To our customers who responded to our recent price increase, thank you for sharing your thoughts. We know many of you have invested your time and interest in our company. We are very grateful. On various social media platforms, we’ve seen a mix of support for the change and outrage against it. For some, our company’s character has been questioned, and it’s this question we’d like to address.

sbobet is founded upon integrity, which means our business is only as good as our word. For the first time ever, we have retroactively applied, on average, a pricing increase of 10% to existing orders, accounting for the current inflation rate and related business costs. This brought a Large��Sebenza 31 Plain from $450 to $500 ($50 or 11%), for example. This has caused some customers to examine whether or not we have kept our word. If one price was quoted when ordered but ends up being a different price by the time the order is ready, isn’t that a bad business practice?

Missing Context
In good business, there shouldn’t be catches, “bait and switches,” or price gouging. Each party should clearly indicate their end of the bargain and follow through. We have held true to our word by honoring old pricing for as long as possible, despite a changing economy. ��Along the way, we have clearly stated the possibility of a price change, if absolutely necessary, before an order is ready. For nearly 40 years, we have taken orders with the following practices:

• We do not take money upfront, not even a down payment. Payment is only taken when a knife is ready for fulfillment.��
• When an order is placed, a customer’s request is put in a queue. Our customers may cancel orders at any time with no penalty. There is no contract or obligation to purchase any of our products.��
• We will price our knives at fair market value and publish changes when necessary. Our pricing policy is published on our order form and printed materials:

Pricing Policy: It is our intention to honor the quoted price you received when placing your order. If the cost of materials, supplies, and labor significantly increases, implementing a price increase to backorders may be unavoidable. If this becomes necessary, we will communicate changes to your order as promptly as possible. Thank you for your loyalty, patience, and understanding.

The above pricing policy was published in 2021 when we began seeing the first signs of inflation and other aftereffects of the COVID-19 pandemic response. The notification appeared first on the order form just before the “submit” button and was later added to customer email confirmations, price lists, and other printed material. Other variations, such as “CRK reserves the right to change prices at any time,” have been listed previously.

Knowing that we don’t take payment upfront, customers are not obligated to purchase our knives, and that working off of a backorder may require us to up our prices if necessary, the fact remains: It was a difficult decision to apply new prices to existing orders, but it was necessary.


What led to our decision
We’re currently caught up on orders placed before and into January 2020. Why couldn’t we hold prices on two years of orders? Two major factors play a role here: the sheer number of orders and the rising cost of manufacturing those orders.

Since mid-2020, new orders each month have at least doubled (and, on a couple of occasions, tripled) the value of orders produced at our maximum capacity. This was true in 2021, when we first discussed the shift we saw in demand, and remains true, even while expanding our production capacity. We’re growing steadily, but the number of orders flooding in over two years has brought our lead time from 12 months to 4-6 years for a new order. Simply put, the orders from 2020-2022 average around 5 years of production time at our current capacity. That capacity will grow, but it will take time. If we only applied our price increase to orders placed in 2022, the change would begin to impact our company in 2027.

Is this our customer’s fault? No. But the economic reality is that the cost of making a knife in 2022 is not the same as the cost in 2020 or even 2021.

When we quoted prices in 2020 and 2021, they were still accurately weighed against the available facts: raw materials, labor, and operating expenses were not unbearably inflated, though slowly changing. We knew an economic shift was coming, and we planned to the best of our ability. We could not have predicted record-high inflation rates or the many other battles small businesses have faced over the last two years.

We honored our originally quoted pricing for as long as possible, but this year, it became apparent that a change was necessary.


How can you trust that we won't raise our prices in the future?

Truthfully, we cannot predict the future and cannot promise to remain still when we are required to move. You can trust that we will remain straightforward and transparent wherever possible. ��We will continue to make sound business decisions to the best of our abilities. ��We will continue to��produce knives of the highest quality.

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SEPTEMBER 13, 2022

In 1978, when Chris thought up his first knife while in military service on the Namibia/Angola border, he designed it out of necessity, hoping to create the best knife possible on a young man's budget.��

Six years later, sbobet was born upon a desire to make high-quality knives that hold value - from luxury collector's pieces to simple, effective tools - all at an attainable price point, using quality materials.��

Thanks to you, we are here 38 years later. We have opportunities of which we have never dreamed. We also have an economic reality to face: Our costs have risen sharply, and we have kept our pricing structure the same for as long as possible.

Now, to continue to make beautiful, reliable tools, we have to make attainable changes.

As of September 13, 2022, we've applied updated pricing to all new and existing orders. Please or view the attached for specifics.��

From all of us at sbobet, we are so grateful for your continued loyalty and support.

Thank you.

You may (or may not) have noticed that Unique Graphics are no longer available to order through chrisreeve.com.�� Existing orders will still be fulfilled but we’re putting a pause on taking any new orders, effective immediately.����

Why? The demand for our products is skyrocketing and this particular (single person) department has reached its capacity for now.��

If you missed your chance to order directly from the factory, Unique Graphics will still be available for purchase exclusively through our Authorized Dealer network.��

We appreciate your understanding!

July 21, 2022

Last fall, we posted about our��order backlog, product releases, and more. Since then, the trend upward has continued. If you haven't seen it already, our lead times have doubled since September of last year, bringing our average lead time, as of��July��2022, to about 4 years. Four years...for a��production��model?

What's going on?

The simple answer: demand.�� Like the gun industry, outdoor industry, and similar, the knife industry took off in 2020 and it hasn't stopped.�� In our case, the amount of knives��on order is��over 5 times more than our current yearly capacity.�� We're not alone either, friends in the industry, suppliers, and distributors are all busier than ever.�� It's possible that COVID-19, stimulus checks, early retirement, and��increased consumer interest has played a role.�� We're not really sure.�� But for now, demand is growing and so are we.��

Road blocks and action plans

Hiring in a market where there are more jobs than people (!);��bringing in machining centers that are backordered 6-9 months minimum;��waiting for more square footage to open up, planning for inflation and shortages: these are all things that are not impossible; they just take time.�� We also know that the market could change over night.�� Demand could diminish.�� For now, we're��growing as��logically��as possible and we're so thankful for the many people who continue to support our brand.�� As for growth: so far this year, we've acquired 7800 more square feet.�� We've added to our mill shop and have more machines on the way. We're��investing in a remarkable staff.�� We're planning, we're making...We're on our way!

What does an extended backlog mean for the individual consumer?

For our individual customers, this means that ordering directly from the factory takes longer; however, getting a new knife is not impossible. For now, the��quickest way to purchase a new knife will be from an Authorized Dealer.��Our dealers��submit orders frequently, ordering years in advance, so that they can maintain stock.�� Right now, demand is high, so product listings may read, "out-of-stock," more often.�� Dealers are re-stocked regularly, so signing up for email re-stock notifications from multiple dealers or by working directly with a dealer will be the quickest way to��purchase a knife.��

FAQs

You consistently have a backlog and now it's much longer than I'd expected. There are a lot of other options out there.�� Why haven't you expanded to keep up with demand?
In short, we��are��expanding.����Our approach to manufacturing is simple: quality over quantity (but of course, with a sense of urgency)!����We are methodically growing our business: buying and outfitting more mills and grinders, automating processes, inducting new and skilled craftsmen into our family trade, and gaining more square footage.����We are��growing��steadily.����Though demand may outpace our output, we will not compromise quality over quantity.�� So we'll��invest in the right people for our team.�� We'll wait a little bit longer for the machines that we know are right for our business.�� We'll keep putting out record months of quality knives.�� We're pretty sure��our strive for excellence is why so many of our customers are patient and loyal, and for this, we are very grateful.��

Your lead times are long and dealers seem to always be out of stock.�� How do I get a knife ASAP?
Typically, ordering from a dealer is the fastest route! Our��Authorized Dealers��submit orders frequently, ordering years in advance, so that they can maintain stock.�� Product listings may read, "out-of-stock," but many dealers are re-stocked regularly. The best way to get a knife is by signing up for email re-stock notifications from multiple dealers or by working directly with a dealer.

You may also place an��order directly��through our website. Every model requires a��lead time, however; we don’t take any payment up front and you can cancel any time.

Will this update affect my current order?
For orders already placed, please contact us directly for an��estimate that is specific to your order date.��

My current knives needs service or is in for service.�� Will Direct Order lead times affect Servicing lead times?
For the most part, direct order lead times do not affect Servicing lead times.�� Servicing lead times are generated based on how many knives that are in for service at once, number and complexity of requested services, and available staff. See servicing lead times on our Send your Knife in for Service page.��

Why don’t you raise your prices so that you can expand faster?
We make every effort to keep our prices reasonable for knives within our niche of the market. If the cost of materials, supplies, and labor significantly increases, implementing a price increase to backorders may be unavoidable, but for now, we’re doing our best to keep our prices as fair as possible.

Will you ever go overseas to meet demand?
Not a chance.

December 7, 2021

A sprint run of right-handed Sebenza 31 Insingo and Tanto with CPM S35VN blade steel will be available for a short time��exclusively��from our Authorized Dealers beginning in January 2022.��

Product Details

Insingo means “razor” in Zulu, though many would recognize the profile as a modified sheep’s foot. The curved cutting edge is ideal for slicing, while the thick blade tip is very strong, providing plenty of leverage and piercing ability.��

The Tanto is designed to concentrate more steel near the blade’s point. The blade point has a style similar to a chisel, squared off where the knife begins to taper. The spine maintains full thickness very close to the point, resulting in an extremely strong point.

• Limited quantities available exclusively from our Authorized Dealers
• Large $480, Small $405
• Stonewashed CPM S35VN blade steel
• Glass blasted 6Al4V Titanium handles
• Silver hardware with standard coil lanyard

FAQs

Is the Sebenza 31 Insingo or Tanto available for direct order?

No, these blade variations are not yet��part of our regular production and are not available to order directly from the factory.��

When will��the Insingo and Tanto become standard production?

We don't have a set date yet!�� When we released the Sebenza 31, our orders skyrocketed and we pushed out the Insingo and Tanto release date. Shortly after, when the pandemic hit, our orders tripled and we��decided to push the date once more.�� You can��read more about COVID-19 and our backlog here.�� We are scaling to meet the demand steadily but we cannot in good conscience do anything to compromise the promise that we have made to our customers to fulfill current orders.��

Why are these in the "old" blade steel, CPM S35VN?��Why not make them in CPM S45VN or Magnacut?

We had planned to introduce the Insingo and Tanto over a year ago, when CPM S35VN was our regular production blade steel. When demand for our��current production line started climbing, we decided to hold off on releasing the blade variations. That left us with a sprint run of CPM S35VN Sebenza 31 Insingo and Tantos.��

Why are supply levels so low with our dealers and when will things get back to normal?��When will we release new products?����These are great questions that we receive often.�� All of these questions have complex answers but we will do our best to give you the most well rounded response.��

Why are supply levels so low with our dealers?

In our case, new orders each month (for the last year and a half) have been at least double (and on a couple of occasions, triple) the value of orders shipped.�� As a result, our backlog has extended from 9-12 months to 18-24 months (or more)!�� At a nearly 2 year wait, more people are jumping at the chance to pick up a knife at a retailer, often scooping them up before knives can even hit the shelves, which one reason that it may seem that retailers are not getting replenished.��

Are we scaling to meet the demand?�� When will things get back to normal?
Yes, we are scaling!�� We have produced more knives in the past year than we ever have before and are scaling methodically to further increase production.�� Our growth must be controlled and careful - we will not compromise when it comes to making a quality product.�� While we do believe this boom will level, there is no way to predict when, so it is impossible to say when things will get back to “normal.”�� Until then, we’ll focus on growing steadily, making the best knives, and continue to be grateful for the tremendous loyalty of our customers.

When will you release new products, like the Sebenza Tanto, Insingo, Magnacut, or other new knives?��
With the demand for our current product offerings, we cannot in good conscience do anything to compromise the promise that we have made to our customers to fulfill their orders.�� This means that release dates have been pushed back.�� We will, in good time, bring out new projects (and we are so excited to show you)! Who knows, we may even surprise you in the meantime!��

Impinda:��4 years

��

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Please note: These lead times are our best estimate and may fluctuate up or down. Thank you for your patience and support!

If you need a knife sooner, check out our extensive Authorized Dealer��network.

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The first of CPM S45VN has shipped out to our dealers! We will slowly roll out CPM S45VN to our folding knives as we run through the last of our CPM S35VN stock.��

Resources:

• by Piotr Ma

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January 1, 2021

(But don’t worry, existing orders will still be fulfilled!)

Effective immediately, we will no longer accept new orders for Damascus models. We've reached our maximum production capabilities, but plan to reopen orders as soon as we are able to catch up. We appreciate your understanding.

Orders placed on or before December 31, 2020 will still be fulfilled. The current lead time for those orders is still 12-18 months, depending on the model.

Beginning in January 2021, all New and Existing Mnandi orders will be fulfilled with the��new Third��Generation model. It's been our longtime dream to bring a refreshed, easy to open Mnandi to the market. Featuring the same great design and timeless inlays with just a few minor tweaks - a new through-hole nail nick, CPM S45VN blade material and a combination of ultra-fine bead blasting and satin polished finishes.

Due to the extra time and material needed to ensure Flat Dark Earth (FDE) models meet our standards we have decided to discontinue the FDE variations of the Pacific and Green Beret 7" effective immediately. ��The Black KG GunKote we use was created specifically for us by KG Industries, whereas the Flat Dark Earth KG GunKote is from KG Industries regular collection. The slight differences between the composition of the Black and FDE has made it difficult for us to achieve a consistent coating of FDE on first application. ��Existing orders will be fulfilled.��

In an effort to make additional room in the shop for the Sebenza 31, as well as new product variations to be released in 2020, we've made the decision to discontinue production of a few of our fixed blade models. The Nyala (our skinning knife), Sikayo (kitchen knife), Green Beret 5.5" will no longer be available for order effective December 6th, 2019.

What & Why
The reasoning behind this call is a combination of a few different factors. Increased material costs, a slow but steady decline in orders for these models, and production constraints led us to this decision. A few points of clarification on this front:

• We will deliver all open orders currently in the system for these models. These are scheduled to be complete around January/February of 2020. ��
• As always, these models are still covered by our lifetime warranty and we'll continue to service customer needs on this models indefinitely. ��
• The Green Beret 7" is still available for order, only the Green Beret 5.5" has been discontinued.

If you have any questions on this front please feel free to reach out to us, we're happy to help.

Can I change my existing Sebenza 21 Orders over to the Sebenza 31 model and keep my place in the queue? ��Any existing orders for Sebenza 21s in a Drop Point configuration can be changed over to their equivalent in a Sebenza 31 SKU. The changeover order date will be set to June 4th, 2019 and fulfillment will begin during Q4 of 2019. ��We'd recommend keeping your Insingo and Tanto Sebenza 21 orders open as there's not a direct replacement available for those blade profiles at the moment.��

My Sebenza 21 order has Basketweave, will I still get that configuration? ��We are no longer able to source Basketweave. If you would still like your order, you may choose from Ladder or Raindrop Damascus. You may also switch your order to a Sebenza 31 to have the option of Boomerang Damascus.��

When will the Insingo and Tanto blade profiles be available for order? ��This will depend on how many orders are received for the Drop Point variations. We may introduce blade varieties as soon as this year, but it will all depend on our current production needs.

Are CAD Customs or exclusives available for order? ��Not yet. We're going to have a lot of production offerings to work through first, but will open up customized options of the Sebenza 31 early in 2020.��

Is the hardware different? ��There have been changes to the blades and handles, but most hardware is shared between the Sebenza 21 and the Sebenza 31.

Can my Sebenza 21 still receive servicing? ��Yes. Warranty issues will always be taken care of either by repair or replacement so long as the knife has not been modified, misused, or abused. ��Since most��hardware is shared between the Sebenza 21 and the Sebenza 31, small part replacement will continue to be fulfilled upon availability. Please contact us for info on Blade Replacements or other services.��

Are the prices the same? ��Yep! Pricing is the same as the Sebenza 21 offerings.

We're pleased to debut the next iteration of our flagship model: The Sebenza 31. Based on the tried and true design of its predecessor, the Sebenza 31 brings a few fine details to a model you know and love.

Features

• Ceramic Ball Interface��A 97 RC Ceramic Ball runs interface between the lock-bar end and tang of the blade,��while still maintaining the "bank-vault" feel. ��With each pass, the ball prevents wear, cushions shock, and ensures accurate lock-up for the lifetime of the knife. This locking system has been proven on the Umnumzaan, Sebenza 25, and Inkosi models for over 10 years as our best, long-lasting locking technology to date.��
• Off-set Clip Design��A tilted clip rests more on the back handle, relieving pressure from the Integral Lock Bar.
• Improved Ergonomics��
• Removal of Fixturing Hole on Front Handle��
• Re-designed Inlays��Paying homage to the well-loved Annual Sebenzas, the 31 will move to a one-piece inlay, front and back.��
• Chad Nichols Damascus��Boomerang, Ladder, and Raindrop Damascus blades will now come from high-quality maker, Chad Nichols. Limited stock available.��
• Tighter Tolerances/Improved Machining Processes��

Configurations Available For Order (2019)

• Large or Small Sizes Configured��Right-handed or Left-handed
• Drop Point Blades in S35VN. ��Chad Nichols Raindrop, Ladder, or Boomerang upon stock availability. Other blade options to be announced at a later date.��
• Plain Titanium Handles With a sandblasted finish and Drop Point Blade
• Inlays��Bog Oak, Box Elder Burl, Macassar Ebony, Black Micarta, and Natural Micarta with a Satin or Damascus Blade
• 2019 CGGs Chain Mail, Rhino, and Lunar Landing with Chrysocolla cabochon
• Unique Graphics��Available with or without a cabochon

ASSETS

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