(1874) Review: SWICK (FINALLY) Arrives!

Video 1874 is actually a two-for-one The first 10 minutes is the review, as you'd expect. The 20 minutes after that details the challenges the SWICK team experienced in turning their dream into a reality. You'll be surprised at how much risk Dave and James accepted to make the SWICK. I also wanted to document the overwhelming generosity of Christina Palmer, who worked (for free) with the SWICK team to improve the product.

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[gordongekko]

Thanks Bill. Got mine about a week ago and was thrilled to receive it. I agree that the wait was worth the end product and I do believe they nailed this.

While I certainly don't condone the abuse that David and James received (especially death threats and threats of harm to their homes and familes - which is way over the top), there was a lengthy period of time where there was absolute silence from them. At least from my perspective, which I would hope represents the "rational" contingent of those who backed the project, that was most frustrating for me. I would have rather seen the project be a no go with good communication than a go with just long periods of silence. I also would have rather them asked for additional funding than just fade into darkness. These things happen - and frequently - not only in new product launches, but new company launches as well (why we have multiple rounds of VC/angel funding, PE money, etc.). I would have gladly kicked in some additional capital (limited as it may have been) to help move this along. I suspect I am not alone.

Another misconception I believe is that many people on kickstarter don't understand you're not buying something - you're backing an idea. It isn't Amazon or eBay. Sometimes (many times if we look at VC or PE money for example) those investments don't pay dividends. So when they do, investors do want to receive more than they put in. But the key here is the communication from the idea/company and its investors. And, that, for a while, simply didn't happen which was frustrating and I suspect that added fuel to the fire for the internet trolls and also contributed to the stress on David and James.

I appreciate all the blood, sweat and tears that went into this product - and am glad to see it was brought to completion. I am also grateful that you provided such a detailed review of not only the product but the back story as well - very insightful. I think there were good take away learnings all around; sadly, I doubt we will be able to do anything about the trolls who engage in the vitriol and puerile behavior (which most of them couldn't say the same thing to someone's face if their life depended on it). I wish them nothing but success as they move forward and am intrigued to see how they do.

[jimthegmanswick]

I want to thank Bill publicly for this video. The review was really nice and him taking the time to give the human side of the story was incredible and I cannot thank him enough for that.
He was an early supporter of the KickStarter and I would guess when things were going badly he was getting some of the same sort of flack directed at Dave and I.
This video has apparently explained to my family and friends more that I have been able to in the last two years about everything that has gone on and the goal of making this tool as well as who the market is for such a tool. Again I say thank you for that as well.

Obligatory we did not pay for this review statement. Bill was a KS backer and so it could be said if anything he paid us for it.

Thank you.

[bstrickler]

Honestly, it didn't feel dragged out. I personally love hearing the backstory of what went into a project.

[vulcangunner]

I'm one of the 954, got mine about 3 weeks ago. I agree with your opinions, and I'm very pleased to be a part of this KS.

[thawk]

I am a swick Kickstarter supporter, I’ve never commented before but passively watched, this wasn’t a big thing for me. The frustration however I saw was mainly as a lot thought they were being scammed, people thought they were being scammed as they saw no updates coming and regular missed commitments. Communication improved a lot in the 2nd half of the project and frustration seemed to drop. I think there is a lesson for others on the importance of communication in project and kickstarters. Delighted to see this project make it to the finish line after a hard journey.

[RPRosen-kifk]

30 minutes? I said "no way am I going to make it all the way through this". Well 33 minutes later, I have to say awesome job on this vid Bill, and you are one hell of a GREAT ambassador for the lock sport community.

[mattfleming]

This should be REQUIRED material to review before starting or investing in a kickstarter.

[davidschaer]

Thanks for doing the deep dive into the design process. People routinely don't understand how "the sausage gets made" and have been conditioned by cheap products from overseas to think everything should cost next to nothing. Skilled design and skilled manufacturing are not free.

[rilijn]

You posted this 3 years ago. I was already considering the SWICK, but this really blew my mind. It made the price feel 100% worth it and I hope these guys made money off of all their hard work!

Just today, I placed my order for the SWICK, the expansion set, some blanks and the clip. They’ve updated the product to include all 6 Christina Palmer turning tools. I’m really excited for this!

[DonzLockz]

Wow, one hell of a story! I contacted them recently about their next run but I'm glad you took the time to explain their situation. I will be ordering once they are ready.👍🤓🇦🇺

[_dmfd]

I've known David for about 15 years and that dude is awesome. He's skilled in so many areas and a genuine guy. $75 for the final product is a great price imo. I remember back in 2019 when he showed me the original concept prototype that was 3D printed and it seemed great even in its early stages. He's come in handy plenty of times when we lock ourselves out of our cars too 😂 I'm glad to see his venture was successful after all the blood sweat & tears himself and his partner went thru. Great review btw!

[roysammons]

For the most part the Lock Sport community is absolutely brilliant. My say in this would be, if you are interested in investing in a kick starter project, please be kind, considerate and show patience, oh and understanding. If not, keep your money in the bank and let it build up interest there for you.

All respect to the two guys who invested a lot into this. I just want to add "Well said Bill".

[Brad-lvlu]

Bill. It takes balls for someone to put an idea out there. For those that just dream ok I get it. To those that turns dreams into reality. Bravo. My hat is off. Congratulations.

[JoeHamelin]

More like this! I love the deep dive into what it took to make a product. Thank you!

[JimmyJinIA]

The breakdown is excellent Bill. I could only hope 1st year Engineering students see this as a case study. And I hope folks in general appreciate the process needed to bring a 'simple' product to market. Reminds me of owning a business or driving a truck, so many folks have misperceptions.

[LegalLockPicker]

Once these become available I'll be purchasing one as well. Thanks for the great review Bill, this was perfect.

[Aceoffroadx]

Thanks Bill. That's an incredible tool. Took some incredible people to see the final product complete. I was not involved in the original kick starter. 2 years is a long time. I will be looking forward to getting one of my own. You're review really sold me on it

[czibbell]

This provided some really great insight into the difficulties in producing a product like this. People joke a lot about many kickstarters being scams, and how they just disappear with your money. I think this gives you a better idea of why so many fail.

[ChrisB_NC]

I think we should all pay them back for their perseverance and sacrifice by ordering one of these fantastic looking pick tools when they come available. I know I will be ordering one!! Thanks Bill for the update!

[geoffk]

Thanks for explaining the hardships these guys went through to keep their word and produce a product. As soon as they are available I will definitely order one.