Somewhat Dissapointed

Free speech and all - people like to vent on these forums (fora?). Anyway, companies will do what they think best and neither Busse nor Swamprat needs any defense. They make (among) the best knives in the world, there is a lot of demand, quality is not compromised to achieve faster production, etc. Nothing new here.
I think the biggest problem that folks have is that they expect all companies to operate the same. Company X produces mass quantities of product that are always available to purchase for immediate delivery and some might think all companies should be that way. Disregard the fact that company X produces lower quality (or even cr*p) in large factories in [Asia], with no testing or R&D.

Personally, I would rather have my stuff sooner rather than later, but even more than that I'd rather have high quality products (at a price I can afford) that won't fail during use. I'm willing to wait. I'm glad they continue to improve their products. If you are not, your money goes elsewhere. Everybody can make their own choices. You can even complain about it if you don't like it. But it is not a monumental problem worthy of rehashing every few months.
 
dogrunner said:
Free speech and all - people like to vent on these forums (fora?). Anyway, companies will do what they think best and neither Busse nor Swamprat needs any defense. They make (among) the best knives in the world, there is a lot of demand, quality is not compromised to achieve faster production, etc. Nothing new here.
I think the biggest problem that folks have is that they expect all companies to operate the same. Company X produces mass quantities of product that are always available to purchase for immediate delivery and some might think all companies should be that way. Disregard the fact that company X produces lower quality (or even cr*p) in large factories in [Asia], with no testing or R&D.

Personally, I would rather have my stuff sooner rather than later, but even more than that I'd rather have high quality products (at a price I can afford) that won't fail during use. I'm willing to wait. I'm glad they continue to improve their products. If you are not, your money goes elsewhere. Everybody can make their own choices. You can even complain about it if you don't like it. But it is not a monumental problem worthy of rehashing every few months.

DITTO!:thumbup:
 
There you go Eric, you could make the "Got to have it now's" happy by moving production of the standard line to Japan. Then I wouldn't be torn between the two companies. The decision would be easy. ;)

For the record, I don't recall saying the guy wasn't entitled to his opinions (if it came off like that then I apologize), but on the same vein, we have just as much right to say what's on our mind without being criticized by his sympathizers. At least I hope it isn't a one wat street around here. There is enough of that in society as it is.
 
Progunner said:
...
For the record, I don't recall saying the guy wasn't entitled to his opinions (if it came off like that then I apologize), but on the same vein, we have just as much right to say what's on our mind without being criticized by his sympathizers. At least I hope it isn't a one wat street around here. There is enough of that in society as it is.

Absolutely right :thumbup: . Everybody gets to speak their minds. I think one of the most useful (the most?) outcomes of a thread like this is a reality check for everyone (whichever way it goes) - the pros hear a challenge to their mindset (maybe each of us thought that way too when we 1st encountered Busse/Swamprat) and the cons get awakened (maybe) to a different way of doing things.
 
I'll speak my mind when and where I.... find it..... I know it is around here some place.... a mind is a pita to loose..... :eek: :rolleyes:
 
Japan would be too expensive to move the operation there, India maybe, or China. Could you imagine a Chinese Swamp Rat?
 
PlaceKnives said:
Japan would be too expensive to move the operation there, India maybe, or China. Could you imagine a Chinese Swamp Rat?

They actually have moved their factory to China. They are about to start mass production of the new line, featuring the finest Rostfrei steel from italy, and designs straight from the magical mind of Gil Hibben. :thumbup:
 
Rat Finkenstein said:
They actually have moved their factory to China. They are about to start mass production of the new line, featuring the finest Rostfrei steel from italy, and designs straight from the magical mind of Gil Hibben. :thumbup:

:eek: :eek: :eek: : :) :) :) :D :D :D
thats funny
 
Rat Finkenstein said:
They actually have moved their factory to China. They are about to start mass production of the new line, featuring the finest Rostfrei steel from italy, and designs straight from the magical mind of Gil Hibben. :thumbup:

not only will all models be immediately available, but they will also be expanding the line the to compete with master cutlery's claim of "widest selection in the knife industry". like strider/benchmade/spyderco/emerson/crkt? they'll have a knife for you! likely the exact same knife, but with a more "economical" set of materials.
 
Maybe a little off topic, maybe not, but I had a previous customer call me today and say: "We use to use you fom everything, but then we found someone that would produce our stuff for less. Well, it's been a rotten experience through and through. It takes a month to get a product that you made for us in a week. Their customer service is in the toilet and quality is dismal. We would like to start using your company again, but we want you to match the other company's price." Seriously, this is no lie.

Every manufacturer deals with essentially the same problems. They must strike a balance between price, quality and availablity and can usually deliver on only two of the three. In the case of knives, I will always accept poor availablity for superior quality at an affordable price.

I commend both Busse Combat and Swamp Rat for listening to their customers and making changes in how things are done in an effort to address concerns and for never letting quality slip despite the overwhelming demand. Eric stated above that major changes are coming at Swamp Rat which is proof that they are in fact listening to their customers. We need to continue to voice our concerns, but I hope that we can do so in a non-inflamatory tone and without condition of personal attack.

But most importantly, I can't wait until the new line arrives. :cool:
 
I don't think it's that knives aren't coming out fast enough, it's the knives you've PROMISED that aren't coming out fast enough. It's always been this way with Busse. It's driven me to stop being exclusive to Busse knives, and branch out, which is a good thing. There are many makers that are just as good. btw, I pack a Busse PD every day......
 
I am not an "old member", but I have been scanning threads for some time and have read quite a bit on both companies. Don't want to comment on either opinion here. My input is more of a "maybe" and I guess a suggestion at the same time.

Maybe? Eric and crew are busy gringing out some back-ordered products BEFORE releasing new ones and having everyone rush to place thousands of orders. All he would accomplish by releasing a product now is creating an even further backorder and digging a deeper hole. Think about it for a minute- it is a simple supply/demand curve that has gotten awfully lopsided on the demand side. SO, what do you do? You stop the demand by limiting offering- catch up on the supply side and regroup for the new offerings. Sounds like maybe the "circus" is really just trying to stay small enough to offer you an outstanding product, but also caught by the overwhelming demand (justly so) for the product.

Like I said maybe? but I do like to think of the positive, especially about companies I can not help but like. Busse and Swamp Rat have personality- not something you see much these days from a company. Maybe "quirky", but definate personality and I love them. I am just thankful there are not hundreds of little Chinamen cranking out another product for the "consumer" and stamping either of these great names on them. These knifes are not meant to be "consumed" like a can of soup. They are to use and keep. I only have 2 Swamps and 1 on order, but I also know which of my 3 kids each will go to. If I have to wait- well then, I will wait. What is a couple months for a product that will outlive me?????

BTW ordered from company store, got product in 3 days. Thanks Eric and crew. Appreciate your efforts and for doing your best to offer the best product you possibly can-
 
Excellent and astute observation and I concur.

I've had a few dealings with Eric and Swamp Rat, and in spite of one long wait (for my Camp Tramp), I've found Eric to always be honest, honorable and dedicated to making sure the customer is taken care of.

You will also notice that Eric rarely loses his temper (the exception being obvious trolls and spammers), even when responding to criticism of Swamp Rat and/or himself personally.

I for one appreciate the hard work and excellent service I've received so far from both Swamp Rat, and the Company Store.

... and Bria makes awesome lanyards!!!:cool:
 
The problem is supply and demand. Swamp Rat is essentially selling their knives below the market value. The long waits could be solved if they boosted their prices 50% or so. Not sure I'd like to choose that option.
 
.270 Weatherby said:
One of the things I don't care for on BF is as soon as someone is critical about something that someone don't like they band you as a TROLL. Oh no you've been cursed. Bad Boy!!!!


Hey if you don't like my writing skills--tough...

TROLL :D :yawn:
 
I have soon waited one month for my Ratweiler. I understand that I may have to wait five months more before it arrives. This is a long time to wait for a knife that is going to be used and not only be an addition to a knife collection. It is good to know that the Swamp Rat company is working to correct this!
 
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