Last week I received the following email from Isht Enterprises:

“Things seem to be falling in place . Our target was to finish sampling by 15th August – but a big weekend ( 15th being India’s independence day and Sunday next day ) impeded the progress a bit as some vendors took leave and their factories were closed . So we could not get a few outsourced parts in time like Rivets , brackets , handles and some fixtures required to fix rivets for fixing brackets and handles . 

All dies ( Tooling ) are complete and samples satisfactorily made except CUP where after some trials we had to make some changes to achieve desired results . So Cup is pending and the next trials will happen at the end of the week after due amendments in tooling . We hope that samples of Canteen , Pan , Lid and fixings will be ready by the end of the week as all parts are Stamped and with us . Only assembly is remaining and that is due to some Rivetting fixtures which are outsourced work and will be available tomorrow or day after . So , except Cup all samples will be ready for despatch . Cup , we hope will be ready by end of the month as its fixings and secondary stamping can only be made once the main body is Stamped and dimensionally and physically clear .

I will now update you on Thursday when Canteen , Pan , Lid will be assembled and made ready as final sampling . 

Request your kind self to bear a little more till the end of the month “.

It had the following images attached:

I was waiting for the promised Thursday email to send an update with hopes that it would bare good news with an update on the cup. They seem to be having trouble dialing in the tool for such a deep draw. Keep in mind, the original kit was made from aluminum and our reproduction is a much more robust material fit for high heat use (such as a campfire or camp stove), 316L stainless.Yesterday I received an update but it still was not what I had hoped.

“Hello Shawn ,

Trust you are well .

As I mentioned that things have now fallen in place . Att the attaching part tooling are also ready and some parts are also ready . For joining brackets , handles to the main body , we need for fixtures . I believe in next two days we may be able to have assemblies ready except Cup whose sample was drawn but still needs some fine tuning . Kindly bear for two more days . I will revert again in two days time.”

I know the wait is frustrating and I appreciate your patience through this process. The samples are almost done. As always, your trust in me and my efforts is of the highest value to me. If at any point you feel the desire or need to withdraw, please let me know and I will uphold what I promised. 

Thank You, 

Shawn