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Showing 1 of 205 conversations about:
Dredgerie
14
Apr 4, 2017
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It'd be nice if just once, instead of a "maybe next time" message, the option for lefties was included on one of these custom runs.
JonasHeineman
5987
Apr 5, 2017
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DredgerieWe'd love to do that once or even more often. However, this time is not going to be that time. But I think I should explain why, because I would not expect that anyone should have this kind of window into what makes one thing easy and another thing hard in knife production.
"Custom" has a particular meaning in the knife world - made completely by hand in small batches. This is not a custom knife, it is what most people would call a "sprint run" or "limited edition" of an existing model.
Some things -- like handle color, handle material, blade finish, maaaaaaybe the blade steel or even blade shape on a huge production run (10,000+ pcs) -- can be changed and are still considered to be part of a single MOQ. The frame and lock are never on that list, in my experience. If you're making $1000+ customs, then operating at scale doesn't factor in as much - we could quite easily do what you're asking on a $400-600 midtech knife that we made 200-400 pieces of. What you're asking for is far more than an "option." There's no magic "make it backwards" button on the CNC machines in Taiwan, or anywhere else. Making a left-handed "version" of a knife is basically making a completely new knife if you run a factory. New CAD file, new fixtures, new programming for the tooling, new prototypes, new tests, new material orders.
Even if Boker was willing to make a completely new CAD file and reverse the direction of every piece, the MOQ for left-handed versions would be 600. Statistically speaking, that means we'd have to sell about 6000 right-handed versions before we had enough people to make that MOQ of 600 left-handed versions feasible.
So, here's what I would propose: let's make a poll: "What knife should be made for lefties?"
If we get a good response with serious interest, I will absolutely pursue making a left-handed version of a production knife. If you'd like to start the poll ( https://www.massdrop.com/poll/create) you can add Kwaiken or any others. Thanks for the reminder and I hope that helps to explain why you haven't seen any lefty options...yet...
"Custom" has a particular meaning in the knife world - made completely by hand in small batches. This is not a custom knife, it is what most people would call a "sprint run" or "limited edition" of an existing model.
Some things -- like handle color, handle material, blade finish, maaaaaaybe the blade steel or even blade shape on a huge production run (10,000+ pcs) -- can be changed and are still considered to be part of a single MOQ. The frame and lock are never on that list, in my experience. If you're making $1000+ customs, then operating at scale doesn't factor in as much - we could quite easily do what you're asking on a $400-600 midtech knife that we made 200-400 pieces of. What you're asking for is far more than an "option." There's no magic "make it backwards" button on the CNC machines in Taiwan, or anywhere else. Making a left-handed "version" of a knife is basically making a completely new knife if you run a factory. New CAD file, new fixtures, new programming for the tooling, new prototypes, new tests, new material orders.
Even if Boker was willing to make a completely new CAD file and reverse the direction of every piece, the MOQ for left-handed versions would be 600. Statistically speaking, that means we'd have to sell about 6000 right-handed versions before we had enough people to make that MOQ of 600 left-handed versions feasible.
So, here's what I would propose: let's make a poll: "What knife should be made for lefties?"
If we get a good response with serious interest, I will absolutely pursue making a left-handed version of a production knife. If you'd like to start the poll ( https://www.massdrop.com/poll/create) you can add Kwaiken or any others. Thanks for the reminder and I hope that helps to explain why you haven't seen any lefty options...yet...
lowkey.savage
33
Apr 5, 2017
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JonasHeinemanSpyderco already has this figured out by the way. The handles and scales have the clip holes drilled on both sides, so it's very easy for the user to just screw in the clip on whichever side is comfortable - a reversible clip. The result is one CAD template that accommodates both lefties and righties.
JonasHeineman
5987
Apr 5, 2017
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lowkey.savageThat's true - many of Spyderco's knives offer 'four-position clip' mounting. However, two things to note there: 1) then you have a knife with 6 or 9 unused holes in the handles, which maybe is okay on FRN or G10 but is kinda fugly on wood, IMO, and 2) left-hand carry does not necessarily mean 'made for lefties' - mostly I have heard that locking mechanism is the sticking point (so to speak). If you have thoughts on this as a user, please LMK - I've tried opening frame locks with my left hand and it's not very comfortable, but I don't know how much of that is just because I'm a righty.
lowkey.savage
33
Apr 5, 2017
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JonasHeinemanRegarding the aesthetics of empty holes in wood handles, you could put in "filler-screws"? The heads would have to maintain a relatively flat profile though...
I'm actually right-handed too, and I totally joined this drop so I'm not really qualified to address your second point, and most of my knives have lockbacks instead of liners (while lockbacks are ambidextrous, the profile of this kind of knife is too straight for that to be ergonomic). We need an ambidextrous locking mechanism that isn't a framelock... Does anyone have any objection to Cam locks?
I'm actually right-handed too, and I totally joined this drop so I'm not really qualified to address your second point, and most of my knives have lockbacks instead of liners (while lockbacks are ambidextrous, the profile of this kind of knife is too straight for that to be ergonomic). We need an ambidextrous locking mechanism that isn't a framelock... Does anyone have any objection to Cam locks?
Axeguy
1372
Apr 5, 2017
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JonasHeinemanThanks for the clarification but there is also another point worth mentioning. It is easier to adapt to and deal with a linerlock--like this knife, with two solid scales--than a framelock...so that is at least a positive here.
JonasHeineman
5987
Apr 5, 2017
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AxeguyAHA! But is this a liner lock? Or is it a frame lock with scales? There's already been some conversation about that here.
Axeguy
1372
Apr 5, 2017
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JonasHeinemanWell, whatever you call it, however you grip the scale, you can still disengage the lock. Gripping to close (or to flip) does not require that you avoid putting pressure on a particular part of the scale on the locking side. It functions in the same manner as a liner lock. I am not a leftie but I can certainly flip it with my left hand without a lot of hassle.
JonasHeineman
5987
Apr 8, 2017
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AxeguyThat's a great way to make the distinction - I see what you mean, thanks for taking the time to explain!
Alkkamai
1
Apr 11, 2017
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JonasHeinemanLefty here. All my knives are "right handed" and I've found liner and frame locks to be equally accessible for my left thumb - I use mine all day, though, so it may be more dexterous than a right-hander's. Biggest issue for me is a blade-tip lock like on a Kershaw Leek which can't be unlocked easily one-handed with the left (I just break/cut them off). For the clip, I've never changed on from tip-down to tip-up, if the option is offered.
JonasHeineman
5987
Apr 11, 2017
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AlkkamaiSuper helpful user experience, thank you for sharing! This helps to guide our special projects and general product sourcing immensely.
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