Paging @ReaTePaying for a forum, you'd think they would respond to their customer base to clear things up.
Even if Reate won't change their ways, I imagine they'll do what their OEM customers like Peña request. You had no trouble taking apart Liong Mah's Reate-made stuff, right?I hope they join many of the other great companies in the industry by addressing these long-term maintenance issues in their future production.
Spyderco listened. It's simple business.That was super frustrating, because that knife was *so* good. Reate did such incredible work, that a little issue like this (which turns into a big issue over time) is just really sad. If Reate weren't one of the best companies making knives, I wouldn't even give it a second thought, but it kills me that these issues keep hurting their best work.
I hope they join many of the other great companies in the industry by addressing these long-term maintenance issues in their future production.
To be fair, makers have to do some calculus about the real costs. I think many of them use permanent thread locker for the same reason that so many other products are put together with one-way snaps or ultrasonic welds or with warranty seals over seams and screws: It discourages end users from creating problems and using warranty service to fix them. When you don't lock people out this way, the manufacturer and the dealer may bear some additional costs.Spyderco listened. It's simple business.
That was super frustrating, because that knife was *so* good. Reate did such incredible work, that a little issue like this (which turns into a big issue over time) is just really sad. If Reate weren't one of the best companies making knives, I wouldn't even give it a second thought, but it kills me that these issues keep hurting their best work.
I hope they join many of the other great companies in the industry by addressing these long-term maintenance issues in their future production.
Thanks appreciate that. Just backed off from buying a Reate.
Hey Falar. I own several Reates and I would say go ahead and get the K-2! I have the K-4 and the K series are very excellent knives. The problem with the torrent was they had the pivot screw glued in so much that it wasn't coming out no matter how much pressure I put on it, which in turn stripped out the screw. After taking apart 5+ reate model knives I believe on the older models they went heavy on the glue/locktite. Every one I've owned after the torrent has been just fine. I hope that helps, reate is at the top of the quality and precision machining right now. I am extremely impressed with their work.
Well I did get the K-2 after all. Great knife! I only removed the screw for the pocket clip but DAMN, it was on there. I was really worried about stripping it but it did break free safely.
I suspect Reate uses Titanium screws. [...] And/but they are softer. It's a trade. With the pluses, there are minuses. A too tough thread locker will exacerbate the issue. But if I'm right, we shouldn't be bashing Reate for "soft screws."
Nick, we boys love our toys. Being guys we work hard to rationalize our choice. We, put forward functionality in our conversation, things like steel attributes, ergonomics, action, when it's esthetics, styling, fit and finish that really drives things, especially above a certain ($) point. I bet I'm not alone, but when you're spending something north of $300, are you really gonna cut anything with it? Is it ever gonna "need" disassembly and cleaning? Sure there are exceptions - those billionaires you wrote about, maybe. Most of us are loathe to admit we're just collectors. At the upper end price-wise of production knives, Reate's making jewelry, albeit guy jewelry. In that world, Titanium screws are a plus, de rigueur, even. Ti screws, particularly if made in house, are not available in the metallurgy, heat treat, and grades that steel fasteners are. Some knives are for cutting, some for looking. Would you dare turn a screw driver on a lovely old Breguet from the late 1700s with its gold movement? Would you take it to just any old jeweler? Your Omegas are pretty. My watch is an Iphone. Thread locker's another matter.
I acknowledge that a great number of knives are safe queens. However, I think most knife enthusiasts actually use their knives whether a cheap beater or a $400 Reate. I own a bunch of Reates under various labels and every one of them has been used at some point in time. We've had usage polls here at BF and the collector/keeper are usually a minority to the user. I think the majority of enthusiasts use their expensive knives because it just feels so damn good to use a well made tool. They're not billionaires, they just trust in their own hand to use an expensive knife and not destroy it. I can promise you, I'm no billionaire.Can't say I disagree with that. I carry a multitool and have beater knives so the vast majority of my knives are showpieces/toys that I fiddle with. If I really like something I'll buy a second one (just like I do with most of my guns) so I don't feel so bad wearing something out. I have bad OCD when it comes to keeping things perfect though which is why I am absolutely done with high-end cars. Too much stress.