Battle Blades--Review of HI World War II, M-43, Gelbu Special and Tora Blades M-2

Status
Not open for further replies.
Moonw said:
I guess I am missing your point. Truly. But I'll try not to.

So: I wasn't being ironic. I wasn't implying anything about you in particular. You are not the only person reading this thread, this was a generic disclaimer.

OTOH, if people insist to feel offended...I won't loose sleep over it. And I won't care too much, as I don't care about "manning up" over the Internet either.

If this makes sense, good. If you insist to read "deeper" into it - again, fine.

I'll bid you all good night. (Guess this means I'm weaseling out of a war of words with strangers over Internet. I'll live with the shame.)
Click to expand...


It's not about "manning up", it has to do with being a man. Men don't make passive aggressive statement... That's what women do when they get snippy.

I guess you are the enlightened one. Not the several thousand other happy customers. Many of whom have used these blades in combat overseas. You sound like a little boy that didn't get his way. My dad would of whipped my ass if I ever made a statement like yourss

We all just hang them on our wall... Give me a break! You really need to reevaluate the way you think. He world doesn't revolve around you. We don't have the issues you are having which leads me to believe the problem is the way you perceive things. What exactly are you looking for? A Perect handmade blade for $160 bucks? You receive more than what you pay for with any HI blade.

You statements lead me to believe you are bipolar. Why are you on this forum if they just sell "wall hangers"? Seems to me you belong under a bridge. Troll...
 
*Sleepy Troll, if he waits til almost his 1000th post before starting. And whats this? 98% of the posts in HI or HI Cantina? How very strange...

Edit: Just noticed moonw's post in the now-stickied "Why Buy HI" thread, where he praises HI's service. Must either be a fish out of water or a politician with all this flip-flopping.
 
Last edited:
Did I really just read all of that?

Moonw said:
I am holding in my hand a Dui Chirra from Thamar with a severily warped blade, butt cap 5 mm off on one side, small black rust spots "NIB", 7 cm worth of leather added in a scabbard obviously made for a bigger knife (which made the blade hard to take out from the scabbard - as soon as I removed the grease, I could not put the blade back in it pushing with all my might).

This is what I received as a replacement for another Thamar knife with such a shoddy heat treat that I could indent the edge by pushing it with my nail (I am not talking about a burr, but the very edge). This was not a blem, and I did not pay a blem price for it.

There is no more kool aid drinking on this whole forum than here, sorry to say that. Next year when I will get to US I will send the knife back, probably for refund and forget about HI. My money will go where at least a replacement blade has a minimum quality check before being shipped.

I learned my own lesson the hard way.

This was happening around the same time when the guy that ordered an AK got a very nice unmarked WW2 after a long wait. Thread here somewhere in the Cantina. I will also thank Cobalt for mentioning in the "Edge hardness" thread about his own findings, another eye-opener. I refuse to pay premium prices for wall-hangers.

The only decent blade I recived is a Kumar M43, although that one also features a frog that the whole scabbard would fall out of had I not repaired it, and could still use better edge retention.

Yangdu has always been a Lady and VERY gracious to me, sometimes going beyond what she should have done, but this sadly doesn not compensate the huge disparity between the advertisement and the reality of the product. I buy knives to use, otherwise they are worthless to me, as pretty as they be. I mostly stick here nowadays for the community, and had I not seen enough fanboyism here day after day to start to piss me off, I would've kept my mouth shut.
Click to expand...
 
In your own words, auntie has been far more gracious and probably readily accepted any unsatisfaction on your part.

Trust me when I say there are far worse fan boys out there that defend big companies that really have no personal connection to them like HI and Auntie to us. These fan boys also defend actions such as screening out any criticism or negative reviews, arbitrarily canceling orders from customers they consider "trouble makers", oh and putting out some pretty overpriced products.

I'm no fan boy but I 100 percent back HI
 
christcl said:
In your own words, auntie has been far more gracious and probably readily accepted any unsatisfaction on your part.

Trust me when I say there are far worse fan boys out there that defend big companies that really have no personal connection to them like HI and Auntie to us. These fan boys also defend actions such as screening out any criticism or negative reviews, arbitrarily canceling orders from customers they consider "trouble makers", oh and putting out some pretty overpriced products.

I'm no fan boy but I 100 percent back HI
Click to expand...

:thumbup:
 
Moonw said:
I am holding in my hand a Dui Chirra from Thamar with a severily warped blade, butt cap 5 mm off on one side, small black rust spots "NIB", 7 cm worth of leather added in a scabbard obviously made for a bigger knife (which made the blade hard to take out from the scabbard - as soon as I removed the grease, I could not put the blade back in it pushing with all my might).

This is what I received as a replacement for another Thamar knife with such a shoddy heat treat that I could indent the edge by pushing it with my nail (I am not talking about a burr, but the very edge). This was not a blem, and I did not pay a blem price for it.

There is no more kool aid drinking on this whole forum than here, sorry to say that. Next year when I will get to US I will send the knife back, probably for refund and forget about HI. My money will go where at least a replacement blade has a minimum quality check before being shipped.

I learned my own lesson the hard way.

This was happening around the same time when the guy that ordered an AK got a very nice unmarked WW2 after a long wait. Thread here somewhere in the Cantina. I will also thank Cobalt for mentioning in the "Edge hardness" thread about his own findings, another eye-opener. I refuse to pay premium prices for wall-hangers.

The only decent blade I recived is a Kumar M43, although that one also features a frog that the whole scabbard would fall out of had I not repaired it, and could still use better edge retention.

Yangdu has always been a Lady and VERY gracious to me, sometimes going beyond what she should have done, but this sadly doesn not compensate the huge disparity between the advertisement and the reality of the product. I buy knives to use, otherwise they are worthless to me, as pretty as they be. I mostly stick here nowadays for the community, and had I not seen enough fanboyism here day after day to start to piss me off, I would've kept my mouth shut.
Click to expand...

Seriously, some pics would bring much credibility to your claims.

I use my khuks, and I mean really hard when I go camping, and hunting for wild boar, Elk, and Antelope. I haven't had a problem, which brings me to the conclusion that perhaps you received 2 bad products by coincidence, which I am sure auntie would fix post haste if you contacted her directly, instead of waiting to return to the States. Auntie will probably offer to pay for all shipping to address your issue, and if not, she will surely work something out to your satisfaction.
 
Agreed.

HI and Auntie will bend over backwards, go the extra mile even if you are repeatedly disappointed over something minor. For things as major as you describe, I have no doubt they want to make it right.

Try doing thus with another company and they will probably blacklist you as a troublemaker and automatically cancel any future orders from you. Their fan boys will also pile on to criticize you as trying to screw them over.
 
I don't have time to take pictures today. Not even to reply to all your comments.

However, I will address each, and provide the requested pictures.
 
I don't think it's the two kukris that were the problem... I think it was the buyer. A buttcap that is off by 5mm? Seriously are complaining about that? A discoloration on the blade? These things are carbon steel! Mine rust if I don't oil them weekly because I live near the ocean air.

They got shipped from Nepal to Vegas, then back to wherever you are which sounds like another trip over the pond. The change in climate, altitude, barometric pressure could of all contributed to a NONE ISSUE! Seriously get out some jeweler rouge and polish it out. Leather is also subject to shrinkage, just like you when you get out a cold pool! I bet the leather expands in the sun.

You are expecting mass production garbage that all look the same due to the damn machines that are making them. Maybe you would be happier with one of the several thousand Cold Steel mass produced KLO's that lack both character and appeal.

I am very suspect about your finger nail claim as well. You sound like "The fish was thisssssss big" type of people that likes to exaggerate.

A slightly twisted but cap does not effect performance in the least. What t it does do is give the blade some handmade character. I have swords that are several thousand dollars and most have their little construction quirks. Whether it was from the metalergy of the time, or just their handmade nature.

It sounds like you are the one who is looking for wall hangers!
 
Last edited:
Without apologizing for Moonw or defending his actions, he's obviously very disappointed. Sounds like he was on the fence about even bringing it up. I wish he would have brought it up with Yangdu, about his disappointment with the replacement knife, instead of venting here. Maybe she made a mistake that day and didn't look at it closely enough, or shipped out the wrong one (that would have otherwise been sold as a blem). I'm sure she would have resolved this amicably.
 
Steve Tall said:
Without apologizing for Moonw or defending his actions, he's obviously very disappointed. I wish he would have brought it up with Yangdu, about his disappointment with the replacement knife, instead of venting here. Maybe she made a mistake that day and didn't look at it closely enough, or shipped out the wrong one (that would have otherwise been sold as a blem). I'm sure she would have resolved this amicably.
Click to expand...

Yes, venting her on the showroom floor, and not even in its own thread, is a little much. I have always contacted auntie with any concerns (big, small, even things I just wanted to bring to her attention) personally, and never on the forum. Auntie has ALWAYS addressed any of my concerns above and beyond any of my expectations. I had an issue very similar as Moonw, and auntie apologized whole heartedly, and it was corrected quickly, without an issue. Sometimes the wrong item gets shipped out, or someone else was helping her and made an error, or didn't check the item before shipment.
 
I agree. A lot of bickering here that don't need to happen if you ask me. Perhaps a lot of unrealistic expectations, could be many things.
I have a story to share which fits perfectly to vouch for Yangdu's dedication and integrity. I'll leave the names out to protect the ______________insert derogatory name here.

Yangdu recently asked for my thoughts and help on a knife buyer from over seas who purchased a I believe custom knife.
She said it was perfect in every way and any one of us frequent visitors here would have loved it.
She sent the blade and received several emails praising how nice it was, all was good, on and on. Then gradually the praise turned to criticism and then downright awful complaints. ( I saw some of the emails).
Yangdu as usual said simply if your not happy send it back and she'd refund his money. Well he insisted on the refund but also insisted on refund of shipping both ways along with import duty fees totaling close to 400 bucks!
She just wanted to be done with this customer so agreed to that. Then he began with the it has to happen right away, your a business you have money I don't.
So she sends the money Pay Pal full deal. (Wait it gets better). Now the _________insert derogatory name here powerwhines about her sending it for goods and services and not friend family as he has to pay 17 bucks to get his money out of Pay Pal????? Seriously?????
So my recomendation was not to pay for shipping or import fees, definitely not send friend and family, and better yet write a check and send it by mule train.
Of course auntie bless her heart said return the Pay Pal monies and she would resend including the fee....

Still getting better........the knife returned was not in the same condition that she sent it, looked like somebody tried to sharpen it with a file. Can't be resold as new and certainly not for the original price.....

Still getting better yet..........____________(you know the routine) sends email asking if Auntie still wants his business??? He'd like a specific knife with a flat grind, chiruwa style karda and chakma and to send for free????

My recommendation........ignore _____________. So far so good.

See if you can get any of that from any manufacturer of anything anyplace. Not gonna happen...............
 
Bawanna said:
I agree. A lot of bickering here that don't need to happen if you ask me. Perhaps a lot of unrealistic expectations, could be many things.
I have a story to share which fits perfectly to vouch for Yangdu's dedication and integrity. I'll leave the names out to protect the ______________insert derogatory name here.

Yangdu recently asked for my thoughts and help on a knife buyer from over seas who purchased a I believe custom knife.
She said it was perfect in every way and any one of us frequent visitors here would have loved it.
She sent the blade and received several emails praising how nice it was, all was good, on and on. Then gradually the praise turned to criticism and then downright awful complaints. ( I saw some of the emails).
Yangdu as usual said simply if your not happy send it back and she'd refund his money. Well he insisted on the refund but also insisted on refund of shipping both ways along with import duty fees totaling close to 400 bucks!
She just wanted to be done with this customer so agreed to that. Then he began with the it has to happen right away, your a business you have money I don't.
So she sends the money Pay Pal full deal. (Wait it gets better). Now the _________insert derogatory name here powerwhines about her sending it for goods and services and not friend family as he has to pay 17 bucks to get his money out of Pay Pal????? Seriously?????
So my recomendation was not to pay for shipping or import fees, definitely not send friend and family, and better yet write a check and send it by mule train.
Of course auntie bless her heart said return the Pay Pal monies and she would resend including the fee....

Still getting better........the knife returned was not in the same condition that she sent it, looked like somebody tried to sharpen it with a file. Can't be resold as new and certainly not for the original price.....

Still getting better yet..........____________(you know the routine) sends email asking if Auntie still wants his business??? He'd like a specific knife with a flat grind, chiruwa style karda and chakma and to send for free????

My recommendation........ignore _____________. So far so good.

See if you can get any of that from any manufacturer of anything anyplace. Not gonna happen...............
Click to expand...

Just wow! unbelievable...I recommend ignore, and categorize his email as junk!
 
Hell, HI has always been that way as far as I know. Years ago I bought my first kukri from HI and told Uncle Bill that I needed to wait for a check to clear my bank before I'd send him my own check for the knife. No hurry. Two days later the knife arrived on my door step. I had never purchased anything from HI. Uncle Bill didn't know me from a jug of cider. I was shocked...I mean, who does that in todays world? LOL
 
ichor is exactly correct, always been that way. I've done the same more than once, don't got the loot right now but I will. Ok no problem.

I should also add to my above story that __________threatened to make bad post on this forum and others and basically tarnish HI's reputation. I told her that for every bad post he made I could find 50 excellent post so not to be bothered by threats like that from a nobody.

I hate to see good people get abused or taken advantage of, just bugs me really really bad.
 
It might have got a little heated, but it's only because I felt insulted. The whole wall hanger thing really got to me. The sheer audacity insinuating that the HI family here on the forum are a bunch of ignorant, ill informed wall hanger collectors.

His statement or my interpretation of his statement is what really got my blood boiling. I felt personally insulted, insinuating that I am some type of moron who doesn't know his steel. I must own 50-60 swords from all over the world. My kukri and standard knife collection has to exceed 100 pieces. I know steel, I know quality construction. Insinuating that I am ignorant about steel was unacceptable to me and I felt the need to vent.
 
Hold your head up son. Do some deep breathing. The rest of us still think your just a swell fella.

I am an idiot and sometimes a moron but I try to be nice, sometimes makes up for it, sometimes not.

It's not so bad really.

Tomorrows a brand new day, lets embrace it.
 
gurkha berserka said:
It might have got a little heated, but it's only because I felt insulted. The whole wall hanger thing really got to me. The sheer audacity insinuating that the HI family here on the forum are a bunch of ignorant, ill informed wall hanger collectors.

His statement or my interpretation of his statement is what really got my blood boiling. I felt personally insulted, insinuating that I am some type of moron who doesn't know his steel. I must own 50-60 swords from all over the world. My kukri and standard knife collection has to exceed 100 pieces. I know steel, I know quality construction. Insinuating that I am ignorant about steel was unacceptable to me and I felt the need to vent.
Click to expand...

Not that it matters and perhaps because I at times can be a hot headed Irishman. IMHO GB, I don't believe any of your responses were inappropriate for what you were dealing with. I can also understand why you would have taken it personally. I hope you don't mind me chiming in. I don't wish to further provoke you, mostly because your to darn big to have as an enemy.:D
 
Bigbore577 said:
Not that it matters and perhaps because I at times can be a hot headed Irishman. IMHO GB, I don't believe any of your responses were inappropriate for what you were dealing with. I can also understand why you would have taken it personally. I hope you don't mind me chiming in. I don't wish to further provoke you, mostly because your to darn big to have as an enemy.:D
Click to expand...

Exactly what he said but I'm not afraid, bigger they are the harder they fall is my motto.

You live on the East Coast right? Just askin
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top