A little help with a problematic Knifemaker

Salo

Salo

Feedback: +4 / =0 / -0
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Jun 8, 2013
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I'm not sure if this is the right forum for this so please move it if need be but I need some advice. I placed an order with a maker last July. He said his books were open and the build would only take a couple of weeks. I placed a $500 down payment for materials with the balance due upon completion and I said I would check back after Labor Day. When I did that he replied saying he was planning to START the build the next week and he would contact me. That was early September and I haven't heard back since after sending 2 e-mail inquiries (about one a month). I know makers get backed up but how long should I wait before I should assume this guy took my money and has no intention of providing me with a knife I've already paid half of? Anyone that can chime in on this including moderators would be greatly appreciated. It's gotten to a point where if he does get back to me saying the knife is done I'd be skeptical to send him more money because he may stiff me. Thanks guys.
 
Moving to Feedback.

Lack of communication after a down payment is reason for concern. Did you request materials for the build that justified the $500?

Who is the maker?
 
I would be concerned at this point. A $500 deposit is huge, but it depends on the materials being used for you particular build. If I were told a couple weeks, and was sitting on six months, I'd be pretty darn mad. Is he a maker here on BF?
 
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Salo said:
I'm not sure if this is the right forum for this so please move it if need be but I need some advice. I placed an order with a maker last July. He said his books were open and the build would only take a couple of weeks. I placed a $500 down payment for materials with the balance due upon completion and I said I would check back after Labor Day. When I did that he replied saying he was planning to START the build the next week and he would contact me. That was early September and I haven't heard back since after sending 2 e-mail inquiries (about one a month). I know makers get backed up but how long should I wait before I should assume this guy took my money and has no intention of providing me with a knife I've already paid half of? Anyone that can chime in on this including moderators would be greatly appreciated. It's gotten to a point where if he does get back to me saying the knife is done I'd be skeptical to send him more money because he may stiff me. Thanks guys.
Click to expand...

Who's the maker? Is it Kevin Smock by any chance?
 
Skeptical to send more money???
If it was me I'd just want my money back. I wouldn't send him another penny bro.
Hope it works out.
Joe
 
Does he have telephone number to try? I would name maker, he isn't responding after being way past due with huge deposit. Someone might have way to contact him or info if something happened to the maker.
At the very least May help someone else from having the same problem as you.
 
As said, if you have a phone# call him. You should name him here - you may get some advice and/or direction/help.
 
Salo said:
I'm not sure if this is the right forum for this so please move it if need be but I need some advice. I placed an order with a maker last July. He said his books were open and the build would only take a couple of weeks. I placed a $500 down payment for materials with the balance due upon completion and I said I would check back after Labor Day. When I did that he replied saying he was planning to START the build the next week and he would contact me. That was early September and I haven't heard back since after sending 2 e-mail inquiries (about one a month). I know makers get backed up but how long should I wait before I should assume this guy took my money and has no intention of providing me with a knife I've already paid half of? Anyone that can chime in on this including moderators would be greatly appreciated. It's gotten to a point where if he does get back to me saying the knife is done I'd be skeptical to send him more money because he may stiff me. Thanks guys.
Click to expand...

Who's the maker?
 
Morrow said:
Moving to Feedback.

Lack of communication after a down payment is reason for concern. Did you request materials for the build that justified the $500?

Who is the maker?
Click to expand...

Exactly. Can't help much without more details. If you are concerned, send me a PM and I will do what I can to help you.
 
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We would all like to know which maker so we don't follow down the same road.
Joe
 
I would bet this is the same maker that wanted a $500 deposit from me. Somewhat a similar story. Around a year and a half ago I contacted said maker who told me his books were open and my build would be about a month. After 3 months I contacted him again and was told he didn't actually have books but made knives in batches. Again it would be about a month.

6 months later I contacted him again telling him in our prior communication he had told me I was around #40 in line. He said that he had made more knives than that so I would be bumped to the top of the list and in 2 weeks my knife would be finished. My name was "on the frame". Again I contacted him a month later he said he had gotten busy and so on. Then asked for a $500 deposit. At this point I told him I had never backed out of an order so if he wanted to build it he could and if not that would be okay also. The knife was just plain ti sides and forged blade. He agreed to go ahead and make the knife and I told him soon as it was finished I was ready to pay which would be about 2 weeks lol. I'm still waiting to hear from said maker going on over a year. I have given up and no longer desire to own one of his knives.

I know alot of people like him and his knives so I don't really want to just bash him. To all wondering who he was a sword maker before a knife maker.
 
Telling the truth is not bashing. If someone wants to post about this secret maker without naming him, then what is the point?
 
I have a same problem with a Canadian knife maker ,I have advanced € 500 at the Paris Salon in 2010 and since Ostrich .:mad:
I making fun me € 500, but it is not well ...
 
By not naming this Maker all you have done is told a story. If what you say is fact then by all means attach a name. If what you are saying is not true just close out the thread.
A thread like this serves no purpose....................
 
Since you haven't mentioned the maker several other makers are being swept up into this mess due to speculation.
 
The OP has not returned since 12/18, let's give him some time before we start throwing anyone under the bus. Don't assume to know who is being referenced, or you may be on the receiving end of a trolling infraction. We'll close this for now.

Open per OP request
 
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Ok I didn't mention the maker because I am a big fan of his work (I already have 2 pieces from other sources) and don't want to give him an unjust bad reputation. It's Reese Weiland. I paid a $500 down payment for a chunk of Timascus for the scales and the balance was supposed to be due upon completion. Sorry I didn't reply sooner but I've started pulling away from the knife community this year. After this and a debacle with Jake Hoback I'm not sure I'll be buying directly from makers anymore. I'd almost rather pay more and not have to put up with drama. Get back at me guys!
 
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