Dragonfly Khukuri and Knives

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Grott

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Greetings,

New member, with a question.

Has anyone had any experience purchasing Khukuri from Timothy P. McLaughlin, of Dragonfly Khukuri and Knives?

I placed my order 08/11/21, and have yet to receive it. Seller has never initiated communication, but responds if I call. Not so much with Email, however.

First time ordering a Khukuri, and so I don't know what is considered a reasonable wait time. I've been given a few different explanations for the lengthy turnaround time, but I'm starting to get, not so much impatient, as concerned.

Thanks in advance for any feedback.

Have a great day
 
Pretty standard from my experience with Nepalese Khukuri Houses. I wouldn't worry. I've bought a few Khukuri's from Nepal. All mine were custom so they took even more time than normal.

I know some start making it when you order it, but even if it's already made the shipping time coming from Nepal takes a looong while. You'll forget about it when you get a "real" Khukuri in hand though.
 
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Snardvark said:
Pretty standard from my experience with Nepalese Khukuri Houses. I wouldn't worry. I've bought a few Khukuri's from Nepal. All mine were custom so they even more time than normal.

I know some start making it when you order it, but even if it's already made the shipping time coming from Nepal takes a looong while. You'll forget about it when you get a "real" Khukuri in hand though.
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I ordered a little over a year ago, and just found out a couple of weeks ago that it wasn't even started. The job has been given to another smith to work on... So I've been waiting for over a year on a Khukuri that isn't being made, apparently.
 
Grott said:
I ordered a little over a year ago, and just found out a couple of weeks ago that it wasn't even started. The job has been given to another smith to work on... So I've been waiting for over a year on a Khukuri that isn't being made, apparently.
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That is an inordinately long wait time. I waited a few months, and mine was a 18" long blade (probably like 28" overall) sirupate with a lot of custom requests, a matching one to go with it, a custom leather piggyback sheath for them, and an insanely long email correspondence. A year seems very out of the norm. I did have an extra long experience when Nepal got shut down for COVID. I wonder if that's still an issue for them right now. Also seems kinda strange that 2 different Kami's are working on it. Maybe your order got lost at some point and when you inquired they got to work on it.

My longest order was this setup in the link below. They actually started selling it after my order was done (the one in the picture is the exact one in my hand right now lol)
 
Snardvark said:
That is an inordinately long wait time. I waited a few months, and mine was a 18" long blade (probably like 28" overall) sirupate with a lot of custom requests, a matching one to go with it, a custom leather piggyback sheath for them, and an insanely long email correspondence. A year seems very out of the norm. I did have an extra long experience when Nepal got shut down for COVID. I wonder if that's still an issue for them right now. Also seems kinda strange that 2 different Kami's are working on it. Maybe your order got lost at some point and when you inquired they got to work on it.

My longest order was this setup in the link below. They actually started selling it after my order was done (the one in the picture is the exact one in my hand right now lol)
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Snardvark,

I am essentially ignorant, as this is the first Khukuri and the first "custom" knife I've ever ordered. I'm not a rich guy, so I spent a lot of time watching YouTube videos and reading reviews before deciding on which importer/dealer I wanted to order from.

The Khukuri I ordered is (was) a standard item, right off the website. I just went back to the website yesterday evening, and it appears as if Dragonfly Khukuri and Knives is not taking new orders at this time. Timothy McLaughlin had told me, when I spoke with him last "don't worry, we'll get you your Khukuri, even if I have to give you something from my own collection." I had gone to the website to see what other options I might accept as a compromise. You know, better to get second, third, or even fourth choice than nothing at all... Unfortunately, I can't even look at other options, since the website isn't active at present.

I mean it sounds as if things are out of his control at the moment, but he is trying to honor all outstanding orders. I also understand, from what he's telling me, that he's operating at a loss with certain orders. The blacksmith who was supposed to make my Khukuri initially has been paid, as I understand it, but simply didn't deliver. Covid restrictions, and the impact the pandemic is having on shipping internationally, combined with monsoon/festival season etc. are all valid reasons for the delay. However, Timothy has had my Email, and phone number, since we first discussed my order a little over a year ago. At this point, I'm not even concerned with the money. I just would like to know if I should expect anything to show for it.
 
Grott said:
I just would like to know if I should expect anything to show for it.
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As would I. That is bad news. I hate to speculate but the last couple years have crippled small business almost globally. I'm wondering if they got hit hard.. or maybe crawled into a financial hole they couldn't get out of.

Regardless.. if I were you I'd just be wondering if I'll even see anything all the same. If the correspondence you're having is saying he'll honor it with one of his (even with something you didn't order) I think that's a pretty stand up move on his part.

Again.. assuming they are going under or something bad. That being said I hope you get what you actually ordered though. They should able to make that happen as long as shipping lanes from Nepal stay open.
 
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Snardvark said:
As would I. That is bad news. I hate to speculate but the last couple years have crippled small business almost globally. I'm wondering if they got hit hard.. or maybe crawled into a financial hole they couldn't get out of.

Regardless.. if I were you I'd just be wondering if I'll even see anything all the same. If the correspondence you're having is saying he'll honor it with one of his (even with something you didn't order) I think that's a pretty stand up move on his part.

Again.. assuming they are going under or something bad. That being said I hope you get what you actually ordered though. They should able to make that happen as long as shipping lanes from Nepal stay open.
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Snardvark,

I shopped around before calling Mr. McLaughlin. I spoke with him at length, and determined that his business was really a labor of love, as much as a profitable enterprise. Further, he had one particular offering, which I hadn't seen elsewhere, a classic and traditional type (which, again, you just didn't seem to find anywhere else). Ultimately, I felt confident in my desire to order a Khukuri from him based upon my impressions during our conversations.

It is my continued believe that Timothy McLaughlin is a decent human being, who has had a consistent run of bad luck. But that doesn't excuse, in my opinion, the profound lack of communication since placing my order. Just an Email telling me what is going on would be appreciated.
 
Grott said:
Just an Email telling me what is going on would be appreciated
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This is something he could definitely do better. Most people just wanna know you haven't forgot about em. Especially if your business is a couple oceans away haha.

Wishing you luck bud! Hope you get your khukuri soon. They really are a different breed of blade. Things work like mules.
 
Grott said:
Snardvark,

Hopefully, someday, I'll understand what you mean...

I appreciate your time and input.

Have a great day
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I hope you do as well (fairly optimistic about your odds). It was no issue at all.. just know you're not alone in long wait times. It happens from time to time. It sounds like if you keep up the correspondence (not that you should be responsible for that.. but I would if I were you) with Tim he'll be sure to keep you at the front of the list.

Have a good one brother!
 
kvaughn said:
Try Himalayan Imports. Great service on Nepalese blades.
Check out their sub forum on BF.
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Howdy Kvaughn,

I have checked them out. I looked at a lot of Khukuri (a LOT) before ordering the one I did.

Trouble is, most places that show "traditional" or "antique style" etc. are all talking about nineteenth century representations. Many consider the British Military pattern Khukuri to be "classic" or "old school".

The Khukuri I ordered is of a pre-coloniization era example. I hope it eventually comes through, but if not I really haven't found anything of the older styles. The "King Prithvi Narayan Shaw", if I've got that right, is a late-eighteenth century specimen. I'd rather go earlier/even more traditional than most being offered.

For my purposes, WWI and WWII era Khukuri are too contemporary to be of any interest to me.

I appreciate your time, and for the suggestion.

Have a great day
 
Update:

Dragonfly Khukuri and Knives website is currently offline. Called and left a message.

I'll keep you posted.

Have a great day
 
Grott said:
Update:

Dragonfly Khukuri and Knives website is currently offline. Called and left a message.

I'll keep you posted.

Have a great day
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Sounds like he's not a good guy in over his head but just another bum that absconded with people's money.
 
I have 2 sets of the Americana series. The first one I ordered it took a few months and then when I didn't get it after promise's unkept he sent me his own personal use set that wasn't even used. So that was kind of him. Then I noticed a very small surface crack in the blade. You can see it but you can't feel it. Anyways after 6 months I rec. a replacement set. Not as well constructed as the first set as in the pins in the handle are kind of proud where you can feel them. It took many many emails back and forth before finally receiving it but I did get it and now I have 2. I will say this he is not a very good business man BUT he did come through for me although it took an inordinate amount of time. The kukui's are as good as any kukuri I've owned and I own more than several. They are med. weight and the hunting knife that came with them both is pretty darn decent too although a bit large for my taste for a hunting knife but around camp and such it makes sense. Both are near 0 ground, the sheaths are nice also. I would compare them to the higher end kami's who make them for other companies. Fact is most of my other kukuri's are HI made and they are rather heavy compared to the Americana series I own. stay safe and Merry Xmas
 
Grott said:
Greetings,

New member, with a question.

Has anyone had any experience purchasing Khukuri from Timothy P. McLaughlin, of Dragonfly Khukuri and Knives?

I placed my order 08/11/21, and have yet to receive it. Seller has never initiated communication, but responds if I call. Not so much with Email, however.

First time ordering a Khukuri, and so I don't know what is considered a reasonable wait time. I've been given a few different explanations for the lengthy turnaround time, but I'm starting to get, not so much impatient, as concerned.

Thanks in advance for any feedback.

Have a great day
Click to expand...

Unfortunately I'm having the same experience. I placed an order from Dragonfly Kukri on May 20, 2021. After about a year of not hearing anything I started to grow concerned and sent several emails to inquire about the status. Those have all gone unanswered.

I ordered a hanshee style kukri and at the time I'd been on the fence about ordering from Timothy or placing an order for a Salyani from Kailash blade. I ordered from Timothy largely because I was impressed with the enthusiasm that came across on his youtube videos and his appreciation for the hanshee style. Really wish I'd gone with the Salyani instead.

I have ordered quite a few kukris over the past few years. Several from Himalayan Imports, Tora blades, and 3-4 Kailash. I've had great a experience from all of them especially Kailash who is really on the ball with communication and makes a great kukri. The lack of delivery and lack of communication from Dragonfly Kukri is definitely not typical of other kukri houses.

A also noticed the website was down which makes me even more concerned he is going to abscond with our money. I'm pretty patient when it comes to knife orders but what really bothers me here is his absolute lack of communication.
 
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I agree. I'm pretty patient as well, but I'm less than happy with the poor communication from Dragonfly Khukuri and Knives.

Hope things work out in your favor.
 
Just curious if there has been any progress? I just started watching his channel on YouTube but he hasn't posted new content for quite a while. His Facebook page is not very active either.
 
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