Anyone else get burned like this?

K

kirch

Joined
Dec 19, 1999
Messages
260
Last year, I began looking for a case that I could store my growing collection in. I settled on a Gerstner machinist's chest (check out the latest AG Russell catalog if you don't know what these are). The only problem -- there's no way I could afford to buy a new one that would be big enough to fit my collection. My solution: Ebay.

Even on ebay, I found I had three choices: 1)Settle for a smaller Gerstner in good condition and not fit all my knives in, 2) Buy a large chest in rough condition, or 3) Buy a knock-off. I decided on the latter and, instead of spending $600 for a large chest from Gerstner, spent $150 on a knock-off with the (so I thought) same features.

Anyone know where this is going?

Well, now it's 3 months later and I can't get to my knives without destroying the chest. In that time, the wood frame has warped so much that the drawers don't open. Large cracks have appeared in the exterior and the felt lining in the drawers has started to come unglued.

The worst part about this? The piece of crap I paid $150 for I just saw over at Sam's Club for $98. I could have saved $50 on my reaming.

Sorry, just needed to vent.

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"I can't believe you stabbed me with this cheap piece of mail-order sh*t"
James Caan in 'Eraser'
 
Wow, that does stink from a distance. I have a few display cases, but have decided on a chest for larger storage and easier access. I have talked to a few cabinet makers and all have agreed that while the Gerstner is expensive any custom made piece of similar quality would be in the same price range. None of them wanted to take on the job in any case.

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James Segura
San Francisco, CA
 
Over the internet in general, and on ebay in particular, your best bet is to look for familiar quality brands at a discount. Without personal inspection it's hard to assess the quality of an off-brand.
 
Display Case post from the Little Rock knife Show

Buying sight unseen is a leap of faith. Ebay is a real buyer beware scene for many products. I have seen products of questionable quality sell for more then full retail price on many occasions. Spending more money by buying from a reputable dealer can be cheaper in the long run.

Stay Sharp,
Sid

[This message has been edited by Sid Post (edited 02-05-2001).]
 
I have had good luck with an oak machinist`s tool chest I got at a local Sears hardware outlet.It has 2 large bottom drawers,6 smaller drawers above them and a large top compartment and is lockable.If memory serves I believe I paid $179 for it.
 
Just got my Dad's old Gerstner. Still in good shape for 50+ years old. Just a little dirty. Hope it's big enough.

Paul
 
Obviously not in the same league as this fine furniture, but I went with metal instead of wood and got a red Craftsman four-drawer tool chest from Sears for some of my guns and knives and the like. Good-looking, lockable, all but indestructible, and guaranteed forever.
 
craigz,
You stole my thunder! Maybe not as nice as oak but that was going to be my suggestion also. Go to your local Sears store and check out the wide array of chests that are PERFECT for storing knives. Lockable, steel and brand new for about a third the price of a Gerstner and MANY more drawers.
 
Gertsner has a web site (sorry don't have it) and besides the new stuff they have specials and seconds for sale. None of it is cheap but you might do better then Russell by dealing direct.
Bob
 
That sucks. Its pretty sad that you can get screwed that bad on quality that easily.
Sounds like your in the markert for a case then right?
I don't know what the cost would be, but you should get in touch with John Yeackley at http://www.toptexknives.com/yeackley.htm

He's posted pictures of some of his work here on the forums before and its awesome.

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I may not be the sharpest knife in the drawer... but I've got the sharpest knife in the room.
 
Here is the Gertsner website.
http://www.gerstnerusa.com/

It's a shame about the chest you bought, but I bet you wouldn't be one bit surprised if a cheap knockoff of one your knives turned out to be a POS? Sometimes paying more for the best is just the best value. If AG Russell sells them that's enough for me.
 
Point taken, PhilL.

I normally don't buy the cheapest, not can I afford the most expensive, but I always try to look for value. Guess I got caught sleeping on this one.

BTW, I did think about the Craftsman chests before looking into the Gerstner. The only problem I had with them was that I wanted something I could leave in my den that would look nice as well as be utilitarian. That ruling is now under review.

Thanks for the great advice -- I've already started to save up for the next case, whatever it may be. I guarantee it won't be some POS from ebay.

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"I can't believe you stabbed me with this cheap piece of mail-order sh*t"
James Caan in 'Eraser'
 
How about getting a nice safe with lots of shelves? It is not as classy, but will be worth its weight in gold if your home is ever broken into or ever catches fire. You can find a small fire retardent mini-vault for less than the $600 you mention if you shop the gun shows and internet. Sentry, Liberty, armalock all make one in that range.
FWIW,
David

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AKTI# A000150
NC Custom Knifemakers Guild member
NC Knife Knuts member
 
Jim and Linda Cox of Des Moines, Iowa make great quality display cases. Mine are all of oak, but they have other woods available. If anyone is interested, email me and I will send you their phone number so that you can get a brochure.

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John Foresman
Lifetime member Buck collectors club
Member NKCA
Member AKTI
 
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