Andre de Villers...Has anyone sent a knife overseas for service before?

B

BH

Joined
Jan 6, 1999
Messages
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I just had to send a knife back to Andre in S.Africa for Service. The blade was rubbing a liner, and Now I have to send it back. Has anyone sent a knife overseas before? How long should I expect to wait before I see it again. For Customs I declaired it as Cutlery. It just makes me a little nervous sending it so far away. I sent it registerd Mail insured. Let me know what you think. I have only had it for about a week
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I am going to miss it alot. Here is a Pic
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BH





[This message has been edited by BH (edited 10 November 1999).]
 
BH I had to send one of his early operators back for service a couple of years ago. I think it took about 6 weeks to get it back but my memory may be wrong. He did take good care of the problem and the knife is my favorite tactical folder now. I know just what you are going thru hang in there it will be worth it.
 
Hi, I'm well verse in this question. Did you use Fed.Ex? I know it's expensive but they will guarantee it's destination. I've send and receive knives from this side of the world(way further than S.Africa) and none has trouble(yet). Courier service charges are not meant to be saved if the price you paid for the knife out-weights it. I hope this helps, email me if you have any further questions. Good Luck!
 
Not that I think the word "cutlery" on the customs declaration will necessarily cause a problem but, if the need should arise in the future, I'd suggest something along the lines of "hand tool for warranty repair." It's not a lie and, IMO, it's less likely to appeal to a package handler w/deep pockets.

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Cheers,

--+Brian+--

I may be goin' to hell in a bucket, Babe, but at least I'm enjoyin' the ride.


 
I sent it yesterday. I was figuring on about a 2 month turn around. I just didn't have the money to send it fed ex. It was going to be about $100. I went ahead w/ registered mail, keeping my fingers crossed. The post office told me Delivery time would be about 2 weeks.
 
BH...how much did the shipping cost. I have a folder by Andre that I want the thumb studs smothed and rounded...they rub in my pocket. Also the blade is loose when closed and the tip comes up slightly..enough to pinch....let me know your experience.

 
Trader1--
shipping was around $25.00, I ship through my company, and havn't gotten the bill yet. Andre has been pretty good about replying to e-mails, you might want to contact him via his website: http://www.knifemaker.co.za/default.htm
and see if he will do this for you. He will be in Orlando at a show in January, so you may be able to get your knife to him at the show to avoid some costs. He didn't say anything about return shipping, but I'm not sure yet, he may want me to send him money for return shipping, I just want the knife to get there first! The last thing that I heard from Andre is that I could bring the knife to florida, or send it to him for repair. I told him I would send it to him, and havn't heard back from him. I told him to make sure and contact me when he gets the knife, so I'll wait to contact him again for a couple of weeks if I don't hear from him. I hope this helps. I'll post any updates I get to give a general Idea of times it takes for overseas shipping.

Brian
 
BH, a US$100 to S.Africa? R U sure? cause i had some 7 dealings which uses the same method and they cost US$60 max to Malaysia! But anyhow, it's your choice.
Good luck!
 
Yep, I'm sure. I checked at several shipping companies and I called Fed Ex and UPS. All were quoting me the same price. I think it was $98.60 to be exact.
 
No problem, I just got an e-mail from Andre today confirming the address was correct, and that he would let me know when he gets the knife.
 
I just wanted to post an update on the knife. Andre confirmed that he received the knife on Nov. 23, and that he would repair it and send it out sometime this week. It took exactly 2 weeks to get there via USPS. I'm hoping to have it back by the week of Dec. 13th. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
 
BH:
i send and recieve a lot knives overseas, i live in austria/europe and i usally ship it via priority mail. this cost about $10-15 from europe to the us and takes 5-8 days. on more expensive knives (or i even don't want to wait a week
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) i use usps express mail. costs $25 and takes 3-4 days.
Ray
 
I think that prices are based on location. I tried to send it from Kansas to S. Africa, and the price was going to be a minimum of about $100 U.S. I think that it might be more because UPS and Fed ex dosen't deliver as much to that part of the world, but I am only guessing. I sent it registered and insured through the company I work for, and I think that I might have had more options if I would have went directly through the post office.

 
Just an update:
After about 5 or so e-mails, I have not gotten a reply back from Andre on the status of the knife. I assume that there are computer problems, I'm not jumping to conclusions or anything. I am hoping to get the knife I sent out on Nov. 10th, either tomorrow or next week.
 
Hello BH,

I have Andres new number and e-mail. If you need it please let me know. I have never had any trouble with his overseas delivery.

Thanks,

Larry

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Update:

I finally received a reply from Andre. It seems that his e-mail had been down. I was told that if he sends it airmail, it could take up to 4 weeks to get here, and that private courier would be $60.00. He said that he would bring the knife with him to Florida on Jan 16th. I really didn't anticipate waiting that long for it, but I don't want to have to put any more money in it since I have already spent over $500 on it as it is. I guess my hopes of having it back this week are gone
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Oh well, at least I know that it should get here safe.

 
Hey BH! Good to know that everything is alright! At least he cares to bring it with him to ensure nothing happens to it!

As for me, there's NO such thing as proper knife shops let alone knife shows! I do not have the chance to meet any makers or any members so to speak! Courier service IS the only way for me to know for certain that i'll receive it despite the high price i have to pay for the knife alone. Sometimes......just sometimes, i wish i'm rich enough to GO to states to pick it up personally! Or drop the "hobbie" once and for all.....

My apologies.....feelin' down now........
 
UPDATE:

My knife will finally be in the U.S. on Wednesday! Andre is going to call me when he gets to Orlando and let me know how he shipped the knife. I am hoping to have it by Monday of the following week, which would be Jan 24th. It's been a long time, but I'm sure it will have been worth the wait.
 
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