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Re: POLL: Should Mule Team purchases be limited to one???

Posted: Thu Jan 06, 2022 9:48 pm
by DansGearAddiction
sal wrote:
Tue Jan 04, 2022 9:44 pm
Hi 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
Thanks for providing the insight, 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.

Re: POLL: Should Mule Team purchases be limited to one???

Posted: Fri Jan 07, 2022 1:22 pm
by legOFwhat?
sal wrote:
Wed Jan 05, 2022 11:19 pm

BTW, my plan for the regular Mule will also have a version with teeth.

sal
Sal, would another possibility be getting this "regular" mule, coated (DLC, ticn or other) optional? Black and serrated would really tick some boxes for me :)

Re: POLL: Should Mule Team purchases be limited to one???

Posted: Fri Jan 07, 2022 4:26 pm
by sal
Hi Larry,

No plans for that at this time. One step at a time, lest we trip.

sal

Re: POLL: Should Mule Team purchases be limited to one???

Posted: Sun Jan 09, 2022 11:58 am
by PBWilson
I love the idea of a regular production Mule in CPM SPY27.

I wonder if it will be sold just the like the limited run Mules. The SPY 27 Mule was $50 and if it's in that range, I'd imagine that it would be a great way for a user to get a knife for a reasonable price but with a better-tier, all-around steel. Keeping the same handle shape and overall size is smart too.

Re: POLL: Should Mule Team purchases be limited to one???

Posted: Mon Jan 17, 2022 3:26 pm
by Paraguy
Ramonade wrote:
Thu Dec 23, 2021 3:49 am
I don't think there is a strong interest in mules. I just think they were interested in MagnaCut.
This

Re: POLL: Should Mule Team purchases be limited to one???

Posted: Mon Jan 17, 2022 3:54 pm
by Woodpuppy
All of the recent mules sold out quick. Seems to me there’s interest.

Re: POLL: Should Mule Team purchases be limited to one???

Posted: Thu Sep 08, 2022 1:06 pm
by swknight
Sal:

By SLABBERS above, I meant that the COIN companies that BUY many coins would buy them up in the THOUSANDS, and SLAB them for resale.

That PRACTICE harmed the coin collecting HOBBY. Many like me just backed off and bought the normal products and forgot about the commemorative type coins.

S.W. Knight

Re: POLL: Should Mule Team purchases be limited to one???

Posted: Thu Sep 08, 2022 3:46 pm
by sal
Hi SWKnight,

Thanx for the explanation. I don't think we'l make too many changes to the current project. Certainly not in the near future.

Increase in numbers, provide a "Standard" Mule, (SPY27) provide the "Standard" Mule in plain and serrated edges. Serrated edges still out a ways.

sal

Re: POLL: Should Mule Team purchases be limited to one???

Posted: Fri Sep 09, 2022 10:27 am
by swknight
Thank YOU SAL.

I Always watch your old video that comes with the 204 sharpener for SHARPENING BASICS.

Even though I have many MORE sharpening tools now.

It seems that I always fall back on my 204 - book and video.

I collect MANIX 2s (10 of them so far) - BUT can not believe how much I like my new Para 2 CPM-M$
Artic - JUST love the Locking mechanism (and frankly, never thought I would).

AND the Para 2 BLADE design... Just a Fantastic knife...

steve