MORE SlideClicks, Fat Toads, ...and other cool stuff!
In the last blog post...
Two of the topics I covered were Fat Toad sliders and SlideClick Utility Blade Knives.
I'm covering them (very briefly) because the demand is so high for them.
Fat Toads (UltraLight)
Every Fat Toad seems to sell out instantly.
We have more trickling out (they take a LONG time to make).
The place to watch is the front page where they randomly drop:
SlideClick Utility Blade Knives (Crazy Demand)
I thought I made more than enough of these last (a few dozen).
BUT...
They all sold out fairly quickly.
We are fairly limited in how many of these we can make per day - and, unfortunately, I cannot make any more than this (at least not until I can invest in another machine).
So, for now, the best place is to keep an eye on the front page where I will drop what I can.
However, today, I do have some Natural Finish SlideClicks here:
Bringing Back Some Old Designs
I spent the weekend going through all the sliders I have designed and made over the last 3.5 years since I started.
Honestly, I had no idea I had created so many different designs ...most of which we don't even make any more.
I ended up picking around six or so of the designs I came up with in the first year. There were a LOT more than this ...but these are a combination of my favourite and the most popular.
All of them, originally, used T48 plates. But we don't make those plates any more.
So we're tweaking these designs to work with the S48 plates. But, for some of these slider, we are actually going to create a new plate just for them.
Keep an eye out on the front page (and these blog posts of course) over the next few weeks as these new-and-improved designs start coming off the CNC machine.
Here are some of the designs we will be making:
Actually, one more...
I've never made this before - but it is an older design. It's called the"RoboEgg".
It's only a rough concept right now, but I feel it has a bit of an "X-Factor" to it.
I have shown it before -- and most people have likely forgotten about it -- but I thought I would bring it to light again as it is in "Project Otter".
Wait, Project Otter... what's that you're wondering, right? More on down the page...
But, for now, here's the RoboEgg:
Having A Team
It's great to have a team...
As you know, I'm not a one-man-show. We have Machinists and Customer Support/Assembly.
Over the last few months we've all been working hard on putting "systems" in the business. Yeah, I know, that could take away from the products having a bespoke feel to them. Did you know Rolex makes around 1.2 million (yes, MILLION) watches per year? Are they still highly coveted, desired and hold their value? Absolutely!
We definitely make a lot more sliders now compared to when it was just me 3.5 years ago.
BUT, one thing for sure, it certainly does not take away from the quality. One such example is... all products go through a four-step, multi-person quality control process (where we literally sign our names/initials to say it passes).
Are we 100% perfect all the time? No.
But I can say, without a doubt, having a team and system has improved our products a LOT.
If we stuck to the same old products day-in and day-out like some makers, then maybe our quality control would be 100% perfect. But, because we're always trying new things and pushing what is possible, there are always new things that catch us out.
But, if you've ever had an issue with a product, then you know we always help solve it.
Why am I telling you this?
Here's why...
I've had an ongoing shoulder injury for 2 years ...and I'm finally getting an operation to (hopefully) fix it.
My arm will be in a sling for 6 to 8 weeks.
If I was a one-man show, then pretty much everything in the business would have to come to a grinding halt. I wouldn't be able to work the CNC machines, assemble, ship, etc.
But, because we have such an amazing team and have a fairly good set of systems in place (but, we're always working on these!), the making and shipping of Sliders and Pens (and SlideClicks) will continue exactly as it has been for the last 6 months or so.
Actually, believe it or not...
You will likely see MORE NEW DESIGNS than usual coming out over the next few months.
I knew my shoulder operation was coming... so I've been working away on NEW designs and concepts in anticipation of this -- and I have handed these over to the team to prototype, test and produce. I will say there is some WILD stuff coming. :-)
I am typing this on Monday ...and my operation is tomorrow. You will be reading this on Wednesday (because I'm not going to be able to type for a while). :-)
Here's the truth...
Most of us engineer or design or machinist type people do well as a one-man-show.
Not me though. I was a one-man show for many, many years. I had to ...while I was getting the business up and running.
I do a lot better with people though. Finding good people. Giving them what they need. And, ultimately, delivering the best products we can to YOU.
I really hope you can make those old sweep sliders with those self healing plates. They’re still my favorite. I regret not buying more. They’re still highly underrated in my opinion.
Can we get some more of the plain supergrip sweeps? Those are gorgeous
Yes. FAT FROGS. Lots and lots of FAT FROGS, and those that shall be named (feans, I only have 9 pairs).
J.D.
Take my money right now for a Wideboy and King Crab on some slot plates!
FYI… US$48 tariff on a SlideClick 😳. I paid it, and will cherish this one. I love your stuff Magnus, but after this, I’m going to have to chill purchasing until this is worked out.