Gareth bull: Slow Delivery/waitlist thread

Judging from the number of times Gareth answered my emails, he seems to be a great guy! I don't know why both times I tried to finalize an order the email stops! Perhaps is his fear of commitment? Wit..he's married! (joking!! joking!)

But anyway, I don't know if he's a full time knifemaker or not, buy since a percentage of his income comes from selling knives, isn't a decent ISP mandatory? C'mon...this is 2013..limited internet service? Really?
 
I have about the same luck with e-mails as Wolf (1 put of 3-4 answered). I'm not that worried; it will come in time. I can sympathize with his situation. Just think how many e-mails on orders he gets everyday. A one man operation designing, building knives by hand and dealing with orders and inquiries. I'm sure it is demanding and gets overwhelming at times.

I've looked at and owned a bunch of folders...there is something different and unique to his simplistic, solid design and construction.

I'll continue the wait, but not without anticipation!
 
I have a small Warlock in full Ti with some of the Shamwari modifications on order. I put my order in last June with a 6 month window quoted... I have not been able to get a hold of him lately after a perfect correspondence record the last two emails (in the last three months) have not been answered. His responses are often great, but his ETAs.... not so much. I, like many of you, am not in dire need of another pointy object, but sure would appreciate an accurate ETA, and responses to my emails.
This thread makes me happy to know that I am not alone.
 
Hey all

I was alerted to this thread so I thought I'd weigh in.

First I want to thank you for not turning this into a bash session, all your concerns were kindly phrased and completely understandable. The breaks in communication are 100% my end - on occasion emails have turned up in my spam box but the majority I have read but intended to answer - I have no good reasons for not though.

As for waiting times - again, my end. I simply stretched myself too thin. The Warlock pattern managed to gain attention and really get me busy. The sudden demand was amazing but I didn't foresee the dramas involved. I very quickly had to learn to work in batches, one of the main lessons being when you make a mistake, the whole batch suffers. The resulting costs of replacing the faulty parts has been a massive wake-up. Add normal dramas that we all have and from there it's snowballed.

I've stopped taking orders until I can catch up - Orixa, my apologies mate, you're half right - I'm terrified about jerking anyone around and am mortified to have done so by missing deadlines in such a spectacular fashion. My plan at current is to complete my backlog and start making stock pieces again and limiting the number of true custom orders. I need to get back on the show circuit (haven't had time or funds to generate stock with a backlog looming over my head) and to ensure that future transactions are seamless and timely.

On a side note - Internet in SA's pretty good actually :) My bill paying is a bit spotty though - no orders out - no money in! At the moment I'm relying on my better half's cellphone and the local internet cafe when I can find time to get out the shop.

Gents - you have my sincere apologies. I truly appreciate that people around the world are willing to pay me to pursue my passion - I can assure you I'm desperate to do so!

Keep an eye on your inboxes
Gazza
 
Hi Gazza,

Thanks for the update. No worries here--we all run into these kinds of bumps in life (I have a terrible difficulty with deadlines, self-imposed or otherwise, myself). And I imagine that the move from individual custom orders to larger numbers of the same knife comes fraught with a lot of tricky little issues. The rest of us believe in your work (or we wouldn't have ordered knives from you), so take that confidence and carry on building great knives! We are all looking forward to what you come up with next.

Cheers,
Daniel
 
expwmbat said:
Hi Gazza,

Thanks for the update. No worries here--we all run into these kinds of bumps in life (I have a terrible difficulty with deadlines, self-imposed or otherwise, myself). And I imagine that the move from individual custom orders to larger numbers of the same knife comes fraught with a lot of tricky little issues. The rest of us believe in your work (or we wouldn't have ordered knives from you), so take that confidence and carry on building great knives! We are all looking forward to what you come up with next.

Cheers,
Daniel
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:thumbup: agreed
 
Gareth,

No apologies needed!!
You're a stand up guy, I'm sure you'll be able to catch up in no time!! I was in a similar situation when I first started my business and believe it or not, the bank manager is your friend. Hang in there, we're ready when you are!
 
This may not please some people, but", I feel that one of the most important sides to owning a knife is the spiritual. Part of the spirituality is found in the person who made the knife. It is very nice to know a little about the craftmans background, what he did before he or she started producing work, what their situation was at the time and most important I feel is why"? they chose to dedicate their time to producing something for themselves and for others to enjoy.
I myself like to write from time to time and though some people have read some short stories that I have produced I do not consider this something where I could make a living from it or expect respect for it, it is extremely satisfying to the soul though when another person lets it be known that your work is appreciated, I don't think there is anything more thrilling to an Artist than knowing people dig your work. This I feel can be attributed to custom blacksmiths or bladesmiths as with all artists. It is though as with mostly everything in this life that commands respect a two way process, if someone affords you respect for your work and a part of your being then without any emotional hesitation that respect is offered back unconditionally. I aint trying to sound like some kind of intellectual twonk here bcos I aint ( well intellectual anyway, twonk" perhaps sure thing ) but maybe Mr Bull could appreciate the fact that someone has appreciated him and because of this very simple yet fundamental human trait he should offer that appreciation back?
It sounds like from what Wolf5391 has posted that this respect or appreciation has not been afforded on Mr Bulls account? I would be extremely disappointed with this guy if I had been treated the way Wolf5931 has been treated. I am not sure if Wolf5391 has already paid in full for the product in question? but if I had paid anything to him upfront and had then been treated in the way that has been described by members within this thread then I would have been in contact with Mr Bull asking for him to cancel my order, asking him for my money back and telling him straight up to cut the BULL CRAP!!!!.......

Respect don't cost a penny
 
Sharpe95th said:
This may not please some people, but", I feel that one of the most important sides to owning a knife is the spiritual. Part of the spirituality is found in the person who made the knife. It is very nice to know a little about the craftmans background, what he did before he or she started producing work, what their situation was at the time and most important I feel is why"? they chose to dedicate their time to producing something for themselves and for others to enjoy.
I myself like to write from time to time and though some people have read some short stories that I have produced I do not consider this something where I could make a living from it or expect respect for it, it is extremely satisfying to the soul though when another person lets it be known that your work is appreciated, I don't think there is anything more thrilling to an Artist than knowing people dig your work. This I feel can be attributed to custom blacksmiths or bladesmiths as with all artists. It is though as with mostly everything in this life that commands respect a two way process, if someone affords you respect for your work and a part of your being then without any emotional hesitation that respect is offered back unconditionally. I aint trying to sound like some kind of intellectual twonk here bcos I aint ( well intellectual anyway, twonk" perhaps sure thing ) but maybe Mr Bull could appreciate the fact that someone has appreciated him and because of this very simple yet fundamental human trait he should offer that appreciation back?
It sounds like from what Wolf5391 has posted that this respect or appreciation has not been afforded on Mr Bulls account? I would be extremely disappointed with this guy if I had been treated the way Wolf5931 has been treated. I am not sure if Wolf5391 has already paid in full for the product in question? but if I had paid anything to him upfront and had then been treated in the way that has been described by members within this thread then I would have been in contact with Mr Bull asking for him to cancel my order, asking him for my money back and telling him straight up to cut the BULL CRAP!!!!.......

Respect don't cost a penny
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while I agree partially with you I feel that Gareth really does respect me and the community.

For me it was a matter of communication which is why a lot of these people use this forum.

when you order a knife from lets just say joe smo, you want a tracking# not because you don't respect/trust the guy but because its a way of acquiring the knowledge of where your item is and the status of your knife.

I full heartedly trust Gareth and his intent on sending me my knife. Just had to "kick start" him if you will ;)

anyways Ill keep everyone updated on my knife when I get it, and Thank you gazza for the opportunity to get a warlock :thumbup:

no hard feelings..... yet :D
 
No worries gareth, this has actually taught me to be more patient! That and the fact that I am a knife junkie and I have plenty other knives to tide me over! I am looking forward to the warlock(possibly a shamwari in the future) and the big bad camp knife that I scored from you earlier this week! I am sure this has taught you plenty of lessons as well. I also think that taking every order full custom is a pain in the a** which is why a lot of other knifemakers have moved on to making batches instead of taking custom orders.
 
wolf5391 said:
i find he answers 1 in every 3-4 emails.

if your looking for a fixed blade warlock to tide you over I think there is a bigger version of it on sale at SAblade. Im not sure if Gazza ever sold it but its there.
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dflores said:
No worries gareth, this has actually taught me to be more patient! That and the fact that I am a knife junkie and I have plenty other knives to tide me over! I am looking forward to the warlock(possibly a shamwari in the future) and the big bad camp knife that I scored from you earlier this week! I am sure this has taught you plenty of lessons as well. I also think that taking every order full custom is a pain in the a** which is why a lot of other knifemakers have moved on to making batches instead of taking custom orders.
Click to expand...

you didnt happen to get your hands on the orange handled one I mentioned earlier did u ;)
 
No worries Gareth. I don't have any money tied up into the wait. So honestly at this time, it is my own impatience at trying out your work that is making it killer :D.
 
Hi Guys/Girls:

I can fully comprehend your frustration with regards to extensive time frames & lack of communication/report back.

I have many custom units from various makers (local & international) and most of them have a "wheel wobble" at some stage or other, prior to actual delivery.

I have 2 x GB custom units which are virtually unequaled in craftsmanship as well as F&F - worth every minute of my extended wait as well.

Gareth lives around the corner from me - I know him personally - he is truly a great person, and I am sure he will ultimately deliver.

Thank you for your impressive patience & polite manner of inquiry into this delicate matter.

Regards from Cape Town - South Africa.

Rookie.

:)
 
MadRookie said:
Hi Guys/Girls:

I can fully comprehend your frustration with regards to extensive time frames & lack of communication/report back.

I have many custom units from various makers (local & international) and most of them have a "wheel wobble" at some stage or other, prior to actual delivery.

I have 2 x GB custom units which are virtually unequaled in craftsmanship as well as F&F - worth every minute of my extended wait as well.

Gareth lives around the corner from me - I know him personally - he is truly a great person, and I am sure he will ultimately deliver.

Thank you for your impressive patience & polite manner of inquiry into this delicate matter.

Regards from Cape Town - South Africa.

Rookie.

:)
Click to expand...

Rookie,

POST PICTURES OF YOUR GB'S :D
 
MadRookie said:
Hi Guys/Girls:

I can fully comprehend your frustration with regards to extensive time frames & lack of communication/report back.

I have many custom units from various makers (local & international) and most of them have a "wheel wobble" at some stage or other, prior to actual delivery.

I have 2 x GB custom units which are virtually unequaled in craftsmanship as well as F&F - worth every minute of my extended wait as well.

Gareth lives around the corner from me - I know him personally - he is truly a great person, and I am sure he will ultimately deliver.

Thank you for your impressive patience & polite manner of inquiry into this delicate matter.

Regards from Cape Town - South Africa.

Rookie.

:)
Click to expand...

Hey Mad Rookie,

You do indeed have some nice knives and your GB customs are no exception.

Anyone's frustration waiting for a new knife from whoever it may be is understandable.

Recently, I waited 6 months after ordering two CRK Sebenzas and in the end cancelled them and bought second hand.

Seems like I've got the unenviable top spot of waiting the longest, in this list so far. I ordered my custom Warlock from Gareth on 14 Feb 2012. WADR he did say it would be a while after already starting a group build for British Blades.

Gareth hasn't always responded to my posts in a timely manner either but sooner or later he has indeed made contact.

From my point of view he has knife-making passion and a keen eye for design. I'm impressed with the skills and ingenuity applied in his rudimentary workshop to get outstanding results.

On sablade.com/forums you'll see he's been generous with his knowledge and support to other knife-makers.

One can choose to be peeved off or alternatively to support him.

I believe Gareth has the skill and passion to become an important knife-maker and it seems to me he is a stand up guy. He's acknowledge the difficulties and isn't running away from them.

There are more than enough sharp edges in my inventory to tide me over so I choose to support him.

Chrs
 
Guys/Girls:

So heartwarming to see plenty decency & understanding still left in the world community - rather scarce to find - THANK YOU!!

Here are my 2 units...

No, they cannot fold - just shows that GB is very versatile in his application - these 2 are part of my every day go to culinary crusades...



M390 steel with solid carbon fibre ferruls - love them!

Stay sharp people!

:)

Did this today...

Yep, baked in normal disposable 410g "baked beans" cans...























Thx for stopping by to lookiesee...
:)
 
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not to derail the thread but what is that damascus kitchen knife at the bottom of second picture?

It looks quite lovely.
 
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