Hilton,
Agreed on all counts. It was one experience, but one that will not be repeated, because "the well is poisoned" from my point of view. Let's get things clear so we don't misinterpret one another.
I would STILL advise anyone who would like to buy a knife made in S.A. to buy it from a U.S. dealer simply as a matter of convienence. Suppose there is a flaw or you simply don't like the knife for whatever reason. The dealer permits a 3 day inspection period (usually) and any issue with the knife is HIS resposibility. (That was something I didn't mention, the knife I ordered was not really what I wound up with). So the buyer has the option of returning the knife for shipping costs...a grand total of $30. If he wants to return the knife to the maker in S.A. he's out $300, and there is no guarantee it will be right on the return trip!!!
FedEx and the other shipper you mentioned are actually SUBSTANTIALLY more expensive than UPS, so you (the buyer) are screwed again. Airpost from S.A. is comparable to UPS rates so why bother? You shipped under "Media Mail" which has a different rate.
U.S. International Postal Money Orders are equivalent to CASH in any country we trade with except those under sanction, so don't try to blame U.S. banks there. It has NOTHING to do with that.
As for "weapon", get real dude! Do you REALLY think I'd tell a maker to label a package "WEAPON"? But it is a knife right? Unless it's "kitchen cutlery" Customs looks at knives as "weapons" and I don't think you can ship a slingshot out of S.A. without "issues".
BTW, technically a uranium fuel rod is a "metal object" so that argument holds no weight.
Finally, I agree that the S.A. makers are REALLY damn good at producing a high quality piece at an extremely reasonable price, just buy the damn thing here and save yourself ALOT of aggravation!