Darrel Ralph, Mini Apogee, A Thank You To DDR

Blues

Blues

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I'm not going to do a review on Darrel's Mini Apogee which has been well covered here on the forums.

What I am going to do is publicly thank Darrel for being a consummate professional.

Why? I'll tell you.

Several months ago Darrel and I agreed for him to make me a Mini Apogee similar to the one owned by my friend and BF moderator, Tim Flanagan. Tim's is the one shown above, which features a wider than standard blade and beautiful workmanship throughout.

When I received my Mini Apogee, it was without question a lovely piece, but I had a few issues with it not worth going into. I wrestled with whether to tell Darrel about them but had held off for one reason or another.

Well, Darrel is a pretty observant, and even more importantly, a caring person. He sensed that maybe I wasn't as thrilled as I should be with my knife.

He literally pleaded with me to send it back to him. I relented. So, does he fix my knife? No. He makes me a new one which addresses every single item which had been a concern of mine. (And some were pretty small.)

What I'm trying to say is that the man went over and beyond what he had to do for a customer. I think that that needs to be told to prospective (as well as existing) customers. With all the naysaying that comes to light on the forums, it's nice to have a respite from such.

A custom knife may not always come out as you had hoped or conceived it, it's nice to know that some makers will go to the extra yards, I should say miles, to make sure you are happy with your knife.

Darrel is one of those special people.

(By the way, except for minor variations, my knife looks very much like the one (Tim's) I took the liberty of exhibiting above.)

Thanks, Darrel. I couldn't have asked for more.

Blues

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Live Free or Die

Some Knife Pix
 
Just reportin' the facts.

My pleasure, DDR.

Blues

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Live Free or Die

Some Knife Pix
 
Yeapers, there's no question that Darrel is a pro when it comes to making knives!
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That's a beauty of a pic you got there Blues, how did you get that pic so clean and brilliant?

Looks real fine!
smile.gif


Mark



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" Knife Collectors Are Sharp People - Most of the time that is! "

( THERE IS NO FEELING LIKE AN APOGEE FEELING! )
 
The pic was originally sent to me by Tim. I think, if I recall correctly, that it was Mike Turber who either took, or had it taken.

Blues

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Live Free or Die

Some Knife Pix
 
Just one question
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Hey Blues, what the heck are you doing with that beautiful knife - looks like a piece of art to me. I hope it is not me who has had an influence on your leaning towards that fancy stuff
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See you guys in a couple of weeks
(14 days and counting).
Gus

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" I am continually reminded of the rewards of dealing with custom knife makers and the custom knife community." Jeff J.
 
Gus,

I hate to say anything, (you know me), but since you asked.....

Well....you just might've had a bit of influence in that arena. Though I must say my "artsy" pieces are few and far between.

What makes this knife special is that it can back up as much in toughness as it can chew off by looking as good as it does.

A rare quality.

Blues

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Live Free or Die

Some Knife Pix
 
Morning Blues,
Hoe you did not mind my grief too much
smile.gif

Did not even have to guess about its functionality considering who made it I know Darrel would not put even the fanciest of his art out if it was non-functional. Can not wait to see this one in person.

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" I am continually reminded of the rewards of dealing with custom knife makers and the custom knife community." Jeff J.
 
Gus,

You kiddin'? I'm looking forward to seeing you again in a couple of weeks and walking the floor with you.
smile.gif


It's gonna be great.

Blues

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Live Free or Die

Some Knife Pix
 
The man has done the same for me as well...that's what made me return to him for Apogee #2. Thank you DDR.

-AR

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Blues:

What were the "issues" you had w/the knife?
I have some "issues" w/my large Apogee that I'm fixing myself; still the expense of the knife and the way it came has left a sour taste, so to speak.
 
Blues, I knew you'd slowly get brought over to the dark (arty) side!
wink.gif
If I recall we have very similar taste in cutlery!

Darrel is always a pleasure to work with or just b*llSh*t with.

Jackyl is that your second apogee or apogee #2. I ask cause I have Apogee #2 (but in the XL size)

Darrel I have two of your creations and I'm thinking about a new project that I think is right up your alley (if I can afford it
frown.gif
)I'll e-mail you some time next week with particulars.

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~ JerryO ~

Cogito Cogito Ergo Cogito Sum


 
Booshank,

I purposely didn't go into what the issues were with my knife as they are not relevant to the thread.

What is relevant is that Darrel bent over backwards to make sure that they were dealt with and more.

If you have problems with your knife, give Darrel a chance to rectify them. Chances are you'll be as pleased as I am with the results.

But please do not use my thread as a vehicle to sling mud. I find it inappropriate and it detracts from the spirit with which it was offered.

Thanks for your consideration.

Blues



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Live Free or Die

Some Knife Pix
 
Thanks Blues.. Not a problem . I am always open to suggestion and minor tune ups.

I was looking through old email and see that boo ordered his with some custom changes. :]
Im ahead of the game ..

Jerry just say the word well work it out..
How about a 7 in fighter ? hehehe NY STYLE.
If we can just figure a way to keep it out of site.:]

Boo..... still dont have an email from you ?

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Web Site At www.infinet.com/~browzer/bldesmth.html
New Web at www.darrelralph.com

 
I don't recall slinging any mud. There were just some "issues" w/my apogee that disappointed me.... My appologies, for not conveying such in a PC manner.
Darrel: I will E-mail you shortly, unfortunately I'm only able to check my mail once a day, thus the delay.

 
Blues--

Your criticism of Booshank is unjustified. This is a forum afterall. Alot of you could be criticized for running a DDR Fan Club here which would also be inapppopriate. Criticism and praise should be equally welcome on a forum. Another thing I have a problem with is DDR "outing" Booshank's E-mail to him. This is why I have resisted DDR's invitations to "e-mail him in private" over the issues I have had with my apogee. Would he then go on the forum and refer to my private e-mails? Just when I get to the point that I have no further issues (I did manage to rotate the cam bushing and I do appreciate DDR's instructions) you guys go and get me all riled up again. If Booshank had a beef and it flied in the face of what you guys were saying he had a right to voice that on the thread. Myself I can't devine the "spirit" of the thread without going into your head Blues, so if you are going to write something here you should expect a response good or bad. Or am I wasting my time logging on?
 
Before this thread becomes regretable--Lets just drop it.
My appologies again, I just thought since Blues had refered to some previous apogee "issues" that I wasn't alone in my concern over my apogee "issues." I'm not out or never was out to "sling mud."

I'll post a comprehensive review/test in a few weeks in the appropriate forum.
 
I'm not out to "sling mud either." Just reporting the facts as it pertains to my experience. Let's move on.
 
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