The Custom Shop is BACK!
Not sure of the details but it is 
Some very cool and exciting things on the way!
Some very cool and exciting things on the way!
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WooHoo! 0 -
Wha...?!
OMG!
Selling ****, getting ready!
...Seriously...amazing news. Like being young again.0 -
Hold on, maybe. Interest is being monitored. 0 -
What is the custom shop? 0 -
Benchmade started off as a custom shop. That means hand-made cutlery once again will be a part of their business. Very exciting! 
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I'll belive it when I see it. 0 -
Proof? 0 -
Let me rephrase that. Based on hearsay and concept photos published here, rumours I'm hopeful will become true, which isn't much to bank on at the moment.
And on the photos of the concept knives, including that AWESOME straight, I would sure love to see what else is being toyed with.0 -
I just jumped up and down clapping my hands like a teenaged girl! Not ashamed of it one bit! 0 -
Where is the proof???? 0 -
quote:Originally posted by joe_karp:
Benchmade started off as a custom shop. That means hand-made cutlery once again will be a part of their business. Very exciting!
I understand now. That would be some exciting news!0 -
does this apply to the adamas and bedlam 0 -
Someone needs to call Benchmade on all this custom shop buzz...like Sgt. Shultz of Hogan's Heroes said: "I know Nutting"... 
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Some how I think this might be a False Flag guys.. 
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It is good info.
Not sure of the timeline but it is in the works.
I'm sure Jason can help out here.0 -
Honestly with all due respect, I will believe it when I see it and also what shape it takes.
Benchmade is now a "Production Knife Maker", it's beginnings may have been humble at first but it is now what it is and it might ramp up the guys in the Gold Class Building however I don't see then getting into individual custom knives.0 -
Here's the facts, at the USN G4 in Vegas last week they displayed three one off concept balis. Vance had a book he was using to make notes in. The notes were to judge interest in "POSSIBLY" bringing back the custom shop. The bowie blade was sold via silent auction. I just talked to Duane who has it temporarily to do a photo shoot. The pictures will be posted online within a day or so. I'll update this thread when that happens so you don't have to keep looking! 0 -
quote:Originally posted by steo:
Here's the facts, at the USN G4 in Vegas last week they displayed three one off concept balis. Vance had a book he was using to make notes in. The notes were to judge interest in "POSSIBLY" bringing back the custom shop. The bowie blade was sold via silent auction. I just talked to Duane who has it temporarily to do a photo shoot. The pictures will be posted online within a day or so. I'll update this thread when that happens so you don't have to keep looking!
^ this guy0 -
quote:Originally posted by Po:
Wha...?!
OMG!
Selling ****, getting ready!
...Seriously...amazing news. Like being young again.
LOL, but in a totally good way. I love knife excitement!
It spreads.0 -
Doesn't sound too solid if it's just just Vance scribbling notes in a notebook to judge interest. But if anyone can make it happen, it's Vance. I'd love to see the custom shop come back. Heck I've had this signature (below) going for years. But here's my concern, partly based on how BM has run the Gold Class series, their overall production strategy, and the protos from G4: If BM brings back the custom shop, it won't be like the old days. I hope I'm wrong, of course; I'd love to see full-blooded customs that can excite the old guard collectors as well as the new younger folks in the game. But here's what I predict would happen if BM re-opened the custom shop:
1) The custom shop would use the same old production series Ti handles from the 4x series, or SS handles from the 6x series. Not terrible, but the 4x handles are so mass produced they would take away from the handground nature of the knife. The old-school custom shop handles were thick hand-milled 303 stainless. They had character, and were beefy enough to pair with a nice hollow-ground blade. The 4x SL handles are a little thicker than the T-latch handles, so if they went production on the handles let's hope it's the SL version, or the 6x milled variety. But if old T-latch handles are used, they are too thin to do a custom justice IMHO. The 6x handles are OK, but currently a little short to be optimal on an expensive custom.
2) BM will use production handles, add a little gimmick (like latchless), get an unknown mid-quality knifemaker the grind the blades, and then charge $1000+ for the balisong. The way the Gold Class knives have been designed and priced does not give me confidence that the bali custom shop, being a niche BM product, wouldn't fall victim to the same overpriced and overhyped gimmmicky stuff that constitutes most of the Gold Class. Much of the Gold Class knives are the same as the production knives, with a few cosmetic changes, and a huge price tag. That seems to be BM's way of justifying small pet projects. Not the spirit of the old custom shop, where the goal seemed to be to build the best balisongs in he world and make them accessible.
3) BM would hire an unknown mid-quality maker to grind the blades, rather than a great talent that can output outstanding and shockingly deep blades like the late Mr. Samson. I know, tough act to follow, but there is a hollow-grinding tradition to uphold, and BM should be able to find a gem in the rough because that individual will have a chance to build a great reputation with this type of project
So those are my concerns. Best scenario would be if none of that is true, and BM custom makes handles, finds a very talented knifemaker to grind blades, and keeps the price reasonable.
Here's my ideal scenario for the custom shop:
1) BM comes up with different thicker handles for these knives, rather than re-hashing production handles. Milled would be best. SS and Ti all the way.
2) BM hires a dedicated, talented knifemaker who can grind some mean hollow grinds and develop a reputation in the process. Someone with great talent, though, not just an average blade grinder. Maybe Vance can help with blade grinding duties? He may be too busy being an executive
3) BM offers a great variety of options for these knives, from 20 different blade profiles, to latchless option, anodization, etc. to keep collectors interested and coming back
4) BM prices these reasonably to excite the market again, rather than sell a few at a huge price and only excite some collectors with dough
Bring back the custom shop, but do it right! Not a re-hash of the Gold Class ideology where you use production parts, hype the product, and send the sticker price through the roof! Let's honor the old custom shop with some real knifemaking skills and a credible substantial product that can live up to the billing. Just like the old ones!0 -
I agree about the part where you mention that Gold Class knives arent very far off from a production knife with a large stricker price.
I mean I like all glod class knives but for the price
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Hey, if they got Vance interested enough to go down to Vegas for something as collector oriented as G4, then maybe Vance will be grinding blades again...it could happen.
Some of the coolest custom shop balis were LE runs, where the would go out and have up and coming makers like Alan Elishewitz grind a half-dozen blades. That could so work again with all the up and comers now doing superb work seen every day on USN.
But anyway...I'd love to see the custom shop back. I sold off most of my high-end balis because I couldn't stand to have that kind of money wrapped up in knives I couldn't carry, but I would have to buy in just for old times sake.0 -
Well personally I am not a Butterfly knife kind of guy, I would probably cut my fingers off the first time that I tried it...LOL
But I have to say that I think that gfhoward has put together a very well thought out post, with Korzs30v and PO highlighting some excellent points also.
The bottom line here is that Benchmade is a business with a very focused business model, they have targeted a good level of the "Production Knife Market" and done very well from it.
This has been possible by one major factor there "Axis Lock" that is extremely popular and in reality if you took that away from Benchmade what do you have..???
Would they be competitive in the market place without the advantage of it and I would guess the answer to be NO...
The Gold Class is expensive for what is normally a PIMPED UP production model, there Limited Editions do well and that tells me that the market wants something special BUT affordable.
Will they open up the Custom Shop, my bet would be not at this point. But I could see them doing something between the Gold Class and the regular production models and satisfy a need in the market place.
We can see that need being served by some others like Kevin Wilkins and Cuscadi, so there is a Market for more customized knives. Just looking at KW LTD sell outs also proves it, but it all depends on Benchmades Business Model and what they do from here.0 -
I agree there's definitely a market for more customized knives, but I don't see BM doing a pet project without charging an arm and a leg, which means those little customizations will add up. It would be one thing if they offered some customization (like a custom ground blade on production handles) and charged a reasonable amount for the upgrade, but I don't see it unfolding that way, considering the Gold Class, which aren't custom made and already carry a very hefty price tag. So unless they go all the way, like the old custom shop did, and produce a product all-around different from the production stuff, then the high price tag may not be fully justified. Unless they find a very talented grinder, and then maybe we could put up with sick blades on production-type handles for a high price. If they go all the way, however, and offer different custom handles (like polished handles with inserts), and they have a good blade grinder, then I think they could get away with a high price. Otherwise, I'll stick with the old customs, which are still available on the secondary market, and probably for less than a new custom product would go for. And they have the history, the cache, and having been ground by a master grinder. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by gfhoward:
I agree there's definitely a market for more customized knives, but I don't see BM doing a pet project without charging an arm and a leg, which means those little customizations will add up. It would be one thing if they offered some customization (like a custom ground blade on production handles) and charged a reasonable amount for the upgrade, but I don't see it unfolding that way, considering the Gold Class, which aren't custom made and already carry a very hefty price tag. So unless they go all the way, like the old custom shop did, and produce a product all-around different from the production stuff, then the high price tag may not be fully justified. Unless they find a very talented grinder, and then maybe we could put up with sick blades on production-type handles for a high price. If they go all the way, however, and offer different custom handles (like polished handles with inserts), and they have a good blade grinder, then I think they could get away with a high price. Otherwise, I'll stick with the old customs, which are still available on the secondary market, and probably for less than a new custom product would go for. And they have the history, the cache, and having been ground by a master grinder.
Yep I think you could very well be right. it's all really up to Benchmade all we can do is wait and see..
But I am NOT holding my breath, I don't look good in Smurf Blue..LOL0 -
I was excited at first, bit then I realized that a production 62 is $350 MSRP... so I doubt anything custom will be close to my price range 0 -
quote:Originally posted by Jaybird:
I was excited at first, bit then I realized that a production 62 is $350 MSRP... so I doubt anything custom will be close to my price range
This is true. I want a 62, but its not worth the price tag to me. If it was a 250 msrp, I would probably have one or two by now, but not at 350msrp.0 -
My posting this is from a combination of a conversation I had myself at SHOT with some of the Benchmade guys and a conversation that I got second hand from a person at the USN show.
My understanding is that it is happening on a Limited basis to start and will go full bore if it proves to be a successful and there is enough interest.
That is where we all come in.
Custom shop knives where never cheap but where always 100% worth the cost and I am confident they would be again.0 -
quote:Originally posted by djsportland:
My posting this is from a combination of a conversation I had myself at SHOT with some of the Benchmade guys and a conversation that I got second hand from a person at the USN show.
My understanding is that it is happening on a Limited basis to start and will go full bore if it proves to be a successful and there is enough interest.
That is where we all come in.
Custom shop knives where never cheap but where always 100% worth the cost and I am confident they would be again.
That would make sense...!!!0 -
I can't fathom that the interest wouldn't be enormous if this information makes it to the other forums 0
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