The James Brand
The James Brand
I am somewhat surprised that I couldn't find ANY mention of The James Brand knives when I did a search on the forum. (BTW: The James Brand is the official name...including the definite article "The"). Naturally, I figured there surely must be other members who have seen these knives and possibly even purchased one or two?? Perhaps not (or, more likely, I am not clever enough to find any related posts).
When I looked up The James Brand online, everything I read about the company led me to believe they were made in Portland, OR. It happened while I was searching for modern slipjoint knives with a Wharncliffe blade made in USA and somehow got directed to The James Brand website. I found two models I liked and decided to give them a try: "The Pike" because it has a Wharncliffe blade which is my preferred blade style, and "The Ellis" which has what looked to be a really good size, sturdy scissors. To be clear, I did not do enough research, because once I got the knives, I saw that although they are designed in Portland, OR, they are actually made in China. So, right off the bat I felt a bit deceived although I realize it's my own fault for not doing enough research before buying...I was just too eager to believe they were made in USA and I took the leap based on my faulty assumption. However, in my defense, the company does not exactly make it clear on their website...it takes a bit of digging and reading of the fine print, so-to-speak.
Here's a link to their home page. https://thejamesbrand.com/
After reading this, especially the part that says, "We make knives..." (my italics, etc., for emphasis), naturally I thought that they actually made the knives in Portland. But, in fact, they only design them in Portland; the knives are actually made in China.
OK, that being said, I will admit that the knives are in fact very well made. And they are minimalist in design, which is very appealing to me, a certified, card-carrying minimalist.
"The Pike"
When I looked up The James Brand online, everything I read about the company led me to believe they were made in Portland, OR. It happened while I was searching for modern slipjoint knives with a Wharncliffe blade made in USA and somehow got directed to The James Brand website. I found two models I liked and decided to give them a try: "The Pike" because it has a Wharncliffe blade which is my preferred blade style, and "The Ellis" which has what looked to be a really good size, sturdy scissors. To be clear, I did not do enough research, because once I got the knives, I saw that although they are designed in Portland, OR, they are actually made in China. So, right off the bat I felt a bit deceived although I realize it's my own fault for not doing enough research before buying...I was just too eager to believe they were made in USA and I took the leap based on my faulty assumption. However, in my defense, the company does not exactly make it clear on their website...it takes a bit of digging and reading of the fine print, so-to-speak.
Here's a link to their home page. https://thejamesbrand.com/
After reading this, especially the part that says, "We make knives..." (my italics, etc., for emphasis), naturally I thought that they actually made the knives in Portland. But, in fact, they only design them in Portland; the knives are actually made in China.
OK, that being said, I will admit that the knives are in fact very well made. And they are minimalist in design, which is very appealing to me, a certified, card-carrying minimalist.
"The Pike"
~Q~
Re: The James Brand
Nothing wrong with plain and simple. Case in point it can be quite attractive.
Re: The James Brand
Their knives look great, and most use top-notch materials. I find them overpriced for what they are, however.
Re: The James Brand
Agreed. They are nice. A little expensive for the market they are competing in.
Froe
Froe
Re: The James Brand
I feel the same about the prices. At first, I was turned off by the sticker shock (which, BTW, is another reason I thought they must be made in USA), but then I found the two I got on sale for less than they retail for and that's why I decided to buy them.
I will also confess that I do not find them particularly attractive, at least not compared to most traditional slipjoint patterns; but I got them to EDC, not for display or to put in my collection.
I will also confess that I do not find them particularly attractive, at least not compared to most traditional slipjoint patterns; but I got them to EDC, not for display or to put in my collection.
~Q~
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Re: The James Brand
It's funny you should mention The James Brand knives ~Q~, since I recently stumble across their site via a link from another site and immediately put their "Chapter", "Duval", "Wayland", and "Pike" exactly like the one in your picture on my "Watch List"! I love their square minimalistic appearance along with the blade shapes, but, as other have noted the price is a major factor! Eventually though!
Re: The James Brand
I feel the same way about the Finch knives. I like the look and style but the price point for a China made knife is a turn off for me.
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Re: The James Brand
To me The Pike has great appeal. The design is very clean and, as stated, minimalist.
Re: The James Brand
Put some black "Glennbad Stag" on that Pike and Wow!
If that's even possible?
If that's even possible?
TOM - KGFG - (Knife-Guy-From-Germany)
I believe..., every knife is a soul, looking for a soulmate.
Weebit-Nano https://www.weebit-nano.com/
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weebit_Nano
US - ARMY - COMBAT - ENGINEERS - 1990 - 1993 - God Bless Our Troops!
I believe..., every knife is a soul, looking for a soulmate.
Weebit-Nano https://www.weebit-nano.com/
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weebit_Nano
US - ARMY - COMBAT - ENGINEERS - 1990 - 1993 - God Bless Our Troops!
Re: The James Brand
Thanks for posting, as I had not heard of them until now. I also like the Pike.
The Ellis looks useful, but I prefer the look of more traditional-style pocket knives. That Like appears to be a modern take on a traditional slip joint. Pretty neat!
The Ellis looks useful, but I prefer the look of more traditional-style pocket knives. That Like appears to be a modern take on a traditional slip joint. Pretty neat!
Jesus is life.
Everything else is just a hobby.
~Reverand
Everything else is just a hobby.
~Reverand