Production delays

R.A.T.

R.A.T.

Randall's Adventure & Training
Joined
Feb 4, 2004
Messages
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Just so we keep everyone informed, we wanted to let everyone know that we are experiencing some production delays when it comes to RC-4s and RC-6s. Both of these are due to sheathing issues. Not the sheath makers fault but our fault since we're making some last minute changes. We're having to move mounting hole placement on the RC-4 Kydex to better accommodate the MOLLE back. We also forgot to add a drainage port on the sheath. Lastly, we're adding an 18" length of paracord so a field expedient belt carrier can be made by threading the cord through the holes in the Kydex sheathing and locking with a cord lock. This will give the users yet another attachment option to go along with the MOLLE Clips and MOLLE back, not to mention a piece of valuable 550 cord for other reasons. If all goes well, we hope to be able to ship some RC-4s by the end of this month.

For the RC-6 we're waiting for the final production samples from Blade Tech on the molded sheath, and we just made final changes on the MOLLE back at SHOT show. We're *hoping* we can start shipping RC-6s sometime in March.

Sorry for the delays guys but Mike and I want to be sure that what we ship is right and we owe it to our customers to keep them informed. I wished I could give you more specific shipping dates but it's hard to do with some of these issues. Hang in there. We'll get it done.

Jeff
 
Sound good to me,RC wants the best product out and not a blade that has a bunch of "I wish we would have did this or that" following the RC line-up around...Makes me feel good to know a company cares so much about the end user and providing us with info that some may not want to hear but is vital to RC and the long run.
 
After meeting Jeff and Mike at the shot show, having some good conversations, and getting a little first-hand insight into the RAT production process, I can honestly say: Jeff & Mike are committed to doing itright. Personally, I'd rather have a well-thought-out knife system than one hurried into production, especially if I'm back in the middle of nowhere and my life depends on my gear.
Thanks, Jeff and Mike, for caring enought to bring well-thought-out gear ot those who need it.I'm sure the delay will be well worth it.:D
 
after getting the Spyderco Military in S90V, the RC-6 has made it to 1st position on my '2008 must have' list
 
Do you have any info on the Ontario RAT knives? When can we expect to see them back in production? Thanks.
 
From Jeff about Ontario:I have no idea and I've pretty much given up trying to get the latest updates. Instead I'm just focusing on RAT Cutlery from now on.
 
I'm not down on Ontario except for the folder issue. When it comes to the fixed blades I'm sure they will get back on track. What I saw at SHOT was good quality knives so I think they may have their grinding issues worked out.

The only reason I said what I said is we can no longer get a straight answer out of them on production issues so Mike and I have pretty much given up trying and just directing folks directly to Ontario to get their questions answered on production, as well as warranty issues.
 
After I last posted I saw Jeff's post in the other thread. I sent a Email to Ontario the other day and I am going to send another one today. I will let you know if they respond. They realy should try to keep their customers informed. my RAT 3 has been on back order for almost 5 months now and nobody's talking. That's ridiculous.
 
LG&M:

For what it's worth, Mike and I apologize to you for the delay, but kicking anyone in the ass and getting things moving has gone beyond our control. We really don't know what's going on right now but we feel confident that Ontario will get it resolved.

With all that said, I think you will eventually see Mike and I completely move away from trying to do any customer service on Ontario RAT products because it's beyond our control and even when we get answers on issues, they may not be accurate. Mike and I are discussing this now and the bottom line is we are probably just going to concentrate on RAT Cutlery since RAT Cutlery's total decision making process rests on three people: Mike Perrin, Shon Rowen (Rowen Manufacturing) and myself. If Shon gives us a date, then he's always dead on unless something major happens. His quality is unmatched and his perfection and customer service is just like Mike and myself. Rowen has yet to cause a production delay or put out a sub-par product for RAT Cutlery. Every delay that we have had has been because Mike and I changed sheathing at the last minute (or design) but we do our best to keep our customer base informed. In short, Mike and I can manage what goes on at RAT Cutlery, we can't manage anything when it comes to Ontario RAT.

Jeff
 
I'll second all Jeff said. I put up latest Ontario shipping projections on our web site but it still changes month to month. Supposedly all 1095 carbon steel knives are now shipping. D2 models have been pushed out to as late as April. That is the best info I havenow. It may change next month. Like Jeff said we are not down on Ontario outside of the folder issue but we are losing the ability to have any real control over customer service through Ontario. Mike
 
Thanks for the explanation, guys. I don't think any of us have a problem with you focusing on RC instead of RAT as long as we get more options:), especially green micarta:D. (Oh, and OD green blades for TexasTonyDobbs).
 
I would just buy a Rowen made RC-3 (I don't think they were out when I ordered mine) I am sure they are every bit as good if not better. I don't need the extra 3/8" on the handle or the spiked pommel. However if you could throw in the phone# of the hot blond model on your website. I would be in for two. O.K. I just saw you now have one with out the spiked glass breaker I will give them a new look. Also thanks to Jeff & Mike for the response.
 
LG&M, The RC-3 is now coming out with a 'modified' pommel removing the pointy glass breaker for those that don't like it. Both the modified and standard glass breaker pommel will be available. Mike
 
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