Just saw the ad in Shotgun News for... (WARNING-NSFW)

[Joe Demko]

Being struck accidentally with the edge of a non-descript piece of sheet metal will split skin and muscle and notch bone. Seen it happen.
Don't know much about this device...the advertising distracts from the product rather more than otherwise...but even if it is just a piece of sheet metal cutinto a vaguely sword-like shape it is capable of inflicting wounds you wouldn't likely just laff off.
Need to know more about the product...advertising needs revamped.

 

[seeker_two]

One thing I've noticed is that quality products don't need near-nekkid women and flashy sales pitches to sell....quality sells itself. That's why Coors and Miller uses the former and Glenfiddich and Stoli rely on their quality....

Let your product's quality speak for itself....


(...but don't expect much in Texas sales. Illegal to carry it here.... )

 

[give]

looks like a piece of junk,screams mall ninja,they are going to make a fortune,lol

 

[RazorMan]

BeltSwords

Please try to accept my reply in a positive light. I know that sometimes my passionate side gets the better of me.

I really mean it when I say I wish to thank everyone for their input and suggestions. I certainly need to change certain aspects on my web site. I had some younger “web guys” talk me into things that I probably should not have done. On the other hand the girl has given this site almost over-night international attention. Also the female model shows the belt and sword just because there is not much else she is wearing. So what to do??

Too much hype…probably so...as the BeltSword System does sound, “to good to be true”. But every time I demonstrate the BeltSword System people are almost in shock. Martial arts people love it, the average person is terrified. I had a GM from an auto dealer tell me he told his friends after I showed him…he said, “My friends just laughed and said it was a trick and not even possible".

If any of you invented something so out of the norm…something that has never existed on this planet; you may too decide to hype it because no one will believe you anyway.

On Friday 5.30.08 I was late picking up some supplies at Global Fasteners in New Berlin Wisconsin. I previously demonstrated the BeltSword to several people in their office. It was now just after 4:30 PM as I was pulling in and I noticed a car backing up across the entire length of the parking lot. I later found out it was there warehouse manager Joe. Why is he coming back to work…it was after work on Friday and he has better things to do. He was about to leave and saw my car pull in and thought it might be me…he did not want to miss seeing a demonstration. I am certainly humbled by the experience.

When I said I was intense I did not mean it as a threat or even that I am charismatic. I am 55 years old; God has blessed me with passion and continued vigor…even at this age and at 190 pounds I can do 25 to 28 military pull-ups and ride my bicycle 15-20 miles a day with warm weather permitting... (If you ever meet me you will know the truth for sure!)

Intense, passionate; you bet!!! I love God and country, I love my parents/family and wife. But in my entire life there are only two things that have caught my real passion. I love animals and designing new concepts.

I have had the honor to rescue and become the guardian of an American Staffordshire terrier (pit bull) that at 6 weeks old was beat up in the inner city of Milwaukee with a broken jaw. I realized I would have traded my life to protect her as she would have done for me. I am absolutely positively sure I would be in prison today if I had caught the “animal” that harmed her so badly! (After 12 years she died on 2/25/08 at 7 PM from cancer)

The second is this weapon system. I have spent a lot of money in its development…the funny thing even if I lost everything because of this venture it really would not be the worst. The worst is never trying. If you have passion in your life you will understand…if you don’t I feel sorry for you. "It is the journey not the destination"; as I have had the honor of meeting so many great people.

Here are the facts:
• The BeltSword allows the RazorSword to be deployed so "Lightening Fast" you will probably miss the deployment.
• You can actually deploy and strike an attacker in the same instant.
• A dull blade is more that capable of crushing your skull.
• The RazorSword sharp will cut deeper into ½ inch plywood than a machete or Samurai Sword. Why; because the thin RazorSword has little resistance and the “thick” Samurai gets stuck. (could some Samurai Swords or machetes beat my RazorSword…probably…but not by much)
• The material is 1075 or 1095 special tempered and hardened high carbon spring steel. I order about 1.5 miles of steel at a time that is made custom for me at an HRC of 54-57.
• I have a friend of mine that want to test it. (Former Special Operations—works in the development of small arms for the military)
• I have a major sporting goods chain that would like to see a “survival version”
• The system is not a pretty wall hanger; but three important things to remember…Quality, Quality, Quality!!!
• In the rare event you only believe 10% of what I have told you…you still would never want to be on the receiving end of this massive razor blade on steroids.
• I personally do believe this is a “Futuristic Super-Weapon” if you see the demo in person, perhaps you may feel the same. (I have had many people tell me this belongs in a major motion picture)

Finally I live in Milwaukee and someone from your group must know a former military or weapons expert type living in Wisconsin or the Milwaukee area. I challenge you to have someone meet me and I will demonstrate the weapon in front of them. I will pay your representative 100.00 cash to spend 5 minutes with me and to report back to you. I am not offering the $100 to be a smart ass; I am doing it to pay for someone's time.

Call me at 414-303-3000 or e-mail me at [email protected]

Intensely Respectful, Curtis W. Koehler

 

[Brian Dale]

Mr. Koehler,

...there are only two things that have caught my real passion. I love animals and designing new concepts.

That puts you on our good side right there.

1075 and 1095 are good. It's just--relax, OK?

I'm a word geek; I worked hard for years to become one. In your last post, you almost wrote,

{I suggested a typo correction here for RazorMan}

There; fixed it.

Really: Welcome to the High Road. Relax and be a part of the community.

 

[RazorMan]

Advertising

Regarding the beer ads I understand you point of view; however sex does work in advertising. The beer people have used half naked women for years and have been criticized for it.

Half naked men and women get attention and even negative attention may be good.

Look at this crazy photo…you think the BeltSword web site is nuts; take a look at this national company Abercrombie & Fitch at their web site.

http://www.abercrombie.com/anf/index.html

 

[Brian Dale]

Regarding the beer ads I understand you point of view; however sex does work in advertising.The beer people have used half naked women for years and have been criticized for it.

I agree that that approach sells beer; furthermore, Abercrombie sells a lot of clothing to twentysomethings.

In the case of your company and your product: who is your target audience?

 

[feedthehogs]

[QUOTE sex does work in advertising][/QUOTE]

Theres a big difference between trying to sell food or clothing and trying to sell a weapon that is to be used to save your life.

Your on the right track though if your trying to sell to the same group who buys throwing stars, numchucks, spiked arm bands and the such for bedroom play.

As someone who takes his self defense with a life or death attitude, you could have the best product in the world and I'd never even look past the ad copy because I'd equate it with the above group. Products that aren't even worth the shipping costs and certainly something I would never consider a life saving device.

 

[JShirley]

Mr. Koehler,

Thanks for posting.

I don't want your money, and I'm not in Milwaukee, but I would be happy to do a review of your sword. I have a background in Japanese sword work, and have collected kukuris for some years, so I'm a fan of big, powerful blades.

Alternatively, I'm sure hso would be happy to review your product as well. Shipping to/from would be more than generous, and we'll speak the truth- good, bad, or indifferent- for free.

Please PM if you're interested.

Regards,

John Shirley

 

[RazorMan]

BeltSwords

I will be defining my market as we proceed. Perhaps my market will find me?

I guess the first it to get attention and to create a site that has some entertainment value. After all we should have some fun. Personally I continue to enjoy that scantly clothed model pulling the RazorSword from her belt. (Thank goodness my wife has a good sense of humor-especially during the filming)

Next to build trust and credibility.

Somewhere at some point a weapons expert will buy one of the BeltSwords and he or she will post the quality yet simplicity of the BeltSword System.

It will take that third party person or a camera at a convenience of someone being attacked. Then a RazorSword literally "Dis-Arms" their attacker. Unfortunately for the attacker their finger prints will be left on the floor still attached to their hand.

No matter what I do people will tend to be skeptical. Human nature! People did not like the light bulb at first either.

Plus how many of us have been ripped-off by something that appeared to be good.

If you build the best mouse-trap people will eventually beat a path to your door. I believe that!

Again thanks to everyone...it is time for me to ride my bicycle.

 

[RazorMan]

BeltSword Trial

FYI

I will send a sample out for trial.

 

[wuchak]

He's just using the pretty girl like Dillon does with the presses and Kahr does with their guns in the "Thin is in" ads. Nothing wrong with some hot girls in ads. Much better than old guys with beer bellies in flannel. : )

 

[Jason_G]

RazorMan, you can see a nipple in that clip. I don't know if you knew that or not. Thought I'd bring it to your attention in case.

Best,
Jason

 

[RazorMan]

I believe the nip is actually covered with a Band-Aid. It just looks real.

RazorMan

 

[Rupestris]

RazorMan,

I believe I owe you an apology.

While your website seems a bit over-the-top and I posted the ROTFL pic on page one, you have shown that you are are a true gentleman. By explaining to the masses here at THR your business plan and handling this in a most tactful way, you have indeed taken "The High Road".

While your product doesn't suit my needs and is not legal in my home state, I wish you the best in your endeavors.

Next to build trust and credibility.

You've built some credibility by not taking the criticism the wrong way. I look forward to any new products you might have in mind.

Chris

 

[hso]

NOTE: Now that Curt is a member at THR he should be given the full consideration of any other member at THR.

 

[MASTEROFMALICE]

There are a couple of points of interest:

(I know a small female about 18 years old that is an Eskrima expert…I can hide two 27 inch RazorSwords in her belt…she will “take out” a 250 pound man in a second)

Granted, somewhere in the world is that fabled "Navy SEAL" who can kill you with just his thumb. But the vast majority of fighting "experts" simply don't live up to the hype (there's a bar in Waikiki that can testify that the SEALs aren't as immortal as they'd like you to think.

The purchase of this sword will not make you superhuman. The adage "Don't bring a knife to a gunfight" still applies here.

Take your Escrima expert on one side and take a Rob Leatham-type expert on the other side, and Rob is going to be eating Cheerios for breakfast tomorrow and your Escrima expert is going to be injected with formaldehyde tomorrow.

An "expert" at anything should be able to whoop your standard shmoe. That is the whole reason they're an expert.

I'm no expert with firearms even thought I've been shooting for 25 years. I'm no expert even though I was NRA qualified as an Expert smallbore shooter when I was 17, the Marine Corps gave me a badge which declares me a Rifle Expert, and below my name-plate on my police uniform is a small pin which says "EXPERT". Do you know what these things mean? They mean I can hit a static target in training.

How much combat has this 18 year old female actually seen? The title expert is thrown around a lot but earned by few. When she kills an infantry squad with a giant foam "We're #1" pointy finger, send us the video and we'll evaluate her expertise.

(I have had many people tell me this belongs in a major motion picture)

Off the wall backflip double kicks belong in major motion pictures, but that doesn't make them viable tools in real life.

The truth is, I look at this as more of a novelty item, at best. My prediction: They'll never be adopted by the military (who is having a hard enough time accepting that the M9 should be ditched), there is no credible police agency that will ever adopt it (you may find a couple of bubba deputies from backwoods Screwball, Tenn. that may make it part of their equipment) and will forever be viewed in the same light at the Balisong. The Balisong has a few die-hard supporters who show you flips and throws and swear they're the greastest things on planet Earth. The rest of look and say, "Gee that's neat" then go ahead and open our Benchmades.

Like Hso said, you're a member now, but you're still going to get the same consideration that anyone else would get who was making these outlandish. claims.

 

[Joe Demko]

The Balisong has a few die-hard supported who show you flips and throws and swear they're the greastest things on planet Earth. The rest of look and say, "Gee that's neat" then go ahead and open our Benchmades.

Bali-songs are a good design. A well-made balisong is second only to a fixed blade in strength. Flipping them and spinning them falls into the same category as twirling a revolver i.e. entertaining stunts that some people perform with them don't lessen their real world utility.


Oh and BTW, it might interest you to know that Benchmade originally got their start as "Bali-Song Inc." Guess what they made? Guess what they still make?

 

[RazorMan]

BeltSword

In the end this may only be a novelty. I have a lot to learn!

I have to tell you; I feel very secure when I get fuel at a (high crime area) gas station with the BeltSword on than without it. I know any attacker looking at the RazorSword will run for the hills. Could they pull a handgun…sure but that could happen anyway. I would rather go down with a fighting chance.

Perhaps I am part romantic…is the sword a partial reflection into a person’s soul? May I be worthy to be its guardian...always respect its power and learn from the reflection of others.

All in all life should be an adventure. The people we meet and the contributions we make to this world.

As a side note: All I know...I feel extremely secure wearing it…and if it makes me feel that good...well? The only personal concealed weapon that beats the BeltSword is a handgun…and you better not miss. You can patch a bullet hole in my arm…a sword cutting flesh, arteries, and bone…difficult to stitch-up and put an arm back on. A gun totting bandit better hit me with a large caliber weapon at “center of mass” and even then I may have 5-10 seconds left in me. That’s all I need.

The history of the sword goes back thousands of years to mankind’s struggle to achieve a civilized society. I guess that is part of the alluring aspect to a weapon that is actually part of two worlds…who we have been and who we are today. Holding a piece of that past…that feeling…that connection…that which makes me come alive.

May I always live with and share that passion.

 

[Joe Demko]

Your choices in advertising aside, I do have a question about your product. I wear a belt to hold my pants up and to support the weight of a concealed handgun. It appears that the belt sword can't be deployed if it is threaded through all the belt loops on a pair of jeans. It looked in the one video like you skipped the ones in front. So, would I have to wear a beltsword over top of the belt I already wear in order to have it available while still keeping my pants and holster in place?

 

[redneckrepairs]

Ill just say welcome to THR RazorMan. Your site created quite a stur and an entertaining thread , Your product however well made is not for me tho LOL . Ill stick with my pistol and a folding knife for ccw . Best of luck on your venture tho .

 

[Owen]

Razorman,

If you think that draw is faster than a pistol draw, I respectfully submit that you have never seen a trained pistolero.

I'm not particulary fast, but at 10 yards, I can have 3 shots (body 2x, head 1x) on target in about 2 seconds.

Also, your whole Prowler vs Steel Cable anecdote is specious. I submit that any 15 ton (30 ton loaded) object at 500+ mph will cut any 1.5" steel cable, even if its a cube of butter. The rounded edge of the wing has nothing to do with it.

 

[JShirley]

If it works out, I should have one of these in a couple of weeks.

I assure you I will time vs. CCF presentation, if the sword appears useful.

Now, I'll encourage everyone to wait on the speculation till I have a chance to wring one of these out. I'll be sure Mr. Koehler is okay with me actually using this on stuff before I receive one.

John

 

[Brian Dale]

Geographical note: Curt lives in Wisconsin, one of the two remaining states which completely forbid regular citizens to carry concealed handguns. You're all wise enough to skip telling him to "just carry a handgun instead."

I don't know what Wisconsin law says about swords.

 

[TrapperReady]

In Wisconsin, from Levine's site:

Updated March 6, 2007

Wisconsin - 941.24. Possession of switchblade knife. (1)
Whoever manufactures, sells or offers to sell, transports,
purchases, possesses or goes armed with any knife having a
blade which opens by pressing a button, spring or other
device in the handle or by gravity or by a thrust or
movement is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor...
[Note: the wording of this statute is different from all other state
switchblade statutes.]

Wisconsin - 941.23 Carrying concealed weapon.
Any person except a peace officer who goes armed with a
concealed and dangerous weapon is guilty of a Class A
misdemeanor.

Wisconsin Case Law:

To "go armed" does not require going anywhere. The elements
for a violation of s. 941.23 are: 1) a dangerous weapon is on the
defendant's person or within reach; 2) the defendant is aware of
the weapon's presence; and 3) the weapon is hidden.
State v. Keith, 175 Wis. 2d 75, 498 N.W.2d 865 (Ct. App. 1993).

Judges are not peace officers authorized to carry concealed weapons.
69 Atty. Gen. 66.

I can't imagine that you wouldn't get charged if caught carrying one of those around.

FWIW, I have a lot of respect for the inventor's creativity and motives, and I'm very happy with his level of interaction on THR. That said, I'm not a fan of the advertising methods and don't see the real utility in the product. As a novelty item (and there's nothing wrong with that), it's kind of interesting.