Thanks for providing the insight, Sal!sal wrote: ↑Tue Jan 04, 2022 9:44 pmHi Mini2white,
I'm sure it can be frustrating. We didn't have this problem "back in the day". The new popularity certainly has us looking for solutions. My plan is for everyone that wants one (or 2) should be able to get them.
Also the "regular production" model in-the-works will help.
Solutions like DansGearAdiction posted have a lot of potential problems because of the time lines involved.
Many of the steels that I, Eric or you choose are not easily available. Sometimes I have to work with the foundry or even special order a chemistry, which they have on the books, but not in the ware-house. My K390 project years just to get a batch of steel. Then another year to learn and process the steel to get the optimal performance. Many will not be around or will have lost interest? The bookkeeping would be a nightmare as well as required communication. Add to that we are working on 4-8 steels at any given time. Do we give refunds if necessary for one reason or another?
I really can't burden the manufacturing with these oddball projects of mine that are more challenging and less profitable than other models. To me, simple is best and generally more efficient. A self closing door using gravity is simpler and more effective than springs.
I appreciate your patience and suggestions which are all valuable in making plans. I'm a bit surprised that it became a demand problem, but I'm determined to sort it. Having knife afi's use and share experience on these Mules, I think is a good thing. We all get an opportunity to give and get first hand empirical information on something really new. Now I'm seeing tutorials that are frankly amazing for a group of like minded aficionado's drilling down for knowledge, which is readily shared. Impressive values.
Spyderco gets firsthand feedback which helps us make decisions based on our customers. It doesn't get better than that.
The current plan is to make larger quantities. MagnaCut probably could have used more than the 2,000 that we made, but that's how we learn? Current orders are for enough steel to make 1500 pieces per run for the next 5 or 6 runs and see trends for better "guessing" of how many you want us to make. If some flavors are more desirable, we'll put it in a knife for you.
We also have a "production Mule Team" in the works that we'll keep in stock all of the time. Same handle, slightly different spine (a bit more straight) to easily tell the difference, but same handle shape and will fit the same sheaths.
Kristi, Mike and I are also monitoring the forum, which gives us an opportunity to hear you. So Thanx much and be patient while you help us sort this.
sal
As someone who is an outsider to the industry, and in the age of crowdfunded products, it's often easy for consumers like myself to attempt to over-simplify or under-appreciate the logistical and other considerations to making a project like this happen.
Looking forward to the SPY27 production Mule and all future releases.
