on_the_edge
Gold Member
- Joined
- Jan 31, 2006
- Messages
- 11,820
Several months ago, I purchased a knife made by Gene Ingram many years ago from another member here on BFC. When I got the knife, it was in excellent shape, and was exactly as described by the seller. The knife is a wharncliffe with mosaic pins and natural material handles on a full tang. Because I live in southern Arizona where it is dry, as part of my knife care regiment, I routinely give natural handle materials a good rub down with mineral with the hope of preventing shrinkage, movement, or cracking.
About a month ago, I discovered much to my dismay that the handle material on both sides of the knife had suddenly and dramatically started cracking. I contacted Gene by e-mail and inquired whether I could send it in to have him take a look at the knife and either repair or replace the handle material. He responded immediately and asked me to send it to him at my earliest convenience. For me, that was the next day.
When Gene received the knife, he quickly contacted me by phone to let me know that he got it and to discuss my options. He was very willing to listen to my concerns and was equally accommodating in doing the repair in the way that I wanted it done.
Fast forward to yesterday when I got the knife back from Gene (his turn around time was just over a week). I could not believe how great a job he did with it. The knife looks beautiful, at least as good as it ever did, and feels terrific in hand. :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:
I mention all of this because I really could not have asked for a better experience with a knifemaker. Gene was great on communication, turn-around time, and quality of work, and conveyed a very obvious sense of caring about how I would feel after the experience as well. And the icing on the cake was that Gene refused to charge me anything for his time, effort, and materials. All in all, I could not have asked for more. He did a GREAT job and I know I'll be back to get something from him in the future. As far as I'm concerned, I can't go wrong and neither will you. He's definitely a great maker with a great attitude who stands proudly and strongly by his product. If you ever order from him or pick up a knife he made here on the X, you surely won't be disappointed. In fact, you might be looking for a lot more of his knives after you've had your first.
About a month ago, I discovered much to my dismay that the handle material on both sides of the knife had suddenly and dramatically started cracking. I contacted Gene by e-mail and inquired whether I could send it in to have him take a look at the knife and either repair or replace the handle material. He responded immediately and asked me to send it to him at my earliest convenience. For me, that was the next day.
When Gene received the knife, he quickly contacted me by phone to let me know that he got it and to discuss my options. He was very willing to listen to my concerns and was equally accommodating in doing the repair in the way that I wanted it done.
Fast forward to yesterday when I got the knife back from Gene (his turn around time was just over a week). I could not believe how great a job he did with it. The knife looks beautiful, at least as good as it ever did, and feels terrific in hand. :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:
I mention all of this because I really could not have asked for a better experience with a knifemaker. Gene was great on communication, turn-around time, and quality of work, and conveyed a very obvious sense of caring about how I would feel after the experience as well. And the icing on the cake was that Gene refused to charge me anything for his time, effort, and materials. All in all, I could not have asked for more. He did a GREAT job and I know I'll be back to get something from him in the future. As far as I'm concerned, I can't go wrong and neither will you. He's definitely a great maker with a great attitude who stands proudly and strongly by his product. If you ever order from him or pick up a knife he made here on the X, you surely won't be disappointed. In fact, you might be looking for a lot more of his knives after you've had your first.
