Tec-X collection from Case.

moonwilson

moonwilson

Joined
Aug 10, 2006
Messages
7,250
Hi guys,

I'm posting this in the traditional forum, because I would like to discuss this information in the context of its potential impact on traditional knives and knife collecting.

I received an interesting email from Case this afternoon. It was a press release for a completely new line of knives called the "Tec-X collection", which appears to be all modern, one hand folders.

As a long-time, serious Case collector, I have mixed feelings about this anouncement. On the one hand, the knives might end up being kinda cool. On the other, it worries me that Case is taking this very un-Case-like step. There are a lot of things about this announcement that worry me, frankly. Not least of all that, at first glance, the designs in the press release don't appear to be particularly well designed.

Is this a desperate move on Case's part to recapture lost market share? Or is it a welcome step into the future?

Any thoughts on this?

Here is the link, my apologies if it doesn't work.
http://campaign.r20.constantcontact...Blb2RJXCvyNSIZvAaSQxd1UzWrussI4nWVme6K7zT4A==
 
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I don't really know what to think about this. My initial reaction is that I don't like the idea at all but like many of us on this subforum, I am biased toward slipjoints, especially where Case is concerned.

Anybody seen the new Queen Rangers? I actually kinda like those but I'm not as much of a fan of Queen as I am of Case.

I'm gonna have to chew on this one for a while.
 
I was just going to post on this myself.I understand the logic of trying for a different market.But they have a long ways to go and AUS-8 steel is NOT a good place to start imo.Now if these folders had s30v or other crucible super steel it might be interesting.A couple of the designs look nice.But AUS-8 is just :yawn:
 
There is a piece of key information missing from the ad... It isn't going to go over well
 
I don't mind them seeking a new revenue source. I hope they sell a ton of them. That being said, I only like the #2 and #3 knives. The other two look way too much like flea market junk knives to me. Why AUS-8? Where are these being made? They are importing AUS-8? If the intent was to provide a low cost stainless knife, why not just stick with Tru-Sharp? If selling these knives keeps Case profitable enabling them to continue to produce a wide variety of traditional knives I'm all for it. I don't see myself running out and buying any of the these though as there is really anything unique about them.
 
4ever3 said:
There is a piece of key information missing from the ad... It isn't going to go over well
Click to expand...

I noticed that there was no "made in the USA" anywhere in it. I have a sinking feeling that these are going to be made offshore.
 
If it keeps Case in business, good.

Schrade tried it with the X-Timer but it seems the timing wasn't right or the marketing wasn't quite where it needed to be.

Camillus tried with the Cuda line. Again too little too late.

Ka-Bar has the Dozier synthetic handled modern folders and they seem to be getting good reviews.

If the new Tec-X line comes in at a fair price, is available where younger buyers can find it and it is marketed right, the Case name can stick with them and maybe they'll come around to the traditional line. Much like the Scion cars appeal to the young crowd but Toyota hopes that they'll move on to a Toyota and maybe a Lexus later in life.
 
Yep. I'd bet this is Case's initial foray into importing knives. The AUS-8 steel especially, is the red flag to me. It all adds up.
 
I don't mind it as long as it does not affect the current production. I hope this is not the beginning of the end, speaking of made in america.
 
Yep,they definately have that familiar eastern look about them.I dont think this is going to work at all. ) :
 
It makes me feel ill that Case is going this route, even though I understand why. With most of the newer generation of young knife buyers thinking the knife has to open in a blink of an eye, have holes in the handles that have no function, Case has to compete with the tacticool market. Schrade, and Camillus both died because they didn't change with the market. People just don't carry knives much anymore, and when they do, most of their ideas seem to come from video games or movies. Traditional pocket knives are maybe a dying segment of the market. Yeah, we love them, but we are the vast minority of a minority that even carries a knife these days.

Case has to survive, but I wonder if they can by offering off shore stuff, that may be just a notch above flea market stuff.

Too many young people with no mentors taking them fishing or hunting. No real world experience being had out there in cubicle land.

Carl
 
It's confirmed that the TecX series is Chinese production. I don't mind Asian-made knives, but this goes against everything that Case stands for. :mad::thumbdn: If they wanted more market share they should have ventured into the bushcraft/traditional camping sector or the associated traditional Scandinavian-style traditional fixed blades. Maybe even jumped on the machete craze and introduced a stacked leather handled machete like Collins used to make or partnering with Council Tool to put out an axe or something. And if modern folders are what they want to do, they should be looking to makers like William Henry--modern gentleman's knives are MUCH more in line with Case's image than "tactical" folders.
 
Those knives don't do anything for me at all. They look like every other inexpensive cookie-cutter one hander. But, if it helps bring in revenue for them and allows the slippies to still be made here then I can live with it.
 
Oddly enough, the only thing that intrigues me about these knives is the steel. AUS-8 can be pretty good (has higher carbon content than Tru-Sharp, aka 420HC). If they've chosen to heat-treat it to 57+ RC or so, that could be a plus for them, when compared to Tru-Sharp in the mid-50s RC. That would strike me as sort of ironic, that the steel just might (potentially) be a little better on the imported knives. If not for the 'modern' styling, which doesn't appeal to me, I'd be tempted to buy one, just to find out how the steel compares.
 
FortyTwoBlades said:
It's confirmed that the TecX series is Chinese production. I don't mind Asian-made knives, but this goes against everything that Case stands for.
Click to expand...

Well, that certainly is a let down.

(Seals, I'm going to apologize up front.)

Harley Davidson's style and designs aren't for everyone. In order to attract a younger buyer looking for something a bit newer in design and technology the came out with the V-Rod. A single design with a price in line with what you get.

If Case really wanted to enter the modern, one hand opening folder market they could have taken a page from HD's play book and offered a single, well built, US made design and grown from there.

Kershaws ZT line started very small and expanded with demand.

Chris Reeve found success with a single design that captivated the audience.

If Case was to offer a single modern folder made from quality materials, well thought out ergonomics and tough as nails it might have a shot. Re-badging some Gerber ParaFrame or Winchester stamped sporting goods store specials isn't the way to grow.

The only way this can help is if it gets the Case name in Wal-Mart/K-Mart/Meijer/Home Depot/Lowes stores and in front of a new audience. In my opinion they could do that with the Caliber, RidgeBack and Lightweight Hunter lines that they already have.
 
You know, all I had to see was the title of the series, Tec-X, and I knew what I was going to find when I clicked that link. I was kinda hoping that maybe it was just a line of slippies made of more modern materials or new steels, but of course not.

I just remember what happened when Schrade brought out their X-Timer series, and how quickly they disappeared after that. I just hope Case isn't in the same sort of situation at this point.
 
"designed to target customers looking for the ultimate utility knife for a wide range of applications, from everyday tasks around the house to camping or field dressing in the outdoors."

Isn't that what their slip-joints are for?? Why don't they say "Designed to target kids, those who don't care where their knives are made, and those who like to play rambo"
 
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