Question Time: Mike @ Knog

Knog recently sent me their new Blinder 1 light to review.  I took the opportunity to see if they’d be prepared to answer some questions – to my surprise they were more than happy to, and even sent them to the man at the top.

Here’s what Mike from Knog had to say in reply to my questions (which are in bold, in case you can’t guess!)…

How did Knog come about?
Knog emerged out of Australian Industrial Design company, ‘Catalyst’ – An amalgam of ideas – the initial concept of the brand was around designing cool products to keep you safe and looking good during your commute.

Where did the name spring from? 
Knog came from a bastardised form of the British/Aussie slang expression for brains, noggin. Folks like my Uncle Bob or my first prof would often cut my ideas down with “use your bloomin’ noggin!” We turned their naysaying around and shortened noggin to nog and then gave it the silent, stealthy ‘K’ to make the products kick.

Aesthetics are clearly important to Knog – is that a primary function of your products or a happy accident?
Aesthetics and function are key motivators - As industrial designers we passionately obsess over every product we make. We think our lights and locks are culturally appropriate, distinct products, ones that make people go “oh yeah!”.  Our passion for design goes deep and it isn’t necessarily about the designers we love – or even – objects of beauty and “designer” products, but rather, objects that help us express who we are. Most importantly the products we design ought to make people happy. Like our vintage Faema espresso machine that pumps out perfect coffees all day…

What’s next from Knog?
Early next year you will see combination locks – The Party Combo and Milkman Combo and our new killer Blinder Road lights…

Will we ever see a high power Knog light in a similar vein to your current product range?
Yes! – The Blinder Road series… 

What do the team at Knog ride and where?
We mostly ride the city – this is who we are – this is where we live… Road, Fixie, Vintage, Lady style… (we do have one designer who goes MTB! – awesome)

Faced with a decision to never ride again or never produce another Knog product, you would…?
Spin vinyl and design clothes.

So there you go – big thanks to Mike for his time, and actually just for bothering to respond!  I’m intrigued to see the new Blinder Road series now…