What kinds of EDCF branded items would you like to see exist?

[JonSidneyB]

What kinds of EDCF branded items would you like to see exist? I am trying to get a feel for what might move and support to forum. I want to try and avoid things things that will set in inventory too long.

[Crocodilo]

A basic keychain tool built for the forum by one of the many talented crafstmen and artists we have on board.

Something simple, yet nifty would be a single bit holder.

[fishwolf]

:iagree: or why not even a small SAK with the logo. But keep it on the cheaper side so everyone can afford one.

[andy]

How about a mid size backpack of some sort?


hint (http://www.foxoutdoor.com/detail.asp?item=56-425&sctn=Bags+%26+Packs&cat=Backpacks)

[Goliath]

A basic keychain tool built for the forum by one of the many talented crafstmen and artists we have on board.

Something simple, yet nifty would be a single bit holder.

I agree :)

[DemskeetSkeet]

Something with the edcf logo would be awesome, something that is less than $20 shipped. Multi-tool, sak, small keychain item, etc.

Thanks

[choubbi]

pocket organizer like Countycomm's, LAPG's, or SpecOps'.
well, we can already just buy the velcro patch since they already have a velcro tab.

Having seen SOSAK's discussions for annual forum knives, I disagree on the SAK idea. Too difficult to get a SAK that will please everyone.

A good hat would be cool, I think.

[STHFNGLD]

A basic keychain tool built for the forum by one of the many talented crafstmen and artists we have on board.

Something simple, yet nifty would be a single bit holder.
:iagree: :drool:

[El Verbo]

I like choubbi's idea.

I mean the whole theme of this forum is the exchange of ideas and reviews of EDC tools, what better way to promote the forum by way of an organizer!

A tool would be nice, but like it was said earlier, which tools are to be included?

My own original idea? How about a pocket poncho with the EDCF logo? Just in time for the rainy season, easy to stow, cheap, and useful, eh?

Good idea, choubbi!

[SALT]

How about a large chunky metal pen? I also think some type of keychain tool would be nice, something simple and strong. Maybe a padfolio with a logo and a patch of Velcro on the front to attach our beloved patches to. last idea I have is a hard cover notebook.

[godcode]

yeah i also agree with choubbi's idea. add also an EDCF version of the mission/urban/tactical wallet...

[bartsdad]

I recently ordered a little stash of carabiners, key fobs, spy capsules and such fromGoing Gear (http://goinggear.com/). They were all aluminum pieces and came with the goinggear.com logo printed on them.. They were very reasonable priced and of nice quality. If the forum had such pieces, I would have gladly or will gladly purchase in the future.

+1 on hats.

Chris

[illusion]

I would say pens,flashlight,knife and spy capsules as a beginning..

[JonSidneyB]

I think flashlights and knives in a quantity large enough to get branded might be more than I could afford for awhile.

[illusion]

It didnt need to be any high end, its lots to choose from out there.. You should be reseller for Countycomm :), that would make many happy..

[choubbi]

You should be reseller for Countycomm :), that would make many happy..

YEAH !!!
but they don't seem to like to see people forwarding parcels to outside the US, still worth the try but I wouldn't hold my breath.

[Al-Dog]

I'd like to 2nd the idea of a mission wallet. Something small enough to slip into the front pocket.

[dowtech]

Have you looked into EDCF endorsements of products that are most popular here? Seems to me you could get a bit of cash for that and maybe even a tasteful, discreet logo imprimatur!
That wouldn't require any investment!

[JonSidneyB]

My thought was to get some items branded with the logo so long as I could afford the quantities.

I had for a long time had an idea for something similar to the mission wallet but it did not look like the Mission Wallet. I do not know if the Mission Wallet as any protections on it. Even if it doesn't I would have to think awhile on that. I am not sure if that is ethical or not since that product seems to be available again. I will have to think hard on that one.

On product endorsements. Maybe but very unsure. There are products that I like and think are fantastic that many out here would not like at all. There are also products that many of you might like but I would not have. I think that in a way that is as it should be. I make personal endorsements once in awhile but those are not official from the forum. I might be able to sell something I don't like but I will probably not play it up, I will most likely say here it is, what do you think? If you like it it is wonderful. My fear is if I start making official endorsements for the forum we lose credibility. What if the forum becomes dependent on endorsement money, isn't the forum selling its soul to be around. I am not saying I wouldn't do this, just unsure. On the other hand I am not sure many manufacturers care enough about the forum to be interested as well. I could be wrong. It will take some thought.

[JonSidneyB]

I think for anything I do to support the forum. I will have to know think it is legal, moral, and ethical to do it.

[dewildeman]

I like the idea of an EDC organizer, or maybe a pen along the lines of a Fisher or Lamy Safari. For an inexpensive item, how about a EDC branded spy capsule or whistle?

[JonSidneyB]

Spy Capsule or whistle I might be able to do. I don't think I would be hurting anyone too much doing that. I would just have to find where to get something like this that will brand them.

I will think about the other items as well. I do have to start with what can be afforded.

[JonSidneyB]

What I do really think would be neat is EDCF Sebenza's.....ummm, but that would cost way way way to much. :shrug:

[Valolammas]

I have an idea for a thing I'd like to see, but have been unable to find. I'd like a mirror. Not just any mirror, of course, but one that would fit in a credit card slot in a wallet, i.e. credit card sized, preferably about the same thickness as well. And "unbreakable" enough, that it won't shatter if you drop it or sit on your wallet etc.

I am aware that there are signal mirrors like that, but they always seem to have that hole in the middle and I don't want that. I want one that is actually usable as a mirror. Preferably it should also be slightly convex, enough so that I can see my whole head in it without having to hold it at arm's length.

I don't need to signal with it, and I'm not vain enough to need it all the time, but sometimes it would be handy to check that I look like a reasonably respectable adult and don't have snot running down my face. And I could use it to look into tight places, e.g. under the car, or to bounce a flashlight beam into some nook, cranny, or crevice where the light itself doesn't fit. Occasionally it might also be handy to peek behind a corner without exposing your head.

I don't know where you could get these or whether it's even possible to make them that thin. But I know I'd buy several of them (a couple for myself and one for every signifcant woman in my life). Provided they don't cost an arm and a leg, of course.

You could also offer a matte black version for the tactical crowd. :laugh:

[spyguy]

how about something unique like a deck of playing cards with the EDCF logo on the back and some member quotes (some of the sig lines here are nifty) on the faces
or some other useful info on the faces
I have some connections in the casino business and I "Might" be able to work a decent deal if there is enough interest here
maybe no promises there

[Harald]

You could take look at this site (http://www.suncompany.net/Template.php?-p=Home). They have several "EDC-ologic" items and they offer imprinting as well.
I like this one (http://www.suncompany.net/Template.php?-p=ProductDetail&-d=SUN+Products+Output&-r=53.56).
I bought a number of their grade AA-compasses, and they seem OK. I beleive Sharpdog has some in the EDC-depot?

I prefer the logo to be discrete, hence, I have to admit the T-shirt discussed elsewhere is a bit too much for my taste.

/Harald

[DemskeetSkeet]

We sold those water containers that were unbreakable for just like $5, that would be something really cheap and useful with the edcf logo on them.

I can't remember where we ordered them from though. :(

[Lurkr]

Second for FishWolf.

I like the idea of the small SAK (blade, file, scissors, tweezer, toothpick) with the EDCForums logo - or failing that, just the URL. I seem to lose these quite a bit, so I know I'd take at least 3.

[JonSidneyB]

As time allows and funds become available. I will look into these ideas and see which ones I could do first. Thanks everyone.

[Guarddog]

A basic keychain tool built for the forum by one of the many talented crafstmen and artists we have on board.

Something simple, yet nifty would be a single bit holder.




We sold those water containers that were unbreakable for just like $5, that would be something really cheap and useful with the edcf logo on them.

I can't remember where we ordered them from though. :(


These are two of the best ideas posted.

As far as I can tell the single item on this site that creates the most "buzz" is the Atwood tools. I'm not sure the best approach on this one but it is time tested on here that a quality keychain tool can certainly create a frenzy of activity with members wanting to purchase it. Creating something that people want is one of your first goals with a project like this. Maybe even a partnership with Mr. Atwood to create a logo tool for EDCF only would be within reason ... just a thought.

Another good idea would be a Nalgene water bottle "logo bottle" for EDCF only. This might be a little less pricey to get started and almost everyone could afford it. However, the demand might not be as great. But, I do think that it would prove to be a popular item.

Just a few thoughts ...
GuardDog

[LZ]

Hi Jon,

One thing I would really like to see here on theis forum is a limited edition EDCF knife made by one of the many capable members here.
Many other forums do runs of "Forum knives" limited to members and maybe even individually numbered. I'd hope we could get these done for cost from one of our members, and any extra proceeds could go towards keeping the forum afloat.

Many things can be EDCF branded, but personally I'd like to see something that will last a very long time rather than some inexpensive made in China doo-dad.
I'm sure we can get something made by one of the members here very reasonably priced for those who are on tight budgets.

If not a knife, maybe a custom run of stainles whistles or Atwood/JDR style pocket/keychain style tool....

[fishwolf]

Hi Jon,

One thing I would really like to see here on theis forum is a limited edition EDCF knife made by one of the many capable members here.
Many other forums do runs of "Forum knives" limited to members and maybe even individually numbered. I'd hope we could get these done for cost from one of our members, and any extra proceeds could go towards keeping the forum afloat.

Many things can be EDCF branded, but personally I'd like to see something that will last a very long time rather than some inexpensive made in China doo-dad.
I'm sure we can get something made by one of the members here very reasonably priced for those who are on tight budgets.

If not a knife, maybe a custom run of stainles whistles or Atwood/JDR style pocket/keychain style tool....
Good idea LZ. That way we keep the money in the forum too. I'm in for that all the way.

[JonSidneyB]

I will have to approach the knife makers out on the forum. I would want them to make a margin on the item as well. Perhaps one of the custom knife makers already makes things that get sold in stores so has that built into their work.

From what I understand Atwood has more work than he can keep up with at this time. I will check with him still.

What other knife makers would you recommend contacting?

[fishwolf]

I hate to be cheap, but I don't think I could afford an Atwood anyway. :lolhammer:

[LZ]

Well, three come to mind right away...sorry if I've forgotten some who should be mentioned...

Mike Cantrell
Benjamin Cardoso
Joshua Rice (JDR)

As for Peter Atwood....I know he's busy, but this forum has been good to him, maybe he'd be willing to have some whistles made...these items I think are farmed out to local machinists anyway....I could be wrong....

[nbmaine2007]

Hi Jon,

One thing I would really like to see here on theis forum is a limited edition EDCF knife made by one of the many capable members here.
Many other forums do runs of "Forum knives" limited to members and maybe even individually numbered. I'd hope we could get these done for cost from one of our members, and any extra proceeds could go towards keeping the forum afloat.

Many things can be EDCF branded, but personally I'd like to see something that will last a very long time rather than some inexpensive made in China doo-dad.
I'm sure we can get something made by one of the members here very reasonably priced for those who are on tight budgets.

If not a knife, maybe a custom run of stainles whistles or Atwood/JDR style pocket/keychain style tool....

Great idea. A forum JDR, Atwood, or others would be great.

[spydercofanatic]

I hate to be cheap, but I don't think I could afford an Atwood anyway. :lolhammer:


:iagree: thats not cheap thats broke LOL how bout somthing broke people could afford

[ajacobs]

As mentioned in other threads I think a EDC forum Atwood would be great.

I can't imagine that it would exceptionally more expensive for him to do some rulers with the EDC forum logo engraved as well as his own stamp since he is having them laser engraved. They wouldn't hang around long. You could charge maybe 5 bucks more. Get a deal from Peter where his profits remain the same (by paying him in bulk with a check as opposed to him having paypal fees). I am sure he would give you terms (not have to pay for them all up front because the turn around time would be so short). Then you could profit a little more maybe by shipping first class instead of priority. In reality I would like to see something from peter that is a slight variation that you can only get through here - like a v-notch nibble. But I am trying to be realistic. The laser engraving would get the EDC forum logo on the ruler and he is having them done anyway.

Second choice guyot design products (I also mentioned this in another thread for the forum - neither of which was in this particular catagory). They make some neat stuff, low minimum order. Smaller price point. EDC forums sporks would be cool. I mean have you ever seen another forum with so much talk of sporks.

[ajacobs]

Just thought of another idea. K and M Match Safes. Really the best capsule type product made in terms of quality. Maybe they could be laser engraved. I don't know if you anno aluminum the same way that you do ti but Rico does tie. While the brass is my favorite aluminum ones that rico anno'ed would be really cool.

[carrot]

An EDCF-branded JDR or Atwood similar in simplicity to the original Basic Prybabies (or the Baby Pacu) would be AWESOME, except I realize stamps for such things are expensive. If it just said EDCF + the maker's name it would be excellent. Please make sure there are enough to go around!

[LZ]

An EDCF-branded JDR or Atwood similar in simplicity to the original Basic Prybabies (or the Baby Pacu) would be AWESOME, except I realize stamps for such things are expensive. If it just said EDCF + the maker's name it would be excellent. Please make sure there are enough to go around!


Stamps are expensive, but laser engraving is relatively cheap on volume....

Another idea worth considering is an EDCF limited edition light....Jon, surely you have contacts in the flashlight world who could put together something on volume for us....maybe even custom member ID engraving for an extra fee....

[JonSidneyB]

Stamps are expensive, but laser engraving is relatively cheap on volume....

Another idea worth considering is an EDCF limited edition light....Jon, surely you have contacts in the flashlight world who could put together something on volume for us....maybe even custom member ID engraving for an extra fee....


I would like to be able to do an EDCF limited edition light. The people that I personally know are here in the US doing custom stuff. I have a feeling they are too busy and the price point will be higher than people here will want to pay. I do know Paul Kim at Surefire but I am pretty sure that will not be possible. If anyone has an idea on how to get a limited edition light for EDCF I am all ears. This is something I would love to see happen but not sure how.

[JonSidneyB]

Are any of these people members here "Mike Cantrell, Benjamin Cardoso, Joshua Rice". Do we have a knife maker on the forum that could successfully make a run of EDCF knives?

[jp2515]

I would like to be able to do an EDCF limited edition light. The people that I personally know are here in the US doing custom stuff. I have a feeling they are too busy and the price point will be higher than people here will want to pay. I do know Paul Kim at Surefire but I am pretty sure that will not be possible. If anyone has an idea on how to get a limited edition light for EDCF I am all ears. This is something I would love to see happen but not sure how.


I could only imagine what a EDCF branded Surefire would look like. If possible maybe even laser etched EDCF logo on the bezel of some Surefires would do.

[JonSidneyB]

I am 99.9% sure that I would not be able to pull off an EDCF Surefire. I can give it a try but that one is very very unlikely. EDCF etching, not sure if they do custom etching but that might be worth asking about. I will ask them and find out what they can do.

[JonSidneyB]

I will go down the list as time allows like I said. Most of the things that I have tried have ended up actually costing more than comes in. I think I will need to try a variety of things to bring the forum into the black.

[jp2515]

Jon, perhaps you could ask if they can make a custom EDCF Surefire from parts they already carry. For example like a G2 or 6P with a clip, clicky tailcap, maybe some etching on the bezel/body. From their website SF sells NRA branded lights so maybe this might be too hard.

[LZ]

Are any of these people members here "Mike Cantrell, Benjamin Cardoso, Joshua Rice". Do we have a knife maker on the forum that could successfully make a run of EDCF knives?


Jon, they are all members here....

cardoso5fr
MsCantrell
Virgo

[cardoso5fr]

There are other knifemaker here
Daywalker
Harm-Knifemaker
Fishwolf :)

Make small run of the same knife is possible but it's function of the number :D. That can be boring to make a lot of time the same thing :D

In order to add some idea to the topic, if a knife is choose for the project, i would think to a kiridashi or small neck knife with "kydex" sheath seem to be the best thing for that project. The sheath need to be tight enough to be carry in neck knife or on a keychain.
The knife need to be small and not heavy, i would think to a skeletonized knife in order to have something flat and easy to carry.
After it is a great amount of work for a guy to make a serie (i suppose we are more or less around 50 knives). And if you ask me :) i'm not able to make exactly two time the same thing, each knife is different from the other, but the other knifemaker are better than i'm on that game.

the price need to be not tooo high. For that the steel for steel geek will be avoid.

That is only my way to see a forum knife :D
The best thing to do would be to ask to the various knifemaker what they could do :D

[fishwolf]

Thanks for the vote of confidence cardoso5fr ! But I don't think my humble work is up to par for most of the guys here on the forum. Too many Atwoodites if ya know what I mean. :lolhammer: I do make a useful knife, but I don't think they would want one of mine for a Forum knife. But hey thanks again for adding my name to the list. :highfive:

[carrot]

Jon if you can get a special run of A2's in any color besides the usual ones I WANT ONE. I have been dying to have a purple A2 for so long but an orange one would suffice. :D

[WillCAD]

I would like to be able to do an EDCF limited edition light. The people that I personally know are here in the US doing custom stuff. I have a feeling they are too busy and the price point will be higher than people here will want to pay. I do know Paul Kim at Surefire but I am pretty sure that will not be possible. If anyone has an idea on how to get a limited edition light for EDCF I am all ears. This is something I would love to see happen but not sure how.


You could start with something small, like a laser-imprinted 2AA Mini-Mag light. The classic 2AA MiniMag is still a popular EDC item (I EDC one with a 1-watt LED upgrade), and is a solid, durable, useful piece of gear. A laser-engraved version is, of course, more expensive than the plain-jane versions you can get for under $8 at WalMart, but this is, after all, a way to support the forums. My company's landlord had a run of metallic orange 2AA MiniMags made up some years ago and gave them out to all of the fire wardens in the complex. It was the first MiniMag I ever owned and looks pretty good with the landlord's name and logo on it.

A little Googling found this place:

Laser engraved AA MiniMag lights
http://www.adsources.com/BRANDS/MAGLITE/magmini2.htm
$65 setup fee, currently on sale for $13.85 each, min quantity 48

Laser engraved MagLight Solitaires:
http://www.adsources.com/BRANDS/MAGLITE/Magsolit.htm
$65 setup fee, currently on sale for $7.49 each, min quantity 48

-------------------------------------------------------
Lanyards are a fairly popular item as trade-show giveaways, and not terribly expensive. A small run of imprinted lanyards might be a viable option for you; lots of people use them as keychains or to hold work IDs.

[DemskeetSkeet]

You could start with something small, like a laser-imprinted 2AA Mini-Mag light. The classic 2AA MiniMag is still a popular EDC item (I EDC one with a 1-watt LED upgrade), and is a solid, durable, useful piece of gear. A laser-engraved version is, of course, more expensive than the plain-jane versions you can get for under $8 at WalMart, but this is, after all, a way to support the forums. My company's landlord had a run of metallic orange 2AA MiniMags made up some years ago and gave them out to all of the fire wardens in the complex. It was the first MiniMag I ever owned and looks pretty good with the landlord's name and logo on it.

A little Googling found this place:

Laser engraved AA MiniMag lights
http://www.adsources.com/BRANDS/MAGLITE/magmini2.htm
$65 setup fee, currently on sale for $13.85 each, min quantity 48

Laser engraved MagLight Solitaires:
http://www.adsources.com/BRANDS/MAGLITE/Magsolit.htm
$65 setup fee, currently on sale for $7.49 each, min quantity 48

-------------------------------------------------------
Lanyards are a fairly popular item as trade-show giveaways, and not terribly expensive. A small run of imprinted lanyards might be a viable option for you; lots of people use them as keychains or to hold work IDs.





Awesome ideas!!!!

[Porker]

SAK would be great. something different, ie. tool combination and colour. ;D

[BIG-TARGET]

How aboutn the "velcro"contractors caps, like THESE (http://www.optactical.com/hispgeinhat.html)
With the EDCF patch velcroed to the front, and then velcro free in back(for whatever patch one one's choice) :angel:

[STHFNGLD]

SAK would be great. something different, ie. tool combination and colour. ;D
:iagree:

[BIG-TARGET]

How about a folding dump pouch, with the EDCF logo.

Maybe a fanny pack with the same thing

:smitten: :smitten: :smitten:

[nuphoria]

+1 for the pocket organiser here. I'd love one but I'm in the UK so would be excited about getting a branded one!

[BIG-TARGET]

How about "tabs" to go with the EDCpatches. Like this one sold at MSM.
http://www.milspecmonkey.com/store/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=537&category_id=7&manufacturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=26


The only difference wouyld be our tabs would hav our "rank" in the forum
i.e. Uber prepared, Loaded pocket, empty pockets, etc. :thumbsup:

[houdini28]

I like the idea of an organizer pouch like the diplomat from CountyComm, Spec Ops, etc. I think having a couple of models of Victorinox, Wenger, and Frost-Mora knives would be great. I've been wanting to buy a mora and I would certainly prefer to buy it from the forums, which I routinely visit, than another business.

[Guarddog]

How about "tabs" to go with the EDCpatches. Like this one sold at MSM.
http://www.milspecmonkey.com/store/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=537&category_id=7&manufacturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=26

The only difference wouyld be our tabs would hav our "rank" in the forum
i.e. Uber prepared, Loaded pocket, empty pockets, etc. :thumbsup:


:iagree: Excellent Idea!

[MSCantrell]

Are any of these people members here "Mike Cantrell, Benjamin Cardoso, Joshua Rice". Do we have a knife maker on the forum that could successfully make a run of EDCF knives?


I could, possibly, maybe, be up to this.

I'd need to run this as a mid-tech project... that is, with major parts of the work farmed out.
So I'm thinking.... maybe a friction folder? They're cool, and they're mechanically simple.

If I design something carefully, I can have both the blade and the scales waterjet cut.
I'd grind the blades.
Send them out for heat-treat.
Send them out for a beadblasted or sandblasted finish.
I'd assemble them.
I'd etch my logo and "EDC Forums Knife 2009" or whatever we come up with there.
I'd sharpen them.
If we wanted belt sheaths or pocket sheaths, we'd need to find a source for those. I don't know of anything off the top of my head. No, wait, not true. I know a sheathmaker who could do them in the $40 range.


Now, farming out the work means I can have 25, 100, 200 of them done and still manage it, but it also means that there are big costs to me up front. So where I've never taken a deposit on a knife before, in this case I would have to.

Thoughts, anybody?
Favorite blade steel?
Type of knife? (Fixed blades or friction folders ok. Lockback, linerlock, framelock, slipjoint, no can do.)
Handle material?
Sheath or no sheath?
Willing to put down a deposit?

[op1]

I could, possibly, maybe, be up to this.

I'd need to run this as a mid-tech project... that is, with major parts of the work farmed out.
So I'm thinking.... maybe a friction folder? They're cool, and they're mechanically simple.

If I design something carefully, I can have both the blade and the scales waterjet cut.
I'd grind the blades.
Send them out for heat-treat.
Send them out for a beadblasted or sandblasted finish.
I'd assemble them.
I'd etch my logo and "EDC Forums Knife 2009" or whatever we come up with there.
I'd sharpen them.
If we wanted belt sheaths or pocket sheaths, we'd need to find a source for those. I don't know of anything off the top of my head. No, wait, not true. I know a sheathmaker who could do them in the $40 range.


Now, farming out the work means I can have 25, 100, 200 of them done and still manage it, but it also means that there are big costs to me up front. So where I've never taken a deposit on a knife before, in this case I would have to.

Thoughts, anybody?
Favorite blade steel?
Type of knife? (Fixed blades or friction folders ok. Lockback, linerlock, framelock, slipjoint, no can do.)
Handle material?
Sheath or no sheath?
Willing to put down a deposit?



Unfortunately for me it would all be about price and this would therefore cut down on the options for the knife, I would be willing to pay around $150 - $200 max. Could a custom knife be made for this amount.
What materials could the knife be made from?

[MSCantrell]

Unfortunately for me it would all be about price and this would therefore cut down on the options for the knife, I would be willing to pay around $150 - $200 max. Could a custom knife be made for this amount.
What materials could the knife be made from?


As far as materials go, all it has to be (in order for this mid-tech plan to work) is flat. That rules out stag, antler, and bone for the handle, and anything forged for the blade. Unless I bought already ground flat. Then it would be fine.

So we could go a fairly basic route with carbon steel for the blade and micarta for the handle. We could keep the price quite reasonable that way. Certainly under $200, I believe.

But if others prefer fancier materials, stainless steels or tool steels like A2 and D2 are plenty possible too. Damascus if you want to spend big bucks. And likewise on the handle: G10 or even carbon fiber ($$$$$) are just as easy to work with, they just cost more.

Or to put it a different way, material choices and price points are going to go hand-in-hand. We can pick materials and determine a price, or we can pick a price and determine materials.

[Omega Man]

How aboutn the "velcro"contractors caps, like THESE (http://www.optactical.com/hispgeinhat.html)
With the EDCF patch velcroed to the front, and then velcro free in back(for whatever patch one one's choice) :angel:
I like this idea, I just made my own from a cheap camo hat, hook and loop lengths, and superglue.

[cardoso5fr]

Mike for me a good friction folder, with A2 or d2 steel blade and micarta handle would be perfect for that style of project. (friction folder because it's legal everywhere in the world in contrary to the liner lock, frame lock and because it's easy to built :D)
Why micarta??? Because a lot of wood need maintenance and micarta is cheaper than G10. (and i know that some people don't enjoy a lot to take time for the knife maintenance :D
That is just my point of view :D

[Crocodilo]

Mike for me a good friction folder, with A2 or d2 steel blade and micarta handle would be perfect for that style of project. (friction folder because it's legal everywhere in the world in contrary to the liner lock, frame lock and because it's easy to built :D)
Why micarta??? Because a lot of wood need maintenance and micarta is cheaper than G10. (and i know that some people don't enjoy a lot to take time for the knife maintenance :D
That is just my point of view :D


Best of all would be as described, but with Cardoso and Cantrell teaming up on the design. Ben has some nifty ideas on friction folders!

(However, $200 seems a bit... how about $100-$150 for something small and simple?)

[choubbi]

Over $100 for a forum knife would be out of my budget, I think I'm not alone.
How do you feel about a mini fixed blade with kydex sheath for the keychain? That would be doable under $100 I think, though I'm not sure about that.

[Dynamik1]

I would really like an "EDCF" logo branded tactical burro with impact-resistant goggles w/night vision, Infrared tail-tag so when I lose him at night, ballistic-nylon saddlebags for my "off-body" carry items, of course, kevlar side-panels, tactical hoof-boots and combat headgear are a necessity as well!

:include:

[spyguy]

how about something small and cheap like branded battery cases or branded TI sporks..
small stuff cheap stuff that everyone will want

[KDOG08]

I would definitely love to see NICE BALL CAPS!.... Not like the velcro patch "contractor" hats mentioned above. I'm sorry, but those are just GAUDY. Yuck

I'm talking nice quality hats with the EDCF logo on the front lower side and not big and tacky. Perhaps even the EDCF url in small lettering over the hole in the back. Is there an EDCF quote we could put there as well. Something like "Preparedness is not a crime." etc.

[MSCantrell]

Over $100 for a forum knife would be out of my budget, I think I'm not alone.
How do you feel about a mini fixed blade with kydex sheath for the keychain? That would be doable under $100 I think, though I'm not sure about that.



Best of all would be as described, but with Cardoso and Cantrell teaming up on the design. Ben has some nifty ideas on friction folders!
(However, $200 seems a bit... how about $100-$150 for something small and simple?)


We can definitely go the fixed-blade route, and Choubbi, you're right- we could get the price under $100 for those. Crocodilo, maybe you meant the same thing when you wrote "small and simple." A knife without moving parts is far, far, far simpler than a knife with moving parts. A little fixed blade is definitely possible around $100. A folder, though... I don't think I can make it happen under $200. There are lots more parts, screws, etc, and the precision factor is much higher, which means many more hours. I haven't crunched the numbers, because of course this is still very early in the idea/exploratory phase, but my rough estimation tells me no-go. :shrug:

[Buzzard]

"Do You EDC?" or "Got EDC?" bumper sticker, pin and/or patch.

[El Verbo]

Maybe this will be a good idea. How about a Survival Tin. I am not sure about the overhead to Jon, but I'm thinking this might be received well and handy!

I'm sure you guys have seen these tins. They often go by PSK or SAS Survival Tins. Imagine the top of this squarish tin with the EDCF logo!

These light weight containers have waterproof matches, tiny saw, minor first aid kits, stop me if you seen the contents before ...

[yam350]

I was just reading the thread about the Gerber Shard and the possibility of it being available for retail. That would make an excellent EDCF branded item.

[JonSidneyB]

I was just reading the thread about the Gerber Shard and the possibility of it being available for retail. That would make an excellent EDCF branded item.


I am going to try and do some of the things listed here as funds allow but some I think will be be very hard to do as I don't think the forum is big enough to pull some of them off. On this one I don't think I would want to do it as in my opinion it steps on Atwood a bit.

[yam350]

Isn't it strange how differently people think? I was thinking it wouldn't step on Attwood's toes as the Shard is cheap and would appeal to the low budget types like me, for those that like the Attwoods I would think that they would not look twice at the Gerber. Just my opinion.

[Beer Trip Veteran]

An EDC dogtag with knife edge. Large area for logo and could be worn around neck as emergency "extra" or on fob. Reverse side also free for own details if desired......

[yam350]

I have just read the last post and was thinking if there was anything useful I could add and organiser came into my head so I just went back to see if anyone else had suggested it and it seems to be one of the most popular items. I have an old bag made by a Swedish company called Hedgren, it has a main compartment about 5"wX7"hX2"d and the whole of the front unzips on three sides to and organiser for pens, cards, note pads etc. My one is getting long in the tooth it's about 6 years old now, I would love another like that.

[shelbysguns]

this is just my opinion but i like the keychain knife or a really smaall fixed blade for belt or maybe boot carry. just my 0.02 :idiot2:

[GreatBlueWhale]

How about a challenge coin? They are very popular right now...

[JonSidneyB]

this is just my opinion but i like the keychain knife or a really smaall fixed blade for belt or maybe boot carry. just my 0.02 :idiot2:


I have those already. Right not to get enough to get branded is beyond the budget.

[JonSidneyB]

How about a challenge coin? They are very popular right now...


Where would I get those and would they sell?

[JonSidneyB]

I would definitely love to see NICE BALL CAPS!.... Not like the velcro patch "contractor" hats mentioned above. I'm sorry, but those are just GAUDY. Yuck

I'm talking nice quality hats with the EDCF logo on the front lower side and not big and tacky. Perhaps even the EDCF url in small lettering over the hole in the back. Is there an EDCF quote we could put there as well. Something like "Preparedness is not a crime." etc.


I thought about doing that. I am a little hesitant, also some phrases might limit us. This forum isn't just for Preparedness people, its for anyone that carries stuff legally.

[JonSidneyB]

I like the idea of an organizer pouch like the diplomat from CountyComm, Spec Ops, etc. I think having a couple of models of Victorinox, Wenger, and Frost-Mora knives would be great. I've been wanting to buy a mora and I would certainly prefer to buy it from the forums, which I routinely visit, than another business.


I can try and find a source for the pouch's. I can't meet the minimums for an efficient buy of Saks

[m1ster s]

I'm definitely down with a pouch/organizer.

[walkabout_xl]

I have a closet full of baseball caps but I 'd definitely be down for a Boonie with the forum logo or velcro for the forum patch.

[Guarddog]

Where would I get those and would they sell?


A challange Coin would likley sell among military members or retirees. I'm sure others would get on the band wagon and get one as well. You should be able to get them made ans delivered and be able to sell them at a price of about $5.00 and make a pretty good proffit on them at that. There is typically a die charge to create the die for each side of the coin (a one time charge) thant a per coin charge (with quantity discounts, the more you buy the cheaper)

I havent talked to them in a while but Midwest Trophy (http://www.mwtrophy.com/index.asp), Oklahoma City has don a good job for me in the past. Here (http://mtmrecognition.com/eshop/10Browse.asp?Category=Government:COINS&CID=26) is an example of the coins.

[JonSidneyB]

I am trying a couple of different things right now and I really need to try something on this list.

The question is which thing on the list. I am afraid that it will be really hard to get anything in enough quantity to make it efficient. I have also learned from experience that if 20 people say they want something expect 10 to sell. It will be on the last 10-15 percent of sales before the forum will see anything on many items.

Which item on this list can be done in relatively small quantities and is the most likely to sell out?

[zenlunatic]

What about one of those silicone morale bracelets (think livestrong)? Shouldn't be too expensive and weighs practically nothing.

[zenlunatic]

What about some acronym stickers, like EDC in black on white in oval shape. See those a lot.

[wenestvedt]

I'm a cheap bastard, especially these days, and $200 items are out of my league. But smaller stuff appeals, like a vinyl sticker for my laptop, or SAK scales (whether on a knife or not), or even a retractor with an EDCF logo on its face. (I wanted one from the store but they sold out before I got one!) The lanyard is interesting, too, if you used custom fabric webbing with the EDCF logo.

An engraved/etched AA (or AAA?) Maglite is perfect: no special tooling or hand production, *and* I can afford one. :7) Sure, not as sexy as a bespoke Surefire, but a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

I know lower margins are probably less appealing to our host, but can you make it up in volume? These custom blades look great but I simply don't have the money for myself, much less for Jon. :7(

[zenlunatic]

I agree. More gimmicky stuff and less expensive stuff. Sorry I don't have a need or use for a 4+ inch fixed blade, nevertheless the money.

[zenlunatic]

I think the spotlight s cool though. Be ordering that soon hopefully... waiting for a check... stay in school :D

[DB]

Car decals that look like the black velcro patches? Everybody loves stickers! :)

[Mr. kydex]

What about one of those silicone morale bracelets (think livestrong)? Shouldn't be too expensive and weighs practically nothing.

:thumbsup:



What about some acronym stickers, like EDC in black on white in oval shape. See those a lot.

:thumbsdown:



Car decals that look like the black velcro patches? Everybody loves stickers! :)

:thumbsup:


But that's just me...

[zenlunatic]

My laptop has a spot for those stickers.

[rhazkhal]

How about something like this, this pictures are from NiteIze. I think this just captures EDC as its best doesn't it? Match this with an EDCF logo just make's this all in all perfect IMHO.
Of course the design could be move around and take off or add some more pockets which ever it is the suits everyone and that also goes the same for the color, classic Black, Gray, Khaki and OD's or "Pink"...

http://img127.imageshack.us/img127/3394/51579617.th.jpg (http://img127.imageshack.us/my.php?image=51579617.jpg)

http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/4678/83502479.th.jpg (http://img25.imageshack.us/my.php?image=83502479.jpg)

http://img127.imageshack.us/img127/2073/53885720.th.jpg (http://img127.imageshack.us/my.php?image=53885720.jpg)

http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/1166/66291393.th.jpg (http://img216.imageshack.us/my.php?image=66291393.jpg)

[choubbi]

Do you think it would be possible to have a collab with Bill Mittelman from "Bill's Custom Cases"? His urban wallets totally rock, I would love to buy another one with the EDCF logo or something like that (or a feature that will be exclusive to the EDCF version?). The guy does a pretty awesome job! I just have had his wallet for a week, and I love everything about it. :thumbsup:

[m1ster s]

Oh! How about a horizontal carry belt sheath for folders/lights etc.?

[phoenix.stu]

Laser engraved AA MiniMag lights
http://www.adsources.com/BRANDS/MAGLITE/magmini2.htm
$65 setup fee, currently on sale for $13.85 each, min quantity 48






I am SOOO up for something like this!! This would be a Fantastic idea. Besides, who doesn't like mag's ???

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/8813/testn.png

[JonSidneyB]

Any of the ideas listed here. What items are the least likely when getting a minimum order for the forum to be upside down in? Anything that I stay upside down in weakens the forum.

For those that do not know what I mean by upside down. Lets say a product has 20% margin and the miniumum efficient order is 1000.00. After card fees and other cost the net margin might be 12-16 percent depending on the item. If 90.00 of it is ordered the margin will be less. Lets say I did net 20% margin. I would have to sell 80% of the items to be even on the product. If sales fall off before the break even point occurs it cost the forum more than came in.

If there is anything here that you don't think I would be upside down in point it out. Right now the forum is getting some sales but is upside down in alsmost every purchase made. There are a couple of exceptions but only a couple and those are not enough to offset the upside down items.

[WillCAD]

Any of the ideas listed here. What items are the least likely when getting a minimum order for the forum to be upside down in? Anything that I stay upside down in weakens the forum.

For those that do not know what I mean by upside down. Lets say a product has 20% margin and the miniumum efficient order is 1000.00. After card fees and other cost the net margin might be 12-16 percent depending on the item. If 90.00 of it is ordered the margin will be less. Lets say I did net 20% margin. I would have to sell 80% of the items to be even on the product. If sales fall off before the break even point occurs it cost the forum more than came in.

If there is anything here that you don't think I would be upside down in point it out. Right now the forum is getting some sales but is upside down in alsmost every purchase made. There are a couple of exceptions but only a couple and those are not enough to offset the upside down items.





I think you may be overanalyzing the situation a little. There is a much simpler solution to the problem: operate like a group buy.

You've posted interest threads on both EDCF branded items and on EDCF t-shirts, and gotten a lot of responses. But I am all too aware that many people who post, "Yeah, I would buy one of those!" are full of hot air and wind up not putting their pesos where their cakeholes are when it comes time to pony up. This is a c ommon problem with folks who organize group buys from places like CountyComm oir DealExtreme, too, but they solve it quite simply - they require deposits up front, before orders are placed.

If you take some pre-orders and set a time frame of, let's say, two weeks to take the pre-orders before you actually lay out a dime for setup and manufacturing, with a clearly stated minimum number of participants, then you could still order some products, make a reasonable profit, and not lay out a lot of the forum's money for products that won't move.

In practice, it would work just like pre-ordering a DVD or book before it's released; you take a deposit in advance, and when you reach the minimum number of pre-orders you can place your order to the manufacturer. If you fail to get the minimum number of pre-orders, the deposits can be returned, and you're not out any money.

I'm in right now for an EDCF mini-mag. I love the blue and silver color scheme in phoenix.stu's Photochop above.

Each mini-mag would cost you $13.85 at the sale price for an order of 48. Setup fee is $65 (for the first batch only), so $65 divided by 48 lights is $1.35 each, bringing your total cost for each mini-mag to $15.20. Mark that up to an even $20 and you'd make $4.80 per mini-mag, or a total of $230.40 per batch of 48 mini-mags sold. Not a heck of a lot, but something. And the price per mini-mag drops somewhat in batches of 100, so if there are enough pre-orders, you could order a larger quantity and make a few more bucks for the forum. Shipping from the manufacturer to you would probably eat up $20 or $30 of your profit, but you'd still be in the black to the tune of around $200.

[El Verbo]

WillCAD, I like the word "cakehole." :laugh:

[Exmasonite]

couple thoughts i had for EDCF branded items:

1) pocket clips for some of the more common knives (like mini-grips or something)

2) nylon or leather belt sheaths with EDCF logo

3) firesteels


things i'd love to see in JS Burly's:

a) paracord (seriously... i can never pass on another 100' of cord)

b) firesteels

c) tinder (heck, even make our own and include it for free with orders or something)

[JonSidneyB]

I have one type of firesteel right now. They are considered very good. I have not sold many of those. What brands? Will enough sell to clear an order?

Will enough pocket clips move to clear an order? Which clips to get?

I could to do sheaths, I think I would have to move at least 30, not sure. (I was not able to move 43 shirts.

Paracord, ok, I can do that. Preferences on paracord?

Tinder? What do you have in mind?

The lights. Is that through Maglight themselves? I will contact who does the maglights than start a thread on it and see if we can get the interest up.

Thanks Guys.

[phoenix.stu]

I don't think that the mag's are direct from Maglite. I think that company buys them and engraves them. I would be interested and pay in advance!!

[bartsdad]

This subject has had me thinking. I see 2 sides to the coin. Products like Bark River and Civilian Labs are certainly high quality products, yet are something many of us may only 1, 2, or none of. The pods and glass cases and such from CL are cool, and I'm definitely interested in purchasing, but not too much interest in purchasing their harness systems. I haven't seen many posts or pics about them on the threads here, telling me there may not be that much interest in them by many here. Then on the other hand just about everyone has a Fenix EO1 or Photon light on their keychain. there is obviously much interest in those items. I know I'm more inclined to buy a handful of moderately priced EDC items versus 1 or maybe 2 higher priced items on a regular basis. A $50 order to the store occasionally and getting a flashlight, knife a couple McGizmo clips, etc.. works in my budget, but placing multiple orders for $100 knives just isn't in the cards for many of us here. I know the margin on low end items usually isn't much, but the turn around should be better. Just my observation.
I hope this made sense. I'm a mechanic, not a wordsmith.
Thanks for the time,
Chris

[WillCAD]

The lights. Is that through Maglight themselves? I will contact who does the maglights than start a thread on it and see if we can get the interest up.

Thanks Guys.



No Jon, those listed are from a company called Adsources, which specializes in branding items. I haven't dealt with them, I just found them through a quick Google search when this thread started.
http://www.adsources.com/BRANDS/MAGLITE/magmini2.htm

There might be better or cheaper places to get minimags branded, but they were the cheapest I found with a small minimum quantity when I did my search.

[zenlunatic]

What about fauxtons with the site address on them? I would give these out to interested parties and perhaps increase traffic.

[jp2515]

What about fauxtons with the site address on them? I would give these out to interested parties and perhaps increase traffic.


:iagree:

[JonSidneyB]

Who do I check with for those that are branded?

[WillCAD]

DealExtreme told me once that they do branding, but I didn't inquire about the cost and time frame. The first batch of fauxtons I ever bought from them had their own branding on them (they discontinued the practice soon after). They were basically a gray foil-type sticker with the DX logo and URL on them in black. Nothing special, but not bad, either.

[Rocket Jones]

Has anyone mentioned these Sterling Knife Sharpeners (http://www.sterlingsharpener.com/home.html)? Keychain sized and can be EDC branded.

Even if you didn't want to brand them, the wholesale unit price is less than half of their website retail. If you ordered some for the store, I'd definitely buy one. I like the flag or the classic red.

[froldt]

It seems to me like there are two different levels of discussion/interest going on here.
There is interest in a custom knife (a bit more expensive) and in a more "generic branded item" (cheaper) like the maglites. If you follow WillCAD's advice of pre-ordering, you could actually do both of these at the same time, with no up-front expense to the site.

Following that train of thought, you could pursue a number of different items at the same time. This would allow you to offer a different item for each section of the site. A custom knife for those who can afford it, a keychain tool for everyone, a hat for those interested, etc. This approach also provides the additional benefit of being able to appeal to a much wider audience than a single offering would.


My suggestion stems from reading about the custom knives. Are there any knife finishers here? It might be possible to buy knife kits that are then custom finished. It could be as simple as the scales bearing the EDCF logo. Relatively cheap, simple and easy to get going. Especially if deposits/pre-orders are done.

[echo63]

I would love to see the "sliver grippers" tweezers with the edcf logo

I would buy a few pairs of these, and probably keep a few pairs to hand out to friends too

[Mr. kydex]

What about fauxtons with the site address on them? I would give these out to interested parties and perhaps increase traffic.


Jon, I think a bunch of other people said this ^. but Really, I think fauxtons type lights (With or without EDCF logo) would sell really well (probably better W/ the logo)! If they could be a little bit better quality (not like Photon quality, as I think that would be to expensive, but least so there aren't any bad lights in an order) that would be more awesome! and if there were different color options! :coolsmiley: And another reason why people would buy them is so they don't have to wait weeks to get it from Hong Kong.

Maybe we could set up a interest thread to get an idea how popular they'd be? :)

[wenestvedt]

Faxutons in a five-pack would be great!

[echo63]

+1 for edcf fauxtons
With the logo and web address would be great, could hand them out at work

[matt0]

What about an EDCF branded bandana? I carry a bandana/handkercheif of some sort everyday and an EDCF one would be nice

[eps5]

How about fridge magnets? Could be similar in design to the patches. Would be nice to have strong magnets so you can actually hold something up unlike the ones that pizza places give me.

[kirbysdl]

What about an EDCF branded bandana? I carry a bandana/handkercheif of some sort everyday and an EDCF one would be nice


Branded buffs! (From here (http://edcforums.com/index.php?topic=2758.0))

[V a a m Y o b]

What about fauxtons with the site address on them? I would give these out to interested parties and perhaps increase traffic.


I'd buy a few of these. Never get enough of those fauxtons.

[JonSidneyB]

I will have to try something. I will be nervous about what ever is tried. Most things just don't move beyond the first 15 or 20 units with the exception of McGizmo Clips. For most inventory items I have bought in the past I would need to sell at least 80% or more of the inventory in order to break even. It is the last bit of sales that actually makes a profit.

If I were to buy inventory I would have to use money that is needed to pay for the server. Here is the situation, if I don't find items to sell what money is left will slowly vanish until it is gone and the forum dies. If I buy inventory that does not move at least to the break even point the forum dies faster. I also have not paid for the defense pens yet. 29 people voted on gray but we have not sold anywhere close to 30 of them. We do have the Orange Knife coming up but it is not going to make hardly anything for the forum as there will be a very low margin on it.

We need not just a good idea but a great idea that i would be able to clear an initial order quickly. If things are going to continue into the future I have to find away to keep things together until the PSK run arrives and they will only buy us an additional two months.

[kirbysdl]

29 people voted on gray but we have not sold anywhere close to 30 of them.


An online promise is worth much less than an in-person promise, unfortunately. We see this time and time again on Group Buy feelers. I'd suggest requiring a nonrefundable deposit, even a small one (5% or $1) before you actually place the initial order. It doesn't take much, but people start getting serious when there's real money involved, and you need serious buyers. One question is how to accept such micropayments. After processing fees, sometimes there's nothing meaningful left over at all. I believe that smartypig.com (not affiliated) allows you to collect funds for free. That avenue opens up the possibility of setting up a larger minimum commitment ratio (e.g. 50%) before the initial order is made. It may actually lend a sort of "community goal" feel and increase interest as truly committed buyers will donate more towards the common cause.

I'm ready to commit on a white, gray, or muted blue Buff, btw. :-X

:luck:

[SALT]

I like the idea of paracord, seems like everyone here tends to use a lot of it, myself included.

What about selling some Alpha Innovations products, I don't know how branding could work, but you could do a special color like county comm did.

I remember a thread with pocket hangers, I think they are cool. Maybe you could have some made up with the edcf logo on them.

How much would it cost you to make a cool symbol for a badge that could be added to your profile like the supporter badges but permenent. Do a one shot sale limited to 100. If you sold it for $10 you could make $1000 with almost no overhead.

[Jedi Knife]

I like the idea of paracord, seems like everyone here tends to use a lot of it, myself included.

What about selling some Alpha Innovations products, I don't know how branding could work, but you could do a special color like county comm did.

I remember a thread with pocket hangers, I think they are cool. Maybe you could have some made up with the edcf logo on them.

How much would it cost you to make a cool symbol for a badge that could be added to your profile like the supporter badges but permenent. Do a one shot sale limited to 100. If you sold it for $10 you could make $1000 with almost no overhead.


Great idea about the limited edition badge. I'm in! Also, like the pocket hangers. I don't know if this has been mentioned before, but as many times as I've sat here drinking coffee, how about a coffee mug?

[hovaczech]

Maybe Mr Attwood would do a line of EDC tools for the forum. It looks like a fair amount of his customers live here, maybe he would do a "entry level" tool branded with the edc logo? Something simple like a small key chain tool of some sort. Could be good for both he and the forum.

Paracord is another intersting idea, and I also would think the badge idea is good and would be down for one.

[kirbysdl]

I like the idea of paracord, seems like everyone here tends to use a lot of it, myself included.


That's an idea, but not exactly EDCF branded. =)

I'd further develop the suggestion by requesting retro-reflective paracord, currently only readily available to consumers in 100-ft hanks with huge shipping fees from 1sks.com. For a specialty item like that, you normally don't need a lot, so selling it in smaller bundles would probably work fine.

[TECENG]

I like the idea of fauxtons, you can get wholesale pricing from dealextreme with a decent order and as previously mentioned you can sell them in a 5 pack. The problem is, you need to sell a lot to make it worth your while. But these can be an item that people could possibly "add to cart" while they're buying something else so there is no overhead to drop in a 5 pack with their order and clear the extra couple of bucks. But it is not an item people will buy by itself because the shipping would be almost as much as the items. The good thing is they are light and the shipping cost won't be MORE than the items :)

Previously someone suggested a survival tin. Might I suggest a variation and recommend a small glovebox FAK. Sure, we all have ideas of what a FAK should include but depending upon the purpose it could be almost anything. I am thinking about the new member, or members who want to buy a small pre-packaged FAK for their family vehicles or for mom and dad or friends. You could either buy pre-packaged units with EDCF branding, or put them together yourself in a tin with an EDCF label on top. You can certainly buy the contents pretty cheap in decent quantities. It wouldn't cost too much to order items for say 100 units and sell them for a reasonable price. You could certainly make at least $3-$5 profit on each (maybe more). You might not make a ton per unit but you could probably move a decent quantity of them.

Another variation is buy some of the large size soda pop bottle preforms and put together a FAK in those. Just get some EDCF FAK labels made to stick on the outside.

Just a thought

[Ajax]

This may be a little puerile but what about bumper stickers?
They're cheap, you can put them anywhere.
Is there a better way to get the forums name out than that?

I think the EDCF logo from the top left of the site would be a great sticker.

[Towanda]

Boonie with logo
Marbles compass or other quality button compass
Bumper stickers and/or magnets
3"x5"-ish notebook cover

[JonSidneyB]

This may be a little puerile but what about bumper stickers?
They're cheap, you can put them anywhere.
Is there a better way to get the forums name out than that?

I think the EDCF logo from the top left of the site would be a great sticker.




Actually I want the growth rate of the forum to slow down a bit.

[Andy Wayne]

I always thought it would be neat if you sold packs of cards that were business card size with the EDC logo and info about the forum. That way we could carry them in our bags, and if we encountered someone in public that looks like they would fit in here, we could give them a card and tell them to check it out. :)

[zenlunatic]

http://www.ipromo.com/?fuseaction=product.&productsid=106

[SeeThirty]

Personally, I'd like to see a small but rugged flashlight with either single AA or CR123A for power, 2-mode 'twist' head to switch modes (say 5 lumen and 100 lumen modes), and a forward or reverse click switch (heck why not include both in a screw-in package?). Basic stuff. Flashlight, knife, multi-tool, maybe a small bag or organizer. These would be good EDCF items, since most of us have these sorts of items. :-)

[Boy SureFire]

Actually I want the growth rate of the forum to slow down a bit.
:( I'm guessing that means no on doing some more T-shirts... I missed the other batch.

[echo63]

Personally, I'd like to see a small but rugged flashlight with either single AA or CR123A for power, 2-mode 'twist' head to switch modes (say 5 lumen and 100 lumen modes), and a forward or reverse click switch (heck why not include both in a screw-in package?). Basic stuff. Flashlight, knife, multi-tool, maybe a small bag or organizer. These would be good EDCF items, since most of us have these sorts of items. :-)
A EDCF logo engraved Malkoff MD2 would be very cool, I would love one with a M61 and High/Lo switch
Black, Laser engraved EDCF Logo, and EDCF limited edition serial number, or even forum username

Could even put a Big QC Barcode on the head, encoded with the website, and a quick description of the forum

Shouldnt be too hard to put a preorder together, with people able to order the light, and be able to reserve a module for the light

[jda]

edcf 1911 grips, just a idea.

[jeeves3443]

Not everyone has a 1911. You could buy two of the spider rings (and take off the domed button) from the store and create a nice beveled recess in a pair of grips and be good to go.

I recently started work in a print shop and we do all kinds of things(like domed stickers/appliqués) , If you're really serious and don't feel like frankensteining it like I suggest, let me know and I'll see what I can do about getting some 'domed' buttons made up. This is actually a really cool idea, I'd love to see it implemented. If this sounds like something that any members want to do, send me a PM and I'll see how/what it would take to get the ball rolling.


I think I'd like to see something other than a knife, something anyone and everyone can take any and everywhere. A pen perhaps, I'd love a cool special color/branded Lamy Safari(maybe a small EDCF button to replace the 'top' of the cap, a domed button like on the spider-ring), or an etching on the SF Pen II (or one of the newer models). Maybe a watch band, or, like I read in another thread, a stamped Atwood. With another knife already in the works I think the knife idea might grow stale. I know I'll be interested in having each and every model of branded EDCF knife, but I'd love to build a 'Kit' of branded gear. I'm sure other thoughts will come to mind and i'll bet most of them won't be possible or fiscally sound, but there are about a thousand other pieces of gear I'd like to see sporting our forum's logo.


Keep in mind folks, no everyone can/does carry a knife ED. Let's come up with something special that EVERYONE can carry all the time. I realize that there's gear in the store that fits this bill, I have most of it, but something special and specially branded might increase sales by creating a flurry/flood of interest like the knives did/do/will.

~Jeeves.

[Skybolt]

Streamlight 73001 Nano Light Miniature Keychain LED Flashlight, Black
by Streamlight

I got one of these from Amazon. I love it 'cause it's so dang small that I don't even notice it on my key ring and comes with a really easy convenient clip, yet for it's size it puts out an amazingly big light... and the batteries are cheap & convenient from Amazon. I think I only paid about 5 bucks for the actual light. Get those branded and everyone could easily afford to put them on every keyring they have and great gifts too for cheap, ...make a great inexpensive advertiser for your site IMO.

[Sealegs]

Something like a Victorinox Quattro Drive, but EDCF. That would be awesome.

For something already in production, a Nalgene & GSI cup combo.

[95yjinpa]

How about a benie cap w/ logo.

[grox]

Got a few ideas, I've seen a few of these before but....

1. How about a EDCF run of Atwood gear? You could do a dutch auction if there aren't enough to go around. That would sell out quick. A reprise of an old Atwood design would work well, or even a new design with a EDCF logo.
2. You could also try a Jordan metal art or JDR to get some custom stuff done?
3. Pockettoolx might do a run for you as well? You could try getting the piranha in ti or another unique material.
4. Knives seem to work quite well... you could try some custom japanese kitchen cutlery with EDCF logos or even some more spyderco stuff. A unique barkie might work well too.
5. Tritium tubes with EDCF logos
6. TEC glow fobs in a unique colour or with the logo on the end.
7. Leatherman micro or squirts with logos?

From what I've seen on other forums. the items have done well are a) unique and b) have a certain appeal about them that 'ordinary' items don't.

[soli]

I would like to be able to do an EDCF limited edition light. The people that I personally know are here in the US doing custom stuff. I have a feeling they are too busy and the price point will be higher than people here will want to pay.

We've had a couple of knifes so far, a flashlight would be great (but wait til I get a job sorted and can afford one! :) ) Something like Mac's XM-L (http://macscustoms.com/Products.aspx) with the edcf logo engraved on the tail end would be very nice. As you say, even 3 years on, a lot of the custom lights are still very expensive so it may still be a bit too cost prohibitive.

If you wanted to add even more to your plate, you could always resurrect the Indium project ;)

[cap6888]

How about a "nice" pen. That is probably something that can be done inexpensively. Something simple with the EDCF logo. Although I must admit that I am a sucker for the Moonglow. It would be super cool to somehow incorporate that into the pen if that is even possible.

Flashlight is a cool idea, but the price point might be prohibitive. Plus, different people like different bulbs, battery options etc. I would say do a poll, but I don't think the poll idea worked too well with the current knife.

[JonSidneyB]

I got several messages saying I need to address the posts out here and they are right, I do need to comment.

I will try and get in here as soon as I can.

[JonSidneyB]

How about a "nice" pen. That is probably something that can be done inexpensively. Something simple with the EDCF logo. Although I must admit that I am a sucker for the Moonglow. It would be super cool to somehow incorporate that into the pen if that is even possible.

Flashlight is a cool idea, but the price point might be prohibitive. Plus, different people like different bulbs, battery options etc. I would say do a poll, but I don't think the poll idea worked too well with the current knife.

There are three things I think to consider on this one.

I cannot be a full-time store but only a part-time store. Normally people who have stores devoting time to maximizing profit. While the store is the vast majority of the income we are a forum first. Lets say I got to the point where I had 50 transactions a day of very cheap items that would bring in revenue but it wouldn't leave much time for the forum. Items where I would net $1.00 each if successful could at the same time kill us off. I am at between 95:5 to 90:10 ratio on time related to the forum as apposed to the store. I was able to move much much more volume when I didn't have the forum.

I be worried that I would not be able to move enough inexpensive pens to cover a minimum efficient order. When I did check it would have taken more money than I had at the time to do a run and I have less now. From looking back at everything we have done in the past being branded only adds the tiniest bit to sales, what seems to make the difference is it has to be unique enough that you can't get something similar elsewhere. I have also observed that I have an easier time moving expensive items vs cheaper items.

If we did do a flashlight I do think it would end up expensive but because not as many would be made it could be a lower total cash outlay than getting 3000 cheap items that I likely could not move enough to break even on. Just putting the logo on a light from experience I think would only add cost to the item that would not be made up in sales. I think it would still have to be something unique that could not be obtained elsewhere.

On the polls, I have had moderators in the past ask that I never do polls again. Something what was taught when I was in college was to be very careful of polls and it seems to be true. We have run polls just to find out how many would buy certain items and none have been very accurate. While not a branded item we did a poll to see how many would buy a Titanium Guitar tool. We have only recently gotten to half the number that said they would get one. The Glow Manix on the other hand I could have moved twice the number that I did from all indications but less than half the individuals that said they wanted on ordered one. We had requests via a poll for 100 buffs, I went ahead and got 200 to get the price, we have not moved 50 of them yet. The current knife looks like it will eventually be the second most successful special item done so far.

[JonSidneyB]

How about a benie cap w/ logo.

If it could work that would be good but would it do any better than the Buffs? We have not made it halfway to break even on those yet?

[JonSidneyB]

Streamlight 73001 Nano Light Miniature Keychain LED Flashlight, Black
by Streamlight

I got one of these from Amazon. I love it 'cause it's so dang small that I don't even notice it on my key ring and comes with a really easy convenient clip, yet for it's size it puts out an amazingly big light... and the batteries are cheap & convenient from Amazon. I think I only paid about 5 bucks for the actual light. Get those branded and everyone could easily afford to put them on every keyring they have and great gifts too for cheap, ...make a great inexpensive advertiser for your site IMO.

To get the price down to where I could sell them at the price I would have to buy a huge quantity. To get the logo on each one would make them more expensive. I would not be able to compete with Amazon on something like this and if I could get the volume up there are things I could not longer do on the forum. I would have to become a full time store to pull that off I think.

[JonSidneyB]

We've had a couple of knifes so far, a flashlight would be great (but wait til I get a job sorted and can afford one! :) ) Something like Mac's XM-L (http://macscustoms.com/Products.aspx) with the edcf logo engraved on the tail end would be very nice. As you say, even 3 years on, a lot of the custom lights are still very expensive so it may still be a bit too cost prohibitive.

If you wanted to add even more to your plate, you could always resurrect the Indium project ;)

Are you talking about doing the exact same light or a modification of that light? I have never talked with him and don't know if he would do it.

I would love to be able to do the Indium but that is out of reach for me. It almost did make reality in a different body when the USA was considering an HK gun grenade system, If you see a prototype weapons light for an advanced infantry weapon marked HK that has the same software and circuit as the Indium, the program was cancelled on the budgetary chopping block.

[JonSidneyB]

Got a few ideas, I've seen a few of these before but....

1. How about a EDCF run of Atwood gear? You could do a dutch auction if there aren't enough to go around. That would sell out quick. A reprise of an old Atwood design would work well, or even a new design with a EDCF logo.
2. You could also try a Jordan metal art or JDR to get some custom stuff done?
3. Pockettoolx might do a run for you as well? You could try getting the piranha in ti or another unique material.
4. Knives seem to work quite well... you could try some custom japanese kitchen cutlery with EDCF logos or even some more spyderco stuff. A unique barkie might work well too.
5. Tritium tubes with EDCF logos
6. TEC glow fobs in a unique colour or with the logo on the end.
7. Leatherman micro or squirts with logos?

From what I've seen on other forums. the items have done well are a) unique and b) have a certain appeal about them that 'ordinary' items don't.

1, I would love an EDCF run of Atwood items. I like Peter a lot but if he did this I don't think it would be good for him. Any kind of deal I do with a company both sides have to benefit. Peter has greater demand than he can supply. If he stopped and made something for the forum it would cut into meeting the demand he already has. I had talked to him about this long ago but I understood exactly the situation when I realized he could not keep up with demand. He is a good guy but there isn't anything in it for him.

2. I talked to Jordan Metal Art a long time ago. If I talked to him again what kind of unique thing different in someway than what he is doing now would you suggest? I did something with JDR once and will never again. The only one who benefited from the deal was him.

3. I at this time cannot afford to inventory his standard items at this time. We used to be on an affiliate program with him once. I don't know what it would take to get a special run from them. If it could be done it would have to be pre-pay and might have too long of a lead time. I will check.

4. Do you think Japanese Kitchen Cutlery would work? Who do you think would do it? Would it be able to be unique enough from what they already do to be
successful?

4. Do you think Japanese Kitchen Cutlery would work? Who do you think would do it? Would it be able to be unique enough from what they already do to be successful?

Spyderco has done us a massively large favor. The first run was used to pay some of the money borrowed to stay afloat, none has really gone in my pocket yet but the debts have to be paid. The have another run of Manix's in the works but I don't know when they will be ready, that will be followed up later but a sprint run of another knife. We are just trying to find ways to stay afloat until they are finished.

Bark Rivers is how I got out from being homeless, we lost the Bark River volume when I could no longer devote the hours each day needed to make it work. I hope one day I can get it back to where it was before. I would love to have a Bark River pattern we tried to come up with a design once but the suggestions where not the kind of things Bark River does. It would have to be something unique to make work as they have distributors that they work through who submit designs. It does not do them any good to rehash one of their existing designs.

5. It would be against federal regulations for me to sell tritium tubes. They would shut me down.

6. Tech Accessories has done the forum more favors than most people would ever realize. If there where 20 manufacturers that treated us as well as them we would never ever have any worries. Three companies have gone above and beyond what they should to help the forum out. I don't think there is anyway to get the logo down that small and I am not sure if this would provide any benefit to Tech Accessories. If they don't benefit from it I would not want them to do it. They are too good to us as it is.

7. I can't buy from Leatherman direct since I don't have a physical store front so I can't get good pricing from them. I would have to get the logo's done locally or be shipping them around the country. Would the logo create enough sales to justify it?

[DollarStoreLurker]

It looks like you've narrowed it down to either a light or a pocket tool.

I'm up for either.

Something like an orange coated clicky preon, or a GITD gerber shard-like prybar...

[JonSidneyB]

I should state when I started this thread I thought branded items would work. A couple have and others failed bad. It seems the item being unique counts much much more then being branded but I still want to try and get the logo on unique items.

We have only tried to logo items when we where desperate to do something to stay afloat but most of the earlier attempts made things worse. I need to be very very careful when trying something. It is hard to predict what will work and so far the only things that have worked are also the most expensive things we have tried.

[JonSidneyB]

It looks like you've narrowed it down to either a light or a pocket tool.

I'm up for either.

Something like an orange coated clicky preon, or a GITD gerber shard-like prybar...

I don't know if I have narrowed it as much as I have been giving past experience. If someone can give an argument on how something can work that is convincing and a way to finance it can be come up with I willing to try it. I just know what individual items have flopped and what has been a success.

[grox]

I don't know if I have narrowed it as much as I have been giving past experience. If someone can give an argument on how something can work that is convincing and a way to finance it can be come up with I willing to try it. I just know what individual items have flopped and what has been a success.

Jon, it looks as though you are between a rock and a hard place! You've put a lot of time and effort into this forum, much more than I can appreciate.

I'm out of ideas. I hope that someone else can come up with an idea that will work!

[JonSidneyB]

Jon, it looks as though you are between a rock and a hard place! You've put a lot of time and effort into this forum, much more than I can appreciate.

I'm out of ideas. I hope that someone else can come up with an idea that will work!

What worked in the past was the Barkies, it took quite a bit of time to get it going and was very time consuming but it worked. There is just not the time to work on it.

What I can't do is end up stuck for several thousand on requests that people don't follow through on. If we can last until the next Spyderco run we will be OK for awhile.

[16VGTIDave]

Jon et all,

I don't claim to have any answers. All I can do is let you know what items I'm looking for, and to say that I'd be happy to wait for a forum branded item if I knew it was coming. I don't mind spending a bit more for quality or something when it supports you and this forum, especially if it is special - and the forum logo is enough to make it special to me. I know that not everyone else feels this way, or can afford to feel this way, but I'm not alone either when I say that you, Jon, are not alone (I'm thinking of the recent efforts of others with the forum knife that I'm eagerly awaiting). What goes around comes around, right?

Woah. Did I ever digress. Sorry! Okay, with that out of the way, I'm currently looking for a few things:
A flashlight - Single AAA light that is svelt, classy and suitable for an office environment.
A waterproof and wind proof butane torch lighter - for my boating emergency kit.
A lighter fluid container for those times when one of my wick lighters is dry.
A lighter fluid based hand warmer.

Those are a few things that come to mind. I'm also open to suggestion, I don't always know what I need until I read about it here! ;)

Thanks!
Dave


Sent from my iPad2 using Tapatalk

[soli]

Are you talking about doing the exact same light or a modification of that light? I have never talked with him and don't know if he would do it.


Well Mac's stuff was just as an example. What you ask though is interesting. How different would a custom flashlight have to be to get people to pay for, I assume, a more expensive edcf version over the standard model. Using Mac as an example, you can already get his lights in various materials so that doesn't leave a lot of room for uniqueness. Off the top of my head there's few things you can do, at best maybe a limited release cerakote coloured (that has not been done already) version or slots for tritium vials.

[jnsn]

GITD bic lighters and zippo

[Six String]

A cord-wrapped Kiridashi by Daniel Fairly. His knives are amazing and his prices are very reasonable but I don't know that he could handle the quantity since he is such a small shop.

I also like the idea of a small flashlight, perhaps in anodized Ti or aluminum.

[Scottyzedinosaur]

EDCF Atwoods would sell very well, but could be expensive...Pockettoolx?