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REKAT Sifu discontinued
- Thread starter bquinlan
- Start date
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- Oct 2, 1998
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- 15,211
Personally, I thought the Sifu (especially the finger groove-less models) was one of the most kick ass folders out there. Judging by the sheer numbers that came throught our doors, others agree.
Again, personal opinion, I would have paid good money for an aluminum handled model (ala the Savant) - but I guess that will never happen. The Ultimate Sifu?
Kevin
Again, personal opinion, I would have paid good money for an aluminum handled model (ala the Savant) - but I guess that will never happen. The Ultimate Sifu?
Kevin
- Joined
- Mar 22, 2001
- Messages
- 575
It's a very sad day, I love LARGE folders and the Sifu is my all time favorite....no matter what I buy I still go back to carring one of them, now I'm glad I have three as "backups".
Not exactally a wise decision in my opinion, the SIFU was what made REKAT stand out from rest of the pact. Oh well Camillius will be coming out with the Ralph Maxx, just as big and made by a company that likes interaction with their customers.
Would have loved to see a blue handled g-10 to go with my red one,
Hopefully, Rekat has a new "plan" for a mega-folder.
glockman99
RIP Dann, you were a good guy.
- Joined
- Jun 12, 2000
- Messages
- 21,269
RL,
I see that you have never "played-with" (or even held) a REKAT Sifu in your hand...Correct?.
. If you had, you would have also felt the sturdiness, comfort, and "raw power" of that folder that I feel everytime I thumb mine open!.
. Also, beauty MUST BE in "the eye of the beholder", as I feel that MY REKAT Sifus are beautiful folders!.
.
- Joined
- May 31, 1999
- Messages
- 643
I love my Sifu. Carry it every day(well, almost). It is definitely one of my more solid folders. I trust it more than any of my others, except maybe my Carnivore. But I agree with Centurian. I won't be upset as long as they have another BIG folder design in the works. If not well...
- Joined
- Dec 19, 2000
- Messages
- 586
Darnit all to heck! I very much want to get a Sifu, but now I may not be able to...I don't have the money, and it maybe gone before I do.
yes, yes, i know i can get them from private parties (i.e.- the exchange forums) but its not the same, and the price may inflate (collectors item kinda thing).
hopefully, i can figure out something. It is really too bad this knife is going away. I'd always been somewhat enamored of it, and I wanted to buy it as my first truly large folder.
glockman, sorry for you pain. as a lover of things rekat, id like to think i may share it a bit, as many others do....share your pain, maaaaaaannnn...
yes, yes, i know i can get them from private parties (i.e.- the exchange forums) but its not the same, and the price may inflate (collectors item kinda thing).
hopefully, i can figure out something. It is really too bad this knife is going away. I'd always been somewhat enamored of it, and I wanted to buy it as my first truly large folder.
glockman, sorry for you pain. as a lover of things rekat, id like to think i may share it a bit, as many others do....share your pain, maaaaaaannnn...
- Joined
- Aug 24, 1999
- Messages
- 2,285
Originally posted by glockman99
RL,
I see that you have never "played-with" (or even held) a REKAT Sifu in your hand...Correct?.
Ahhh, why did I know you would say that? But au contraire mon cher Glockman, I have held a SIFU at the last CKG show in October (admittedly it was my first and only time)
Originally posted by glockman99
If you had, you would have also felt the sturdiness, comfort, and "raw power" of that folder that I feel everytime I thumb mine open!.
Hmmm...not exactly.
Originally posted by glockman99
Also, beauty MUST BE in "the eye of the beholder", as I feel that MY REKAT Sifus are beautiful folders!.
You really find those finger grooves attractive? WOW! Oh well, I guess I'll stick to the Laci Szabo RAD and Cold Steel Vaquero Grande when it comes time for me to buy a mega-folder.
RL
NO ROLLING LOCKS IN THE COMMANDER!!!
I had a sifu for about a day. I flicked it out, liked it.
I did a few practice slashes. liked it.
I gave it a light tap on the tip of the blade as if i was delivering a backcut to someone's hand. it failed on me.
a brand new knife with the supposedly strongest lock in the world.
then the company has the gaul to tell its buyers that the knife is "not made for that kind of use"
NO THANKS.
I said this a while ago on the rekat board. I'll say it again. If you market a folder as the ultimate fighting folder, then use consistant with a fight is not abuse.
I trust a liner lock more than i do a lock that depends on springs that can jump and fail at a slight tap.
I have the integral lock commander. IF anything, that should be how it goes.
I had a sifu for about a day. I flicked it out, liked it.
I did a few practice slashes. liked it.
I gave it a light tap on the tip of the blade as if i was delivering a backcut to someone's hand. it failed on me.
a brand new knife with the supposedly strongest lock in the world.
then the company has the gaul to tell its buyers that the knife is "not made for that kind of use"
NO THANKS.
I said this a while ago on the rekat board. I'll say it again. If you market a folder as the ultimate fighting folder, then use consistant with a fight is not abuse.
I trust a liner lock more than i do a lock that depends on springs that can jump and fail at a slight tap.
I have the integral lock commander. IF anything, that should be how it goes.
- Joined
- May 31, 1999
- Messages
- 643
Does anyone remember the thread where the guy duct taped the knives to a baseball bat and hit a tree with the spine of the knife? The only knife that didn't fail was the Carnivore with the rolling lock. It ripped right through the tape and flew across the yard IIRC. This is the kind of trust I have in my rolling locks. But maybe I just got good ones.
glockman99
RIP Dann, you were a good guy.
- Joined
- Jun 12, 2000
- Messages
- 21,269
I have NEVER had the rolling-lock fail on ANY of the MANY REKAT folders that I've owned. Never. I trust MY fingers 100% to my REKATs (but then, I DO keep my knives well cleaned and lubricated). I also make SURE that I don't accidently move the blade-release slider with my hand or fingers during use while the blade is locked-open..
.a few thoughts....
imho the very absolutly last thing ernie needs to do is put a 'rolling lock' on anything he makes - he has a rep for quality now, why blow it?? maybe the axis, compression i can see, but the rolling lock?? no way....
i personally prefer the smooth handle sifus myself, but niether are, imho, ugly(not even close) and are pretty good mega folders IF the lock works correctly
imho a cold steel anything (ie vaquero grande) compared to REKAT is like comparing apples/caviar - the REKAT w/all its fault is 3X the knife the CS VG is - CS VG is ok, but give me G10/D2 anytime over zytel/whatever they have today for steel - the sifu is a lot better than a VG i honestly believe
then again,imho what good is a knife for defense if the maker/designer himself states a hard blow to the back of the blade (ala spinewhack) is ABUSE and CAN/WILL cause failure of the rolling lock - mine locks fine, but was handfitted by bob, so i would expect it to - do a search on all the probs w/rolling locks especially the sifu - obviously to me anyway there where probs w/the sifu - ya never hear about carnies, etc failing always sifus
why bob/christina /REKAT, rather than taking care of the guy who bought eight (8) sifus from 1sks and 6 failed the whack test,imho like they should have,i'll never figure- instead, he threw a hissy fit and said it was all bull schit and only 2 had ever failed, we were trolling REKAT, etc ad nauseum - mine failed i never whacked it, never abused it, hell it was only 2 wks old when the lock failed, cutting me in the process - yes sure the guy might have been unhappy, if i had 6 knives i had almost $1000 in fail, i too, would be unhappy - i have always wondered why 1SKS never stepped in to take care of thier customer?? too much trouble for ya?? no, instead bob/christina take the REKAT forum off BF cuz we are trolls who wanna ruin his company.......hmmmmmmmmm- outside of the really hard core knife people REKAT is relativly unknown, why bite the hand which feeds???
perhaps all this wouldnt have been an issue except REKATS advertising touting the rolling lock as the stongest in the industry - and it wont pass a whack test?? and its the strongest?? i think not........
i got the impression that bob just blew up that weekend, probably from being inundated w/a flood of defective sifus, and said **** this, lets make tools not knives (whatever tools they make??)
imho due to poor mgt, poor customer service, poor attitude, no website, etc they are not long for this world(unless the tool biz is rocking) - too bad they make a good knife, but in this world just making a good product, w/no customer service, a poor attitude, etc aint enuff
i was looking at an old edition of combat handguns and saw a ad for a escalator, the bram frank design like the gunting - they go on and on w/all the info about the rolling lock being so strong, etc , and then say the knife designer Bran (?) Frank ........they cant even get the name right,par for the course imho
well enuff REKAT bashing, the sifu was a great knife never marketed well, w/a finicky lock system they didnt like to fix when it broke
after bobs sarcastic comments levelled at BF members, i never intended to purchase another REKAT again, and my thoughts havent changed -BUT why would ya take off your forum from BF, when 99% of the knife buying public hasnt a clue about REKAT - like biting the hand that feeds ya imho
goood luck to them
sifu
imho the very absolutly last thing ernie needs to do is put a 'rolling lock' on anything he makes - he has a rep for quality now, why blow it?? maybe the axis, compression i can see, but the rolling lock?? no way....
i personally prefer the smooth handle sifus myself, but niether are, imho, ugly(not even close) and are pretty good mega folders IF the lock works correctly
imho a cold steel anything (ie vaquero grande) compared to REKAT is like comparing apples/caviar - the REKAT w/all its fault is 3X the knife the CS VG is - CS VG is ok, but give me G10/D2 anytime over zytel/whatever they have today for steel - the sifu is a lot better than a VG i honestly believe
then again,imho what good is a knife for defense if the maker/designer himself states a hard blow to the back of the blade (ala spinewhack) is ABUSE and CAN/WILL cause failure of the rolling lock - mine locks fine, but was handfitted by bob, so i would expect it to - do a search on all the probs w/rolling locks especially the sifu - obviously to me anyway there where probs w/the sifu - ya never hear about carnies, etc failing always sifus
why bob/christina /REKAT, rather than taking care of the guy who bought eight (8) sifus from 1sks and 6 failed the whack test,imho like they should have,i'll never figure- instead, he threw a hissy fit and said it was all bull schit and only 2 had ever failed, we were trolling REKAT, etc ad nauseum - mine failed i never whacked it, never abused it, hell it was only 2 wks old when the lock failed, cutting me in the process - yes sure the guy might have been unhappy, if i had 6 knives i had almost $1000 in fail, i too, would be unhappy - i have always wondered why 1SKS never stepped in to take care of thier customer?? too much trouble for ya?? no, instead bob/christina take the REKAT forum off BF cuz we are trolls who wanna ruin his company.......hmmmmmmmmm- outside of the really hard core knife people REKAT is relativly unknown, why bite the hand which feeds???
perhaps all this wouldnt have been an issue except REKATS advertising touting the rolling lock as the stongest in the industry - and it wont pass a whack test?? and its the strongest?? i think not........
i got the impression that bob just blew up that weekend, probably from being inundated w/a flood of defective sifus, and said **** this, lets make tools not knives (whatever tools they make??)
imho due to poor mgt, poor customer service, poor attitude, no website, etc they are not long for this world(unless the tool biz is rocking) - too bad they make a good knife, but in this world just making a good product, w/no customer service, a poor attitude, etc aint enuff
i was looking at an old edition of combat handguns and saw a ad for a escalator, the bram frank design like the gunting - they go on and on w/all the info about the rolling lock being so strong, etc , and then say the knife designer Bran (?) Frank ........they cant even get the name right,par for the course imho
well enuff REKAT bashing, the sifu was a great knife never marketed well, w/a finicky lock system they didnt like to fix when it broke
after bobs sarcastic comments levelled at BF members, i never intended to purchase another REKAT again, and my thoughts havent changed -BUT why would ya take off your forum from BF, when 99% of the knife buying public hasnt a clue about REKAT - like biting the hand that feeds ya imho
goood luck to them
sifu
The Sifu set the standard for higher quality production mega folders. Now that the Sifu is discontinued, the only higher quality production mega folder is the cuda maxx. The Cold Steel mega folders are great folders for a low price but the Sifu and Maxx use higher quality materials. Now there is a void in the higher quality production mega folder realm because the only choice is the Maxx.
Since the SIFU's been stopped, and REKAT's gonna be shifting over to toolmaking...maybe I should buy a back-up Carnivore. Ergh, but what are the chances I'll get a crappy Rolling Lock? I've had a Carnie ever since they came out with one, and mine has been gold in terms of lock-up and peformance since the day I bought it... Crap.
This sucks.
Lester ( -bayani- )
This sucks.
Lester ( -bayani- )
Jim March
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
- Joined
- Oct 7, 1998
- Messages
- 3,018
I know I haven't been around much, been too danged busy. Sigh.
Medusaoblongata told me about this thread, and I was shocked. I still carry my Sifu daily, and have since the day I got it. No complaints. And this one is serial number ONE - I was the one that pushed for it way back when.
If Camillus does the Maxx, cool, but they better re-locate that damned clip. It interferes with your grip on the lockwork, I told Dale that long ago...integral locks should be supported with your own grip strength!
Anyways. If y'all want to see what I've been up to *besides* 12 hour work days, check this out: http://www.keepandbeararms.com/march/posse.asp
Jim
Medusaoblongata told me about this thread, and I was shocked. I still carry my Sifu daily, and have since the day I got it. No complaints. And this one is serial number ONE - I was the one that pushed for it way back when
.If Camillus does the Maxx, cool, but they better re-locate that damned clip. It interferes with your grip on the lockwork, I told Dale that long ago...integral locks should be supported with your own grip strength!
Anyways. If y'all want to see what I've been up to *besides* 12 hour work days, check this out: http://www.keepandbeararms.com/march/posse.asp
Jim
It's amazing how smooth the rolling lock is when the back of the blade that goes against the locking pin and the locking pin itself are polished before assembly! And making sure nothing either with the spring or the channel and parts that match up to it are binding. That's the attention a custom maker gives. Production can be different for a variety of reasons.
Folders are folders, they FOLD! If you need a fixed blade, use a fixed blade. If you need a pry bar or tire iron, use a pry bar or tire iron! Common sense! The laws of Physics can be very unforgiving. Machines fail for various reasons. The thread on axis lock failures (what, two?) is a good example of this, but not a reason to trash the design. I don't know of any lock that hasn't failed for someone. Lock backs, liner locks, button locks, axis locks, rolling locks, etc. Moving parts can and will fail. But that doesn't stop me from owning and using liner locks, lock backs, frame locks, rolling locks, axis locks and fixed blades! If my situation demands that I use a folder, then I use a folder, but I realize that I've exchanged some functionality for its folding capability. If my situation demands that I use a fixed blade and I have one available, why would I use a folder? That's like the guy who tried to split some kindling with his Leatherman Wave, and the lock couldn't handle the stress. It's not made to! That's what axes, hawks, and fixed blades are for.
Oh, well, rank off. Sorry if I've offended anyone, but these type of exchanges get to me! But I still want a Commander...with or without a rolling lock. Frame lock would be ok, but I like the G10 scales on both sides..trade offs...
Hank
Folders are folders, they FOLD! If you need a fixed blade, use a fixed blade. If you need a pry bar or tire iron, use a pry bar or tire iron! Common sense! The laws of Physics can be very unforgiving. Machines fail for various reasons. The thread on axis lock failures (what, two?) is a good example of this, but not a reason to trash the design. I don't know of any lock that hasn't failed for someone. Lock backs, liner locks, button locks, axis locks, rolling locks, etc. Moving parts can and will fail. But that doesn't stop me from owning and using liner locks, lock backs, frame locks, rolling locks, axis locks and fixed blades! If my situation demands that I use a folder, then I use a folder, but I realize that I've exchanged some functionality for its folding capability. If my situation demands that I use a fixed blade and I have one available, why would I use a folder? That's like the guy who tried to split some kindling with his Leatherman Wave, and the lock couldn't handle the stress. It's not made to! That's what axes, hawks, and fixed blades are for.
Oh, well, rank off. Sorry if I've offended anyone, but these type of exchanges get to me! But I still want a Commander...with or without a rolling lock. Frame lock would be ok, but I like the G10 scales on both sides..trade offs...
Hank
- Joined
- Oct 2, 1998
- Messages
- 15,211
SIFU1A - Before you trash 1SKS and REKAT, maybe you should think about what you said a bit.
REKAT discontinued their forums for several reasons, not the least of which was several individuals who persisted in bashing REKAT, saying their knives were crap, etc,
while hiding under fake names. The number of actual customers with problems was much, much less than it would "seem" on the internet - it's easy for one person to make a lot of noise here with or without cause. For example, you are a single person, yet every time the name REKAT comes up, you leap in to bash them - which can create a negative overall perception to someone not familiar with the issue.
I can speak from personal experience that the number of returns we got on REKAT products was less than most other companies. On top of that, most (not all, just most) people that had problems with the Rolling Lock had either tried to "improve" "polish" or "fix" them - which, of course, voided the warranty.
As for warranty repair and 1SKS - 1SKS's policy is that warranty issues are handled through the manufacturer, period. 1SKS is not an authorized repair agent, and as such, they will not repair any knives which have warranty issues. Any knife sent for warranty work will be sent to the manufacturer for repair / replacement determination. No more, no less.
The customer that bought the last 8 sifu's was told to contact REKAT with warranty problems, and if 1SKS had had more Sifu's to replace them with, we would have done so - however, he bought the last 8. Past that, I don't remember the exact details
, but if they all failed the whack test, that's between him and REKAT - it's a warranty issue.
To err is human. Despite best wishes, mistakes happen. It's how you handle them that is important. I've never seen REKAT fail to take care of a customer when there was a legitimate problem. I've even seen them take care of customers who'd obviously intentionally misused their knives; <b>but</b> that was at their option. Don't mistake being nice with being a sucker - and like the old customer service saying goes, a little attitude goes a long way. Right?
Kevin
REKAT discontinued their forums for several reasons, not the least of which was several individuals who persisted in bashing REKAT, saying their knives were crap, etc,
while hiding under fake names. The number of actual customers with problems was much, much less than it would "seem" on the internet - it's easy for one person to make a lot of noise here with or without cause. For example, you are a single person, yet every time the name REKAT comes up, you leap in to bash them - which can create a negative overall perception to someone not familiar with the issue.I can speak from personal experience that the number of returns we got on REKAT products was less than most other companies.
On top of that, most (not all, just most) people that had problems with the Rolling Lock had either tried to "improve" "polish" or "fix" them - which, of course, voided the warranty. As for warranty repair and 1SKS - 1SKS's policy is that warranty issues are handled through the manufacturer, period. 1SKS is not an authorized repair agent, and as such, they will not repair any knives which have warranty issues. Any knife sent for warranty work will be sent to the manufacturer for repair / replacement determination. No more, no less.
The customer that bought the last 8 sifu's was told to contact REKAT with warranty problems, and if 1SKS had had more Sifu's to replace them with, we would have done so - however, he bought the last 8. Past that, I don't remember the exact details
, but if they all failed the whack test, that's between him and REKAT - it's a warranty issue.To err is human. Despite best wishes, mistakes happen. It's how you handle them that is important. I've never seen REKAT fail to take care of a customer when there was a legitimate problem. I've even seen them take care of customers who'd obviously intentionally misused their knives; <b>but</b> that was at their option. Don't mistake being nice with being a sucker - and like the old customer service saying goes, a little attitude goes a long way. Right?
Kevin
- Joined
- Jan 4, 1999
- Messages
- 3,000
I'll second that. We've had a total of one single quality problem with REKAT products ever and that covers many, many sales. I'll admit that REKAT didn't take care of that one, but it was only one. I have to agree that their quality whas been exemplary. By the way, glad you're recovered, Spark. I guess on the plus side, at least you can ride a bike in your area in February. Here you would be slipping on the snow and ice. Take care.
- Joined
- Feb 13, 2000
- Messages
- 2,688
Well I am glad to have the two BladeForums limited models that I have. I have a R/B full fingered model, and my true love, a BladeForums silgle finger D2SE. Both have been great. I had a a problem with the blade centering on the red one as well as the tip hitting a spacer pin. Bob B. said to send it to him and he would care for it. He did, it is great now. The only spine wack test I have ever done on any knife is to wack the spine in the palm of my hand. Both have served me well for the whole time that I have had them. I will have them till I die. The customer service issue, I tend to agree with Spark. REKAT took care of me with no complaints and no hassles. I think if you give enough crap to anyone, they will strike back. Verbally or otherwise. I am sorry to see them go. Their products are inovative and exciting. I tend to be a picky SOB and when I had a problem they cared for it. Both knives have served me well as I stated.
- Joined
- May 6, 1999
- Messages
- 321
I had a problem with the rolling lock as well, but REKAT treated me just fine. Out of three SIFUs and 1 Carny I bought, two of the SIFUs failed with a sharp tap on my gloved hand. I sent the two back and they were reworked for a shipping charge fee and now work just fine.
I received back from REKAT an internal pin from one of the reworked knives that showed nasty damage and abuse. Since I had carried but not really used the knife, I checked my records and found the two knives that had NOT failed were sent directly to me, while I had purchased the two knives with failing locks and internal signs of abuse from a retail distributor, Discount Knives. Obviously there is some correlation, but I don't know enough specifics to say more than that.
So the two knives from REKAT were just fine and they repaired the other two at essentially no charge. Unfortunately, I find I rarely carry a SIFU now, probably because of that nagging doubt the whole incident generated and the inordinate attachment I have for my fingers.
I received back from REKAT an internal pin from one of the reworked knives that showed nasty damage and abuse. Since I had carried but not really used the knife, I checked my records and found the two knives that had NOT failed were sent directly to me, while I had purchased the two knives with failing locks and internal signs of abuse from a retail distributor, Discount Knives. Obviously there is some correlation, but I don't know enough specifics to say more than that.
So the two knives from REKAT were just fine and they repaired the other two at essentially no charge. Unfortunately, I find I rarely carry a SIFU now, probably because of that nagging doubt the whole incident generated and the inordinate attachment I have for my fingers.