Fk Series Folding Utility Knives by Jim Kershaw |
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| DESIGN DETAILS | |||||
| DESIGN NAME: Fk Series PRIMARY FUNCTION: Folding Utility Knives INSPIRATION: Taking design cues from high-end super cars, a legend in aviation, and a dominate ocean predator, the industrial design of IRWIN’s new folding utility knives with BladeLock Technology is engineered for the professional tradesman. While capturing the aggressive edge of the famed WWII P-51 Mustang in overall design, the contour of the knife’s top spline mirrors the profile curve of a sleek Italian super car. The detail scallop in the knife’s blade holder follows the lines of a super car’s air ducts, while the cast iron finger grooves mimic the gill slits of the powerful Mako shark. Marrying these three iconic symbols of sleek design, IRWIN’s new knife program takes hand tool design to the next level. UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The next generation of IRWIN Folding Utility Knives with BladeLock Technology feature patented technology engineered to keep your blade locked in, preventing the blade from releasing while the knife is in-use. IRWIN’s proprietary BladeLock Technology allows the blade to be changed only when the blade holder is in the 45 degree position and the blade release button is engaged, allowing the blade to come out only when you are ready to change the blade – never by accident. Backed by IRWIN’s Lifetime Guarantee, these durable folding utility knives also feature a compact, easy-to-use design which includes a liner lock for safe, one-handed operation and a 16 degree cutting angle for ultimate comfort and control. Whether you need the compact durability of the FK100 or the versatility of built-in blade storage and screwdriver of the FK250, IRWIN is the new standard in folding utility knives. OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: - PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: Project initiated September 2011 in Huntersville, North Carolina USA |
PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: The new IRWIN FK100 with BladeLock Technology features a compact, durable body design that fits easily in the hand, pocket or on the belt. Constructed with an all-metal body design and a liner lock that prevents the knife from closing while in-use, the FK 100 provides quick, easy one-handed operation. With a removable belt clip, cast finger grooves and a trigger grip handle for greater control, the FK100 delivers maximum durability, compactness, and easy-of-use. The new IRWIN FK150 with BladeLock Technology is a no-nonsense, rugged folding utility knife designed with built-in blade storage for quick, on-the-job blade changes – no tools required. The compact and durable design of the FK150 fits comfortably in the hand, pocket or on the belt. Engineered with a liner lock that prevents the knife from closing while in-use, the FK150 provides quick, easy one-handed operation. With a removable belt clip, cast finger grooves and a trigger grip handle for greater control, the FK150 delivers maximum durability, reliability, and easy-of use. The new IRWIN FK250 with BladeLock Technology is a durable, compact folding utility knife engineered with built-in blade storage, a fold-out screwdriver utilizing 1” insert bits and additional insert bit storage for added convenience and customization. Constructed with a durable, all-metal body design, the FK250 features a liner lock that prevents the knife from closing while in-use for quick, easy one-handed operation. Designed with a removable belt clip, cast finger grooves and a trigger grip handle for greater control; the FK250 delivers maximum durability and versatility. SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: - TAGS: knife, tools, innovation, construction, tradesmen, rugged, professional RESEARCH ABSTRACT: Consumer insights were vital to the success of this project. Designing a folding utility knife for professional tradesmen required our team to spend a substantial amount of time in the field at various job-sites around the world, listening to what end-users really wanted in a folding utility knife. During the discovery phase of our research and throughout the project, our team was able to uncover key insights from end-users which helped to design and develop a line of innovative folding utility knives that are compact, durable, and easy-to-use. Several rounds of prototype testing ensured our designs were accepted and preferred by professional users. Being rooted in consumer insights and designing these knives with professional tradesmen in mind allowed us to bring IRWIN's next generation of folding utility knives to life. CHALLENGE: Our primary design challenge was to create an innovative folding utility knife that had several built-in features and additional tools while keeping the design compact and ergonomic yet durable enough to withstand the conditions professional tradesmen work in every single day. After conducting numerous job-site and in-field visits, our team realized that in order to achieve this objective the knives hard to be designed using one continuous spline and a 16 degree cutting angle that would allow for total comfort. ADDED DATE: 2013-02-27 06:07:02 TEAM MEMBERS (4) : Designer Jim Kershaw, Engineer Greg Parker, Project Manager Jarrod Daughtry and Communications Erin Dyer IMAGE CREDITS: Jim Kershaw, 2012. |
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| Visit the following page to learn more: http://www.irwin.com | |||||
| CLIENT/STUDIO/BRAND DETAILS | |
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NAME: IRWIN TOOLS PROFILE: IRWIN TOOLS manufactures and distributes professional grade hand tools and power tool accessories worldwide for trade professionals who demand superior performance and durability on the job. http://www.irwin.com/ |
| AWARD DETAILS | |
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Fk Series Folding Utility Knives by Jim Kershaw is Winner in Prosumer Products and Workshop Equipment Design Category, 2012 - 2013.· Press Members: Login or Register to request an exclusive interview with Jim Kershaw. · Click here to register inorder to view the profile and other works by Jim Kershaw. |
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