I'm still confused. What exactly is it about testing a blade out under a myriad of conditions that you don't understand? It certainly isn't to help sales.

I think Dan is interested in feel and balance and the general overall users impressions of the knife. How will the folks with small hands vs big hands like it? Changes in edge geometry or subtle handle changes might be suggested. Even if the steel and handle materials are well proven and the general design is proven, sometimes subtle changes can make a good knife great. Think of the Ratmandu. How many knives have you ever used that feel that "right"? Most of them don't, even if they're Busses. It may well turn out that NO changes are needed for the Regulator. It feels pretty good to me. Having lots of testers out there using it in different conditions and sending their impressions and suggestions to Dan sure can't hurt.

We NEED the photos and vid of the Jeep/Trees/Concrete Blocks/etc!

I know for a die hard fan it may not be necessary but as a company looking at new prospects these are the things that draw people. If I showed someone my knives and told them what they are capable of they will say "Show me".

For most people seeing is believing.

What does anyone have to lose? Sure, it may take longer to get into production but lets say Dan decides to make some of those changes most Dogs on here want. Now we have a customers dream, getting exactly what we want! Chances of everyone being in one accord are slim but I'll take some improvements over none. To top it off, I think Dan and the Team can only do so much. This is an opportunity for Dogs to be involved with the process and help out with what is a time consuming affair. Reviews are not easy, many in magazines are biased. I will take a fellow Dogs review any day and the fact that the Yard isn't afraid of hearing bad feedback sets them above the rest.

As for those people asking me to show them, I'd rather show the vid then do it to one of my blades. The emotional attachment was instant.

I'll take 6 months over 2 weeks! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

All kidding aside, this economy and these releases are making it hard on the wallet for a lot of us. Time to recuperate is actually not so bad considering the limited time frame. I get what your saying though Bruce and I love new releases one right after another. Maybe a poll isn't a bad idea. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Bruce, I see your point, and even agree with it to some degree - I've made no secret out of the fact that I'm not completely convinced by the test team idea.

That said, to play devil's advocate, there is a lot about this knife that is nonstandard by scrap yard standards. The way it's ground, thickness of blade, the way the choil meets the handle, the new handle shape, and lots of other subtle stuff is all just different enough from other scrap yard knives offered in the past that I could at least understand their wanting to get a bit of feedback on it. And the marketing aspect of the "exclusivity" of it is certainly getting the knife even more attention than it would otherwise.

I can't post any kind of review, obviously, but when you hold this thing in your hand it does NOT feel like "just another standard Bowie".

I think of it sort of like this....

Look at the S5. When Dan posted those pics, lots and lots of people wanted it, but a vocal group of folks hated the huge square choil. If there were a test team version, that choil might have been tweaked.

Or the Busse SAR4, which has a choil that's too big to be just for sharpening, and too small to actually use. Basically everyone I've ever seen comment on it hates that choil. If it went to testers first, it might have been released without the choil.

Neither of those choils stopped the knives from selling extremely well, but if you can turn a GREAT blade into a GREATER blade, I say go for it <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Would LOVE to see a poll Bruce <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />. As it is the wait for the new knives is long enough in my opinion. From my PMs I would say that many folks feel the same. Maybe not though. I LOVED the S 5s when they were introduced and the price is GREAT <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />.I can see all sides but a poll with correct questions might be quite nice. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />Let's kick around the idea of the " right questions" . Just my thoughts- Thanks <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />