"My MSK-1 Knife is (Off the Charts) Perfect" - October UPDATE
over 6 years ago – Fri, Oct 13, 2017 at 12:01:14 AM

Hey Friend,

It's Been a Crazy Ride... 

Getting (what I think is) one of the finest Multi-Scenario-Knives ever made - through production to my obsessive compulsively high standards - and "out the door" to you has been challenging in about every way I can imagine. 

But what makes the last 4 years of development and production headaches worth it, is hearing from YOU - our TOTALLY stoked MSK-1 owners... 

SO... Before we get into delivery updates...

Here's 2.1 (Recent) Jolly-Good MSK-1 Owner Stories I Want to Share with You... 

"Hey David, I just received my MSK-1. My only regret is NOT ordering another. I am very happy. I'd like to purchase another knife." - F.M. Nevada, USA

_____

"A few months back, I was casually looking for a more substantial knife to have on hand for the outdoors - and to be honest, I wasn’t specifically looking for a “survival” knife. I was looking for something that was robust and functional enough to perform a number of duties. 

So I searched YouTube, and I found the MSK-1.  While I’ve had a few knives over the years that were short lived disappointments, I did some research and decided to order the MSK-1.  As in most things in life, the concept of buyer’s remorse is probably more common than most would admit, but I have to say that this knife is beyond exceptional, it's off the charts perfect, and was well worth waiting for!   

From clearing and preparing our campsite on a recent adventure in Vermont, the MSK-1 proved to be so much more than just a knife, operating also as an ax, a shovel, a hammer, and a cooking tool... this knife is ideal for any heavy duty task as well as more delicate duties such as carving and food preparation. 

The quality could not be better, and in fact, this thing is so overbuilt it will certainly outlive me. 

I have never written to a company before, or provided any feedback or testimonial, but this product was such a pleasant surprise - I had to contact you!

My thanks go to you David, and your team for making such a great product." -

- J.H. New York, USA

______

"I received my MSK-1 Ultimate Survival Knife Kit + Extra Sheath and MSK-1 Mini Neck Knife Kit [on September 25th]. The excellence of the packaging and the way things shipped alone was top notch and added to the excitement.

I was blown away by the quality of this survival system. My father has been teaching two-week desert survival on the USA / Mexico border for SWAT and Border Security for over 20 years, and he agrees - MSK-1 is a complete survival system in a compact, superior knife platform.

As I began to use my MSK-1, I realized that this knife system was so capable that it seemed to inspire a massive amount of confidence and positive thinking in me - even raising my mental state.

I have also found that the knife and sheath are easy to clean and maintain [after hard use]. And your instructions for maintaining the MSK-1 are reasonable and quick.

I am indeed grateful for your time and effort in the creation and persistent pursuit of quality that you forced us to accept.

Thank you for not giving into the usual corporate traits of sacrificing quality for profit. And a huge "Thank You" for not cutting corners when you experienced delays due to outside manufacturing problems.

You held your head high and took the brunt of our (mine and all customers) frustrations at the lack of instant gratification! But the delays were worth it! 

Thank you for responding to each and every email that I sent. You put my modern day lack of patience at ease. I have never experienced such a high level of customer service for an item that I didn't even have yet!!

Your personal intervention in the shipping process was unparalleled. The Skittles just topped everything off. Thank you!

I now have to go through the headache of updating my living will to figure out which of my children gets this MSK-1 package when I pass on to bigger and better pastures. :) I am grateful for this problem. 

Thank you again for all the effort on my account alone.  Best regards,"  

- A.M. Nevada, USA

__________

MSK-1 Update... 

100% of Kickstarter Backer MSK-1 Pledges HAVE Been FulFilled!!! Yee Haa!!!

AND 85% of MSK-1 (Batch #2) Knife Beauty Has Arrived in Small Quantities Over the Last 3 Weeks!- these knives are for folks who ordered BEFORE May 15th, 2017.

Our NEW manufacturing team (was super late - due to production issues on their first run of MSK-1s) but they have NAILED it! No pictures or words can express how fantastic these knives came out. But here's a photo anyway... 

STILL WAITING for Your MSK-1 Kit? 

So.... if you are still waiting for you MSK-1 (and Pre-Ordered BEFORE May 15th, 2017) here's your update... 

Many of you (who Pre-Ordered BEFORE May 15th, 2017) have gotten your MSK-1 Kits already. 

All of you have gotten a notice about 3+ weeks ago to check your shipping address. And some of you have just gotten an email with tracking numbers.

If you have gotten any of the above... hold on for another two weeks... your MSK-1 is NOT lost it's on the way... 

SO, for most of you (who ordered BEFORE May 15th, 2017), your MSK-1 system will be shipping by the end of October.

But a few of you may have to wait a bit longer... Here's why...

7% of the knives in this batch failed our quality control check and had to be sent back to be recoated... and 8% of this batch were totally ruined in setup and production (something I just learned about last week).

Even with 8% being ruined (which was my buffer) we should JUST have enough knives to take care everyone who ordered prior to May, 15th, 2017. 

I'm glad our team caught the sub-standard knives in production - but this means that a few of you will experience up to an additional 2-3 week delay - but should receive your MSK-1 kits before mid-November... although I am now "guns shy" of giving ANY dates until I have product in hand. 

And Before You Ask, "David, do you know who's MSK-1 system will be delayed?"

I have no way of knowing who's MSK-1 system will be delayed (the reason is complicated and - yes - boring) - so please don't bombard me with emails asking : ) 

Just know we are doing our very best to keep MSK-1 Kits flowing as efficiently and speedily as we can. THANK YOU for Your Patience!

Next… IF you Pre-Ordered AFTER May 15th, 2017 - READ THIS… 

At some point a few months ago we had to move the ship date of your knife batch of MSK-1s back to November (see the September update)… Unfortunately this is now pushed back further.

Here’s why…

Since the last update… the knives that were supposed to be done by mid-June, 2017 (those ordered before May 15th, 2017 - in the above update) … had been delayed do to quality control and manufacturing hiccups.

This all caused a 6 -8 week delay and has pushed the manufacturing start date of YOUR batch (Pre-Orders placed AFTER May 15th, 2017) back an additional 6 - 8 weeks.

This happened for some (in my opinion) stupid - as well as some - very legit yet complicated (and eternally boring) reasons… All beyond my control and in spite of my ABSOLUTE BEST and MOST PERSISTENT efforts to prevent further delays from happening.

As I mentioned in the September update - this next batch would not be able to be started until the previous batch was about done.

And since the previous batch was delayed... your batch was delayed.

Just know that the knives I am receiving and shipping right now (for folks who ordered prior to May 15th, 2017) are PERFECT in every way… AS YOURS WILL BE ALSO.  

These knives are are beyond my expectations… but this has come at a cost in time.

But we ARE making progress. Check this out…

1) It took 300+ days for our first run of knives to be done properly (to MY expectations). 

2) It took 160 days for our second run of knives to be done to perfection (MY expectations). 

3) And it should take 90 - 120 days for our third run to be done.

Yes, I share the above, to mostly comfort myself with the fact that our crappy manufacturing turn-around-times are actually improving and I am hoping that this will somehow encourage you too…

So, we are moving in the right direction - just SO MUCH SLOWER than I ever expected… 

Manufacturing in the USA Seems to Have It's Own Pace - SLOW... 

Here is the formula I came up with: Take original promised days until delivery and double them - then multiply by 1.786…

YEP, that’s pretty much it.

So WHEN Will YOU Get Your MSK-1 Kit (if you ordered AFTER May 15th)?

All this to say… anyone who ordered after May 15th, 2017 (if my calculations hold - crossing my fingers and praying a LOT) should have their MSK-1 kits shipped sometime between December 15th, 2017 (best case) and January 15th, 2018 (worst case).

Now, I know you all just heard December 15th and NOT January 15th. Just please expect January 15th and HOPE FOR December 15th or even earlier.

I apologized for the disappointment - to you who have been waiting, and waiting and waiting...

I know you wanted your knife for your hunting trip, summer adventure... your once in a life time trip to the Australian Bush, Amazon Jungle, Africa, China, India, Siberia OR  just to have and hold.. and cut, chop and carve cool stuff in the backyard - cause it’s a great knife. 

I get it and am VERY sorry! I can't imagine my life without an MSK-1 and MSK-1 Mini... and soon you won't either. 

If it was up to me - we would NEVER be late - but I have learned that I can't fix everything - no matter how hard I try…

But I CAN reassure YOU with the two comments that I get the most from our hundreds of MSK-1 owners…

Here they are: 

#1 - “David, I LOVE this knife…it’s beyond my expectations…” 

#2 - “David, the MSK-1 was totally worth the wait...”

However, if waiting longer is NOT acceptable to you…

I understand, and (as mentioned MANY times before) will gladly give you a 100% refund. Just email me at [email protected]

Happy MSK-1 Owner? 

Please send photos and your story... we'd love to hear your MSK-1 exploits and share them with others....

Thanks y'all,

~David

WANT MSK-1 New Product and Tips Updates Sent Directly to You? 

Subscribe to the MSK-1 Newsletter for Updates, MSK-1 Tips and Field Test Videos, AND... Future Product Releases. Here's the LINK: MSK-1 Updates)

A Few More NOTES FROM MSK-1 OWNERs…

“Hi David, Now that I have held the knife in my hand, I know I made a good decision in purchasing the MSK-1. Outstanding piece of gear! To you and your team, “Well Done!!” - F.S. Texas, USA

“David, I’m filled with joy now… the look and feel, it’s so much better than what I expected. It’s a big knife, but well balanced. This is my last day of work before I take the knife with me for 3 weeks in the desert wilderness… I will send you pictures (when I get back)… I’m really happy to deal with a person as nice as you. I wish you all the best.” -H.D. Saudi Arabia

“I GOT IT!! Thank you David! I almost tackled the Postal carrier, Then though twice… (she probably would have kicked my butt). I trepidatiously unboxed the unit. Now I have an MSK-1! My friends and family will no longer laugh at my "Flying Dutchman" of a knife. David, its GREAT! Congratulations! - E.B. PA, USA

“David, Its arrived! Took a little while for the customs guys to be happy to release, but we got it home… Firstly, you have done an outstanding job with this.....so well thought out and made… really proud of the outcome…” - A.S. Australia

“David, I received my MSK1 this past Friday. First, this thing is huge. It's a lot bigger and heavier than I expected, but I like it… and the sheath system is amazingly versatile… So, you truly do have a survival knife SYSTEM, for use by anyone with minimal additional hardware needed.” -D.W. Virginia, USA

“David, You did an amazing job - by far this is my favorite [Kickstarter] project - I need to order more!!!!!!!! I have been in the manufacturing business for over 25 years - and I help in the design of our products - I can definitely see the complexities in your project and the detail - more than outstanding - absolutely brilliant from the knife to the accessories - top quality - you delivered as promised! Thank you for taking your time and getting the details and quality right - it definitely shows. Did I say "I need to order more?” - J.N. Texas, USA

“David, Just got mine this morning. You and your team did terrific job on this knife and it's components/accessories. Well done and keep up the good work.” - N.M. Greece

“Hi David, I received the knife and it is amazing. I have a physical disability in my hand and need a knife with some weight to it and yours fits the bill. I searched and went through a LOT of knives to find the best and perfect one. Congratulations, you hit the mark. I love how the blade has weight to it with places to grip it for perfect control, and holes in it are great for lashing it to a pole to make a spear. I also like the handle that is made with a [micarta] material for a decent grip. Finally I love how you went the extra step in the sheath where I can adjust it to fit it at any angle and you added an elastic loop to the firesteel to keep it in the sheath… I am thoroughly impressed. Thank you.” - S.W. Illinois, USA

“David, Thanks for everything, the knife arrived yesterday and I couldn't be more pleased with my purchase… I may have even talked a buddy into getting one of his own. I'm very happy with the knife!” - M.B. Washington, USA

“David, You are my hero! This is amazing! I will be ordering a tactical sheath as soon as I can as well! Your support is unreal! - C.R. BC, Canada

“Dear Dave, Thank you for your project. [MSK-1] is an interesting concept and a welcomed addition to my life. MSK-1 is great chopping tool, also it's well balanced handcrafting tool - even for small jobs. As you know I am Japanese and the MSK-1 is sized prefect to fitted my hand. You should know that I got another knife made by Mr. (Jeff) Freeman the other day, because of good quality of the MSK-1. Both I now own, and am so happy to use them everyday. Best regards, H.Y.” - H.Y. Japan

“Dear David, If I had known (when I meet you) at BladeShow that this is what the MSK-1 would actually be… I would of hugged you. I’m so happy to own the [MSK-1 and Mini Knife] set… it’s just amazing. Love it. It was well worth waiting for. What a great job you have done. Thanks again.” - M.S. Israel

“Hi David, Got my MSK-1… and it is amazing, I love it, I’m sure it will last me a lifetime... the last knife I’ll ever need. Thanks again.” - G.W. United Kingdom

“Got my blade! The wait was worth it! Thank You so much!” - G.H. Hawaii, USA

“Hello David, I received my MSK-1 kit. From the packaging to the gear inside the boxes, I can see the quality of this project everywhere. Grasping the knife in my hand, I can feel the tears, sweat and effort you put into this over the past year. David, I appreciate you and admire your courage to kick off such a huge project. I know you have been under a lot of pressure, but I want you to know that it was well worth the year I waited for it. MSK-1 is a really kick-ass item that makes me feel of confident when holding it in my hand.” - M.S. Hong Kong

“Hi David, Got my knife! Thank you for designing such an incredible piece of hardware! And I'm so happy! Your goal of leaving a legacy in metal was successful.” -J.Y. New York, USA

September MSK-1 Knife Update - New MSK-1 Gear - Owner Reviews and MORE...
over 6 years ago – Thu, Aug 31, 2017 at 04:18:56 PM

Hey Friend,

Here’s a short update on MSK-1 production... future MSK-1 gear... and a FEW notes from MSK-1 owners (at the end)...  

Let’s Start with Some Bullet Points - I like bullet points...

• We have shipped thousands of MSK-1 knives and system components all over the world! How cool is that?
• We have fulfilled ALL (but two) of our Kickstarter Pledges 
• I’ve receive a TON of "Happy Camper" notes from folks who have received their MSK-1s (see owners reviews below)
• We have shipped 90% of Pre-Orders placed up to last September 
• We will soon be shipping all remaining Pre-Orders - placed before May 15th, 2017 (details below). 
• For those who placed you MSK-1 Pre-Order AFTER May 15th… your knives will be in production as soon as this current batch is finished and we plan on shipping by the end of the first week of November.  
• LASTLY... We’re working on some cool new MSK-1 knife and sheath system products - to be released in time for the Christmas Season. But I can't tell you what they are... HEY, who just said, "A BOSS Leather Sheath"? Shhhh... Don't tell anyone!!! Okay? 

WANT MSK-1 New Product and Tips Updates Sent Directly to You? 

If You Have Not… Do Subscribe to the MSK-1 Newsletter for Updates, MSK-1 Tips and Field Test Videos, AND... Future Product Releases. Here's the LINK: http://ultimatesurvivaltips.com/msk1-guide)

Next… IF you have NOT received your MSK-1 yet, READ THIS…

Our manufacturing team is finishing up our next round of knives… originally promised by the end of August.

However, I met with them 2 weeks ago and was not happy with the black oxide coating yet. This is very important to get right and a VERY complicated process. 

I’m not sending out anything less than perfect MSK-1s to you guys! So, if anything is ever not perfect, I'd rather lose a few folks that are not willing to wait anymore, than send out ONE MSK-1 that is not perfect! That's the way I roll. 

So opposed to approving a coating (that honestly, most of you guys would not have noticed it's imperfections)… I told them to get it right.

So our manufacturing team has been tweaking this to meet my expectations. 

I Just Got an Update from My Manufacturing Team - Here it is…

Hi David,

Here’s where we are at…

Black Oxide Coating on the MSK-1 now looks great!

The sample that I have in my hand is a powerful and beautiful tool. Words, descriptions and images alone are not enough to communicate how pleased I am with the results here.

We have one lot of approximately 90 blades that are coated perfectly and just went to the laser marking house today for the final step in the process. The rest of the blades are being shot blasted and oxide coated and then to the laser house (for putting the logos on the blades).  

The first lot of 90 blades should be ready for you by September 8th. The balance of the blades will following in two lots, a few days apart. You should have all of this batch by September 18th or 19th - if not sooner.

We apologize for this delay. Much of this was caused by our CNC grinder being “down” for about 3 weeks and the back and forth making sure the black oxide coating on the knives was perfect.

The next round of knives should go a LOT smoother now that we have these details worked out.

_______

So there you have it. Please know that will ship your MSK-1 ASAP after knives are received.

WHAT if you need your MSK-1 before the end of September?

A handful of you guys have reached out to let me know that: 1) you are either being deployed (for US Military service) or... 2) have a special need to get your MSK-1 sooner than later (like you are going on a once in a lifetime 3-week expedition to Africa in mid-late September) and want to take you knife with you. I get that. Of course you do!!!

So, if this is you, please send a short note about your situation and we will do our best to get you your knife sooner than later.  Please don't make stuff up. But if you have a genuine need, we will do what we can to honor that. 

Thank you for your patience!

NOW... to the FUN Stuff!!! 

A Few NOTES FROM MSK-1 OWNERs…

“Hi David, Now that I have held the knife in my hand, I know I made a good decision in purchasing the MSK-1. Outstanding piece of gear! To you and your team, “Well Done!!” - F.S. Texas, USA

“David, I’m filled with joy now… the look and feel, it’s so much better than what I expected. It’s a big knife, but well balanced. This is my last day of work before I take the knife with me for 3 weeks in the desert wilderness… I will send you pictures (when I get back)… I’m really happy to deal with a person as nice as you. I wish you all the best.” -H.D. Saudi Arabia

“I GOT IT!! Thank you David! I almost tackled the Postal carrier, Then though twice… (she probably would have kicked my butt). I trepidatiously unboxed the unit. Now I have an MSK-1! My friends and family will no longer laugh at my "Flying Dutchman" of a knife. David, its GREAT! Congratulations! - E.B. PA, USA

“David, Its arrived! Took a little while for the customs guys to be happy to release, but we got it home… Firstly, you have done an outstanding job with this.....so well thought out and made… really proud of the outcome…” - A.S. Australia

“David, I received my MSK1 this past Friday. First, this thing is huge. It's a lot bigger and heavier than I expected, but I like it… and the sheath system is amazingly versatile… So, you truly do have a survival knife SYSTEM, for use by anyone with minimal additional hardware needed.” -D.W. Virginia, USA

“David, You did an amazing job - by far this is my favorite [Kickstarter] project - I need to order more!!!!!!!! I have been in the manufacturing business for over 25 years - and I help in the design of our products - I can definitely see the complexities in your project and the detail - more than outstanding - absolutely brilliant from the knife to the accessories - top quality - you delivered as promised! Thank you for taking your time and getting the details and quality right - it definitely shows. Did I say "I need to order more?” - J.N. Texas, USA

“David, Just got mine this morning. You and your team did terrific job on this knife and it's components/accessories. Well done and keep up the good work.” - N.M. Greece

“Hi David, I received the knife and it is amazing. I have a physical disability in my hand and need a knife with some weight to it and yours fits the bill. I searched and went through a LOT of knives to find the best and perfect one. Congratulations, you hit the mark. I love how the blade has weight to it with places to grip it for perfect control, and holes in it are great for lashing it to a pole to make a spear. I also like the handle that is made with a [micarta] material for a decent grip. Finally I love how you went the extra step in the sheath where I can adjust it to fit it at any angle and you added an elastic loop to the firesteel to keep it in the sheath… I am thoroughly impressed. Thank you.” - S.W. Illinois, USA

“David, Thanks for everything, the knife arrived yesterday and I couldn't be more pleased with my purchase… I may have even talked a buddy into getting one of his own. I'm very happy with the knife!” - M.B. Washington, USA

“David, You are my hero! This is amazing! I will be ordering a tactical sheath as soon as I can as well! Your support is unreal! - C.R. BC, Canada

“Dear Dave, Thank you for your project. [MSK-1] is an interesting concept and a welcomed addition to my life. MSK-1 is great chopping tool, also it's well balanced handcrafting tool - even for small jobs. As you know I am Japanese and the MSK-1 is sized prefect to fitted my hand. You should know that I got another knife made by Mr. (Jeff) Freeman the other day, because of good quality of the MSK-1. Both I now own, and am so happy to use them everyday. Best regards, H.Y.” - H.Y. Japan

“Dear David, If I had known (when I meet you) at BladeShow that this is what the MSK-1 would actually be… I would of hugged you. I’m so happy to own the [MSK-1 and Mini Knife] set… it’s just amazing. Love it. It was well worth waiting for. What a great job you have done. Thanks again.” - M.S. Israel

“Hi David, Got my MSK-1… and it is amazing, I love it, I’m sure it will last me a lifetime... the last knife I’ll ever need. Thanks again.” - G.W. United Kingdom

“Got my blade! The wait was worth it! Thank You so much!” - G.H. Hawaii, USA

“Hello David, I received my MSK-1 kit. From the packaging to the gear inside the boxes, I can see the quality of this project everywhere. Grasping the knife in my hand, I can feel the tears, sweat and effort you put into this over the past year. David, I appreciate you and admire your courage to kick off such a huge project.  I know you have been under a lot of pressure, but I want you to know that it was well worth the year I waited for it. MSK-1 is a really kick-ass item that makes me feel of confident when holding it in my hand.” - M.S. Hong Kong

“Hi David, Got my knife! Thank you for designing such an incredible piece of hardware!  And I'm so happy! Your goal of leaving a legacy in metal was successful.” -J.Y. New York, USA

MSK-1 Production Update - Batch #2 of Knives
almost 7 years ago – Tue, Jul 25, 2017 at 05:13:20 PM

Greetings Friend, 

It's time for another update...

THE GOOD NEWS!!!

We HAVE shipped HUNDREDS and HUNDREDS of MSK-1s and Mini Survival Knife Systems. Nearly 70% of ALL orders placed before May 15th, 2017 have been fulfilled as I write this.

Over 90% of Kickstarter orders and about 90% of Pre-Orders placed PRIOR to September 2016 HAVE Shipped.

Almost every day I get another testimony or two of someone telling me their MSK-1 story and how it was was worth the wait.

But I know some of you are still waiting....

STILL WAITING FOR YOUR MSK-1? READ THIS...

FIRST - If you ordered your MSK-1 before May 15th, 2017 the OCTOBER DELIVERY Date on the WEBSITE is NOT for You. It is ONLY for Pre-Orders Placed after May 15th, 2017 and Orders placed today.

Next... As most of you know. Our first production run of MSK-1s was a bit of a train wreck.

The quality of the knives was fantastic!!! But MANY of our manufacturers did TERRIBLE job and broke promise after promise on completion and delivery dates - to Jeff and I and ULTIMATELY You.

Through this process, due to the domino effect - we lost 6 to 8 months... which is what caused so many of you to have to wait so long for your MSK-1.

I saw BIG problems developing (that were beyond my control) around November 2016.

At that time I started developing a back-up plan.

Demand for MSK-1 knife systems was NOT decreasing... and our manufacturers (at the time) were not anywhere close to keeping up.

The BOTTOM LINE - They had lost my trust!

To say I was not happy, is a gross understatement.

I have always prided myself on integrity and keeping my promises... and because of several of our manufacturers - I was NOT able to keep my promises to you. This not only made me mad, but deeply sad.

Unfortunately, we were committed to these manufacturers to finish out the production of our first RUN of MSK-1 knives.

But my mind was made up.

Most of these manufactures had to be fired... What they did to me (and us) was totally unacceptable.

So my plan was to eliminate the multiple manufacturer model and bring ALL of our knife manufacturing under one roof.

So in late 2016 I started looking for... and found a great company to work with - Utica Cutlery.

At SHOT Show in January, Jeff and I started discussing the MSK-1 project with them, getting quotes and working out the details.

You see... Utica Cutlery is a company with a stellar reputation and is a legacy knife company (just 3.5 hours from my home) that has been around for nearly a century, with a rock solid reputation for producing quality cutting tools under budget and on schedule.

I knew starting this process over was going to take some time... because, we were essentially starting from scratch - new company, new tooling needed to be manufactured, new processes for Utica to learn (since MSK-1 is a very complicated knife to make).

Once Jeff and I were satisfied that we had a winning strategy and a team of folks on our side at Utica Cutlery... we moved forward.

Utica guaranteed that our second run of MSK-1 and Mini knives would be complete between the Middle to end of August 2017.

But we were REALLY behind, so I pushed them, asking if they could try and make up time lost by our previous manufacturers and deliver by the end of July 2017.

THEY AGREED to DO THEIR BEST and Try to Make Up Lost Time...

When I met with representatives of the company at BLADE Show in early June... the sense was that they would be able to get our second run of knives done for us to ship by the end of July.

But in July two things happened.

1 - Utica had a difficult time laser marking the knives. This cost a week or so of "make up" time.

2 - The second issue was that the company who was manufacturing the tooling for Utica had an unexpected 2 week company-wide shut down in early July. And by, by went our margin and the ability to make up time.

HERE'S THE BOTTOM LINE

We are not going to be able to ship all Pre-Orders placed prior to May 15th, 2017 by the end of July.

Our NEW Target for Shipping the above Pre-Orders is by the End of August, 2017. Basically AS SOON AS we get the finished knives from Utica.

So I want to say this clearly... If you ordered before May 15th, 2017 and are not willing to wait for your MSK-1 another 3 or 4 weeks. Please let me know and I will gladly refund your money.

This has been my commitment to you since I realized we would not make our first ship date... and this continues until you have your knife.

SO, Moving Forward - HERE IS WHAT I KNOW...

I should have MSK-1 Mini Neck Knives by the second week of August (if not before).

I should have a sample of the MSK-1 Survival Knife (the big one) here for inspection on (this) Friday July 28th or this Saturday July 29th (Utica is overnighting the first sample to me).

Once I approve this, the full production run of the big knives begins.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN TO YOU?

This means that I'll be able to ship the balance Pre-Orders that contain the Mini Neck Knives (only) starting around August 15th.

AND I will be shipping MSK-1s (per-ordered before May 15th) - before the end of August.

HOW DO YOU KNOW THIS IS TRUE?

Well we've had a bunch of issues and had to change many dates. But I am hoping, at this point we have flushed the system clean and we now are down to a reliable company I can trust moving forward.

So, the bottom line is that I TRUST UTICA CUTLERY to come through.

ONE LAST THING... for those WHO ORDERED a COMBAT SHEATH SYSTEM with your MSK-1...

IF YOU ORDERED the Combat Sheath with Your MSK-1 - Kevin at Tie Tactical (our manufacturer of those)... has had a difficult time keeping up with demand.

Tie Tactical is a small custom sheath shop in Texas and (although they originally approached me to design and make the MSK-1 Combat Sheaths) - I know now, they had NO IDEA what they were getting themselves into.

So, some of our Kickstarter Folks (about 50 of you) are still waiting for their MSK-1s with Combat Sheath. I will have 25 to ship by the end of this week....with the balance rolling in weekly with a goal of shipping them by the Middle of August.

IF the delay on the Combat Sheaths extends beyond the Middle of August... I will ship your MSK-1s WITHOUT the Combat Sheath and ship your Combat Sheath system when it arrives.

This way you can start using your MSK-1 sooner than later.

For our Pre-Order backers who have ordered the combat sheath system with MSK-1 (prior to May 15th, 2017...

IF your Combat Sheath System is not ready by the time we are ready to ship your MSK-1 knife ... I will ship your MSK-1 - and then ship your combat sheath when it is in stock.

IN CLOSING...

I rejoice in the fact that YOU - our faithful and patient backers and Pre-Order customers - have endured so many obstacles with me (over the past year).

I thank the hundreds of you who have sent notes of encouragement and support through one of the toughest times of my life - converting the MSK-1 concept to reality.

But WE have survived and have almost crossed the finish line.

I can say with certainty... that if you have not received your MSK-1 yet. You are in for a treat.

You are going to LOVE this knife.

Warmest Regards and Many Blessings,

~Talk Soon!
 

~David

Oops... New MSK-1 Online User Guide is "LIVE"
almost 7 years ago – Tue, Jun 20, 2017 at 10:40:42 AM

Hey Friend, 

I forgot to tell you about the NEW Online MSK-1 User Guide in my last update.. 

Holy Cats, there's a LOT of stuff there including setup - maintenance - sharpening your MSK-1 - and TONs more. 

It's nearly a virtual MSK-1 playground... LOL

http://ultimatesurvivaltips.com/msk1-guide/

I designed this Resource / Guide it to have every resource / training I wished other knife and gear makers would post on their products.

We took a LOT of time to put this online resource together for you so that you can have the MOST AWESOME MSK-1 Experience Possible. 

Check It Out HERE: http://ultimatesurvivaltips.com/msk1-guide/

OH - I almost forgot - I JUST Opened Up 5 More Seats for our ULTIMATE SURVIVAL CHALLENGE Training (July 10th - 14th in PA): http://ultimatesurvivaltips.com/ultimate-survival-challenge-level-1/

So if you want to test out your MSK-1 (in a real world training scenario) AND learn everything you and your family needs to MUSH better prepare and weather any crisis, disaster or emergency... CHECK IT OUT!  

MSK-1 Supporters TAKE $100 off (per seat)... HERE'S the discount code: 2017-100

Here's a LINK to the Training: http://ultimatesurvivaltips.com/ultimate-survival-challenge-level-1/

Enjoy the MSK-1 User / Resource Guide

~David

FRESH MSK-1 Knife UPDATE - Yea! Kickstarter and PRE-Orders Shipping...
almost 7 years ago – Tue, Jun 20, 2017 at 09:28:45 AM

Hey Guys...

I'm getting a LOT of requests for a FRESH update - so here goes...

Through many continued challenges with coordinating the delivery of sheaths and knives, we are still (pretty much) on schedule with our last two updates. 

Most Kickstarter Pledges are Shipped and /or Delivered - YEA!!! ... With the exception of some International and USA Knife Systems - that include nylon sheaths, kit pouches and the kydex combat sheaths (these all should be restocked by the end of this week). 

But we are on track to ship all of the Kickstarter Pledges that are left to ship - by the end of June. 

Some Pre-Orders HAVE Started to Ship - Another YEA!  Our goal is to ship ALL Pre-Orders (PLACE BEFORE MAY 15th, 2017) before the end of July.  

The only variable I have is that our second Mini and MSK-1 knife order is promised by the first week of July (and of course I need these knives to ship many of your Pre-Orders).  

These knives are coming from an awesome manufacturer that Jeff and I have been vetting and working with for the last 8 months (to replace our previous manufacturers who could not keep a deadline to save their life - and caused us all a TON of frustration and months and months and month of waiting).  

BUT... I have a LOT of faith in our new manufacturing partner to deliver on time... so you can get your MSK-1 Survival Knife System ASAP. 

LAST THING...

I'm loving all the photos and testimonials from you guys as you get and use your MSK-1 Systems. Please do send links to videos too... 

Excited about your MSK-1 system or do you have an MSK-1 story to tell? Send your MSK-1 experience words, photos and video to: [email protected]

That's it for now,

Blessings Y'all!

~David