Hey everbody, I figured I'd ask this here because I see a lot of Nessmuk-style knives in this forum. Does anyone have some good contact info for Dale Chudzinski? I tried sending him an email at the address he has listed on his site, but it keeps getting refused because his mailbox is full. Maybe a phone number? Isn't Dale on these forums? Hmm... Anyways, thanks for any help you can offer!
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Dale Chudzinski contact info?
- Thread starter FSCJedi
- Start date
Dale has dropped off a while back and I had a prepaid Nessmuk on order but I've accepted my losses (that was 4 years ago); he's had significant family health problems and sullied his reputation a little by ceasing communication. He was quite talented and it's a loss to the knife community. Now, with that said, there are several excellent makers here on Bladeforums. I can personally recommend Fiddleback, Dan Koster and Scott Gossman. They all make exceptional Nessmuks and there are others as well that have been recommended here on WSS.
Here's my Koster:
Here is my first Nessmuk by Fiddleback that he sent to me when I was in Iraq:
ROCK6
Here's my Koster:
Here is my first Nessmuk by Fiddleback that he sent to me when I was in Iraq:
ROCK6
Muskrat Man is making nice, affordable Nessmuks too.
And Condor is coming out with one soon as well as part of their new Bushcraft line. Not custom but a nice design and traditional carbon steel and wood handles. Should be inexpensive as well. I still have never ended up with a Nessie so that may end up being my first one.
And Condor is coming out with one soon as well as part of their new Bushcraft line. Not custom but a nice design and traditional carbon steel and wood handles. Should be inexpensive as well. I still have never ended up with a Nessie so that may end up being my first one.
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- Sep 22, 2003
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- 13,182
Sad thing about Ole Dale. I have 2 of his Nessmuks and really like them. One is one of my all time favorite knives.
But I've seen a fair number of his Nessmuks come for sale right after people received them.
They are more primitive than some people like in their finish and construction.
However while all his were somewhat difft, I really liked the style of his. A lot of makers in trying to get the "S" shape make the handle too curved" Also some of them do not have enough curve to the edge, some are too thick(Dale's were 1/16 or 3/32)
But I've seen a fair number of his Nessmuks come for sale right after people received them.
They are more primitive than some people like in their finish and construction.
However while all his were somewhat difft, I really liked the style of his. A lot of makers in trying to get the "S" shape make the handle too curved" Also some of them do not have enough curve to the edge, some are too thick(Dale's were 1/16 or 3/32)
silenthunterstudios
Slipjoint Addict
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David Farmer has the nicest Nessmuks I've seen so far, and that's counting others interpretations. I personally dislike Nessmuks, so take my praise as you will. David is a good guy, is a member here and other forums, and has very affordable prices.
Thanks for the help, fella's. I know I'd seen some other makers, but I was really hoping (even after reading all the negative feedback) that Dale had gotten his stuff back together again. I really wanted one of his full-sized antler-handled Nessmuks.
Thanks, TStetz. Hopefully it's not the one I've tried already! I'd really like to get a hold of him to see if he could do this. I haven't (at least, yet) seen any other makers that have made a Nessy with an antler handle, and that's what I really want.
I bet a lot of the makers here could do antler if you asked them. I've definitely seen one of Scott Gossman's PSKs in stag handles, for starters. And I know that John K. (Stomper) is very open to meeting the client's needs. I'd rather send my cash to someone who is gonna keep their end of the bargain. There's lots of stand-up makers to be found here.
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Scott Gossman and Dan have both made them with antler.:thumbup:
Good luck with that.
From what I understand he has come through for some but not for others. Even still, I'd be very much against paying anything up front to him for the knife. If he still expects that after all the negative experiences posted here and elsewhere I'd be surprised but if he does and you pay him, well, buyer beware is all I can say.
STR
i know of some folks that have called the a.g. 's office on him, supposedly he was going to get them their knife, he told a lot of stories about why knives were not delivered, he has been less than truthfull. took a lot of folks money and never delivered, i had an order with him also. so BUYER BEWARE OF THIS GUY. HE OWES A LOT OF PEOPLE A LOT OF KNIVES. HE HAS NOT RESPONDED TO ANYONE AND HAS PROMISED DELIVERY AND NEVER FOLLOWED THROUGH.
why waste time with this guy, get a reputable maker to make your knife, you will get what you want, and wont get ripped off.
alex
why waste time with this guy, get a reputable maker to make your knife, you will get what you want, and wont get ripped off.
alex
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Topics such as this really belong in TGB&U Forum for obvious reasons. Just because this is where you post the most it is not acceptable to anything you want. We have a set a rues to follow especially when it regards feedback on maker. I will be moving this to the appropriate forum.
Careful, ras. One might think you were making this a personal attack. I just asked for some information. I appreciate and have taken the advice given here and contacted another bladesmith in addition to Dale.
I am not, nor do I claim to be, Dale's ethical conscience. I don't control for whom he does and does not make a knife. It is unfortunate that you and others have paid for knives and are out that money with no end product, but it's also not my problem. Should I get a reply from Dale and he states he's willing to make me a knife without any upfront payment, I'm going to take him up on the offer. It doesn't hurt me any to do so.
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