Paul,

<sigh> This is why I am so pissed about this error, I've had no opportunity to make a proper announcement and explain it all. Benchmade has no interest, at least at this point, in distributing this knife through their normal channels. I've spent years trying to interest them, or anyone, in doing something like this. Not "sexy' enough, not perceived to be a big enough market. Aeromedix.com put up all the bucks to do the minimum production run, a substantial sum of money. "List price" is $139.95. The selling price of $104.95, in view of the S30V steel used, is not out of line. While it might cost a few bucks less if available through Benchmade's normal distribution, do to larger production runs, I doubt it would cost a lot less. Take a look at what other S30V bladed folders cost and consider that this blade is larger than most. If we do well with this, perhaps Benchmade might reconsider, though I am not holding my breath. <img src="images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> In the meantime, I am very pleased that Les was willing to work with me and I can offer a knife with this combination of features for not much more than a C-note. In my opinion it is an extraordinary value. We don't have to sell thousands for this to be a success from our point of view and we're betting that there's enough folks out there who can appreciate the value and design to make this successful. Guess we'll find out soon enough. I'll be posting more information toward the end of the week.

I think that given the special efforts Doug has gone through to bring this knife to market, it is wholly unreasonable to expect it to sell at the same rockbottom price as knives made by the gazillion. Someone always complains...

I am one of what I suspect is many ETS regulars who dearly want a Sebenza, but simply cannot afford it. This new knife looks to offer the vast majority of the Sebenza's utility at a very reasonable price.

Doug: sincere thanks to you for your work on this knife. I think I'm going shopping for it right now...

Well Doug, you have one more sale, and I am sure there will be a lot more than you might expect. Benchmade makes a quality knife, their lifetime eversharp guarantee is great, and I love the Axis lock. I already own a TSEK, and wanted another knife. I had considered getting a Griptillian, and this made up my mind. Can't wait to get it.

I definitely want a Sebenza, but I probably wouldn't EDC something that expensive, so what's the point? For less than 1/3 the price I can get something I know I'll always have with me and won't be afraid to use.

It's odd that Benchmade isn't all over this. When I saw the pics posted here, I thought "Well, finally." A Benchmade with a blade shape I'm familiar with (thanks to ETS) and a metal I've heard good things about in a Griptilian handle. Gimme.

You're gonna announce on Blade Forums too, right?

I placed a lil preview on knifeforum this morning...

I'm shameless...

Matt

OK, the standard RSK Mk1 order page is back online.

Although I have knives with blades as long as the Swiss stainless steel bayonet I own, I like to be able to carry my knives and stay friends with the law at the same time.

Here in Milwaukee, WI, 3" blades on a folding knife, and no fixed blade knives are the law. I understand some places have smaller blade allowances for carrying a "pocket" knife.

I have a beautiful liner lock Gerber that has a very nice swept blade design which is ideal for skinning which I have always been afraid to carry because the blade is 1/16" over lawful size. It is one of my more valuable knives, initially because it cost so much back then, and now because it is an in demand collectors item. I don't want it to end up in some police impound room or in the possesion of some police officer who does not appreciate the beauty and practicality of the design, so I don't carry it.

Doug, if you do well with the 3.44" blade length model, consider a smaller blade length model between 2 1/2" & 3" that would keep "Johnny Law" at bay.

Bountyhunter

I understand completely and don't think for a second we aren't thinking along those same lines. One step at a time. <img src="images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

see what happens when you host a forum encoruaging the free exchange of thought and opinion.

in case no one has noticed ... we apparently are a tenacious lot ... and after the thread on erbwurst i do believe we could find just about anything if not everything.

Those of you wanting low cost Sebenzas might look at the CRKT version if those are still being made. That's a pretty exact, licensed copy of the Sebenza, including the frame lock, which to most users is the Sebenza's most interesting feature.