I bet they'd sell if anyone could figure out how to buy them....

[desmobob]

I'm a happy owner of a Camp Tramp and have been thinking about picking up another Swamp Rat at some point.

I browsed the website and when I click on the order link for any of the knives, I get an order blank for the Rat Trap, which is not even listed on the site.

Then, I tried the "Company Store" section of The Swampshack site. There are no links to prices, ordering, etc. Strange way to run a store....

Neither site has any information regarding WHY I can't order, when I'll be able to order, etc.. Funny way to run a business....

I spent my money on a couple of new Spydercos instead. Will I ever be able to order another Swamp Rat knife or is it some kind of secret?

Stay sharp,
desmobob

 

[mogmz]

I think its because of the switch over to the new line maybe. It would be nice though if between both SwampRat and Busse more than two or three knives were available, like it has been for months now

 

[Hondo.3]

I you count SYKCO, it's three companies.

 

[UffDa]

What we have here is a company that make an extremely popular product and can't keep up with the demand. I also suspect that their strategy is to keep waving the carrot in front of the "Hogs". They are making instant collectors knives. There is nothing wrong with that except that it frustrates other potential buyers who are outside the "loop", but they seem to have a regular customer base that will keep them in business for the foreseeable future.

You might check eBay. There seems to be a fair amount of Busse and SRKW knife listed there almost all the time.

 

[brianNH]

My attempts and desire to purchase any of the SR's has pretty much dwindled. Not that I dont like them, I just find the "hype" to be way overdone, and the supply very limited. When the knives such as the Ratweiler were available on the website, people were waiting months for them yet if an extravaganza popped up, (run on the Busse forum), one could be had instantly while other people such as myself were still waiting, some only to find their order was never received . I was fortunate to get a Rat Mastiff added to my shoppig cart during an SR extravaganza, only to find it was removed and wouldn't let me complete the transaction. I keep hearing about a "new" line, scrapyard, but please, save the hype, and make the knives first so when we get excited, we can just go and buy them.

I have purchased about 15 Busse knives in the past year mostly through the Busse company store and cannot say enough good about them. There's always new things popping up there and the pricing isn't over inflated. If you want to play games, and be on the internet 24/7 to get a SR knife, then that's what you'll have to do. Some of us dont have that kind of time. In no way is this rant placing blame on whoever runs the SR site or store as I dont believe it's a reflection on them as much as the people who stock them.

The moral of the story is, if your not happy trying to buy a SR, go to the Busse company store, what's there is in stock and ready to ship.

-Edited to change "Battle Rat" to "Rat Mastiff"

 

[Cutshaw]

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how SRKW became a gateway drug to Busse!

 

[Rich_S]

My attempts and desire to purchase any of the SR's has pretty much dwindled. Not that I dont like them, I just find the "hype" to be way overdone, and the supply very limited. When the knives such as the Ratweiler were available on the website, people were waiting months for them yet if an extravaganza popped up, (run on the Busse forum), one could be had instantly while other people such as myself were still waiting, some only to find their order was never received . I was fortunate to get a battle rat added to my shoppig cart during an SR extravaganza, only to find it was removed and wouldn't let me complete the transaction. I keep hearing about a "new" line, scrapyard, but please, save the hype, and make the knives first so when we get excited, we can just go and buy them.

I have purchased about 15 Busse knives in the past year mostly through the Busse company store and cannot say enough good about them. There's always new things popping up there and the pricing isn't over inflated. If you want to play games, and be on the internet 24/7 to get a SR knife, then that's what you'll have to do. Some of us dont have that kind of time. In no way is this rant placing blame on whoever runs the SR site or store as I dont believe it's a reflection on them as much as the people who stock them.

The moral of the story is, if your not happy trying to buy a SR, go to the Busse company store, what's there is in stock and ready to ship.

Unless I'm mistaken, about the only thing you can buy from Busse right now is the War Boar kerambit or the Hell Razor knife. I've read that the intent is to basically offer one new item every few months and then discontinue it to make way for the next new one. Not exactly much in the way of choice, but supposedly the next item up will be the new Fusion Battle Mistress which is pretty much THE one Busse that I want right now so I'll be happy when it's available.

 

[Eric Isaacson]

Not that I dont like them, I just find the "hype" to be way overdone, and the supply very limited. When the knives such as the Ratweiler were available on the website, people were waiting months for them yet if an extravaganza popped up, (run on the Busse forum), one could be had instantly while other people such as myself were still waiting, some only to find their order was never received . I was fortunate to get a battle rat added to my shoppig cart during an SR extravaganza, only to find it was removed and wouldn't let me complete the transaction. I keep hearing about a "new" line, scrapyard, but please, save the hype, and make the knives first so when we get excited, we can just go and buy them.

Brian
I'm glad you are happy with the Busse Company store, Scott and Vicki do a great job. I'm sorry you are unhappy with Swamp Rat, hopefully once the new line goes into full production many of the issues you raise will be eliminated. However, I have to make a couple of clarifications about your statements.
We never offered any knives through extravaganza's that people had on order and were waiting for. When the Ratweilers were offered through the extravaganza all orders had been filled. Also, there was never a time when you could put a "battle rat" in the shopping cart and it disappear before purchasing. The Battle Rat was available for over 3 years to order via the Swamp Rat website, it was a regular production piece, it was not sold through the company store and the only time it was sold through an Extravaganza was the Knob Creek one where we had cancellations and extra pieces left over. (this may have occured with knives that sold via the Company store site, but not the Battle Rat) I'm sorry you had this trouble.
Scrapyard really has nothing to do with Swamp Rat, so I'm not really sure why you are bringing them up. The complaints about Scrap Yard I can't speak on as I have nothing to do with them and they have nothing to do with me. They are a new Company not a new line.

Lastly, maybe the reason we haven't had knives available is because we are finishing them so you can buy them and not wait

BTW, hype is only hype when it can't be backed by performance. Our performance claims are fact

 

[mymindisamob]

Brian
I'm glad you are happy with the Busse Company store, Scott and Vicki do a great job. I'm sorry you are unhappy with Swamp Rat, hopefully once the new line goes into full production many of the issues you raise will be eliminated. However, I have to make a couple of clarifications about your statements.
We never offered any knives through extravaganza's that people had on order and were waiting for. When the Ratweilers were offered through the extravaganza all orders had been filled. Also, there was never a time when you could put a "battle rat" in the shopping cart and it disappear before purchasing. The Battle Rat was available for over 3 years to order via the Swamp Rat website, it was a regular production piece, it was not sold through the company store and the only time it was sold through an Extravaganza was the Knob Creek one where we had cancellations and extra pieces left over. (this may have occured with knives that sold via the Company store site, but not the Battle Rat) I'm sorry you had this trouble.
Scrapyard really has nothing to do with Swamp Rat, so I'm not really sure why you are bringing them up. The complaints about Scrap Yard I can't speak on as I have nothing to do with them and they have nothing to do with me. They are a new Company not a new line.

Lastly, maybe the reason we haven't had knives available is because we are finishing them so you can buy them and not wait

BTW, hype is only hype when it can't be backed by performance. Our performance claims are fact

Eric, Thanks for always coming to the plate and giving response. I do think that the issue is and has been for awhile, that we are not given a real time frame for when blades will be available. I'm sure that it is not your responsibility, but it doesn't help that the website has been outdated for some time now. Consumers are typically uncomfortable with vague availability and questions answered with "maybe" and "soon". This is not a slam on you OR Swamp Rat, but I think most of us are just having the euphoria of a new line wear thin. Nevertheless, I remain hopeful and as patient as I have to be. Thank You for your time and effort in what seems like a difficult transition.:thumbup:

 

[desmobob]

Eric, Thanks for always coming to the plate and giving response.

He never did respond to the OP.

I thought I had some comments that would interest the company. If I was a business owner I think I would be concerned with these things.

I browsed the website and when I click on the order link for any of the knives, I get an order blank for the Rat Trap, which is not even listed on the site.

Then, I tried the "Company Store" section of The Swampshack site. There are no links to prices, ordering, etc. Strange way to run a store....

Neither site has any information regarding WHY I can't order, when I'll be able to order, etc.. Funny way to run a business....
(bold type added for emphasis)

I guess if you sell an exclusive product to a small market, you don't mind turning away some customers? I don't really get it, but that may be why I'm not in business myself!

I do like my Camp Tramp.

Stay sharp,
desmobob

 

[rosconey2]

total lack of info and product has kept me from owning one

 

[Josh Muller]

He never did respond to the OP.

I thought I had some comments that would interest the company. If I was a business owner I think I would be concerned with these things.





I guess if you sell an exclusive product to a small market, you don't mind turning away some customers? I don't really get it, but that may be why I'm not in business myself!

I do like my Camp Tramp.

Stay sharp,
desmobob

You can find this information here, on the companies forum - and you can probably find it on the forum that is located at the swamp rate home page.

You cannot currently order the old line because it has been discontinued. If you are having trouble using the online purchasing page or software, you can send an email to the email adresses found on the swamp rat website. If those fail to get a response, you can come here and make a post regarding your troubles, and it will be responded to.

As far as I understand the rat trap is currently available for purchase, and has the usual wait times.

The new line will not be available to purchase until the company is capable of producing the knives that will make up the new line. They do not provide a specific date as to the release because they dont know. they know a rough estimate, but certain things must be in place before taking in orders, and those things probably arent in place yet. If they gave a specific date and could not meet it - several times - it would reflect just as badly (if not moreso) then if they did not give a specific date at all.

 

[Josh Muller]

I guess if you sell an exclusive product to a small market, you don't mind turning away some customers? I don't really get it, but that may be why I'm not in business myself!

I do like my Camp Tramp.

Stay sharp,
desmobob

(from merian webster (i had to look it up to make sure i had the exact meaning right))
1 a : excluding or having power to exclude b : limiting or limited to possession, control, or use by a single individual or group
2 a : excluding others from participation b : snobbishly aloof
3 a : accepting or soliciting only a socially restricted patronage (as of the upper class) b : STYLISH, FASHIONABLE c : restricted in distribution, use, or appeal because of expense

If you mean people who do not have the internet, then yes they are exclusive. If you mean people who cannot afford the prices they set, then yes, they are exclusive. If you wish to get it from a dealer rather then the internet (wich would be at a marked up price), then ya, again their exclusive.

The only truly exclusive selling i've seen here at swamp rat is the forum member special offers, like the new crash axes. They were offered at a reduced price to forum members who pre-ordered. When they are offered publicly (to whomever wishes to purchase one) they will be at the standard price, wich is higher then the special preorder price.

Outside of that - swamp rat isnt from what i've seen. anyone who is a member of this forum can get any of the blades that are offered. When their is a limited number of available blades, there will be a limited number of people who can get them, and generally its a first come first serve basis. The people who know about it first, who put the most energy into getting them will get them because they are there first.

Were I to own a bussiness, I would sell what I was capable of selling, by what means were afforded to me. It is inherent that I would be unable to sell to everyone, because i wouldnt have the stock, the manpower, or the time to do so. in order to try i would have to spread my company so far out that it would fail as a result. You cant satisfy everyone, you can only try your best without sacrificing your own security.

 

[Josh Muller]

I'm a happy owner of a Camp Tramp and have been thinking about picking up another Swamp Rat at some point.

I browsed the website and when I click on the order link for any of the knives, I get an order blank for the Rat Trap, which is not even listed on the site.

Then, I tried the "Company Store" section of The Swampshack site. There are no links to prices, ordering, etc. Strange way to run a store....

Neither site has any information regarding WHY I can't order, when I'll be able to order, etc.. Funny way to run a business....

I spent my money on a couple of new Spydercos instead. Will I ever be able to order another Swamp Rat knife or is it some kind of secret?

Stay sharp,
desmobob

In your original post, you asked one question. The answer is yes you will be able to purchase another swamp rat knife if you choose to. No their production and custom runs are not secret, and are available to any forum member who is here, or at the swamp rat home forum to read about them.

 

[jll346]

It is truely a shame how the Swamp operates because there knives are awesome as I own a few. Everyone always says "It's worth the wait", which may be true. But...Would you keep going back to a food establishment if service was constantly crappy or any other place of service that was not up to par? The answer is NO. Sooner or later people get fed up and go elsewhere. There is obviously a demand and for quite some time now so some one some where better get a grip.

 

[Eric Isaacson]

I browsed the website and when I click on the order link for any of the knives, I get an order blank for the Rat Trap, which is not even listed on the site.

Then, I tried the "Company Store" section of The Swampshack site. There are no links to prices, ordering, etc. Strange way to run a store....

Neither site has any information regarding WHY I can't order, when I'll be able to order, etc.. Funny way to run a business....

I understand your frustration. The Company Store site is www.shop.ratknives.com there are currently no knives listed as right now we have nothing available. We only sell knives that we have available to ship, we hope to have some M6's in 10-14 days to sell and ship. The Rat Trap is still listed because we still are accepting orders for it.

The Swamp Rat website should be updated soon to list some of the new line and a link to the Company Store site www.shop.ratknives.com

Swamp Shack www.swampshack.com is one of our customers sites, owned and run by him. We really appreciate all the info and pics there, but we have no control over it's content.

We do have a little trouble with websites, and I understand how frustrating it can be when you can't find the info you want, however a single email to swamprat.com or ratknives.com or a post on this forum will get you an answer within 24-48 hours, usually much quicker if I'm online. While we may suck at computers, we really rock at making the highest performing knives that money can buy

 

[bigbcustom]

There are some great points brought up here, and I agree that, at least in my opinion, there are many things that could be done to improve the service and perception of SWKW as regards to those on the fringe (as opposed to those in the thick of things ie "rats" and "hogs"). All that being said, It doesn't matter if they market well, keep the website updated, or do anything else.....they will sell every piece they can make as soon as they make it, and at whatever price they choose to sell it at.....It doesn't matter. I have had a few dealings with the folks at the shop (on the phone), and I have always received great service, and enthusiastic response to any questions I have had. I wasn't happy waiting forever for my howling rat, but I waited...and I'm not even a member of the "rat" cult (no offense intended, but the rats and hogs are a little bit of a cult....a good natured cult but a cult none the less lol). I guess the whole point here is that nothing needs to be fixed from their point of view because they instantly sell 100% of their production despite the problems sited. If their sales dropped off for some reason, I bet you my bottom dollar that everything would get updated in a big hurry. I am not bashing anybody here just giving my opinion and observations. I like SWKW, and I understand why things don't change.....they simply don't have to.

 

[desmobob]

anyone who is a member of this forum can get any of the blades that are offered.

Really? You have to be a member of this forum? Oh... you're right, that's not "exclusive" at all.

And the only one offered is the Rat Trap.

Anyway, you are missing my point... I guess jll346 gets it.

Let me put it this way: If you went to the Cabela's web site with the intention of buying a new camouflage jacket and when you clicked on the "order now" link, you were sent to a page to order a brown sweater, what would you think?

You might think there was a technical glitch, so you then looked at a different camouflage jacket. When you clicked on the "order now" link, you were sent to the page to order the sweater again. No matter which item in the entire catalog you tried to buy, you ended up at the sweater ordering page.

You really wanted the jacket because you know it's a good one... the best available for the money. What are you thinking now?

Because Swamp Rat make a great product, some people are apparently willing to jump through hoops to get it. Not everyone is willing to go out of their way to give someone else their money. An updated web site and more information avaliable to potential customers would be a very good thing. I'd rather feel informed about why I couldn't get the knife I wanted at the moment rather than have to wonder if the website was even working properly, and then start e-mailing to find out what was going on.

Making a web purchase is supposed to be simple and convenient, isn't it?

I wasn't bashing Swamp Rat. I was attempting a little constructive criticism. I didn't mean to rile up the lackeys.

Eric, I appreciate your response. You understand my frustration. If you know potential customers are frustrated, you know something is amiss.

Stay sharp,
desmobob

 

[Eric Isaacson]

constantly crappy.

While we may be slow, I think that "Constantly crappy" in reference to our service is a little strong. We are upfront about our waits times, we changed our order page at least 8 months ago to indicate that the wait times are now 8-12 weeks, and we do not charge any orders in advance. We are quick about answering emails, answering questions on the forums, responding to any warranty issues (which are extremely rare) and our performance is unbeatable. The demand is extremely high, it's not that we are making 3 knives at a time, we are making hundreds at a time and they are still all sold when they are completed. Demand is high because the product is outstanding and the price is obviously too low (indicated by the fact that people can turn them immediately for an easy profit). Maybe it isn't that our production is the problem, maybe our marketing is too good and our prices too low.

Just because there is a wait, don't automatically assume that there is an easy fix. The easy fix is to raise prices to slow sales while making more profit in order to the add to the manufacturing facilities. However, this easy fix goes against our mission statement to provide the highest performance knives possible at reasonable prices. So we have avoided this fix and have become a target for everyone because "we can't supply the product"

 

[Eric Isaacson]

, what would you think?

I'd think that something is wrong and that I should notify the company, and if you did notify us you'd get a response within hours indicating that we are in the middle of an overhaul on our line. It would also include a link to pics of the new line, with prices and some info on how to get updates to that info.

I know this is the case because this is the info I send to everyone who emails me with questions about ordering.

I know that the website needs work, however there are other ways to get the info. I spend a lot of time on these forums and answering emails because I know that people want the info.