I don't know if Mr. Reif ever made all of his customers whole before his death, but just to show that people are not always one thing, Mr. Reif died (drowned) trying to save the life of his dog. He died rather young (59), and he had family, including grandchildren.
Dale Allen Reif, Wichita, Kansas.
Just thought I'd provide another side of the man. I don't condone a knifemaker taking money and not providing knives, but again, I don't know if he made it right with his customers (does anyone?). If I owned a knife, and I knew the maker gave his life trying to save his dog, I might look more favorably on that knife (and perhaps the man himself). But that's me.