What happened to REKAT?

Chiro75

Chiro75

Joined
Feb 4, 1999
Messages
5,786
If this is redundant, I apologize, but I can't seem to search anymore. Anyway, I've been out of it for some time and I can't find REKAT around. Obviously they folded (no pun intended), but what happened? Last time I looked they seemed to be really on the up and up. I like their knives, having a Fang, first generation Pioneer and 2nd gen pioneer. Used to have a Carnivour, too. Anyway, please fill me in.
 
From what I read they decided to concentrate on the "tool" part of their name and have stopped making knives. Sorry I don't know much more than that. I own several and I'm quite happy with them.

phantom4
 
Word has it that Benchmade bought the rights to the rolling lock.
 
Originally posted by shootist16
Word has it that Benchmade bought the rights to the rolling lock.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't doubt that rumour. A competitive strategy often used in industries to keep any competitive advantages in check. BM would have no intention to actually use the rolling lock. Just to keep the rights so it stays out of the hands of other competitors.

As for REKAT, the answer is simple. In economic terms: their marginal costs exceeded their marginal revenues...or is it their average costs exceeded...?

Anyway, too bad. Their products were really distinctive. Unfortunately, it's rumoured that they suffered the ills of many small companies: they suffered from supplier problems, quality control, and probably didn't have the resources to market themselves enough particularly in distribution. I mean how many REKAT items could you find at your local knife store? They had spotty distribution.

Maybe if there's enough interest and fervor, Brothers and Taylor may come back in some form...one can only hope.

Unfortunately, their legacy lives only in trying to find REKAT owners willing to part with their knives.

FTC

P.S. Maybe it's time that Bladeforums changed their mascot knives from REKAT to something that is still in existence!
 
FTC, will another outrageous production folder like the Sifu ever be made again? I kinda like seeing that knife at the top of the page to remind me that there is nothing that is "too extreme" in our house. But that's just me, so you bring up a valid point. :cool:
 
Originally posted by toothed
...I kinda like seeing that knife (Sifu) at the top of the page to remind me that there is nothing that is "too extreme" in our house...:cool:
Click to expand...
In that case, I'd like to see a monsterous Cold Steel Vaquero Grande put in-place of the discontinued Sifu.:).
 
Originally posted by toothed
FTC, will another outrageous production folder like the Sifu ever be made again? I kinda like seeing that knife at the top of the page to remind me that there is nothing that is "too extreme" in our house. But that's just me, so you bring up a valid point. :cool:
Click to expand...

Well there's always SOG and Cold Steel making the megafolders but they just seem to lack the mystique and all out coolness of the SIFU, hey toothed? (Sorry Glockman, I'm not a huge Cold Steel fan. I like SOG though).

Remember a year and a half ago, toothed, when we were both impatiently checking the (then) REKAT forum everyday for updates on the special edition SIFUs. How's your SIFU doing?

My 12/75 (stonewashed) is tucked away safely in a cupboard, oiled and in its "tube". I only bring out every once and a while to feel like a Clint Eastwood. ;) It would have to be a pretty good offer for me to let mine go.

I remember my friend's joking quip when I showed him the SIFU, "This is the kinda knife that makes you want to go out and look for trouble!"...He was just joking around of course as he's a pretty law abiding guy.
 
Originally posted by toothed
FTC, will another outrageous production folder like the Sifu ever be made again? I kinda like seeing that knife at the top of the page to remind me that there is nothing that is "too extreme" in our house. But that's just me, so you bring up a valid point. :cool:
Click to expand...

How about the Camillus CUDA MAXX 5.5? There is one H*ll of a knife, a Darrel Ralph design and a worthy charismatic successor to the Sifu, if there ever will be one!
 
FTC, oh man do you bring back some nice memories. Yes, I recall that period when we checked on the progress of the special edition finger-grooveless D2 Sifu almost daily. I got number 13/75 stonewashed (hey, I was just behind you in the waiting line). I have absolutely no problems with the rolling lock--I think whether the lock works or not may have something to do with how the handles align (i.e., properly, with blade centered) or not. Anyway, in hindsight, that's my theory.

Like you, I have mine safely tucked away and is only occasionally handled for maintenance. Oh, I did play with it after watching the Mummy movies and the Scorpion King since the blade profile of the Sifu sure looked like some of the movie swords.

I guess there will never be a definitive "All-time Outrageous Folder" since we each have our own particular favorite; however, with due respect to others, my vote goes for the Sifu (any version).

Number 13 wants me to ask you to say hi to number 12. ;)
 
i had a forum spec edition, 25/75 i think, traded it for a nealy if memory serves, had some lock probs w/mine, but they fixed it (i had to pay shipping both ways, and knife was brand new also....and i often think it must have been the 'one' knife that REKAT EVER got back(mentioned by bob T several times) that the lock failed w/out abuse/alteration/etc, as that is exactly what happened, simply folded up on me one night, ya have never been cut till a big D2 SIFU thats RAZOR sharp bites ya lol, but they were cool about it, bob T even told me inertia opening them was cool, though i wonder if that actually wasnt a problem w/the SIFU, thats a BIG ol' blade to be whipping around, imho

all in all, a pretty good knife, actually considered buying one a while back, but if the lock messes up, ETF do i do then?? pay pat crawford to fixit?? i still might buy one if NIT...i am suprised they arent really higher than they are though (now)but i got a $250 knife in trade for mine, so i cant complain. but gee, i have seem NIT mods on sale for $100 to $150, tops!! kinda suprising to me, like i say, may have to pick 1 up while the price is low, would kinda like to have one now....

honestly though, the cuda maxx 5.5" is really a LOT better knife(than a SIFU, or really, imho, any REKAT), though the SIFU 'looks' better to me. when i think 'REKAT' i think 'SIFU', as none of the other models ever really 'grabbed' me except the pocket hobbit, and its not legal in my neck of the woods. but the maxx has a MUCH better lock, at least as good steel in the blade, slimmer/lighter/smoother, cheaper, but those blue handles(!?!?!), i cant decide if i like 'em or hate 'em, lol, wish they would come out w/Carbon Fibre like my mini maxx custom, would like them better for sure....


RIP REKAT, hope the tool biz is rockin'!!

greg


*edited for my horrible spellin' after a evening on 6th st listening to music/drinking beer/schnapps/yagermiester/jello shots, lol
 
I also have a SIFU that has never been used (only carried a bit). It is one of the early ones with ATS 34 and the green handles.

I like the knife but never ever felt really confident with the lock. Most likely will not go up in value at all, but it is now quite unique since production stopped.
 
Originally posted by SIFU1A
but if the lock messes up, ETF do i do then?? pay pat crawford to fixit??
Click to expand...

Say, I never did know to the extent of who exactly designed the SIFU and Rolling lock.

Was it Pat Crawford? It does look Crawford inspired. Does anyone know for sure. They never credited Crawford in the promotions and ads for the SIFU. I always assumed it was a Brothers and Taylor design.

If it is Crawford, then it's rather auspicious. Not to mention that Rob Simonich is credited for researching the D2E steel for the SIFU D-2 SE.

I know there are more refined megafolders out there like some of Darrel Ralph's designs. Then again, I didn't get the SIFU for its prettyness. I don't think any SIFU owner did. They just get it because it screams out, "B.M.F." Nor am I holding on to my SIFU because I hope it increases in price. I just think it's a real unique knife in the annals of history of production folders.


FTC

P.S. Toothed's "lucky 13" is a pretty cool number (I'm not superstitious). I wanted #1 (obviously), or #13...Darn you, toothed, you lucky...! ;)
 
My understanding is that Brothers and Taylor developed the rolling lock. Pat Crawford designed the Carnivore collaboration. REKAT licensed Crawford and Rob Simonich to use the lock.
 
Dennis is right, however I was only licensed to make like 33 with the rolling lock. Great lock if tuned right. Also, the SIFU was designed by Brothers and Taylor, not Crawford. I did research the D-2E for REKAT, but only inworking up a heat treat that got the best balance in my opinion for the knives it was to be used in. I have one of the first SIFU's, it is a great knife.
 
Thanks for clearing the air, Rob. And on behalf of all SIFUphiles with the D2E blades, thanks for your part in a BMF of a knife.

FTC

BTW, would you mind expanding on it's a great lock "if it's tuned right?" Do you think the rolling lock problems were legit, or blown out of proportion? Also, any specific care instructions for D2e?
 
absolutly correct about crawford, he only made them by license from bob t, i honestly didnt know rob was involved w/the SIFU, i was just mentioning the only other people i knew involved w/the rolling lock - i got a news letter from pat a while back and they were gonna have to quit making the rolling lock due to the license expiring..............

greg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top