Are the current Bulldog knives of high quality?

[Hukk]

If you are really interested in promoting the Bulldog Brand please start by giving a full explanation as to why the "vault" knives have different stag than the originals and why was it necessary to give a COA, guaranteeing that the knives were true first generations? Also why are the 1st generation knives you have on ebay now are snow white, in Parker’s third edition the color photo’s show no white on the stag at the bolsters like yours do. Also like to hear your comments on the Tobacco King Sowbelly post, the Kentucky Derby knife post and why the shields, blades, and stag are different on these knives than the pictures show in the third edition book of what a first generation should look like. Pictures in the third edition show a vastly different first generation knife than the 7th edition, it’s not the difference of black and white pictures vs. color pictures.
Your staunchest Bulldog collectors would like to know. The differences have caused mistrust amongst long time collectors of the Bulldog Brand and prices of older Bulldog knives have remained flat and have not increased like other brands, due to this mistrust. You could do Bulldog Brand Knives a great service by answering these questions and many others that Bulldog collectors have. This mistrust has cost many lost sales for Bulldog, creating many rumors that I have heard. I choose to wait for evidence of these rumors before believing or giving any credence; I remain neutral until I know for sure. I offer my opinions based on the differences I see and facts I can find.

Answers are certainly appreciated by all as all Bulldog collectors I know would like to know the answer to these questions.

There are a lot of unflattering rumors out there and here is a chance to clear it up.
Thanks

[Willy]

Makes me think that Parker's has become a den of obnoxious, foul, and mean spirited thieves. I bring all this up because they are pushing long time customers away.

Well said...I'll jump on the "we like Hukk" bandwagon... Ive sold him a lot of knives..In fact he was my best customer on the knife auction site...
I bought my first knife from Parkers in 1989.. it was the first release of the Case Classics... A Saddlehorn XXX.. anyway after buying that knife I bought many more Classics from the Parkers... I usally talked with Buzz or Ed... No problem for many years... then I started asking to many questions.. I wanted to know why knives that Parkers claim to have been made in 1990 arn't in any of the old price books... Seems like a easy question to answer but it never was... I loved Case Classics but just got fed up with seeing all the new prototypes showing up... Now theres protos in every handle material made but these sure wern't around back when the line started.. I even bought from Parkers before E Bay.. they use to have phone auctions... I bought a lot of knives thru these auctions but still never saw any of these special prototypes... Anyway I switched to Bulldog knives... Over the years I bought thousands of dollars worth.. I had a lot of specials made at the Bulldog factory... If I had to guess Id say I spent a average of a thousand dollars every two months for years.. Anyway things started going south when Jim died... I tried ordering a new set of knives... I had a order planned for several hundred knives and Ed told me I couldn't order anything unless I ordered 500 to 600 knives at a time... This was approx. half of there requiered minimum order at the factory.. You figure the price of each knife to be $70 or so times 500 pieces and its a pile of money... Anyway I couldnt afford it and ask if I could order a few hundred special etch knives.. Ed said NO and then proceeded to rip my head off... He said I was never going to be able to order any more knives and that my business wasnt welcome at Parkers any more????
So I havnt bought anything from Parkers in several years now... I sure miss Jim but I will never deal with Ed again.. If Buzz wants to get any of his old customers back he needs to do some PR work and right away... Maybe he doesnt care.. Could be he's going to live off of all the work Jim did when he was alive...
Im not the only old customer that has been banned from buying from Parkers any more... They lost a lot of them.. Well lost isnt the right word...They ran off most of us.. To bad because I have some engraving templates made at the Bulldog factory I own and would sure like to order some knives with that etch..
I still have 100 Bulldog knives but have stopped buying any more.. I still sell a lot of knives and have had real good luck buying from Frost.. They also have etched 100 knives for me which I sold online.. Frost has some good lines but not the collectables others might have.. But what they do have is a friendly helpful staff who doesnt cuss you out when your trying to give them money ... Buzz Parker are you reading this? Jump in and tell me where Im going wrong... Ed don't bother jumping in

[singin46]

Anybody that treats a customer like you , like that, does'nt deserve anyones business in my opinion. Thas a cryin shame

Singin46

[edhenley]

This is a quote from HUKK on Oct 21, 2006 on this forum:

Many are also complaining of Buzz Parker's (silverladdie, Jim Parker's old user name on ebay) ethic's and notorious temper and the same complaints are being leveled against Ed Henley (whittlinfella). For instance look at the eBay feedback for silverladdie and justdeb3 around September 9th. Justdeb3 recieved some knives from silverladdie that were all scratched up that were advertised as mint. You can see there battle of some 10 or 15 each negative feedbacks from September 9 to the end of the month. Quite nasty! Not too long ago I saw a knife from whittlinfella being sold as a first generation and I emailed him that it was a third generation because it had Surgical Inst. on one tang, that did not start until 1993. No change, no reply. Makes me think that Parker's has become a den of obnoxious, foul, and mean spirited thieves.

end quote.

Now guys, a friend of mine informed me about this forum and what HUKK was saying. When I read it, it made me mad. I just bet it would have made you mad if you had been wearing my shoes. Maybe it was unprofessional of me but looking at Darrell Hukk's quote, how would you feel. I have been doing ebay for 9 years now and I do not like being called "a den of obnoxious, foul, and mean spirited thieves." I have worked for Bulldog Brand for 14 years and we would not be here today if we were truly mean spirited thieves.

I have an opinion also...

That's how I feel!!

I actually emailed HUKK when I first read it to speak direct with him about it in private. Guess what? He did not answer me. Imagine that.


Ed Henley

[edhenley]

Guys,

If I have offended anyone here by trying to defend myself, I am sorry. It was not my intent to start a war with HUKK. I would have never posted a word if he had not.

But, for what it is worth, I am sorry for my tone but I do not appreciate people talking myself, my best friend and the company I work for down.

No one else here would either!

Im outta here

For those who still like Bulldog Brand...Thanks! We have some great products in store for 2007...even some USA made knives

Ed

[needbucks]

Ok. Guess I will weigh in and answer the question as it was originally posed without calling anybody names.

The question was about the quality of the new production Bulldog Brand knives. I am very pleased with the quality of the knives. They are of excellent quality and are better than many of the more "collectible" knife brands such as Case. Are they as good as earlier Bulldogs? Maybe not quite as good as they used to be. I don't know if that is a production issue or just my own opinion due to the fact that Bulldog seems to be stressing the man-made handle materials over the natural materials. I am not a fan of celluloids, corelon, or the like. To me it is all PLASTIC.

My Bulldog knives do exactly what knives are supposed to do. They are very well made. I hope that my own opinion doesn't hurt anybody's feelings.

Now as to the second part of the question regarding other German made knives....

I am no expert by any means. All I can say is that they seem to me to be about as well made as the better Boker and Henckel's knives. I have a few Kissing Crane knives and all I can say is that I have yet to find one I think was made well at all. I might just be unlucky in the ones that I have purchased. Regardless, my Kissing Crane experiences have not been as pleasant as my Bulldog experiences.

Again, these are my own opinions and my answer to the question as it was posed.

[justold52]

Looks like it's my turn to be RIGHT.

I said "I feel edhenley may have got some what hot reading Hukk's opinion. Perhapes he will come back and let us all feel better about the Friedrich Olbertz factory."

edhenley did come back and "But, for what it is worth, I am sorry for my tone"

I feel that this was a good thing to do. I feel better now.
Thanks Ed for your KOOLED off thoughts.

[sunburst]

Mr. Henley,

Thank you for replying in your last post, it showed a lot of character and poise. We all have opinions and feelings on products we purchase and own, you have expressed the pain you have felt from things that were said and I am sure most on this board can appreciate what you have described.

I am not here to judge one way or another the quality of Bulldog knives, it all comes down to opinion, experience and personal preference. But I for one appreciate your apology and think highly of you saying so in a public forum.

Thank you very much and I wish you continued success with Bulldog Brand Cutlery..

Sunburst

[MITCH RAPP]

Mr. Henley, Thanks for your apology. Everyone on our little Forum is

free to agree and disagree on Knife topics. They are after all, just

one mans opinion. We all try real hard to keep the atmosphere here

civil and friendly. Without name calling and mud slinging, we can discuss

just about anything and have fun doing it.

[johnnierotten]

Apology accepted!!....now,,what were you saying about US made Bulldogs???

[singin46]

Mr. Henley,
Thank you for your comments. We all have specific reasons why we collect a particular line of knives and for some of us it is about the relationship
between the collector and brand. It is important. As a collector it is an
integral part of the process. Tracing a knife's history and handle changes,
sheild changes, jigging changes, those are all part of the fun of collecting.
So this is the reason for questions, concerns and comments about the line.
Many of us like Bulldogs and want to see this and all American companies
prosper.

Singin46

[Hukk]

I actually emailed HUKK when I first read it to speak direct with him about it in private. Guess what? He did not answer me. Imagine that.
Ed Henley

Yes, he did email me, through ebay, but I saw the following as a threat as I guess most would (of course I kept a copy). Notice that the attitude above is still there "imagine that".
Quote
"Hey Darrell,

Stumbled upon a knife forum where you chose to bash myself and Buzz pretty good. You are more than welcome to call us and speak to us like a man would. So you havent forgot, our number is 423-894-5102. I really look forward to having the chance to defend myself.

Ed Henley

PS- Slander can cause you a world of legal problems!!" Endquote

With that in mind, phones are for women, I prefer the front door, like a man would. Yeah, I'm a bit of a redneck, so they tell me, a well spoken one who did not respond to an obvious threat, I live to far away.

However, there is no excuse for the name calling and digging out a 6 month old post in which to flame someone with whom you disagree.

Well, like I care Please try to not listen to folks like HUKK. Sounds like the "keyboard warrior" himself got piss in his Wheaties!

Well, you should care, I buy your knives, spread the word and a competent spokesman or businessman will take the time to research complaints. You should care about every customer. The email should be threat free and genuinely looking for what a customer wants. Too many companies are trying to compete with the Chinese at their own game and WILL lose. Bulldog and Case would do well to have thier own line of premium knives, using the Case and Bulldog names. It's that niche that Canal Street and Great Eastern are now filling. I've been saying that for quite some time now. I'm hoping that is what you have in mind for the USA made knives it would in Bulldog's best interest to do so.

OK, time to cut the cr*p and let bygones be bygones. Will I buy a US made Bulldog or new model Bulldog, yes you bet I will and I will evaluate it on it's own merits.
I know that the current lineup of Bulldog knives will have faithful followers but I am spoiled, I have many first generation Bulldog knives (well, at least my son does now, he's old enough ) and I can see the difference. So, I know that the 2006/2007 lineup does not match up at all as far as quality goes. The old world craftsmanship is not there. I have taken apart many Bulldog knives now, of many generations along with other knives to know what I'm seeing.
I do want to see Bulldog succeed, but not with the same old tired sales model, it's risky if changes are not made.
For Example: Surgical Stainless Steel When Jim Parker used that in the 1980's (maybe it was used in the 78-80 period of Parker-Frost, I don't remember) it meant something. Today it's like the disposable scalpel that's thrown away after surgery. The term Surgical Stainless Steel has no meaning today, exactly what is it? I do not mean to offend anyone, but rather offer something to think about, to use it as an example of what I'm talking about.
I wish all the best, that goes for Bulldog and you also Ed.
Bury the past and good luck to all.

[W5RWU]

edhenley why did you, with 3 post, come into our
house disrespecting one of our own? Hukk's word is good here!!! Yours is not!!! You are great a
representative for your company! Are all the people
at bullldoogg as nice as you ?
have nice day
W5RWU

[longbeachbum]

Personally, I wish Mr. Henley or someone from Parkers would answer the questions Hukk posed about Bulldog knives.

I have to admit, I've not had bad experience with Parkers. My current orientation with regard to them is that Weidmannsheil knives are of good quality (based on the half dozen or so that I have), as are Shapliegh's. I probably won't buy any more current issue Bulldog's.

I'd really like to know why the difference though since they are all made by the Olbertz factory in Solingen.

[dewman]

....let me wade into this post ONLY ANKLE DEEP!

I just received my first Bulldog knife Saturday. It's a muskrat pattern stag scaled version. Here are some photos of it. Being that I'm not too much of an expert on knife collecting, I have a couple of questions concerning this knife and some of it's qualities.

First off, look at the knife from the top. Notice how the stag is drastically tapered off to match the bolsters? Is that "normal" and "acceptable" in the knife community?

Secondly, take a look at how the front and back side stag don't match very well, either in thickness or color. Again, is this "normal" and "acceptable" ?

And by the way, in the photos, the bolsters appear to be very scratched up. They aren't. Just the camera operator I suspect.

Overall, I'm pleased with the knife. The only real complaint I'd have is the fact the stag is very thick on the off side and isn't very well matched....and the bottom pins are very "proud" of the scales. Very nice walk and talk with a very reassurning "snap" when they close. I like that in a knife.

Dewman

[johnnierotten]

Hey Dewman,..The stag looks good to me.The only problem that I can see is the middle pin being proud and the scuff marks on the bolsters....If you got a good deal on it,I would dremel the pin and buff the bolsters and be happy...If you didn't and your in the position to return it,you might want to consider that option..IMO

Nice Knife.

PS: I guess it all boils down to just how much you like it.

[singin46]

Hey Dewman, have to aggree with Johnnie here, for some, the stag needs to be matched perfectly, for others, not such a big deal. Its all personal taste. I have alot of stag that is matched perfect and some not so. But I like them both for varying reasons. As far as the center pin, what Johnnie said.

Singin46

[sunburst]

Ok, you will have to excuse me for asking but isn't that a picture of a German Bull knife???

Sunburst

[singin46]

You're right. Not a BULLDOG.
Singin46

[johnnierotten]

Good observation,Sunburst!!! Dude,I can't believe I didn't spot that!! I was so busy looking at the stag and bolsters...DUHHHH!!!

[leg17]

I'm not much of a collector but I know one thing.
I bought a Bulldog Tobacco Sowbelly from blade*trader and it is JUNK.
I have a REAL Tobacco Sowbelly and the differences are everywhere.
The finish on the back and ends is not the same. The shield is different. The stag is different. (and warped badly!!)
I am "once burnt but always lurnt".
No more Bulldogs and no more blade*trader or any of the other major Bulldog dealers.

[Hukk]

The real ones are great, I have a set of both and a glance side by side is all it takes. Here's a picture, the real ones just stand out and you can feel the difference just by holing them in your hand.

Click on the picture and you'll see a lot of differences. This is not the only model in my opinion that has this "problem". It's not the only one that has been emailed to me. I learned this from MANY fellow members.

[dewman]

.....I told you guys I wasn't a pro at this. German Bull....German Bulldog.

I would assume that the one I posted is of lesser quality and cost than the German Bull knives....yes?

[singin46]

Just is not a Bulldog Dewman, can't really speak of the quality of German Bulls because I don't have any but totally different company.
Hey, we all make mistakes.

Singin46

[johnnierotten]

Hey,Dewman.I have two German Bulls.A stag Dr. knife and a 3 blade candy stripe stockman.... IMO,they are as good a quality as the NEW Bulldogs....I love German made knives!!