Laser Strike problem - please read

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Jeff, would it be possible to have a few of the Laser Strikes without the extra-hard spine? I actually like the idea of a differentially hardened knife, and I have no real use for the natural flint sparking ability. Or, are all TOPs knives zone hardened, other than the ones they make for you? It's a great design, but like I said, a springy spine appeals to more than the ability to strike sparks from natural flint. If it isn't possible to change the specs (perfecty understandable), I could just get a TOPs Storm Rider or one of their other 5 inch blades. I hadn't been aware prior to this that TOPS zone hardened their knives. Nice to learn. And just out of curiousity (being left handed) what percentage of Laser Strikes are in left handed sheaths? Thanks for taking the time to read and respond to my question. I always look forward to your reviews in TK.
 
You're in luck ! :)

I have about 15 knives in stock that have the soft spine and we have ceased selling anything until these are fixed - UNLESS, someone specifically wants one without true flint capabilities. The only problem is all of them are right handed knives, so the sheath would have to be made.

Appreciate your kind words, but understand that we screwed up. The knife is designed to do what it is advertised to do. I know I would not pay 180 dollars for a knife that does not live up to what the advertising and reviews claim. Period. Integrity and credibility are far more important to what we do than knife sales. Sure we could have kept this problem quiet but, in our opinion, that would be un-fair to everyone who believes in us.

This problem has put us in a pinch with our current stock. TOPS is an excellent company with quality products so there's no hard feelings about this. $hit happens. The original run of Laser Strikes work very well, but if we cannot get the bugs worked out on the heat treating, we will pull the plug on the project until we do. Again, we refuse to put out a product that does not live up to what we claim. Period.

Thanks,

Jeff Randall
 
Jeff,

Both you & Tops are class acts. Like you said,$hit happens. Honesty and communication solves most problems.
 
Jeff and Tops,

Though I must say the other members have covered it pretty well. I just have to say that I am very glad to see the way you guys are handling the situation. Very professional and just being, flat out, good people!

A round of applause. :D

late,
FLY GUY
Allen Blade Board
 
Thanks for the kind comments guys, but we are just doing what is the right thing to do. If the rest of the world was as good of folks as Mike Fuller and TOPS knives, then it would definitley be a better world to live in.

Below is a post I just put over in the general forum to bring everyone up to date. It's also my way of saying thanks to TOPS for being so damn honest, for having integrity, and for just being a damn good company to do business with. They are TOPS.


All,

Just got off the phone with Mike Fuller at TOPS. I have to say this is one class act gentleman. The problem with the Laser Strikes came about due to heat treating as we suspected. To make a long story short, Mike hired a new employee to do heat treating in the shop at the same time as buying a new forge. The new man was use to heat treating TOPS knives the standard way and the Laser Strikes require a special heat treating process. It was a simple over-sight on the employee which left the tang and raised area above the handles soft. Having said that, neither Mike or myself are passing the buck. We carry the ultimate responsibility of delivering a good product to the customer and that's exactly what we will be doing. We will be contacting all owners of Laser Strikes to notify them of this problem and offer a generous and quick resolution.

TOPS is working overtime to finish out more blades as we speak to replace any that slipped out. This turn around process will be very quick according to Mike.

If you have one of the above serial numbers stated in the original post, then please contact TOPS at info@topsknives.com to have your knife replaced.

Mike does not have access to a computer but he wanted me to pass on his apology and to assure everyone that TOPS will do whatever it takes to satisfy the customer.

Over the years I have dealt with a lot of folks in the cutlery industry and I have to say Mike Fuller and TOPS are definitley top of the list when it comes to integrity, service, and quality. The thing I like about this whole mess is TOPS immediately stepped up to the plate and accepted responsibility without hesitation. They're first concern is the customer - period! This situation and its resolution has simply reaffirmed my belief in companies such as TOPS knives.

The good thing about this is only 11 blades slipped past us before it was caught. Thanks Fred!

We should have Laser Strikes back in stock and ready for sale in about 2 weeks...unless you want one without the special heat treat :)

Thanks,

Jeff Randall
 
Jeff;
I have passed the word of this situation to any Laserstrike owning Hoodlums,Cabinites and Porcupines. That area is covered.;)
 
Thanks BT,

I have already received one response from a customer that saw your post on Ron's forum. Of the customers that have responded to this problem, all of them have elected not to have the knife re-heat treated since true flint striking capability is not an issue with them. Besides the mistake with heat treat, the knife is getting very good reviews.

As of this posting we have all the in-stock Laser Strikes boxed and ready to be shipped back to TOPS for re-work. We should have them back in stock in a couple of weeks. About the time we get back home from Miami, so shipping should work out good after all.

Thanks again amigo.

Jeff
 
Just received a test knife from Mike Fuller at TOPS after re-heat treating. This one throws sparks like the 4th of July with true flint. Looks as though the problem has been resolved and things are back on track. We should have knives back in stock within 10 days.

Thanks for your patience.

Jeff Randall
 
It's nice to see pro-active approaches such as this. I wish all such companies would learn from this instead of trying to deny/hide from problems. These things do indeed happen, and when they are handled like this, I have no problems buying items sight unseen with confidence.

I have been looking at TOPS, and I hope they realize that this sort of handling and honesty only encourages me to buy their product! I don't care how hi-tech this world gets, I still make business deals based upon character, whether it's an individual or a company. I'll bet I'm not the only one, either.

Great job! :)
 
I agree 100% For me, your statement was right on target for everything we do in a business transaction. I sent my Laser Strike to them and have a feeling of confidence that everything will be just fine and the knife will be returned soon.

Speaking like a true knife-nut, one of the nice things about this is that I get to open another package sent through the mail and inside will be a great TOPS knife, of which I have several to date. It does not matter if its my Laser Strike on it way home, it will be a new suprise in the mail...and this time with a historical story to go with it. I know, I know...I got it bad, but you have to admit (a knife nut) there is something exciting about opening a package knowing a great tool rests inside. :) :)
 
All,

We have had several inquiries from people asking for the Laser Strike without the hardened back strap. As I have explained to everyone, this knife is not offered that way. The ONLY Laser Strikes that are circulating in the public that do not have hardened back straps are the serial numbers listed in this thread. There will be no more.

The reason for this is simple. First of all, the knife was designed to do what it's advertsied to do and what the Tactical Knives magazine review said it would do. Second, if we offered the knife without the hardening and the owner traded or sold the knife to someone else, then the new owner may expect it to throw sparks from true flint, due to the knife's reputation. This could hurt the reputation of the designer, maker, and everyone else associated with this project if the new owner was not fully informed of the knife he bought.

If we decide to build the Laser Strike without a hardened back strap then we will make a public statement long before any knives are introduced to the market.

One other thing that needs mentioned here: The Laser Strike is only available from TOPS knives or Randall's Adventure & Training. There are no dealers for this knife, nor do we intend for there to be at this time. The Laser Strike is solely the design of Randall's Adventure & Training and we (TOPS and R.A.T) fully intend to keep quality control and it's advertised ability up to par.

We're not in this for the money. Sure, we intend to make a profit from the knife but the bottom line is the knife is designed to do a job.

Thanks,

Jeff Randall
 
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