I found that if you give an honest opinion and state where you are coming from, you are a better ambassador for a brand than an actual ambassador. I have often pointed out what I consider flaws in a knife and others have seen it as not a problem or a big plus. I definitely want a knife with character. Funny thing, I just got an email from a big name retailer who was having a fire sale on RC. $60-$80 knives for $25. I guess they made their profit margin on an over priced product. Keep up the good fight. I'm going to buy me a Bear & Son today!
Thank you, Kathleen. I was proven right, unfortunately, about being ostracised. I had a big youtuber that I respect a lot unsubscribe from me due to this video. I'm still glad I did this video, though, and got it off my chest. Thanks again
Fair point. It gets more complicated when we bring in companies like SAK (automated) and giantmouse. But in general I agree. Don't leave. You make solid, enjoyable content.
SAKs are at an all time low atm pricewise. Again a company doing things right. SAKs are a multitool and not trying to compete with traditional knife companies. Everyone loves a SAK 😊 Cheers mate 👊
You are absolutely spot on with your insightful comments. I have purchased both RC and JW knives and they are quality pieces of cutlery. But found for some reason I didn't carry or use them and I started to wonder why. I always ended up carrying a Sheffield knife, a SAK or a Case or similar and usually a combination of these sometimes with a Rat 1 or heavy duty lockback. I came to the same conclusion as you, but initially I was influenced by the influencers and being a bit new to youtube knife channels. When I saw your first RC video you put into words very succinctly exactly what I was thinking. There is obviously a place for a modern machine made knife that looks like a traditional one, let's not confuse the two with clever marketing. But confusing the market is what clever marketing is all about. That's how it works, sadly. I have quite a lot of Case knives, mostly they are pretty good to excellent, a very small number of them are poor quality. Will that stop me buying them? No. In overall terms no one else makes such a vast range of traditional designs and finishes with such a history behind their products. Similarly with Sheffield knives while they no longer have the capacity to offer the vast range they can't be matched for history and tradition. German, Italian and French and others too. There are many beautiful traditional knives out there made by artisan manufacturers. Let's support them as much as possible. Keep up the good work, I think you are saying what many of us traditional knife lovers are thinking.
Thanks for this comment, mate. Ones like this mean a lot to me. It's a good determination of what you enjoy the most. Is what you carry the most, I think. Again, thanks, mate 👊
Both I and the ferrets are about as old fashioned as you get, so I have to agree with you on all counts. It seems like a case of instead of making what you want, trying to make you want what we make. Two plus two is five anyone?
Still subbed here ;) I appreciate your honest opinions. I have been a bit fed up with Case and looking to explore other options. I have never tried Rosecraft, but I just can't seem to make myself buy one. I think it might be the price for Chinese made. Also the cold clinical nature of machine made knives. I do like many Chinese knives. Yesterday I bought my first Bear & Son. Thought I would give them a try. It was cheaper than Rosecraft and USA made! I also emailed Bear & Son with a question and the president of the company emailed me back personally to answer my questions. Thank you for making this video and I look forward to that comparison video!
I've been doing a lot of research on Bear and Son. Ken seems like a great guy. He kinda rescued the company. It went from 35 employees to what it is now. He bought the company twice, in fact. So, he must believe in it. His Mrs and son has done a lot for the company also. 👊
Tell it , Brother , IM with you 100 percent and think all these so called Knife Brother Hoods should be following your lead , pull back the curtain n show'em all whats REAL !!!!
Thanks brother!! There's a lot of good companies out there not getting enough recognition. Just getting their heads down and cracking on. I appreciate this comment 👊
Was only thinking about Grummash last week, was my go to years ago, enjoyed his videos, with you on this, I have that otter for about 5 years and love it.
I appreciate the kind words about the live brother! It should not be a problem for us to speak honestly about something. I appreciate your channel and opinions.
I got the puppy in 😂😊. I tried to pause it with you TK and Jesse pulling faces 😂. I was gutted I missed that one. I would have loved the discussion. Elan put John on the spot, making him pick between a Case and RC. He's a clever guy. You showed some nice Sheffield pieces, mate! I've had a little break from everything. But want to get back in the swing of things again. Cheers brother 👊
I've always appreciated your support, mate! Need to catch up on your channel, mate. I've just been so busy at the moment. Hope you're doing good, though, mate? Hope you're still picking up knives and adding to your collection? 👊
Hi mate 👋 I love that Opinel in your profile picture 👌🔥 I missed a piece to this video. I rushed it. Just had to get it out so I could move on. Cheers brother 👊
@@SteelCityKnives Love Opinels because I love crafting, make walking/hiking sticks, leather work and take Opinels apart and customise them. The photo was a long time ago! Best wishes. N
Good on you Martin! You aim at the producers but they will just keep on doing what they are good at-trying to sell their knives. I agree- RCB, and in my eyes, even JWK are not my cup of tea. Soulless is the word that pops up. What I am more critical to is all those promotors/ambassadors that is swarming this knifecommunity After hearing them repeating their preaching again and again you get a bit tired. They really have to be clear about what connections they have with the companies. In the end I think it is contraproductive and they are bitning their tails and we just get negative to what they try to promote After hanging out on Knifetube for a while you know who and what to trust. Keep on Martin- you are not alone
Lars???? Is this you my friend? I've just saw your email. That's the channel email. And I stepped away from it all recently. Hope you are doing well. And if this is not who I think it is. I apologise 👊
Hi Martin wondered where you were been quiet for a while, I agree mostly with what you say when I first saw a review of a Rosecraft knife I was very impressed but out of my price range so never bought one, my one thing I didn't like was no brass liners then I watched your first video about Rosecraft and it became clear that the process of making the knives were different to traditional made knives, now I have no problem with companies modernising production methods and quite happy to have knives with screws instead of pins for instance. However when a company is not upfront with how they manufacture their product and then charge more when they have sped up manufacturing process so should be able to sell for less that bugs me, I well may be unsubscribing to some knife reviewers soon but not you my friend keep being honest there are plenty who have your back. 😁
Don't unsubscribe to them, mate. I dont want that. I do think people definitely need to be more transparent. Hope you're doing OK, mate? On nights atm. First one. I got told today they can't get a knife I ordered back in November last year. It was a beautiful single bladed knife from R. Klaas. There's something going on with that company. I think knives and tools are not getting stock in. Company's need fighting for that's for sure.
Good evening ☔✨. I'm glad to hear you're doing well. I always learn a lot about history and the background of the times ✨. I don't have much knives, knowledge, or money. But I understand that not only knives, but also handmade items and items made using traditional methods have a deep flavor and a mysterious attachment that makes you want to use them for many years. I describe such items as knives with warmth and kindness. I also think that traditional methods should be passed down to the younger generation. In Japan, there is a proverb that says "ten people, ten colors." It is natural that when there are ten people, ten people will have ten different opinions. So please continue with the great videos ✨ Thank you ^_^
Ouyu!!!!! 👋 I've been away mate from RU-vid for a while. Not really been watching much also. Need to catch some of yours again, my friend. Always enjoy your channel You have knowledge and knives, mate! I'm with you on the money 😂. Stay well mate 👊
Just subscribed! Boy, you give a lot to think about. I think you are absolutely right. I just bought a new Case XX this week. And will be enjoying it even more with all your opinions.
Hi Anita 👋 Sorry for the late reply. Hope you are doing well? What Case knife did you get?? I've bought a couple of beauties recently. A seahorse whittler being one of them. Cheers
I was on that live and dude said D2 was the best steel..probably the dumbest comment I’ve seen from a influencer..I had to get off as to not disrespect the live..I feel influencers don’t know their ass from a hole in the ground and that comment solidified it.
Hi Martin I've been thinking deeply about this! It seems to me that you are a Renaissance man, your thoughts echo.the Arts and Crafts movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. I agree that cheaper production costs should lead to cheaper end prices! An even handed and well delivered video, you clearly gave those some deep thoughts before releasing it Take care Graham
Hi mate 👋 I'm glad the GAW prize got to you safe and sound, mate. It's been a bit mental at work atm. I'm sorry I didn't email you back, mate. I kinda think with all this popularity in traditional knives that the industry would be going from strength to strength. But they always seem to be up against it. I recently tried to get a beautiful R. Klaas knife but knives and tools have let me know that they can't get the knife now. I just like traditional handmade knives. I think that's my main focus for the channel and my collection. 👊
I always respect an honest opinion and that just solidifies your channel even more, brother! I am not a RC fan for reasons other than being China made and having integral bolsters. COULD have been great though🤷♂️ 😂👊
You have some good points. I own several Rosecraft knives and they are impeccably made, but I also own many other brands. I personally have never believed Andy has any intention of ever making knives in the US. I think that is just a marketing ploy. Rosecraft knives are now upping their prices at or above true traditional knives. It does give one pause on buying one then. I will buy Asian made knives if the quality is there. Case on the other hand has quality issues it refuses to address which is why I avoid them. Bear and Son has some great knives, but I have a hard time finding anything that I feel I really want. The 4" Barlow being the exception.Have a great day, I enjoy your videos.
Thanks Preppy 🙏 I know what you mean about Bear and Son. I liked the SMKW sawcut bone trapper they did. Unfortunately, I can't get that here in the UK. I think they were selling it for $36.99 😮 at one point. Bear and Son are definitely heading in the right direction. A really good back story to the company also. Cheers mate
Otter all the way lol I dont own any RCB because of the machine made. I like the intimate relationship between a handmade knife n the user... Almost as if the knife has no Soul if its machined but thats just how I feel.
Don 👋 Sorry for the late reply, mate. On nights, and it's been carnage 😂. I fimed a bit that didn't get in the video. I was saying that who benefits from a machine made knife. The maker does because it's cheaper. The seller does because less returns and hassle. But we lose. Because we have the knife for the rest of its life. Hope you're doing good, mate? 👊
@@SteelCityKnivesno worries at all. Im Canadian we done get chuffed lol Yeah me n my bro were talking bout our huge raise in tax n how most companies raised prices maybe even triple but some didnt shows how much they actually control pricing when one company keeps at 260 n other up to 4 or 5 hundred lol drives me even more towards handmade . 👊🏼🙌Ill always back your channel 4sure...
You're a good un Don 👊 Mate I'll be honest with you when I hear of Canadian prices my eyes water 😂. Although its all relative. It's like adding taxes on after purchase price for our American brothers. That's a strange thing for us, Brits. It's hard to tell who has it better or worse. I do know our American mates definitely have more choice for knives. I'd love to be able to use all about pocket knives sale pages 😂.
Salutations, Martin! Glad to have you back on the scene. This was a great video and one that I found quite thought-provoking. I must confess, you’ve shaken my view on Rosecraft a bit! While I still enjoy my two examples, I don’t think I’ll be prioritising any more RC knives for the time being. The methods in which they are produced don’t bother me, but they need to be clear about the fact that these are *not* handmade, artisanal, traditional knives. I’d be happy to support the company if they would be more open with their customers. Aside from being more honest and transparent, I absolutely think they need to reign in their prices. I was left positively stunned at the comparison you did with that Otter knife. Otters aren’t cheap, but they certainly hold their value. A little over £70 for a handcrafted, Solingen-made knife…or £90 for a machined, Chinese-made knife…let’s just say, the answer is clear, in my eyes! 😉 Excellent video, my friend. If you lose subscribers over expressing your honest thoughts, then you’ve done nothing wrong. Cheers, as always!
Hi mate 👋 Hope you're doing alright? I think we should be able to discuss things without falling out. Like you and me 😂. We have had our disagreements. We don't always have to agree. Sorry for the late reply. On nights atm and not many of us in, so it's been carnage 😂. Seem to be having less and less time for youtube. But I love it and the Mrs has been very supportive. I'm hopefully going to get back at it soon. Try a video tomorrow. Need to catch up on watching videos also. Cheers, mate
@@SteelCityKnives I'm faring rather well, myself and I very much hope the same for you! 😊 As you said, we can discuss and disagree, but that's a healthy thing. After all, the strongest of friendships are often riddled with quarrels and both parties being unable to always see eye-to-eye! I hope work has been going well for you. Lord knows getting a decent schedule to make videos is nigh impossible at times! Good luck with tomorrow's video. 👊 Cheers, as always!
I haven’t seen you show off a slip from J.O Adventures. He must be rosecraftless!! 😂 I love my nan like my knives, warts and all 😅 I bet there are some brilliant artisanal independent knife makers in China, you should try and find them and promote them
I still want some slips from JO. Knife buying has taken a bit of a nose dive since the news of our new arrival. Just spending on other stuff atm. Which isn't a bad thing as lots of videos to do on previous knife purchases. I'm loving your interest in the French knives Elan. Be good to see some soon. I like to get a few French knives each year. 👊
Rosecraft may be just as expensive over there in the UK but here in the US just less than half the price of a Case knife. And although I love and grew up with Case, I buy the Rosecraft for the price and quality. It's still an American company unfortunately to make them affordable here they have to be made overseas.
@scottdriver7409 Hi Scott. I heard a good phrase the other day. Don't yuck someone's yum. But everyone's got an opinion and should be allowed to put it across. I've taken mine apart now, and I now know I was right in my initial thoughts. But that's what I think. Everyone's different. We all collect and buy for different reasons. I can't expect everyone's to be the same as mine. But I was just putting my perspective out there. These videos left a bit of a bad taste in my mouth, though, because a lot of channels unsubscribed from me. Totally ostracised me. It has shown me a lot doing these videos. Nearly put me off youtube all together tbh. If we can't voice our opinions and pull company's up on things they say/do, then that's a sad state of affairs. I really wanted to do my Bear and Son vs. RCB. I kinda think it's not worth the hassle. But I might do it anyway. Cheers Scott
Hi @@SteelCityKnivesyou are absolutely right! Everyone has an opinion and is entitled to it! I was just letting you know how it was "Across the big pond" as they say. 😄 No Yuck to my yum as you put it. I enjoy your content and your opinions. Keep on keeping on!👍
@@SteelCityKnives I get it mate. This week I got the Rosecraft gunstock and a a wright bog oak lambs foot with fab etching. Paid the same for both. Probably the last rose craft traditional I’ll buy 👍❤️
Anyone you cleanse off your channel needed to go anyway! Its odd how nasty folks get about there china made knives. Keep slipjoints traditionally hand made, period. And support locally sourced products when you can. Simple as that. God bless you and yours Martin.
Cheers brother 👊 You always have my back mate and I appreciate it! You've got the best insight than any of us because you make them. Try not to get caught up too much in it mate. I don't one anyone falling out over this. It's just my opinion. It's not for everyone. Hope you're doing alright? God bless you and yours mate 🙏. 👊
Another fantastic video! Martin I really appreciate you clarifying these issues. I am not an ambassador for anyone. I have not received any free knives except for winnings. Are you a ambassador for Cooper Cutlery? Are they sending you stuff now? If so, that is very cool. I'm surprised case hasn't sent me any knives, probably because they know I will keep buying them😂😂. Take care brother.
I don't think anyone would want me as an ambassador 😂. I like to think we are all ambassadors for traditional historic cutlery in general. It's a cool thing to be but costs you a fortune 😂🤣. I'll be honest with I've got loads of knives now. I really enjoyed the insight I got from Cooper Cutlery. I'm cutlery geek. I buy just as many books now as knives 😂. Hope you're doing good, brother? 👊
The idea that a knife designer is a skilled Cutlery maker is false representation. There is a difference between someone who makes drawings of knives, and someone who makes knives. Drawings do not have to work and without the skills of a cutler, they do nothing. More often than not, the knife maker has to inform the knife designer this significant information. However, the Designer is front a center in taking credit for what the Master Cutlery maker produced. Ask yourself who is the more important of the two. That makes a significant difference from a handmade knife and one using computer programs I think. 🤔😆🤣
Sorry for the late reply, Gizmo. Brilliant comment as always, mate. I'm a blue-collar guy, so I'm always going to be rooting for the maker 😂. The Lord Warncliffe story about the Ettrick. I always think why does it mention the game keeper. I like to think it was the employee who created the whole thing, and Lord Warncliffe took the credit. As the game keeper would have probably been the one using it. Out of guilt, he got a nod. But just an idea 😂. Both the designer and probably the maker. Lord Warncliffe had the sway to bring it to fruition. Cheers mate 👊
I remember Brother knives coming out in a similar way. They died away eventually. Which I'm positive is the OEM. Traditional knives have been going for 100s of years. And for good reason. They will always keep going, hopefully. We are outnumbered on this one, mate. 👊
I ve got two RC knives but i can not get the same edge on them that i get on my 9ld Authur aWright knives or other sheffield or the 3xcellent edge i get on my Bokers.
You'll have to get back to me and tell me how the steel holds up on the RCBs. I disassembled mine now 😅. I might put it back together one day. But I made a right pigs ear of it 😂. Cheers mate 👊
Jack Wolf seem way overpriced but oddly appeal to collecters. Rosecraft have such rustic American names that annoy me but I'm a bit weird about language 😕 Marketing for these Chinese products is pretty slick but I'm not seduced. Clearly you ain't an ambassador - apart from the fine city of Sheffield. I had a nice night in the Hallam hospital back in the day after crashing a car in Hope 😣 Thanks for sharing.
@Robert_Thomas832 Hi mate 👋 JWK is a bit out of my budget. It also doesn't appeal to me. Thanks for the comment as always. Hope the car crash wasn't too traumatic. We got a good haul in today. 👊
Couple of broken bones 🩻 nothing too bad. Slugs/🐌 ate all my squashes but courgettes are not bad. Been using the A Wright - liking the clipped blade but it's a bugger to open. Keep up the good work 👊
The RoseCraft knives are hand made. Someone's finger has to push the button to start the CNC machine.😂 Now, stop your moaning 😮😂 and show us the Cooper knives.
@@SteelCityKnives Yes, I'm good thanks. Had a little moan recently about Case knives and against my better judgment bought a Soddy I'd been pining for. Imagine my shock when it arrived and the blade was centred, there was no blade wobble and no gaps and the blade was decently sharp. What the hell's going on?🤣
@ed.barker7069 😂🤣😂🤣 I've been alright with all my Case knives. I have returned one this year and a Sheffield knife. But it doesn't put me off them...that's for sure. 👊
Morning brother firstly i think the real reason you are not watching RU-vid much is because all your spare time is taken up watching the pile of shit videos i send you 10 times a day 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣, on a serious not thought stop worrying about people hating you you are telling it like it REALLY is if they do f*#k em they don't matter ,keep it real pal £90 for a machine made Chinese knife is absolutely ridiculous imo however nice the stag is , worlds gone mad 😂👊
Mate those videos are a knife lovers dream. That barrel knife I've only just seen in books. I'm definitely going to put them all together and make a video out of them. People will love em. The last ones were spot on...that Wood you used to recover was class!! Been on nights atm so just be coming in and getting my head down. Hope you're doing well mate? 👊
Give me one, just one reason why rosecraft knives are not good usefull tools. I feel I got a super robust slipjoint. More so than a case and cheaper than gec. I don't like your repeated use of pointing out its Chinese made. It's not really relevant. Did people used to talk about boker like this ? I don't know but it would be a shame. No politics please. Just knives.
Thanks for your comment, Todd. I'm repeating China as it's cheaper to make knives in China. That's just a fact, unfortunately. It's also what we should keep in mind and why it's relevant. If you like them all power to you. Again, I didn't say don't buy them. I also said it's a functional knife. This was a response to a live that went out recently. Which i missed. People were discussing RC and their thoughts of them. This was my thoughts on them. Again, just my opinion. Collect what makes you happy is what I say to everyone 👊
I told you before, Paddy. Andy was telling me not to mention SMKW in the review. I wondered if there was anything else that was not allowed to be said. This was when everyone was still making out they were handmade. I'm still glad I asked as I found out there were 13 already. I was very tactful talking to Andy because I wanted to find things out. Some may say disingenuous. Look, it's only my opinion. I don't know why people can have opinions on makers, and that's OK and respected. I've made my judgement on a purchase and research into the company. We don't all have to support the same things.
You keep true to your heart boy .The point you made about bolster/liner all in one was a good point ,And yes give me the German made over the Chinese 100% (and they bombed my Nans chippy.) The mass made knives will be no more collectable than the Richards shell covers of the 50/60s are now .Also true honest opinion comes across .Dont leave us you do a great job.
Thanks for the kind words, Allan. The common factor for high sort after collectable knives seems to boil down to well made. I've been looking at a few Japanese tradional made knives. From when they probably used Japan as the Chinese equivalent for cheaper cost to produce. But they are very well made. Nice one Allan 👊
I'll try and pull my finger out and get it done 😂. Brilliant company, I believe. Knife nuts who are starting a company making them themselves. They all seem to have the right mentality for it. They don't give up also. As had a rocky start.
