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ButteMT61
Well-Known Member
Jeff M said:
While I agree, I'd ask for those too critical to think about what they're doing. Have you ever started a business? How about one that's very critically perfection and competitive? Seeing JC has helped these guys out, I'd say they're trying hard to get things right. I'd liked to have seen more progress too. But I also think this is a huge endeavor, and we should try to be more supportive as opposed to being overly critical. YMMV of course...
Phantomfixer
New Member
Personally I like the fact that someone is offering a decent A-2, with correct hardware and a reasonable pattern and good hides at an affordable price. In a few months (early fall) I hope to order a BK (just bought a truck for my son, he is 17 starting college) .
I have said this on other forums,,unless you have an original A-2, at the end of the day the best repop out there is still just a repop with little of its original investment value. So all the little things that might be wrong should be weighed in as minor IMO, as long as the hide is good and the hardware correct/decent.
So WTG Bill Kelso
I have said this on other forums,,unless you have an original A-2, at the end of the day the best repop out there is still just a repop with little of its original investment value. So all the little things that might be wrong should be weighed in as minor IMO, as long as the hide is good and the hardware correct/decent.
So WTG Bill Kelso
Marv
Well-Known Member
I have an order in with BK for a G&F M422a which is at present awaiting the correct mid-brown shade moutons to be delivered from their suppliers so I suspect once this arrives, any other M422 orders will probably have already been made up and just awaiting the mouton to be fitted then I expect there will be quite a few reviews once the jackets are shipped.
Scott,
Just sharing the concerns of many. Meant to be helpful - if it sticks. I have a business education and started/ maintained a photography business for 6 years. I decided the benefits, 3 day work week, free weekends, and forseeable retirement made working for the man too tempting. This is a bit different - everything is - but has similar challenges. My fear is that Platon's following will diminish if forward thinking overpowers current product. We all love seeing what can be done and what is to come but many are taking this as less than serious as the original objective of "bargain alternative" is slipping away. They will watch with great interest but purchase where things are less grey.
Current to me as I have had much interest in my caps but I have never put out a sign and offered them for order. If I did, a real business concern would be delivering the goods at whatever current quality I was offerinG - planned improvements aside. GW had similar issues with quality leather, etc. but still pumped out early A-2s ( I had one). There were no apologies needed as his jackets improved nor increased sneak peeks and advertizing while not servicing the current customers.
Again, not wanting to be harsh but saying what many are dancing around. This is obviously not a skill or passion issue - it's a business thing. Good standing and the support of this forum could help but certainly will not carry such a business. Eventually, as others have hinted, the price and wait, will set BK apart less and less.
I'm no business consultant but my experience was good. I'd gladly offer a perspective less publicly if it is desired.
JMO,
Dave
Just sharing the concerns of many. Meant to be helpful - if it sticks. I have a business education and started/ maintained a photography business for 6 years. I decided the benefits, 3 day work week, free weekends, and forseeable retirement made working for the man too tempting. This is a bit different - everything is - but has similar challenges. My fear is that Platon's following will diminish if forward thinking overpowers current product. We all love seeing what can be done and what is to come but many are taking this as less than serious as the original objective of "bargain alternative" is slipping away. They will watch with great interest but purchase where things are less grey.
Current to me as I have had much interest in my caps but I have never put out a sign and offered them for order. If I did, a real business concern would be delivering the goods at whatever current quality I was offerinG - planned improvements aside. GW had similar issues with quality leather, etc. but still pumped out early A-2s ( I had one). There were no apologies needed as his jackets improved nor increased sneak peeks and advertizing while not servicing the current customers.
Again, not wanting to be harsh but saying what many are dancing around. This is obviously not a skill or passion issue - it's a business thing. Good standing and the support of this forum could help but certainly will not carry such a business. Eventually, as others have hinted, the price and wait, will set BK apart less and less.
I'm no business consultant but my experience was good. I'd gladly offer a perspective less publicly if it is desired.
JMO,
Dave
Marv said:
The M422 is a different animal from the A2. Literally. Goat skin vs HH, mouton collar.
Anyway, the thread was started specifically about an A2 design....which there seems to be some production difficulties with.
Though the BK M422's also seem to be having problems, seems like I've seen one or two more of those around.
ButteMT61
Well-Known Member
I'm with you fellas. Just don't want to be too critical and support the cause. Given BK are competing with some heavy hitters with big reputations, I can understand wanting it "just right". But in the end, the DO have to get a steady, solid delivery going.
Hoping it's soon for them. In my opinion (which is worth what was paid for it) they probably started out with too lofty a goal. Look at Jon and his Irvin's. I think that's a smart move to get going. Bite off little chunks and deliver on day-one. But BK was already in the business and are making a transformation.
I won't pretend to know what that takes to be successful in building a business. But the rest of the world outside of this forum has no clue of the hiccups. And once the jackets are out there, they'll sell or not on their own merits. We're not exactly a good sampling of the consumer market are we? I the sense that the average someone out there looking for a good repro doesn't spend hours on a forum discussing zipper pulls :lol:
Hoping it's soon for them. In my opinion (which is worth what was paid for it) they probably started out with too lofty a goal. Look at Jon and his Irvin's. I think that's a smart move to get going. Bite off little chunks and deliver on day-one. But BK was already in the business and are making a transformation.
I won't pretend to know what that takes to be successful in building a business. But the rest of the world outside of this forum has no clue of the hiccups. And once the jackets are out there, they'll sell or not on their own merits. We're not exactly a good sampling of the consumer market are we? I the sense that the average someone out there looking for a good repro doesn't spend hours on a forum discussing zipper pulls :lol:
airfrogusmc
Well-Known Member
I've owned most all of the major players jackets both Navy and Army and I can tell ya this my BK W&G M 422 is a more accurate repro than the Eastman G&F M 422a I owned.
cornish1970
New Member
PLATON said:
Hi,
Where in the UK will the shop be as it would be great to try one on before purchase.
cheers
A
Anonymous
Guest
The deal is not yet done
I will let you know. If it fails, BK can make the Dubows available in a couple of weeks.
I will let you know. If it fails, BK can make the Dubows available in a couple of weeks.
A
Anonymous
Guest
they say should be here next week
FlyingYankee
Active Member
Well I like the leather on the BK much better
johnwayne
Well-Known Member
Just to add my 2 penny's worth and get back to the original theme of this thread, whilst I prefer the BK colour the RM actually looks more close to my Dubow original (44") and although I guess colours originally did vary, I've often thought my Dubow more caramel than russet! Nevertheless, from what I've seen so far, I think BK's jackets look damn fine, especially when compared pricewise to say an ELC!!
Look forward to seeing them 'live' in the UK then at some point - will it be just the Dubow?
Cheers
Wayne
PS Although I've been to American Classics in London many times I've never been since ELC's involvement - wonder if its working for them?
Look forward to seeing them 'live' in the UK then at some point - will it be just the Dubow?
Cheers
Wayne
PS Although I've been to American Classics in London many times I've never been since ELC's involvement - wonder if its working for them?
A
