Do You Want More Of This?
I’d like to ask you a question… (but I’ll get to it in just a minute)
Before that, I’d like to give a few short updates on various stuff:
Titanium Pen
The Kickstarter project for the Titanium Pen is nearing completion. Shipping will most likely be around 12 days from now. If you’re waiting for your pen via an order placed on this website – it will be shipped at roughly the same time.
A Bowl Full Of Semi-Polished Titanium Pens Fresh From The Finishing Process (I’m Just About To Start Fitting And Testing The Caps On Them).
HangKey – Pocket Clip
The HangKey from the Kickstarter project will start shipping around 5 to 6 days from now. And, as above, if you’ve ordered via this website – then it will be shipping to you within a week or so.
MokuTi HangKeys After An Intense Heat-Treating Session…
Oh, And The Titanium Wallet
Exciting times… (seriously)
I just sent a 3D file to a local company here that does 3D-printing of titanium (yes, that’s a thing!).
I’m having the first near-final prototype of the titanium wallet 3D-printed in Grade 5 titanium. It’s amazing because the resulting mterial is actually as strong (and can be stronger) than billet titanium. The problem is… the whole thing has a kind of cast-metal surface feel to it – so, yeah, it’s not smooth but has a frustrating roughness to it.
Anyway, this is just to test the function of it at this stage – as well as the size, shape and overall feel of it. More on this later.
Now, here’s the question for you…
I reckon I could provide you with more online content – but, so far, it’s just blog posts.
So… what do YOU want? (in terms of being kept updated with what’s going on here at Cogent)
Here’s the kind of stuff I can come up with to do more of (but I’m not sure if it’s what you want):
- More in-depth blog posts
- Prototype development
- Design concepts
- Weird ideas that might actually become real
Lessons on life and business(not really serious about that one – but, hey, if you’re interested :-D)
- Videos
- Behind the scenes at the workshop
- Going in-depth on my own products (design features, etc.)
- Screw-ups and such
- Photos
- More photos of products and the development process
- Photos from Customers using their Cogent products
Is any of the above of interest? …Or perhaps none of it?
Please let me know because, as I’m getting more systems into place (and not having to do every single little thing myself), I’m trying to focus more on giving you more information (videos, etc.) and generally a better experience.
I’m kinda feeling my way around just now and so I thought, “Magnus, just ask!”. And so here I am asking you… 🙂
I’d stick with prototype videos with feedback, including ideas for new designs. You could spend more time producing and less time “behind the scenes”, which would make you happier and the customers happier. Just my humble opinion.
Thank you Mark. Yeah, the bottle-neck is really on the capacity in machining/production just now. But, yeah, I’d like to do more showing of designs.
More blogs of prototypes, concepts and production processes, please — with photos. Not fussed about videos or about what customers are doing with their products ;).
Thanks and keep up the great work!
Ant
Thanks Ant – appreciate the honest feedback.
A high quality foldable dress knife – good blade with titanium cover.
Man, I get asked to do a knife all the time. I’m just a bit apprehensive of them not arriving to where they are sent (i.e. Customs grabbing them). I’ll do a little more research…
Online stores such as http://www.knifeworks.com ship overseas. I acquired a RSK Mk3 and it was shipped to Brazil without problems. That would need to be verified in a country by country basis though 🙁
Yes I need more of this. In the blog, pictures background movies,, and any other means on communication…
Please? 😀
Thank you Peter. Glad what I’ve been doing so far has been of interest. 🙂
The area where I see benefit to everybody is around product development on the basis that early feedback will help you make great products that people really want.
The other things you mention are “nice to haves”, which could suck up your time without really contributing to the important work of making stuff. If doing any of them helps you relax then great but otherwise, nah.
If you do want to share pictures of your stuff in use by readers then I suggest something like a Flickr group so that you don’t have to do anything (apart from set it up) and it saves your bandwidth.
Dave, that’s some rock-solid ideas there – thank you!
Yeah, I like the idea of “product in use” by Customers not having any involvement from me – that could work well.
And, yes, the early feedback type videos/blog-posts could work well – it’s happened many times in the past (and has stopped me from making a few products that people just had no interest in).
I want to foster feelings of acceptance and work to abolish unjust discrimination and abuse in any form. I want the be measured by my actions and valued for them. When I die, I want to feel fulfilled, and with as little regret as possible. I want to experience new things, places, people, and cultures with a sense of wonderment and without cynicism. I want to be loved, admired, and respected. I want to find and provided joy in the lives of the people closest to me, and people in general.
I’m pretty sure Magnus can’t help you with that.
Maybe I can…
If I provide more of what I do (including videos and such) then it might make some one a little happier… and then someone else a little happier… and then, like ripples in a pond, happiness could spread around the world.
I reckon this is possible. 🙂
I like most of your videos. I might have missed a few. Do what you are doing. You can’t please everybody, so you have to please yourself.
I like the knife idea BUT, who will make the blades? I would like to make T5 Titanium scales for my Damascus carry folder. Or have them made. I try to get everything for my GTFH bag in Titanium. The Viperfish hangs on it. It gets lots of complements. Light weight is very important. As much as my camping gear is Ti as possible without the cost being rediculas.
Magnus,
I didn’t know that you could get the coatings. I have a Titanium flashlight with an AlTiN finish that I can’t scratch. A little purple but it is almost diamond hard.
So I would like to see other examples of what you are trying out in the mad scientist’s laboratory.
I likeva good video too but those get time consuming to produce.
So mire stuff is my vote.
Rob
Yeah, I’ve got a local company here that can offer a few different coatings.
I’ve been reluctant to do it in the past because I wanted to keep products a more natural, raw titanium look.
But… if people want coatings… then I will get coatings done. 🙂
More in-depth blog posts and videos, please.
Thanks Daniel.
Have consumers send their photos on how they use your products and post it on your blog.
Yeah, that’s the kind of thing I was thinking (because people do send photos). Do a sort of “Showcase” or “Gallery” page.
All of your ideas are spot on for me ! ????????????
Thank you Christina – always nice to start the day seeing some positive feedback. 😀
I’d like to see more photos and videos of the process of designing and manufacturing the products. It’s hard to tell how much a particular artist/manufacturer does himself, and how much is outsourced. The latter gives the feeling of something hand-crafted and truly unique. The former is something more of knowing who to contact to perform milling or cutting or some other portion of the product, but is less about the creative talent and more business-savvy. I like to know which type of vendor I’m dealing with to set expectations.
That’s really interesting Bryan.
Had not thought too much about that before… but, yeah, I can see how that would be of interest.
This is definitely doable. I can show how much I personally put into the design, making and finishing.
How about some videos of your products being manufactured from start to finish. I’d love to see some titanium being machined. Even seeing the workshops and all the different machinery and tools would be interesting.
+1
Yeah, I think I’d like to do something like this.
Definitely could not do it for all parts of all products unfortunately because a lot of it is proprietary (i.e. some of the methods myself and my machinist use have had a lot of development put into them… and this has resulted in doing things in a way that would disadvantage us if others saw how it was done).
Hope that makes sense. Most stuff can be shown though.
I forgot, back during the Viperfish run, you asked what we wanted for videos. I asked you to show us how to used the program that you use to design things. You made it look easy. Thanks
I think it would be cool to see behind the scenes videos on how you make your products. Specifically the HangKey and how you get all of the different finishes. Especially the MoKuTi!
Yeah, I’d love to show a video of heat-treating the MokuTi. It’s so simple… but also very tricky. Will aim to do this soon at least.
While I don’t really have the time to read lengthy behind the scenes posts (interesting as they may be), an occasional production video would be welcome.
Also, describing “weird ideas that might actually become real” sounds very interesting to me, since you might come up with ideas that we didn’t think of yet, and for you this would also be a great way of probing how much potential customers there are for a given article. (“Hey I had no idea that toothbrushes can be made out of titanium!”)
Cheers – Joel
Thanks Joel – this makes sense.
It’s funny… a lot of (maybe even most) ideas come from comments and feedback from others… or I get an idea because of something someone said.
To be honest I think maybe you talk a little too much Magnus.I think showing your products being used is a good idea.Show somebody finishing their drink and then signing the CC slip with the one pen or two people getting ready to hit the slopes and putting on lip balm from a pill pot container.You make great stuff but I doubt most people care about how it is made.It is obvious that you take a great deal of pride in your creations and that’s commendable but most people just care about the finished product.Keep up the good work.I’m looking forward to getting my pens from your Kickstarter project.
Thank you for the feedback Tim. It’s good to know that definitely not everyone is interested in the behind-the-scenes.
It’s probably depends on the product. I can think of products where I don’t care how it’s main… and other products where I’d love to see how it’s made.
Like the idea of showing a video-scenario of how products are used. Thank would be cool. Would give me a chance to look like James Bond! 😀
Yes. I enjoy seeing the progress on your projects, although I usually end up spending too much money on lovely titanium things! 🙂
I see that as a good thing. 🙂
+1 on the manufacturing videos. Also, I like the small multi-tool keychains like your Viperfish and the Metperial. I’d like to see a 3 piece tool that snaps or locks together but comes apart to do various things. The tools that I’d like to see incorporated on a multi tool are a button cell, single LED micro flashlight, a pen, scissors, pliers, screwdrivers and bottle opener, kind of like a Victorinox Signature or Mini-Champ.
I’m also a car guy so I’d like to see a car themed multi tool.
Lastly, for the more simple multi-tool keychains, I’d like to see those at a price point more like the Crocobiner, Atom, MyKee, and the T4.
Hey Raoul – thank you for this. Some great feedback on what you’d like.
I’d like to do some sort of Victornox tool for sure. A lot more involved but I think it would be worth it.
A bi-weekly or weekly blog would be nice, perhaps multiple topics covered in each post? I wouldn’t mind hearing of your business do’s and don’ts.
Thanks Joe. I’m trying to do video and posts more often.
If I do videos and posts more often and in more detail… then it’s likely there will be many business lessons in there naturally (because I’ll explain all the stuff I screw-up all the time!)
In progress pictures or videos of the steps in manufacturing, would be great.
Thanks Robert – there seems to be quite a few people interested in this also.
I would like to see photos of the manufacturing process and some of your prototypes. Even if the prototypes are crazy and may never enter production it is interesting to see the ingenious and crazy products you are thinking up.
It’s funny… the crazy idea usually don’t even make it to the titanium stage.
And, often, not even to the 3D plastic printed stage (if that’s required in the process).
I did get as far as 3D-printing a titanium coffee tamper. Still plan on making that actually (because I don’t think it’s too crazy).
I like seeing the manufacturing processes and the prototype stages prior to establishing a final design. Video and pictures. Thanks!
Thank you Steve. The early and middle stages are messy and likely to make you go, “What on earth is that garbage? I’m not watching someone make this nonsense!!” 🙂
I’m just as interested in the process of designing and refining a design, as the actual end result of the project. Pictures of the machinery that makes everything, all the unsuccesful attempts etc – basically if it’s made of titanium then it’s all good. A man can never have too much Ti in his life!
Nice feedback Mat – thank you.
Also, maybe this should be my new tagline: “A man can never have too much Ti in his life!”
I like it.
I like to think that I can help people design better products, so letting us in on the prototyping process and asking for feedback would be great!
Yes, for sure. This has worked well in the past. Thank you Mike.
One of the many reasons I support kickstarters is to watch and learn along side those who are learning themselves. The end product is always a draw, but the process is what fascinates me most. Pictures and videos help me to see the process and learn along side you. It is good to hear about all the successful days, but it is also equally as good to share the struggle. It makes me appreciate the end product so much more. It is kind of like watching an adult version of Mr. Rogers. Knowing there are artisans out there that care about their products is so important. It restores my faith in the genuine American Dream.
Thanks Marie – that’s a great description of what you get out of Kickstarter. Tremendous.
I’m all motivated now. 😀
I would love you to make a nail clippers with a file attached to it in Ti.
That’s what i want too 🙂 .. Please make it happen.. Just make sure it’s sharp enough to remove skin easily around the nail area 🙂
Still working on these… they are tricky to make (actually, tricky to make WELL) to say the least!
Actually I love what you’re sending us. Updates with pictures of the progress you’re making are wonderful and give me a sense of what to expect when I receive my goodies. Keep up the great work!
Thank you Joe – appreciated that you appreciate it.
Magnus,
I know this may sound frivolous, but I love the feel of the TiBeads. There is something about the feel of titanium that is very comforting. I would hope that you continue to make the TiBeads (I just re-ordered a set) and that you might consider adding to the set with a new design every so often. Maybe at some point having a bead-of-the-month club. I was also thinking of touchstone like amulets. Maybe make a set of the TiBeads twice the size. Don’t forget the American baseball players and fans who are completely obsessed with titanium necklaces and bracelets (they are a superstitious lot). There is a huge market for things titanium and you are the undisputed master craftsman thereof. In the true spirit of it all – Semper Ti. 🙂
Man, Robert, that’s the best idea I’ve heard in a long time – “bead of the month club”. That’s genius.
Also, I had no idea baseball fans are into titanium – I’m going to have a google of that.
And, yes, I’ve been asked for larger titanium beads in the past quite often… really should give that a priority.
Titanium wallet, titanium Cufflinks
Titanium wallet – yes, working on that now.
Cufflinks – interesting! Will do some research this weekend.
I would definitely go for a set of cufflinks. Maybe more than one pair. Presents, you know.
Would like more on:
Prototype development
Design concepts
Is a fine line though because of all the overwhelming junk email.
Thanks George – this ties-in with what a lot of others would like.
I’d like to see videos like you did them in your first projects, maybe you can do a video once a week?
Talking about current projects, showing new equipment, design progress on new stuff, prototypes etc., and of course talking about life, the universe and everything once in a while.
Ha-haa… yeah, the videos from the old days were quite raw and unpolished (actually, they’re still like that!).
I enjoyed doing them for sure and would like to do them again. Thanks Herbert!
I’d like to see all kind of crazy finishes you can achieve on titanium
I have to tell you…
The finishing I do is continuously a work-in-process… always testing and tweaking.
But, yeah, I probably need to do a “showcase” of the finishes.
I would LOOOOVE it ! To be brutally honest, the finish is 75% the reason I buy your stuff. Okay okay in case of the mokuti hangkey it is 100% for the finish.
Keep up the good job Magnus
Woohoo! Can’t wait for my pen.
As per what I’d like to see more of… behind the scenes/dev diary videos are sometimes a nice glimpse into understanding all of the work that goes into the products we are purchasing. But the blog posts and such so far have been quite good.
Also, the 3D “printed” titanium – do you know what type of machine they have? Is it a DMLS or EBM type printer? I’m mostly just curious.
When I visited Lockheed Martin with AIAA last year, we got a chance to see their EBM machine and some samples of what it produces. The surface finishes were pretty rough, but they mentioned that there were a few fairly simple ways to clean them up. I think milling and sandblasting were mentioned? Granted this is from a defense contractor’s point of view so “easy” should be taken with a grain of salt lol. But just some ideas.
Thank you Quinn.
Yeah, the machine is a DMLS. And, like you say, the finish is rough… so pretty much have to machine the roughness away.
I tried tumbling the finish away… but, yeah, that wasn’t really happening (not unless I waited until the next ice-age to arrive!)
Hi,
I teach industrial automation, so a video showing programming and machining could be interesting 🙂
Geir
I certainly don’t mind an occasional status message. More than monthly and you’re into Spam territory. Maybe quarterly?
As for product, I vote for the Ti letter opener.
Maybe I’m in the minority but I don’t see the sense in a Ti wallet. My employer’s medical card wouldn’t fit. My auto insurance proof is paper. Tickets from the dry cleaners are paper. Too many things don’t fit in with the standard credit card size or stiffness.
I’d like to see some of your concepts and things you might think are absurd. Like that multitool concept. I’d buy that right now if the wrenches would lock in place. It looks great.
I’m in the market for a symmetrical pen (with no pocket clip or a low profile one) that’s longer than average and centrally balanced if you’re looking for ideas. Something I can spin around my fingers when I’m bored
I really like the production process of the items being made. Video of these would be great (e.g., cutting the titanium, finishing, polishing, etc.). Also some pictures of your initial concept drawings and the resulting prototypes. Video of the 3D printing process would be nice also!
I enjoy videos of processing. Emails with photos are more interesting than text & I check it daily.
As a KS backer, I get impatient with non-replies and infrequent updates – but you do a reasonably good job there from what I’ve seen
Hey, Magnus. Personally, all of the videos and blog posts don’t mean much to me. I check the web including your website once in a while looking for new, finished products to buy. If I don’t see anything that fits what I can use, I move on. There are other producers/designers out there. And I don’t think they can keep up with demand. If you show us finished products, we will buy them. You don’t need mass quantities of a single design. Everyone has different tastes and needs. Make an item in different sizes, colors, and designs. (I’m still waiting on the bigger version HookUp clips. I would like to see smaller, thinner versions of the PillPots. And a pen that accepts parker-style refills would work for me.) Thanks, Magnus
How about precision scissors like manicure scissors but maybe a bit more sturdy, but small in size?
I think a time lapse video would be a god thing to put on your kickstarter campaigns, I get seriously annoyed at people who think you can turn out titanium products quickly.
Have you thought about making titanium dice?