Anyone ever deal with Harlen.Shaw?

bones555

bones555

Feedback: +25 / =0 / -1
Joined
Mar 8, 2012
Messages
710
Hello, I read his thread on the "Fixed Blades" by makers forum. This gentleman is offering 50 knives that will be delivered in Nov. but he wants the money now. I can't find him anywhere and wanted to check with the folks here to see if anyone has ever dealt with this guy. I'm reluctant to send someone $155. that has only been around here for a couple of weeks and has no feedback. I am by no means down grading this gentleman; just trying to CMA. I was new only several months ago. In reading posts like in the GB&U section it suggests a
'red flag" when a maker needs his money before he makes the knives. Unless you are ordering something special like Ivory or some other expensive componant that is unique to your specs. Thanks all.
 
A link to the thread would be helpful

found it
 
bones555 said:
Hello, I read his thread on the "Fixed Blades" by makers forum. This gentleman is offering 50 knives that will be delivered in Nov. but he wants the money now. I can't find him anywhere and wanted to check with the folks here to see if anyone has ever dealt with this guy. I'm reluctant to send someone $155. that has only been around here for a couple of weeks and has no feedback. I am by no means down grading this gentleman; just trying to CMA. I was new only several months ago. In reading posts like in the GB&U section it suggests a
'red flag" when a maker needs his money before he makes the knives. Unless you are ordering something special like Ivory or some other expensive componant that is unique to your specs. Thanks all.
Click to expand...

Don't do it. Even if the knifemaker is "legit", this isn't the way he should be doing business nor should you support this kind of activity. If he is a new knifemaker, he needs to learn the correct ways to do business and treat his customers.
 
CWL, I had no intentions of dealing with him. Just wanted to run this past the members here so none of us gets stuck. At $155. each; that's a pretty good chunk of change.
 
Hey guys,

I've been talking with Jay, I didn't know there was a seperate discussion going on over here. Sorry I didnt realize that asking for money up front was wrong. Usually when I order a product I pay up front, I guess it is different in the knife world. Also I thought asking for 155$ was a pretty good offer considering how much time and money I am investing into these knives. It is a lot less than I was ever planning selling them for myself.

Well to save face, I am taking down the offer for 155$ for the first 50 knives. I may just post a bladeforums deal when they are finished, but I doubt it.

Could someone could explain what or who is Allen Blade, so that I know what I am being referenced to. Thanks Jay for letting me know that others were discussing my offer.

Jay, since you were the only one who actually contacted me with any questions, and let me know that others were discussing me I would like to give you the first one as long as you cover shipping costs to you. If this sounds good to you, let me know and I will email you once it's ready.

In the future it would be appreciated if anyone of you had contacted me first. Although I may be new to the forums it does not mean that I'm not a reputable person.
 
Last edited:
I never make a knife for anyone before I recieve payment. I started off that way but, after getting stuck with a few knives that had the customer's name, logo, etc stuck on them because they changed their mind or couldn't afford it anymore, or tried to bargain for a lower price; I changed my policy. Now it is cash upfront, if i do not deliver on time orif you are not satisfied I refund your money.

I've already started the process of making these knives and thought it would be a good way to introduce myself by offering bladeforums members a great deal.

I read the link in reference to AB. That is unfortunate that that happened, but if I were looking to scam anyone I could have just as easily made a sheath for this knife and posted a picture saying, "I just completed 50 of these S35VN sandblasted finish (plus all the other stats), asked for 200$ and am taking orders I will be shipping them next Friday hurry and get you order in before then." Then I could have just closed up shop and moved on.

Also bone555 I was answering your question as sincerely as I would anybody interested in my knives. I did not know that I was being baited to prove a point to others about me.
 
Last edited:
I don't have a problem paying up front, if I know the maker is reputable. I payed up front for two Busse B10s when they were ganzaed here. I got them 14weeks later.
 
I would do something like a upfront non-refundable down payment for your knives, and when the final product is finished then have them pay the rest. Even though I'm new to this forum, I've used many others for multiple hobbies. Most people aren't just going to pay the full cost of the knife upfront especially when your a newer member here. Or just have knives already made ready to sale -- in that case just ask for money up front.
 
Maddogg774 and Bladenoobie, thanks but for now on Ill just stick with selling knives via my website and local tactical stores.
 
Last edited:
Harlen is certainly not Allen Blade; bio info on Jeep CJ7 forum indicates he is a U.S. Army Infantryman. Bonus points for Ducati, and interest in Grilling and winemaking :) (though in 2011 he did not include knifemaking among his listed interests.)

Looks like parts/components/machining/engraving are all sourced from U.S. vendors.

Multiple quote requests on rfq network--G10 handles, laser engraving for the blades, etc, "No Foreigners":


08-12-2012, 10:04 PM #5
harlen
harlen is offline Registered

Join Date Jun 2012
Location Spanaway, WA
Posts 9

Thank you for all who spent their time quoting this job for me. The job has been awarded and I am no longer seeking quotes at this time.

Thank you,
Harlen Shaw
shaw-shanks.com

Last edited by harlen; 08-13-2012 at 07:21 AM.


08-08-2012, 01:59 AM #1
harlen
harlen is offline Registered

Join Date Jun 2012
Location Spanaway, WA
Posts 9

G10 Handles

I need 200 of each of these two files. Tolerance is +- .01" I need them milled with a 1/4" ball mill with 1/8" step over at a 45 degree angle to create a texture similar to the picture attached with both sides of the knife going the same direction once they are attached (basically a 3D planar slice one side at 45' the other at 135').

I will supply the material which comes in .25"x8.5"x11.5" sheets. I can get larger sheets up to 4'x8' if it helps to lower the costs.

I need this to be completed and parts in my possession within 6 weeks after you receive the material, my zip code is 98387. If you get the bid the materials will be shipped Monday morning and should arrive anywhere in the USA within 5 days. Bidding is open until 8AM Sat Aug 11th. You must be a reputable shop and not a hobbyist to be considered for the job. Absolutely no one outside of the USA will be considered. All of my products are completely made in the USA.

Thankyou,

Harlen Shaw
harlen@shaw-shanks.com
shaw-shanks.com
Twin.jpg
Battalion Knife Handle R.dxf
Battalion Knife Handle L.dxf

08-08-2012, 11:58 AM #3
harlen
harlen is offline Registered

Sorry apperantly the .dxf files I uploaded are just the 2D outline. I use bobart to create the 3D surface, I'm not sure how to export the file from bobart, so I'll tell you the best I can how I want it created. I use an emboss tool to create the surface with an convex edge that goes to from the edge to .2" thick at .3" from the edge. The same convex is used on the outside handle and inside holes.

Hope that I described that properly, if you have any questions just ask.

08-12-2012, 10:38 PM #1
harlen
harlen is offline Registered

Join Date Jun 2012
Location Spanaway, WA
Posts 9

Default Laser Engraving

I have 200+ knives that I need laser engraved. The knives are 52100 hardened steel 58hrc. I'm not sure of the capabilities of laser engraving but I need "shaw knives usa" engraved at least .01-.05" or deeper so I can coat over the engraving with a coating .004" thick and leave it visible. If this is something you are capable of doing email me at harlen@shaw-shanks.com for the .dxf files

Only USA owned, operated, and located companies will be considered.

Thank you,
Harlen Shaw
shaw-shanks.com

Last edited by harlen; 08-12-2012 at 11:12 PM. Reason: Forgot to add "no foreigners"

08-13-2012, 02:36 AM #3
harlen

What part of my RFQ did you not understand? I have an extreme prejudice against companies that are not located in the USA and owned and operated by Americans.

I do not trust people easily and I especially do not trust you if you are not an American company in the good 'ole USA if I am to ship you 10,000+ dollars worth of my work to you.

I especially do not trust companies located in Asia.


To:Purchase Department

Dear Sirs:

It is glad to write to you with keen hope to open a business relationship with you.

We manufacture ultra-precision machined components, casting
parts and forging parts, etc. Our products had adopted ISO9001:2000 quality System Authorities.
We are also specialized in Design& Manufacturing of precision machined parts dies as per customer requirements& Customer's drawing.
We endow with all required service under one roof.

Small order or special parts inquiries will be appriciated too. You can get more information at www.dawopu.com

We sincerely hope to hear your enquiry and further suggestion which will give us an opportunity to serve you better!

Sincerely yours,

Anna Wang / Sales Manager Assistant
Precision Part Department
----------------------------------------------------------------
Hangzhou Dawopu Trading Co.,Ltd

08-10-2012, 01:45 AM #1
harlen
harlen is offline Registered

304 SS Tubing

I need 1000 pieces of 304 SS .25" outer diameter .03"ish wall thickness cut between .58-.6" and deburred. Please quote material and labor separate.

American companies only, no hobbyists.

Harlen Shaw
harlen@shaw-shanks.com
shaw-shanks.com

08-12-2012, 10:12 PM #2
harlen
harlen is offline Registered

Join Date Jun 2012
Location Spanaway, WA
Posts 9

Thank you for all who spent their time quoting this job for me. The job has been awarded and I am no longer seeking quotes at this time.

Thank you,
Harlen Shaw
shaw-shanks.com
 
Harlen, There was no baiting intended. I asked you a simple question and received no answer. That alone is enough to raise flags, not to mention that you were looking for $155. each from 50 members who have no idea who you are. If you would take the time to read GB&U you would understand our (at least mine) reluctance to deal with an unknown maker. Without using names there are a couple of examples here where well known makers have stiffed folks. GB&U explains exactly why not to pay any maker up front. Not even a down payment with the exemption that you are ordering something that a maker would get stuck with if someone backs out of a deal. Special materials, ivory, gold, etc. That being said; good luck to you.
 
bones555 said:
Harlen, There was no baiting intended. I asked you a simple question and received no answer. That alone is enough to raise flags, not to mention that you were looking for $155. each from 50 members who have no idea who you are. If you would take the time to read GB&U you would understand our (at least mine) reluctance to deal with an unknown maker. Without using names there are a couple of examples here where well known makers have stiffed folks. GB&U explains exactly why not to pay any maker up front. Not even a down payment with the exemption that you are ordering something that a maker would get stuck with if someone backs out of a deal. Special materials, ivory, gold, etc. That being said; good luck to you.
Click to expand...

Bones555, there was a reply to your question.

I stated that if you wanted to take advantage of the discount I am requesting the money by the close of the offer which was 24Aug2012. I also stated that if you were not ok with that you could request for me to hold one for you but it would be at full price and payment would be due when the knife was ready.

I stated this about 8hrs before you posted:
"CWL, I had no intentions of dealing with him. Just wanted to run this past the members here so none of us gets stuck. At $155. each; that's a pretty good chunk of change."


I have removed all comments with the deal, including my response to your question, so there would not be any confusion after I found this thread and responded to it, whether or not the offer still stands. I do not plan on doing business through this forum anymore, if I have to go through this drama for offering a discount.
 
I think "drama" is the improper term here. I don't think you should give up selling on the forum just yet. People are just concerned with paying for things upfront due to poor experiences being associated with paying upfront. In the event something disastrous happened to you and you couldn't work on the knives would you still return the money? Not that I'm questioning your character, its just that there were many occasions in which the knife maker did not return the money while failing to produce a knife. I think you can still sell here and build up a great reputation. You can still run your offer in the For Sale section and see if there is any takers. If there is, and the business transaction goes smoothly, you'll soon have people vouching for your business. Eventually once you established a solid reputation you'll get a lot more business. Personally I think you should make a few knives first, sell them already made and see how people like em. Then you could do your pre-order deal and you might get more takers with less whiners. Bladeforums has a great community, just don't give up ;) Just my 2 cents
 
Last edited:
I suggest you relax, calm down and not overreact here, Harlen. I've been around a long time and I've seen many a knifemaker come and go. Don't give up on the forums, ok?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top