This. I love the original and the Darian. A modified kukri checks a lot of boxes in the southeast especially around the farm and general wood work. Standard machete and kukri designs are proven concepts.
Great idea, like Glocks and AR-15's building your own can be addictive. I already pick up used ESEE's just to modify them.
...... I think "problem" is very much the wrong description. They are making a well recognised high quality product and demand appears to be outstripping capacity (on my read that is not just the capacity of the shop but of the supply chains that feed it). They are however doing exactly what they are being asked and maintaining a standard. I will take a top quality blade backed by a brilliant warranty over being able to accessorise my blade in teal or pastille tones to match my socks, it is the work that goes into the piece of metal that matters. In such endeavours there is a consequence, cost, quality or further supply are those that spring to mind with me in relation to production (of any product).
I worded it wrong Andy, it wasn't meant to sound like it did. Couldn't find the right word. I think I meant to say that maybe Rowen needs to expand too, although I know that's not anything to do with ESEE
...... understood..... but the question really is do they ? They are smashing what it is they specialise in, high quality blades with a proven heat treat, great warranty and production is struggling to keep up with demand (many quality manufacturers of everything from widgets to airplanes are just now) all those things are telling me they are doing well !!!! To expand comes at a cost (that will ultimately have to be passed on) the question remains to me simply if any additional cost (financial, delivery window, quality etc) is actually worth it for having what are for the most part aesthetic options. I personally (just me - I am only a Moderator on this forum and shop for my knives like everyone) do not believe it is. We all love man jewellery I have plenty but I have no qualms about saying that the colour, logo etc do nothing to improve the actual cutting ability of the knife. Handles sure do and there are 3D and HM options on the books now. Is every knife going to be perfect for everyone, hell no but I could shop from nothing more than ESEE's catalogue from 10yrs ago and not ever want for servicing a practical need. Most all beyond that is the "enthusiast" in us coming through, that's fine it includes me (the couple of hundred Busse family knives laying around the house here demonstrates that without question). What drew me to ESEE was the practicality of their knives and the line up of blades (yes 10yrs ago for me) to serve every need, this is their wheelhouse and what they should continue to service. Only my $.02Aussie worth and I know we all think a bit differently.....I guess it is why Shane is reaching out to see.
True, a Esee blade could be polka dot pink and it would not matter one bit on its performance. I was never questioning the performance of Esee/Rowen blades...... I was just thinking more in terms of expanded revenue options for Esee / RAT. As well as the buyers that love to buy 10 of each knife in different steels and scale options. do it like Busse/Scrapyard does.... multiple divisions -Randall's Adventure Training - Esee Knives - Expat Knives - Esee Custom Shop - Cooking Outdoors
I'd like to see a magnum junglas or a 5lite. Just my .02 Would.like to see new product releases go mo smoother...as I'm sure everyone would. Otherwise I don't think there is alot to improve on from infantile perspective. Yall are rocking it like always. My blades get weekly or by weekly use in the kitchen or around the house...they are staples and always will be.
On page 3 someone mentioned videos and Shane said he would work on more videos but that brings me to my .02…. *Where* will these videos be going? If it’s YouTube then that’s cool but if it’s instagram or Facebook that isn’t cool but it’s for a purely selfish reason - I don’t have Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tic Toc, Snapchat, none of that. Only a YouTube. I’m sure I’m somewhat of an outlier having no social media accounts but that’s something I’ve noticed with other places is if you don’t have those things you don’t get to see a lot of content.
all our videos go up on YouTube and we obviously have what we can spread across multiple forms of social media. We often link videos in the forum as well. There is a LOT of content on our YouTube that doesn't always get seen as much. I do what I can to get the word out but I'm one guy spread across multiple platforms, some of which aren't very active while others are VERY active. So I'm typically responding to which ever one is throwing off the most notifications. If you aren't subscribed to our YT page please do it...that way you get notifications when we post something new. https://www.youtube.com/@RandallsAdventureESEE/videos
.....I honestly prefer knives to patches or decals for must of my outdoor endeavours but I am sure Canada may be different ....
I'm sure it's easier to open a bottle of fosters with a knife spine than a sticker also so I totally feel ya brother
