NOTE TO PROTECT PRIVACY ALL NAMES HAVE BEEN SWITCHED TO CORRECT USERNAMES. ALSO DATES BEFORE 1/1 ARE 2013.
MY EMAILS ARE REGULAR TEXT AND CEREAL_KILLER (C_K) ARE ITALICS. COMMENTARY IS ALSO REGULAR TEXT.
TL;DR: I ordered a g10 Dragonfly and had it delivered to C_K for him to customize with moonglow g10 scales and send back to me. The knife was returned with the factory scales in place, broken custom scales and a non-functional lock.
10/3 UKPK paid forward by me to Cereal_Killer for a custom scale job for his Father-in-Law
Same day – in e-mail offers to help out as he can because the UKPK is what he is most excited about from the PIF
Same day – asked since he seemed to have the skills to do it and at the time my instinct told me he was a good person (later proved wrong depending on how this ultimately pans out) if he would be willing to work with me on a custom dragonfly 2 with my providing the knife itself
10/10 Response about the customization in which he said he would be happy to and asked for his ease on the project for me to spring for the g10 model.
“Please don't think I'm tryin to weasel my way out of any work, I'm more than happy to help you out startin with either knife, actually I'm thrilled, I love having thinks I make out in other people's hands and I of course feel like I owe you something on top of that, so if the H1 blade is important, or you just can't swing the G10 version to start with we'll make an FRN one work. Think of it like this- startin with a G10 dfly I'm basically just making a pair of scales and turning a couple screws to install them, if we start with a one-piece dfly I'll have to pretty much build a new handle from scratch and find hardware to fit but it can be done.
For whichever one you want to start with the "budget" will be parts only, I'm not taking payment from you for anything, its no at all too big of a favor. Just let me know, I can do it whenever, especially if its just making scales for a G10 one that's not much work at all. Actually I'm really excited to be able to "pay" you back and am thrilled its not only something I CAN do but something I actually LIKE to do on top of that.
Do you have any ideas on material, wood I suppose since its what Im doin for the UKPK and what we talked about but I can do anything else too if you want to get exotic with it, I've worked with G10, Micarta, CF and a couple other non-knife specific resin type materials. We could even do moon-glow if we can source some.
Thanks again for the knife and thanks for asking for something of me, especially something as cool as scales for a dfly. “ C_K
“I can order one or if we are okay with waiting sometimes g10 dragonflies pop up on the forum cheaper usually around 65 from what I've seen. Amazon currently has one listed as used-like new with no description for 75 on the g10 that is likely in good shape and I could ship to you within 2 days. Please make sure your father-in-law's UKPK takes precedence. If you want a challenge though, I can order the black FRN one for around 46.This can wait if need be. Just stay in touch if you do not mind while it is going on and after as well too. You are a very kind person (C_K). This skill you have is also very unique. I could never imagine making a custom anything for a knife. And like I explained before Dragonfly 2's are my favorite.” Lionesser
“In terms of material, I would think either a moonglow (if it is as durable as g10) or wood scales to give it a classic look. The wood would make it look more like a traditional folder which I think is cool, at the same time I've never seen in person a moonglow knife and the glow factor is pretty awesome. CF I already have some knives and I think would end up not being as special. Not too sure about micarta, only micarta I have experience with is handling the Street Beat Spydie recently at my local knife store. I leave the primary decisions on this to you. Let me know which knife to order and where to ship it again? Thanks so much (C_K)! I will have one of the few custom dragonflies
and my very first custom for my own personal knives! I am cool with covering the parts cost, if you can try to just give me some heads up what that will be for this.” Lionesser
10/11
“Lionesser, if you have one or you can afford it I'd really prefer to start with a G10 dfly, another advantage of going that route is the knife can be returned to factory should it ever need sent in for W&R service.
If you don't have one or you just can't swing the additional cost we can still do the FRN one, and I will cover all the material costs, I'm also sending you another surprise once its done when its coming back to you.
Right now I'm going to start tryin to source some moonglow, I really need the knife in hand ASAP as I have to take measurements (if its the G10 version since I dont have one myself) so whenever you can get it out let me know and I'll be watching for it. “ C_K
Order placed
October 11, 2013
Order Details | Invoice
• Order #107-3674108-2309817
• Recipient Cereal_Killer
• Total $74.27
• Delivered On Monday, October 14, 2013
Address provided for shipment and “Thank you, I'll let you know when its here. “ on G10 dragonfly 2.
10/14
“Hey Lionesser just letting you know the dragonfly has arrived, its in great shape and is obviously new but the box is pretty bad. Nothing wrong with it, just hoping you knew it was open box...
Anyway moon glow is very hard to come by, I've got a couple feelers out to some eBay sellers, there is only one current listing and I'm watching it very close. I've also got some emails out to some knife making supply places that I've dealt with before that don't maintain inventory on, or even have web sites so Im not yet to the point where I don't think we can get ahold of some or anything, just wondering, do you know about C-tek? Its a new, very high end, acrylic material, its not necessarily expensive as a raw material or anything, but AFAIK only "high end" productions and customs come in it. Just something to think about, maybe google image it, see what you think, I've never ever heard of a dfly in it (tho I've never seen a moon glow dfly either)
I will keep you UTD on my quest for moon glow lol.” C_K
NOTE NO MENTION OF ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE KNIFE ITSELF.
10/17
“Hey Lionesser, I waned to get in touch with you, I feel kinda bad sending this email, I was really hoping to be emailing you telling you how I had the materials ordered and I would be starting your project but at the moment I don't have the extra $35 for the eBay sources moon-glow. I wanted to buy it and get it put together for you cause I thought that would be a good way to pay you back but right now we just don't have the extra money. If you want to buy the material from eBay we can go that route but if you don't mind waiting a couple more weeks I'd be more than happy to foot the bill, its something I wanted to do from the get-go.
Anyway if your in a hurry to have your project finished your welcome to buy the moon-glow, that's the only materials/hardware I'll need so there wont be future costs or anything to worry about, but if you don't mind waiting a few weeks or a month I'll be more than happy to cover the cost as my gift to you, either way I just wanted to let you decide.
Again I'd be happy to buy the stuff I just need another couple weeks but if you decide you can't wait we can do it either way. Your knife is safe here and I'm not using it or anything if your worried about that. Just let me know if you want it sooner and want to buy the moon-glow yourself and I can start it ASAP once I have the stuff
Take care, I you want to think about it a few days take your time, just let me know.” C_K
“Hi C_K,
You do not need to feel rushed on this. I already know you are an honest person especially by how well you are keeping me UTD on the project itself. I can not see myself denying you the pleasure of being able to fully reciprocate in the way you feel is most appropriate on this project. Plus it will save me some money to pay forward some more SAKs I have incoming from RemyKaze to pay forward on the forum. So, if you would like to wait a while until the timing works out for you no worries you have my blessing. Thank you so much for being willing to make a custom dragonfly 2 in the first place.” Lionesser
10/31
“Lionesser, great news, I've just placed an order for one set of moon glow blanks from USAkm.
I'll let you know how its progressing.” C_K
“That is awesome news on the moonglow scales! Thanks again.” Lionesser
11/2
“Hey Lionesser, I just want to finalize plans, other tha the moon glow scales are there any specifics you want, any little tweaks or anything you'd like to request? Could I darken (using an acid wash) the back spacer and liners? Can I have creative control lol? Or do you just want the scales and everything else left alone?” C_K
“One other thing, do you use the pocket clip and if so what side? I'd rather not make the attachment point on the side you don't use, no reason to cut into the brand new scale on the unused side if you'll never switch it.” C_K
11/3 “You can be creative with it. That is part of the fun and I use the clip on the original position set up for a right handed person. Thanks again.” Lionesser
11/3 Trade: C_K’s Manix 2 g10 for my zdp manbug.
“Hey Lionesser, just wanted to confirm with you I'm sending the manix in the morning, I'll use whatever method it takes to make sure its there for you by thursday, that way you dont have to wait another week. I'll have tracking for you tomorrow afternoon too.” C_K
“I'll be sending yours on Tuesday probably afternoon (…
Will be sent by flat rate envelope. Just find flat rates easiest.” Lionesser
11/4
“Hey, this isn't important at or anything but all weekend I was kinda freaking out cause I paid for the moon glow last Friday by sending money order then the very next day the website was back to "out of stock" so I was worried the order wouldn't get paid for in time so today I called and they not only had my order set aside before they sold out (which only took 48 hours!) but the MO got there today and its shipped so that was a relief to hear. I only wish I would have bought another set of slabs so I could throw them on eBay at a 200% mark up.
Work will start soon, I've already got the knife stripped down and got the tang, liners and PB washers polished. I have high expectations for your little dfly, if it turns out like I have planned I'm really gonna be jealous lol, I've already put myself back on the notification list for the next batch of moon glow and I'm watching for a good deal on a G10 dfly for myself.
Oh and your manix went out today, the expected due date is Thursday so it'll be there for ya. I'll send tracking later, the receipt's in my wife's purse.” C_K
“Wow! Sounds like you got lucky on the moonglow for a second round. First on the price and secondly on getting it in before it sold out.” Lionesser
Tracking provided to me on the Manix 2 trade and alerted C_K that I would ship the manbug the next day.
C_K tells me he managed to get a good deal on a g10 dragonfly of his own.
MY EMAILS ARE REGULAR TEXT AND CEREAL_KILLER (C_K) ARE ITALICS. COMMENTARY IS ALSO REGULAR TEXT.
TL;DR: I ordered a g10 Dragonfly and had it delivered to C_K for him to customize with moonglow g10 scales and send back to me. The knife was returned with the factory scales in place, broken custom scales and a non-functional lock.
10/3 UKPK paid forward by me to Cereal_Killer for a custom scale job for his Father-in-Law
Same day – in e-mail offers to help out as he can because the UKPK is what he is most excited about from the PIF
Same day – asked since he seemed to have the skills to do it and at the time my instinct told me he was a good person (later proved wrong depending on how this ultimately pans out) if he would be willing to work with me on a custom dragonfly 2 with my providing the knife itself
10/10 Response about the customization in which he said he would be happy to and asked for his ease on the project for me to spring for the g10 model.
“Please don't think I'm tryin to weasel my way out of any work, I'm more than happy to help you out startin with either knife, actually I'm thrilled, I love having thinks I make out in other people's hands and I of course feel like I owe you something on top of that, so if the H1 blade is important, or you just can't swing the G10 version to start with we'll make an FRN one work. Think of it like this- startin with a G10 dfly I'm basically just making a pair of scales and turning a couple screws to install them, if we start with a one-piece dfly I'll have to pretty much build a new handle from scratch and find hardware to fit but it can be done.
For whichever one you want to start with the "budget" will be parts only, I'm not taking payment from you for anything, its no at all too big of a favor. Just let me know, I can do it whenever, especially if its just making scales for a G10 one that's not much work at all. Actually I'm really excited to be able to "pay" you back and am thrilled its not only something I CAN do but something I actually LIKE to do on top of that.
Do you have any ideas on material, wood I suppose since its what Im doin for the UKPK and what we talked about but I can do anything else too if you want to get exotic with it, I've worked with G10, Micarta, CF and a couple other non-knife specific resin type materials. We could even do moon-glow if we can source some.
Thanks again for the knife and thanks for asking for something of me, especially something as cool as scales for a dfly. “ C_K
“I can order one or if we are okay with waiting sometimes g10 dragonflies pop up on the forum cheaper usually around 65 from what I've seen. Amazon currently has one listed as used-like new with no description for 75 on the g10 that is likely in good shape and I could ship to you within 2 days. Please make sure your father-in-law's UKPK takes precedence. If you want a challenge though, I can order the black FRN one for around 46.This can wait if need be. Just stay in touch if you do not mind while it is going on and after as well too. You are a very kind person (C_K). This skill you have is also very unique. I could never imagine making a custom anything for a knife. And like I explained before Dragonfly 2's are my favorite.” Lionesser
“In terms of material, I would think either a moonglow (if it is as durable as g10) or wood scales to give it a classic look. The wood would make it look more like a traditional folder which I think is cool, at the same time I've never seen in person a moonglow knife and the glow factor is pretty awesome. CF I already have some knives and I think would end up not being as special. Not too sure about micarta, only micarta I have experience with is handling the Street Beat Spydie recently at my local knife store. I leave the primary decisions on this to you. Let me know which knife to order and where to ship it again? Thanks so much (C_K)! I will have one of the few custom dragonflies
and my very first custom for my own personal knives! I am cool with covering the parts cost, if you can try to just give me some heads up what that will be for this.” Lionesser10/11
“Lionesser, if you have one or you can afford it I'd really prefer to start with a G10 dfly, another advantage of going that route is the knife can be returned to factory should it ever need sent in for W&R service.
If you don't have one or you just can't swing the additional cost we can still do the FRN one, and I will cover all the material costs, I'm also sending you another surprise once its done when its coming back to you.
Right now I'm going to start tryin to source some moonglow, I really need the knife in hand ASAP as I have to take measurements (if its the G10 version since I dont have one myself) so whenever you can get it out let me know and I'll be watching for it. “ C_K
Order placed
October 11, 2013
Order Details | Invoice
• Order #107-3674108-2309817
• Recipient Cereal_Killer
• Total $74.27
• Delivered On Monday, October 14, 2013
Address provided for shipment and “Thank you, I'll let you know when its here. “ on G10 dragonfly 2.
10/14
“Hey Lionesser just letting you know the dragonfly has arrived, its in great shape and is obviously new but the box is pretty bad. Nothing wrong with it, just hoping you knew it was open box...
Anyway moon glow is very hard to come by, I've got a couple feelers out to some eBay sellers, there is only one current listing and I'm watching it very close. I've also got some emails out to some knife making supply places that I've dealt with before that don't maintain inventory on, or even have web sites so Im not yet to the point where I don't think we can get ahold of some or anything, just wondering, do you know about C-tek? Its a new, very high end, acrylic material, its not necessarily expensive as a raw material or anything, but AFAIK only "high end" productions and customs come in it. Just something to think about, maybe google image it, see what you think, I've never ever heard of a dfly in it (tho I've never seen a moon glow dfly either)
I will keep you UTD on my quest for moon glow lol.” C_K
NOTE NO MENTION OF ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE KNIFE ITSELF.
10/17
“Hey Lionesser, I waned to get in touch with you, I feel kinda bad sending this email, I was really hoping to be emailing you telling you how I had the materials ordered and I would be starting your project but at the moment I don't have the extra $35 for the eBay sources moon-glow. I wanted to buy it and get it put together for you cause I thought that would be a good way to pay you back but right now we just don't have the extra money. If you want to buy the material from eBay we can go that route but if you don't mind waiting a couple more weeks I'd be more than happy to foot the bill, its something I wanted to do from the get-go.
Anyway if your in a hurry to have your project finished your welcome to buy the moon-glow, that's the only materials/hardware I'll need so there wont be future costs or anything to worry about, but if you don't mind waiting a few weeks or a month I'll be more than happy to cover the cost as my gift to you, either way I just wanted to let you decide.
Again I'd be happy to buy the stuff I just need another couple weeks but if you decide you can't wait we can do it either way. Your knife is safe here and I'm not using it or anything if your worried about that. Just let me know if you want it sooner and want to buy the moon-glow yourself and I can start it ASAP once I have the stuff
Take care, I you want to think about it a few days take your time, just let me know.” C_K
“Hi C_K,
You do not need to feel rushed on this. I already know you are an honest person especially by how well you are keeping me UTD on the project itself. I can not see myself denying you the pleasure of being able to fully reciprocate in the way you feel is most appropriate on this project. Plus it will save me some money to pay forward some more SAKs I have incoming from RemyKaze to pay forward on the forum. So, if you would like to wait a while until the timing works out for you no worries you have my blessing. Thank you so much for being willing to make a custom dragonfly 2 in the first place.” Lionesser
10/31
“Lionesser, great news, I've just placed an order for one set of moon glow blanks from USAkm.
I'll let you know how its progressing.” C_K
“That is awesome news on the moonglow scales! Thanks again.” Lionesser
11/2
“Hey Lionesser, I just want to finalize plans, other tha the moon glow scales are there any specifics you want, any little tweaks or anything you'd like to request? Could I darken (using an acid wash) the back spacer and liners? Can I have creative control lol? Or do you just want the scales and everything else left alone?” C_K
“One other thing, do you use the pocket clip and if so what side? I'd rather not make the attachment point on the side you don't use, no reason to cut into the brand new scale on the unused side if you'll never switch it.” C_K
11/3 “You can be creative with it. That is part of the fun and I use the clip on the original position set up for a right handed person. Thanks again.” Lionesser
11/3 Trade: C_K’s Manix 2 g10 for my zdp manbug.
“Hey Lionesser, just wanted to confirm with you I'm sending the manix in the morning, I'll use whatever method it takes to make sure its there for you by thursday, that way you dont have to wait another week. I'll have tracking for you tomorrow afternoon too.” C_K
“I'll be sending yours on Tuesday probably afternoon (…
Will be sent by flat rate envelope. Just find flat rates easiest.” Lionesser11/4
“Hey, this isn't important at or anything but all weekend I was kinda freaking out cause I paid for the moon glow last Friday by sending money order then the very next day the website was back to "out of stock" so I was worried the order wouldn't get paid for in time so today I called and they not only had my order set aside before they sold out (which only took 48 hours!) but the MO got there today and its shipped so that was a relief to hear. I only wish I would have bought another set of slabs so I could throw them on eBay at a 200% mark up.
Work will start soon, I've already got the knife stripped down and got the tang, liners and PB washers polished. I have high expectations for your little dfly, if it turns out like I have planned I'm really gonna be jealous lol, I've already put myself back on the notification list for the next batch of moon glow and I'm watching for a good deal on a G10 dfly for myself.
Oh and your manix went out today, the expected due date is Thursday so it'll be there for ya. I'll send tracking later, the receipt's in my wife's purse.” C_K
“Wow! Sounds like you got lucky on the moonglow for a second round. First on the price and secondly on getting it in before it sold out.” Lionesser
Tracking provided to me on the Manix 2 trade and alerted C_K that I would ship the manbug the next day.
C_K tells me he managed to get a good deal on a g10 dragonfly of his own.
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