Gollnick, every times I've spoken with you through e-mail, you have been a very polite and helpful person, and have never been rude or annoying. That being said, please take the following comments as constructive criticism.
Originally posted by Gollnick: It is unfortunate for BM that they announced that the knife was ready and then rand into a couple of last-minute hitches, which created this gap. But, again, I'll remind you that they are still way ahead of schedule, so quite your whinning.
First, I'd like to comment that for someone who doesn't have to wait to get a 42, and pretty much anything else Bali-Song related he could want from Benchmade, you don't seem too understanding of those who must wait to obtain them on the open market. Not all of us get handmade prototypes to play with months prior to a general release. All I'm saying is, some people need to vent their frustrations, and I'm sure your "quite whining" comments aren't appreciated.
Originally posted by Gollnick:
The BM42 was originally not supposed to be ready until this fall. So, if you are upset about not getting yours until spring or summer, well, maybe you'd prefer that BM have stuck to the original schedule and you could wait until November or December?
This second one is really more venting at Benchmade. We've heard several times that the 42's were originally supposed to be done in the fall, and that we should all be so thankful that they are ahead of schedule. This would be true if Benchmade had actually been able to deliver on their earlier stated release date, and not just give us the equivalent to "Yes, they might be done early, but only if everything goes perfectly." My point is, couldn't Benchmade have worked all these "last minute hitches" out before they announced that the knives would be ready early? In other words, I think it's okay for people to be upset about these "hitches" after Benchmade announces thay are pushing that schedule forward significantly, consequently turning out quite a few less than acceptable specimens, then actually end up delivering on their promises MUCH closer to the originally announced timetable. In my opinion, Benchmade shouldn't have said anything unless they were absolutly positive (or at least REALLY sure) they could deliver. To me at least, the problems blamed for causing these delays sound like something that could have been detected before they were already BEHIND schedule on their new OFFICIAL release timetable. If I were going to go out on a limb, I might even wonder if the timetable being pushed forward so greatly wasn't partially designed to just pump up some hype. Again, I'm sure this is easy for someone to overlook who does NOT have to wait for even a poorly produced version.
Let me restate that none of these are meant to be personal attacks on you, Gollnick. I'm also not saying Benchmade is a shifty or poorly run company. All I wanted to do was get some things in the open that have been on my mind for awhile, and I doubt that I'm the only one. You are "the man" when it comes to Benchmade Bali-Songs, and Benchmade is by far the best producer of Bali-Songs, and among the best production knife companies period, but something about your comments just rubbed me the wrong way. Thanks for the read. -Matt
[This message has been edited by Matt Arnold (edited 07-19-2000).]
