Bad Dan Koster of Koster Knives takes your money then disappears.

I emailed him (again) after this thread was started inquiring about my knife and to let him know about yet another person unhappy with his bs. Asked him to maybe stop by BF and address people's concerns.

No response. Odd.
 
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NJBillK said:
So you had to, proverbially, back him into a corner, in person to get a knife from him? That is reprehensible.
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After much time, numerous e-mails and broken promises I finally arranged to collect the knife from him at Blade (2010 if memory serves)

When I appeared at his table he looked genuinely surprised that I had turned up. (Remember I live in South Africa)
He basically picked up a random knife from a pile of knives on his table, shoved it in the most awful Kydex sheath you have ever seen and that was that. I had paid for wooden handle slabs and liners, I got neither.

I listed the knife for sale about a week later at a loss and moved it on. I have not seen him at Blade for some years now.
 
This is a tradgedy.

There was one guy who posted a thread about how he waited 20 years for a custom Emerson. I think Emerson honestly forgot about the guy. Still don’t ever pay full upfront for a knife. Any maker that needs you to pay more than a deposit up front that is a sign that they need your money for whatever. That is a sign that they are running their business like crap.
 
Lapedog said:
There was one guy who posted a thread about how he waited 20 years for a custom Emerson. I think Emerson honestly forgot about the guy. Still don’t ever pay full upfront for a knife. Any maker that needs you to pay more than a deposit up front that is a sign that they need your money for whatever. That is a sign that they are running their business like crap.
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Great advice for sure!!!!

FWIW, I don't think that guy never paid up front for the Emerson, but was just on a forgotten list. Not sure how that turned out, but I recall him reminding them and they were honoring the 20 year ago price.....Could be wrong on this.
 
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I'm having an issue as well. I am a Platinum backer on his kickstarter campaign. I prepaid approximately $1000 for two folders. Per Mr. Koster's instruction, they were supposed to be completed no later than June 2017. I've yet to receive the knives that I ordered or any email indicating a time for delivery. I also can't find his website. Yes, this is a real problem. I've sent him an email via kickstarter that I want to have a "locked in time frame for delivery" or a refund. I hope Mr. Koster responds and most importantly delivers the knives for which he took my money and everyone else's on the Kickstarter campaign. I certainly hope I can come back here to produce positive comments that the issue has been resolved to my satisfaction. I'd like to hear from other Kickstarter campaign people (Bushcraft folder) if they received their knives or updates.
 
Wow, thanks for the thread bump. I was actually just looking at some of his knives listed on a major retail site. Was thinking about it - now, forget about it.
 
I was interested in his bushcraft folder back in 2013. Then got a bad feeling after he was so bad at communicating and I never went in with a deposit.

I am reading the public comments on his $22,793.00 kickstarter and it has turned into a nightmare for the backers. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2135290208/bushcraft-folder/comments

It seems the only people who get a refund are the most assertive and loudest ones. God help the rest.
 
I did mention that I'd provide an update when my situation with Mr. Koster came to a conclusion. I received a full refund. I was a Platinum Backer of Mr. Koster's Kickstarter campaign. I don't want to go into a long diatribe - I'm glad the ordeal is over and never to be repeated again. My humble two cents, I should have performed better due diligence than I did prior to my investment. Hard learned lesson! Good luck to all who have had issues with Mr. Koster.
 
I ordered a MUCK from Daniel in 2014 and paid a $75 deposit. Now it's 2020. He doesn't reply to emails. I've given up the money as lost. I'm just glad it wasn't more. His website (and work list) is no longer online. I'll take that as a lesson learned. Never again.
 
About

It is my greatest desire to be involved in activities that are meaningful, purposeful and allow me to connect with others. My love of math and physics along with natural artistic abilities led me to careers in Architecture and Product Design (Knifemaking). I have also had the privilege of being able to teach Design courses at the collegiate level as well as volunteer as a mentor and instructor for youth.

Experience
  • Residential Designer
    Pendentive Design Group
    Jul 2000 – Present19 years 9 months

    Bentonville, AR

    Part time residential design and project management.
    New construction, addition & renovation on 37 homes in 4 different states. Projects ranging from a 420SF renovation up to $750,000 residence with full set of drawings.
    All work done in AutoCAD Architecture and/or Revit 2016.
    Additionally, when needed - 3D presentations, hand renderings and graphic presentations.


  • Adjunct Professor
    NWACC
    Aug 2005 – Present14 years 8 months

    Bentonville, ARTeaching Graphic Design classes at the College level.
    ck48xrmh3ctwna0w2y1hos0ln
  • Owner
    Koster Knives
    Mar 2005 – Present15 years 1 month

    Bentonville, AR

    One-Man-Handmade-Custom-Knife-Production Company
    I do it all
    I do it all myself
    I do it all myself right here in my shop
 
Lyndon said:
I ordered a MUCK from Daniel in 2014 and paid a $75 deposit. Now it's 2020. He doesn't reply to emails. I've given up the money as lost. I'm just glad it wasn't more. His website (and work list) is no longer online. I'll take that as a lesson learned. Never again.
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While it sucks to lose any amount of money, at least you didn't lose hundreds, or even thousands of $$'s. I think you played it right, and only paid a deposit. Sorry this happened, but thanks for letting us know!
 
Oh fellas, do I have a fun text conversation for you guys. I have all my texts with Dan going back several years. I was thinking of legal action recently if anyone wants to join the class haha
 
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