to change much. Be cool to have harder steel I guess for better edge retention, but other than that, I’m happy with the same old SAk.
Victorinox has a business model that just works. They have been around for 140 years; they will likely be around far beyond 140 more.
They try different things from time to time; some have been a success, and many, not.
Yes, some uncommon features would be nice to have on a SAK, but then it would take away from the hobbyist modders and the customizing businesses.
Victorinox is not going to listen to the wants or wishes of a few people unless; Victorinox finds that their idea will be useful, appealing and reasonably affordable to the masses; as well as, turn a reasonable profit.
Over the last few years I see so many people whining and complaining about Victorinox because of:
the steel,
the scales,
the corkscrew,
the can opener,
the small blade,
the big blade,
the awl,
the package hook,
the scissors,
and everything else...
Take away everything that the Knife Snobs, Brand specific Fan Boys or the Tacti-cool EDC guys complain about with a Victorinox....
Then add what they want...
And what do you have left?
The answer is an overpriced single blade flipper.
They certainly need to keep up with new technologies like better blade steels, Modularity, better Handle materials. They need to take some cues from Roxon. They could really sell a lot of units with customization as you say as well
They did it : Swiss Champ Damas 2021 Limited Edition with carbon fiber handles.
@@aquetheblues then offer that option as a possible purchase for others?
@@markcoffman494 It was not an option, they were the original handles for this Limited edition.
@@aquetheblues yes but they do have replacement parts. So they do obviously have the production line going for parts for that product.
@@markcoffman494 I think they won't sell the carbon fiber handles as spare parts. As it was a limited edition they will ask for the knife and repair it, for sure.
Great idea
I carry a Swisstech Listig everyday (a Victorinox Classic clone essentially, but with G10 scales), and one of my main reasons for choosing it over the Classic is the scales.
The build your own knife is a huge miss. Enormous. The demand is clearly there. They could literally charge almost whatever they want for them, in conjunction with the scale and other options you outline here.
Add a pencil sharpener to go with the new package openers
Why bother Victorinox? There are already several producers of customized scales, e.g. Micarta, Carbon or Titanium in different colours, different surface patterns etc., buy one of them. Customizing the tools is a whole other story. Victorinox has a large number of different sets of tools, it's hard to believe that you really don't find one suitable for you.
I'm not a collector, I'm a user, so I don't care much of the look of the scales. I wish, they would improve on their blade steel - M390, S30V or Magnacut would be great options.
Moonglow would be cool
100%
Carbon fiber scales, gold shield, neat ideas, maybe also brass or gold-plated liners, and different options for blade shapes.
How many years we need to wait for a scissors in alox? Yea... don't expect anything cool.
@@kubitron they have the farmer x and the pioneer x both have scissors
@@markcoffman494 Yes I know ;)
I wrote my comment in bad language.
Show that ring off mark!!!!! Dadda boy show that piece 😮