I went to this location when they had big sale going. They had the normal line and they had the "first responder" line. My friend and I decided to go stand in the first responder line. We are both security officers and we work in a hospital and my friend was also in the ARMY. We wanted to make sure we were good to go in so after contacting the actual campus security for Kershaw, h told us we were okay. He didn't convince me because he actually seemed very clueless. A Kershaw employee came out to speak with the people in line, after he was done, I decided to ask him about the line. I told him we were security and worked at a hospital, this guy tells me they draw the "first responder" line at the emergency department. I was confused at first and thought he was kidding. He was actually serious. But he said he would look into it. He went away and never came back to update me. I saw him again, decided to make contact and get an update. We both ended up asking the security guard that I spoke with earlier, again everyone seemed clueless and had a different answer.
So I went back to my buddy and told him what was up. We both couldn't believe it. If my buddy had known he would have had his military papers and or ID. We both assumed since we were security and licensed and employed with a hospital, not just a $9 per hour mall security (no offense) that we were good to go as far as first responders go. I mean we are the "first line of defense" at work, we aid medical staff, we have saved lives because we as security were truly the first responders..... but I digress.
So the Kershaw employee basically told us we couldn't get in, my buddy showed his ARMY pictures, and the employee looked at him all serious and said "YOU WILL GET IN".
We get by the entrance and the guy letting people in, let me tell you what a character he was. To be honest, he was an A-hole. We get up to the door and we don't even get a chance to explain, right away he starts demanding ID/proof. My buddy tried to show him his photos, and the guy is saying "I need ID not photos" and he is rushing us and being rude. My buddy was calm and pretty much just showed him his photos anyway and the A-hole pulled a 180 and just let us in. He acted like he was doing us a huge favor and just didn't wanna deal with us because he was acting out and being an ass.
This was my first time there and I was irritated and disappointed. I should have just left but I decided to still support them and the employees and I actually spent $302! I got some nice stuff but I am glad I didn't pay full price because it just isn't worth anymore than what I paid for them.
So in conclusion, I did not appreciate being "singled out". To tell me as a first responder that the line ends at the emergency line, that is unprofessional, it is rude, and disrespectful. Yes I am not law enforcement as far as being a sworn peace officer, I did not serve my country in the armed forces. But I do put my behind on the line and we serve the public to a point, and we ARE first responders in our line of work at our campus. So I didn't appreciate Kershaw putting me on the back burner. If my buddy wasn't there, I would have had to go stand in the "civilian" line and wait longer.
So to be honest, I have no desire to deal with Kershaw in the future. I have had zero problems and great experience going to Benchmade. Every time I go to Benchmade, they provide me with a LE/first responder discount. Heck, last time when I went in they didn't even want to bother with seeing my ID, they serviced my knives and sold me some great knives at a good price.
I'm sorry Kershaw, but you lost a customer and I will continue to vote with my dollars and I will support other companies (Benchmade & MicroTech). read more