Do You Want The Little Rusty Knife?

M

munk

Joined
Mar 22, 2002
Messages
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That is the question. This knife was designed by forumites in tribute to our late friend Rusty. It is the ultimate backup. Because of the tight specs, and the lettering on the blade, it more labor intensive then would seem at first glance. The knives have not sold like hot cakes. Unless we express an interest in them, they will be dropped from the HI line.

By all accounts it is a wonderful blade.
I have had nothing to do with it's creation or implementation. I only have the disapointing task of telling you the nuts and bolts reality about it today.
If we do not support it, it will drop from the HI line ....forever.

If those who have recieved complimentary models of this creation for reward of their dedication to HI would come forward with additional comments on the blade, or those who have purchased one and been happy....but it is not looking good for the little back up blade.

When Yangdu goes the mile to bring an edition here, it often results in a financial loss for HI. Dicey ground...we have to be careful what we ask for. Cuts both ways of course.
Hate to see the good looking dicer disapear.


munk
 
I really like my RSD. It's slim, light, stout, and immortalizes one of the Cantina Greats. I personally did not know Rusty. However, he was always more than willing to answer any question I had. I am proud to have something that carries his name.
It really is a gem. It really is a back up blade through and through...we all know how Rusty felt about back ups;)
That said, could there be a way to keep costs down? Maybe not be so demanding with the specs, or keep the lettering down to "RSD", or maybe leave the lettering off completely. Like the JKM-1, the meaning would just be understood.
I really hope that there is some way for HI to make some money on these while still allowing them to be available to the masses. :(

Jake
 
I hope they keep the lil beasty in the line up! I purchased a Chandan handled
version recently and love it. It is a great little blade, and holds an honored position next to a special sirupate that I got from Rustys widow. I also like that the kamis used a thinner stock on these and that makes is a sweet slicer. I wish my Sarge was this thin! It does make a great little back up blade, in the fine tradition of Rustys love of backups to backups.;)
I bet if some unmarked ones came through they would sell even faster. Munk, I am afraid that there are not as many old timers like us that remember Rusty personally and appreciate the special meanings behind the markings. A plain unmarked one would likely sell much faster and that would make them a little more cost effective to make. Maybe making it a best buy and best seller! I know I saw some posts mentioning the desire to see a non marked version. I would love to get a couple for myself actually. Horn handled to look the black knife part. my 2 cents worth :o

edited to add: Steely Gunz types faster and said it better.:D
 
If it will help get the ball rolling in that direction, I'll be glad to prepay for an unmarked one. Handle material not important. Delivery time whenever.
Berk
 
What can I say about my RSD that has not already been said? First of all I must thank Yangdu for her generosity. A Sgian Dubh holds special meaning to me not only because this particular version helps to immortalize the memory of Rusty but also because it is a part of my family history. Being a Scottish "boot knife" brings it home to me as I am Scottish as well as Irish and English with a touch of Dutch thrown in for variety. This little knife is much more than a ceremonial decoration. It is quite lightweight yet extremely durable as anyone who has handled one can attest to (and many already have!). The handle has been formed to fit our larger hands and mine fits perfectly (how the kamis do it without ever seeing me in person I'll never know!). It's small profile makes it an ideal knife for concealed carry which in essence is it's main traditional purpose. The angles of the tip are made in such a way to expediate penetration if it is needed but does not detract from the slicing ability of the knife edge itself. Although the spine is only about 3/16" thick the sturdiness of the blade is evident from the first time you place any pressure on the blade itself. Having the full tang is a definite plus as any experienced knife handler will attest to. The handle is a seamless piece of Chandan (on mine) which is quite beautiful in it's grain pattern and the color. The fact that the handle has a flat side is so designed to allow it to ride closer to the body without detracting from the comfortable feel in the hand. The knurling on the spine allows a firm grip area to add leverage in the toughest of slicing jobs (such as hard wood or other hard to slice material) without the encumberance of a guard being in the way.

If I were to have any complaints at all it would be with the sheath as I feel that a better sheath could be provided with more options of carrying. However, with the information that the kamis and the sheath makers have been given by us they have done a magnificent job of developing this blade. I'm not certain if the lettering commemorating Rusty is a detraction from the knife or not. Personally I don't feel that it is as it provides a commemoration to a person who was known for quality over anything else as far as his knives were concerned. I am quite pleased with the RSD and look forward to seeing more people purchase them. If you are looking for a true-blue backup knife then the RSD is the ticket.

RSD1.jpg

RSD2.jpg
 
I agree with the sentiments expressed. If something doesn't sell there is a reason, not just folks being contrary. I would buy a second to go with the nice one Yangdu generously sent me, if I could get one in horn with a black sheath, unmarked.

I understand the desire to commemorate Rusty and the 200K posts, but the blades just had too much script overall. Yuvraj's torch and perhaps the 3 initials suggested on the obverse side would be enough.

Also, the sheath that came with mine and Jake's anyway were rough looking leather (actually was pretty smooth, but dried out) that was oil stained and not particularly attractive, although the stitching was first rate. You can see the pics in my before and after posts. I love mine now that it's dyed, but the initial impression is important when presenting them for sale. The black sheaths are a step in the right direction (if they are as equally well constructed.)

And not to beat a dead horse but the sheaths are also why the last 3 (of the 4 made) scrimmed antler R-6's did not sell, although the price kept dropping. Beautiful little knives, worth at least $20 more than the final asking price. I believe they would have sold with the original style sheath as offered on 3/27, or with a good JKM style dangler sheath.

Norm
 
I think the sentiments expressed have been wonderful and have not seen any evidence of contrariness, nor that it has ever been posted.


for those of you who own them now- (and I'll have to ask Yangdu about this too) is the saw pattern neccessary? I wonder if that would knock the price down. Oh- I see- the gurling on the spine allows a better grip for controlled sliceing. We'll have to see if eliminating the marks would be enough to Yangdu.
As for the sheaths, I almost think sheath constuction should be a different thread- if Norm or others have something to suggest.


munk
 
I like the RSD. I do not like the markings on the blade however. I know that they exist to help remember Rusty, but they detract from the simple beauty of the knife.

I think that an unmarked knife would be better all around. It would be cheaper to make, and because there are no markings it is more than likely that more people would be interested, including the untapped market of Scottish re-enactors. I think that the markings are unnecessary; those that remember Rusty will know that this design was for him.
 
I cant afford to buy one soo...how do I show my support..

Ok here goes
If it will help out in there being (RSD)available longer I will rework or remake the sheaths at cost for those that dont like them...So that shouldnt be a problem..

How's that?

I like the little RSD but I havent had the cheddar to get one...The letters do need to go though...Maybe a change to what Norm suggested
 
Another vote for losing the lettering. :(

I could see where that added time/cost to the kami's job; if I had to even write something legible in Devagari it would take a long while (if at all).

Mm. Do want one sterile (no markings at'all) in horn in the future. Just calling it the RSD is tribute enough; like James K. Mattis' fine JKM. We remember Rusty.

...and when they come in and sell briskly with no markings, those who you who were wise and grabbed the dedicated ones can make a mint.


Mike
 
I've held off the Rusty Sgan Dubh because I did not know the man, and wanted to give those that did ample opportunity. I think they're cute knives, and I like the script. The 200K posts part is kind of scary though, and it'd be pretty easy to live without that.

Leatherface makes a very kind offer to the people who don't like the minimalist sheaths.
 
munk said:
. . .
s the saw pattern necessary . . . . I wonder if that would knock the price down. Oh- I see- the gurling on the spine allows a better grip for controlled sliceing.
. . .
munk
Click to expand...


It is traditional on this pattern of knife.
 
I'd prepay for a sterile one with the right handle -- "right" being defined as decent wood or antler. The sheath's unimportant. (Hell, forget the sheath if it makes things easier.)
 
I've written Yangdu and asked her specifically how much cost reduction we'd get by removing the writing.



munk
 
Dave Rishar said:
I'd prepay for a sterile one with the right handle -- "right" being defined as decent wood or antler. The sheath's unimportant. (Hell, forget the sheath if it makes things easier.)
Click to expand...

I would do the same, no writting with an antler handle :thumbup: , I could also go without a sheath.
 
I haven,t received mine yet so I cannot reply directly as to quality . I think that has already been attested to . As many forumites claimed interest in the knives whether engraved or not I am sure it will do well .

The fact that it is a period piece will make it popular with re-enactors and those of Scottish heritage . I think its sleek and unique lines would attract collectors as well .
 
There is a lot of honor & sincerity here, which is one the main reasons, for me, that makes HI as a phenomenon so rightous. But, gotta agree with a more discreet blade. Antler on a highland blade is always correct, so is simple polished wood. Big re-creationist, Ren Faire, SCA type market potential.
Part of me wants to HI to continue to expand its repetoire(sp?), er.. catalog. Part of me wants HI to continue to concentrate on more indigenious projects. Of course, part of me wants to see them cater more to MA needs, particularly blades that can be applied to FMA...that being said, their swords are all ready too cool. My Udda & my YCS dragon karda are fantastic. I agree with my Escrima instructor, that the kami's have an uncanny sense of how a particular type of blade should feel in the hand. From many posts I've read, this isn't news to anyone...
So...I am down for any actions that ultimately keeps the quality, creativity, and sprituality of HI continuing to flourish. Thanks again Yangdu! Namaste.:)
 
It's a good knife and well made, but the engraved inscriptions appeal only to a limited audience. I've no doubt a "plain jane" version would sell briskly.

Sarge
 
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