I feel crazy for even considering going in on this drop since it would be the most I've spent on a knife. It's such a unique design though. I'm unfamiliar with Tashi's work but a (modified?) wharncliffe is probably the most utilitarian blade shape I've never tried. The vertical distance between the cutting edge and the bottom of the handle for flattop cutting is also something I've been looking for in a knife. RWL34 isn't something I'm familiar with but indications from an online search seem to indicate it should be similar to CPM-154 which is something I look at favorably. One feature I don't quite like is how high it sits in the pocket.
This knife has a lot going for it. I've been digging these Massdrop collabs with world-class designers and reputable manufacturers. I like supporting the kind of collaborative effort this represents. As to actually jumping in... my wallet is a little bit worried.
SlobloDude, it's built by Reate, what are you saying.
Check out Reate's secondary market values, they're just as good at holding value as any other $300-600 company if not better.
SlobloI suppose that's one way to interpret it. I believe that the intended reason for the lack of branding is not to devalue the rest of their line. For example, one might argue that the existence of the Sennheiser 6xx on the audiophile side of Massdrop cuts the value of Sennheiser's own 650 since it has been demonstrated that they are functionally the same. Another example would be fine art. The more rare a piece by a certain artist is, the more it costs.
Now, that doesn't totally refute what you've said. There is a theoretical open door for the manufacturer to be able to deny involvement and cut corners. Also, world-class designers have attached their names to products that arguably don't even compete well in their price brackets. However, given the involvement and endorsement of Mr. Bharucha, and the warranty backing, I believe that all parties involved will certainly put their collective best foot forward and will make any negative issues right expediently.
Ultimately, value is a hard concept to quantify. Some might argue that a few niggling QC issues would be a worthwhile tradeoff for the name and design. Others would value ultimate function and competely disregard the non-tangibles such as the prestige of the designer's name. I respect both opinions though I still disagree with the underlying assumption that the reason for leaving off the name of the manufacturer is strictly because of planned, malignant corner-cutting (at least to the point where it renders the knives in unusably poor condition and won't be made right. They all have to make money on the project one way or another but I suspect that the intended profit prospect is that we are all so enraptured with this knife that we go out and buy the whole Tashi Bharucha lineup. That's why I'm truly nervous about this drop 0.o )
annasoh323You have a looot more faith in MD than I do clearly. Only 2/5 collabs I've participated in were of acceptable quality and arguably on the last 2 I could have had better value (that word again) getting the genuine article.
Tashi makes nice stuff, no doubt. If it really is Reate then this may be a good deal. Massdrop kills it for me with their whack branding and shady history.
SlobloI'm sorry to hear about your experiences. As far as my Massdrop collabs go, I have a 2nd hand AKG K7XX and a first-run Gent, both of which have been serving me well (especially the Gent which filled such a perfect hole in my EDC lineup). Maybe I do have an overly bright view of the world in general and MD in particular. Perhaps it's more like a gambling addiction: it's about the playing as much as it is the winning. The idea of this knife is almost is important as the product to some.
Anyway, that's probably far enough into left field. Thanks for your candid thoughts.
annasoh323Hey - those are the two I was referring to!
I agree with your statement, I just wish that it was a better dealer than Massdrop who was doing it - I refuse to support them anymore ~ hopefully the next generation of this site will be better. (or better yet a blockchain transaction that allows people to do it without relying on a 3rd party like this.)
This knife has a lot going for it. I've been digging these Massdrop collabs with world-class designers and reputable manufacturers. I like supporting the kind of collaborative effort this represents. As to actually jumping in... my wallet is a little bit worried.
Check out Reate's secondary market values, they're just as good at holding value as any other $300-600 company if not better.
Tashi makes nice stuff, no doubt. If it really is Reate then this may be a good deal. Massdrop kills it for me with their whack branding and shady history.
Anyway, that's probably far enough into left field. Thanks for your candid thoughts.
I agree with your statement, I just wish that it was a better dealer than Massdrop who was doing it - I refuse to support them anymore ~ hopefully the next generation of this site will be better. (or better yet a blockchain transaction that allows people to do it without relying on a 3rd party like this.)