Each month, I’ll pick one question from the community and give you my take. It can be about design, creativity, production, EDC – nothing’s off limits (hit reply if you have one).
Todays question is from Stephen from Bedford, UK:
Hello Jens.
While I wait my turn in the Monte Carlo preorder production schedule, please consider the looking question of interest.
My question submitted for consideration has three Areas Of interest (AOI) relating to the same knife, namely the Legendary Monte Carlo.
AOI 1: In the Monte Carlo Preorder opening paragraph you mention, “…I have updated the Monte Carlo with all titanium screws and better and more precise machining.” Strand one – would an existing owner of a Monte Carlo be able to notice the difference(s), and if so, how so?
AOI 2: Would you consider offering customers the ability to order a Monte Carlo knife with a bespoke leather slip, a short lanyard, and a matching lanyard bead? I ask this as I see this as an ideal time to order a fabricated set as part of a single order.
AOI 3: For those like me who find it difficult to choose a single blade steel and finish, how about the option of purchasing one Monte Carlo handle with two (or more) blades, together with a matching Anso Tool and a set of instructions on how to swap out one blade and fit another? This option would either overcome (or compound) the blade selection process; either way, it could be fun as well as functional, especially if the design of handle for the Monte Carlo is all we dreamed it would be.
Kindest regards
Stephen
……………..
Hello Stephen
Thank you for the great questions!
1: I think an owner of the Gen1 Monte Carlo would notice a difference if compared to a Gen2, but also when comparing different Gen1 versions made from various materials. The main difference is the choice of titanium screws on the Gen2. These have larger Torx heads, which makes the change obvious even in pictures. When comparing knives side by side, I have also standardized the material thickness so all handles are now the same. Previously, brass versions were thicker than titanium, and the zirc version was slightly thinner again. Now, all are uniform at 2.5 mm thickness.
2: Generally, I do not supply lanyards, but we do sell the Anso lanyard bead. We also recently started offering leather slips, which should now be available on the site.
3: I have considered this, but decided against it. While the blade change is fairly straightforward, I have seen more than my share of knife repairs from people who didn’t fully understand the tools and skills required to take a knife apart—leading to scratches, ruined or broken screws, and other issues needing repair.
I hope this answered your questions.
Best Regards
Jens
