What was keeping Rowen from making the folders from the beginning?

Joe Fowler

Joe Fowler

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May 14, 2008
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With Rowen now working towards making folders for ESEE I wanted to ask what the issue was with them making them in the first place? Just out of curiosity, no other reason. Jeff had even mentioned in another thread that Rowen had made folders in the past.

So, why were you guys shopping around for other manufacturers?

And part two, whatever the issue is, I'm assuming that it's been (or soon to be) resolved, correct? Both Jeff and Shon seem confident that Rowen could do it. In spite of how long it takes, it sounds like this is what you guys wanted from the beginning. So again, what was the original reason why Rowen wasn't slated to make at least the 3-folder in the first place?

(If it's ok to ask, of course!) :)
 
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I believe that Rowen needs to get some different tools in order to make folders. Jeff has said that making folders is different and slightly more difficult than making fixed blades. But, don't quote me on it.
 
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I assume making a (high quality) folder takes more time, materials, manpower and knowhow than making a (high quality) fixed blade, and maybe Rowen didn't have one or more of those above things.

Rowen might also be very busy cranking out quality fixed blades, and if they were to pull guys away from that process to make folders, it would slow everything down.

Then again, I'm assuming, and everyone knows what assuming does:D
 
I would think slightly more difficult would be an under statement. Jeff has previously mentioned that most shops state side that were considered simply didn't have the shop time to do it. Not sure if this was these reason for Rowen, but was the impression I got. Whatever it was it seems as though it has been worked out, and we all benefit from it.
 
Joe Fowler said:
With Rowan now working towards making folders for ESEE I wanted to ask what the issue was with them making them in the first place? Just out of curiosity, no other reason. Jeff had even mentioned in another thread that Rowan had made folders in the past.

So, why were you guys shopping around for other manufacturers?

And part two, whatever the issue is, I'm assuming that it's been (or soon to be) resolved, correct? Both Jeff and Shon seem confident that Rowen could do it. In spite of how long it takes, it sounds like this is what you guys wanted from the beginning. So again, what was the original reason why Rowen wasn't slated to make at least the 3-folder in the first place?

(If it's ok to ask, of course!) :)
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Two things

(1) Sales on the fixed blade line grew to the point that we needed to add more equipment and man power to take on the job without interrupting our fixed blade production.

(2) My time has been in short supply for a while. Also I am a bit of a quality/control freak, so I wasn't going to take on the job until I could devote the time and recourses necessary to produce a first class product.

Its what our customers deserve after all.

Shon
 
Rowen Mfg. said:
Two things

(1) Sales on the fixed blade line grew to the point that we needed to add more equipment and man power to take on the job without interrupting our fixed blade production.

(2) My time has been in short supply for a while. Also I am a bit of a quality/control freak, so I wasn't going to take on the job until I could devote the time and recourses necessary to produce a first class product.

Its what our customers deserve after all.

Shon
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You might need to quit your job at Chippendales, it seems to be taking up too much of your knife making time. ;)

Thanks Shon, that's what I wanted to know! You're a champ! :thumbup:
 
Rowen Mfg. said:
Two things

(1) Sales on the fixed blade line grew to the point that we needed to add more equipment and man power to take on the job without interrupting our fixed blade production.

(2) My time has been in short supply for a while. Also I am a bit of a quality/control freak, so I wasn't going to take on the job until I could devote the time and recourses necessary to produce a first class product.

Its what our customers deserve after all.

Shon
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:thumbup::thumbup: Sounds like Good Business and Good People to me...
Thanks Shon
 
Rowen Mfg. said:
Two things

(1) Sales on the fixed blade line grew to the point that we needed to add more equipment and man power to take on the job without interrupting our fixed blade production.

(2) My time has been in short supply for a while. Also I am a bit of a quality/control freak, so I wasn't going to take on the job until I could devote the time and recourses necessary to produce a first class product.

Its what our customers deserve after all.

Shon
Click to expand...

A friend of mine who is a business owner once said, "It is great owning your own business, you get to pick and choose which ever 80 hours a week you want to work"

Thanks for your response, as well as your dedication to your quality.
Glad to hear business is good:)
 
Now all we need to do is get Shon to tell Jeff that canvas micarta should be the default handle material. Hook us up Shon! :D
 
A "quality control freak" is an understatement! And that's why we love him!
 
now that you have decided Rowen will make them, can you please put "Made in Idaho" on it somewhere? :)
 
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