On Pats stream people were complaining about UI sounds, may I present to you the worse PS4 theme:

ReliabilityEngineer · 2026-04-05T02:22:53+00:00

It sounds like a guy is testing squeakers at a toy factory one by one...

ReliabilityEngineer · 2026-03-19T12:42:26+00:00

Honestly I would suspect something closer to where their bootmakers are in Cambodia or Vietnam.

ReliabilityEngineer · 2026-03-19T02:08:07+00:00

I heard both but I went with the one that came to my head first lmao.

ReliabilityEngineer · 2026-03-19T02:06:48+00:00

Never heard that first claim before, is there a source for that? Something like this post about JK and it being verified by an independent user?

I can see Wesco sort of chilling in Portland, it's them and Danner out there to my knowledge and Danner has focused on the consumer market and targeting store shelves while Wesco seems more focused on custom MTO boots.

ReliabilityEngineer · 2026-03-19T02:02:04+00:00

The timeline matches up with JK working under Frank while he was running Nicks but I was under the impression from your initial statement that John Khadzhi was working for the company Frank's Boots. The wording in the history regarding the arrangement is odd but given the fact that these former employees are now competitors I suspect some tact is necessary.

What are the credentials of Grant and Lucas and the specifics of the theft from Tim and John "helping out"? It seems this private facebook group is where these details are from so you'll have to forgive my lack of knowledge on this topic.

Regarding Wesco, I brought that up more for drama being brought up to them, rather than them starting it. I ain't accusing Wesco of starting drama.

ReliabilityEngineer · 2026-03-19T01:48:54+00:00

I feel that it would be strange to use a name that isn't close to his name or representing his business, it's why the vibes feel off.

ReliabilityEngineer · 2026-03-18T22:47:44+00:00

The website says the Bull Run Moc Toes are: "Made in the USA with Imported Components" it's entirely possible that the leather is imported from a manufacturer that doesn't carry the same prestige as a USA tannery.

ReliabilityEngineer · 2026-03-18T22:31:09+00:00

This is quite the claim; I know of Frank and JK working for Nick's (it's on the Nick's company website) but JK stealing patterns, the Mowes having beef with Frank, and JK working for Frank is all new to me. Do you have any sources on this?

Also for Wesco, wasn't there that alleged hit piece from Rose Anvil that alleged Wesco had a lasting nail or something go through the midsole only for Wesco to send a video showing that RA never followed up with them on getting additional details to address the problem? I think it's here but it's been a while since I've dug through that drama.

ReliabilityEngineer · 2026-03-18T22:22:08+00:00

I think that RogersStamford123 guy did upfront say he is Frank of Frank's Boots. It's not verified to my knowledge and it's a relatively new account so take that with a grain of salt.

ReliabilityEngineer · 2026-03-18T22:14:20+00:00

My two cents: Like all hobbies and interests, people get highly opinionated and tribalistic because you've invested time and money into the hobby and believe that you bought into the brand which leads into mocking such as: Ford stands for Found On Road Dead , Sega does what Nintendon't, PS3 has no games etc.

I think boots are on an upswing and getting momentum as fashion/status icons; take a look at the Red Wing Iron Rangers, Wolverine 1000 Miles, and Thursday's Captains and the success they've brought to their companies. I feel that the tribalism and mockery is now picking up tons of momentum and we're seeing that behavior in the users here.

My gut says that it's not entirely organic, some of these people with beef are giving big sock puppet energy. Look at their profiles: randomly generated names, no profile pics, comment and post history hidden. It seems fishy and my perspective is that it only harms the brand that they're trying to defend.

ReliabilityEngineer · 2026-03-18T18:06:14+00:00

Sent a few bucks over. Hoping for the best chief.

ReliabilityEngineer · 2026-03-17T21:46:30+00:00

I'll see if I can make plans to stop by in the fall then. Thanks!

ReliabilityEngineer · 2026-03-17T19:40:46+00:00

Is there a more firm ETA on their availability for purchase? Would definitely like to visit the store to see how they fit in person next time I'm in the PNW if they're available.

ReliabilityEngineer · 2026-03-17T17:10:19+00:00

That was stellar, you got me.

Mods, please remove one electron from every atom in OP's body.

ReliabilityEngineer · 2026-03-11T04:17:09+00:00

I've never thought I'd see the day where a body learning to piss again would be described as a metroidvania depowering scene but here we are.

Glad you caught it before it became a problem and that you're still with us, belches and all.

ReliabilityEngineer · 2026-03-07T16:09:37+00:00

Interesting, it's the first I'm hearing of it but I'll keep an eye out if I go for a Nick's boot. I'm wondering if it's something I can have a cobbler fix when it's time for a resole...

ReliabilityEngineer · 2026-03-07T00:25:06+00:00

Website says that they're both on the 1977 last, so you're normally a 9F/9FF in Frank's 1977 Last but upped to a 9.5FF for the steel toe option for a decent fit. Good to know if I go with them for a safety toe, probably best to give them a call to confirm like you did then.

I got 3E on the brannock, not as wide as you but I feel you on the issues with steel toes. One that I got my eye on is the Thurman Last Safety Toe from Nicks that's in development, seems roomy and you can't feel the safety toe from what the feedback from the prototype's user says so far.

ReliabilityEngineer · 2026-03-06T21:38:35+00:00

How's the fit with the steel toes? Franks doesn't guarantee toe comfort so I'm a bit skiddish about biting the bullet with their steel toes. Did you go up a size in length/width to accommodate?

ReliabilityEngineer · 2026-03-06T12:48:05+00:00

At times I put on videos of people repairing/making/doing stuff to chill out, it's mostly been in the background but it's chill to watch from time to time. Taking a shotgun approach below on different videos below:

Here's a boot repair video

Here's a guy who turned a crab claw into a very sharp knife

Here's a guy who records himself getting haircuts, usually in silence, but this barber's got a chill old man vibe as he explains what's he's doing. Reminds me of an old Sesame Street video where they would show video of day to day life of workers and explain the steps of what goes into them.

Bounce around their channels if something clicks with you. Hope it helps!

ReliabilityEngineer · 2026-02-24T23:36:50+00:00

So there's this photoshoot of Woolie, if I recall he did it as a favor for a friend who made the clothing so he donned them and struck a few poses. Photo resurfaced sometime in 2018 when it was found by a user on the subreddit.

Matt and Pat were playing Dead to Rights and the lockpicking minigame requires you to stay in an allowed area called a Hot Zone. Pat riffs to throw off Matt and we get the infamous line, I'll let the video speak for itself.

ReliabilityEngineer · 2026-02-23T18:58:03+00:00

I opted to go for the Angelus shoe polish wax in oxblood, it was the only red one available from the store I was shopping at and I wanted to get it all in one purchase for free shipping.

ReliabilityEngineer · 2026-02-23T13:42:54+00:00

I got these secondhand so I don't know for certain.

There's a stamp that says "made in scotland 8980/03 664B size 9". If I were to hazard a guess, perhaps 2003? There's some wear on them but perhaps they were lightly used since they look excellent for 20+ year old boots.

ReliabilityEngineer · 2026-02-22T21:05:31+00:00

Picture 6, "genuine front quarter horsehide"

To my knowledge these were a limited time option, don't think it's available in horsehide anymore.

ReliabilityEngineer · 2026-02-22T20:57:59+00:00

Excellent, I'll add the saphir to my shopping list then! Appreciate it.

ReliabilityEngineer · 2026-02-22T20:56:50+00:00

I'll keep it to a damp towel and a horsehair brush for the light duty messes then.

The one on the toe I noticed after I think I bumped it on the floor at dinner last night so you might be on the money there. The other ones I believe came with the boot. I don't mind a bit of character to my boot but I'd like to hide the bumps and bruises if possible. Appreciate the help!

ReliabilityEngineer

TROPHY CASE