greged: Very Disappointing!

Blues

Blues

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I just received a custom slipjoint made by Eugene Shadley from greged yesterday.

Previous to the purchase I contacted greged to ask about swirls, scratches (to the bolsters) or any other imperfections on this knife since I realized that it was a few years old and had gone through a few hands before it would get to mine. (Some are members here as well as dealers they turned it over to).

I was assured that there were no such issues with the knife, I was offered what I believed a fair price for the stated condition and I went ahead and paid for the knife.

Yesterday when the knife arrived I gave it a thorough inspection as anyone would do with an expensive investment.

Upon examination I found exactly the kinds of (albeit) minor swirls and scratches on the bolsters which I had hoped to be alerted to beforehand.

In addition, there was a noticeable (small) burr on the edge of the blade. (I can only speculate as to whether it was always there, was the result of the edge being dinged or hitting the backspring on a forceful closing. I don't know.)

In any case, I wrote Greg an email yesterday to explain what I noticed upon looking at the knife. His reply was a terse "send it back tomorrow via Priority Mail".

I wrote him back to ask why he was so short with me when I took the time to describe at length what I had observed and explained that I wasn't trying to dick him around and told him I respected him and hoped for his friendship.

His email reply to me this morning was unbelievable. It said "you own the knife". In other words, you don't have a right to examine or verify the condition of the knife, you just get to take my word that it is in the condition stated. End of story.

He went on to say that I checked with others about the knife.

Well, here's what I did. I asked my friend Gus Kalanzis (after the fact) if he thought what I paid was a fair price for the knife.

I asked my friend Will York (after the fact) if he thought the knife was worth the price I paid.

I asked Slide13 if I could use his images of the knife since they are so much better than the ones I take.

That's it. And so what? How would Will or Slide13 know the condition of the knife presently?

So, bottom line is I'm pretty damn disappointed.

It's a nice knife and if I keep it (and don't report this matter to both my credit card company and paypal) at least I'll have a nice custom slipjoint that I won't have to be afraid to carry (but that's beside the point).

I guess there's a first time for everything. This was my first deal that ever left a sour taste in my mouth afterward. :barf: :thumbdn:

Caveat Emptor!
 
Elliott,

Sounds like you did your due diligence on this knife so I can understand you being disappointed when it shows up with the very imperfections that you asked about.

I know there are a lot of different definitions for the various conditions of knives (“pristine” mint, whatever that means, etc.) but if you asked direct questions and were told one thing and another shows up that seems out of line.

I’m sure Greged has his side of the story, hopefully we’ll hear it soon, but I always appreciate thoughtful responses from the members here during knife transactions.

Mike
 
Sorry to hear about this situation, Blues.

In my book, a deal is not considered closed until satisfaction is acknowledged by BOTH parties involved.

I find that rule to be the norm among the many reputable members I have traded with here at Bladeforums.

Reputation and honorable exchanges are more important than money and steel.

It's always sad to see someone risk tarnishing their member reputation for any knife, at any price.

My two cents.
 
I try to describe my knives as best as I can,in the transaction.
Blues,Sorry to hear about your deal,I can feel the "pain" on both ends,BUT,what Ford said,is the bottom line,IMO,as well.
Hopefully it can be righted
-Vince
 
Hi Blues. I think one man's perfect is different than another man's perfect.

I have picky eyes. I see imperfections in knives that most buyers don't see.
That's from buying knives for 20 years and having 20/20 vision. I have to hold makers and sellers to a lower standard usually as I can be impossible to please.

I have never seen a perfect knife. I have seen some exceptional ones, though.

Hope it works out. There should always be a 3 day inspection period on this site.

If you like the knife, you can always send it back to Shadley for a fluff and buff. The imperfections you note can probably be cleaned up in 10 mins or less.
 
Also, whener a knife comes with a sheath as that one did it will usually show some signs of being inserted.....
 
If his reply to you, "send it back tomorrow via Priority Mail", implied return for full refund, it sounds like his bases are covered. If you and he have a difference of opinion concerning the condition of the knife this would be a logical solution.
 
Gents, appreciate the feedback.

No doubt that we all have different eyes and different standards for what is acceptable. That is why we allow the purchaser the ability to examine the goods.

Also, greged told me that he had recently sold three Bose knives so that he knew what to look for and that he didn't see any of the issues that I specifically asked about. (I find that a bit difficult to accept, especially if you don't have 20/20 eyes, reading glasses are only a couple of bucks at any discount store.)

I hadn't mentioned anything about sending it back for a refund when I sent Greg my observations. His reply was "send it back". His reply to my asking his reason for the short message was "you own the knife".

I can't think of any circumstances under which that would be acceptable or responsible behavior.

Anthony, understood about sending it back to Shadley. It shouldn't be (or have been) necessary, but it's understood. I'm sure I'll see him next weekend.
 
Blues

you say he said to return the knife, is that offer still valid?

it is the simplest solution to this issue
 
bandaidman said:
Blues

you say he said to return the knife, is that offer still valid?

it is the simplest solution to this issue
Click to expand...


Didn't sound like it from the email received this morning.

(And frankly, at this point, I'd be concerned about him having both the money AND the knife. There's only so many hoops I feel like jumping through at one time.)
 
The issue is not really about pictures or questions or anything other than one simple rule - A deal is not done until both parties are satisfied. If you are not satisifed he should be willing to accept a return and discuss the issues you have curteously.

Good luck getting resolution.
 
Broos said:
The issue is not really about pictures or questions or anything other than one simple rule - A deal is not done until both parties are satisfied. If you are not satisifed he should be willing to accept a return and discuss the issues you have curteously.

Good luck getting resolution.
Click to expand...

exactly...when someone paypals me with funds..the funds stay in the paypal account until the knife is "released" buy the buyer. Only twice have I had someone say that they were unhappy. Both times I was easily able to refund the money and ( since I knew both individuals) then awaited the arrival of the returned knife...yes I was dissapointed but my reputation is worth far more than a few hundred dollars would you not say???
 
I've only had one complaint about the condition of a knife I sold. In that case, the problems had been clearly defined in the original post. He (a long time and, I assume, well respected member of our community) had evidently missed seeing the description. I pointed out that the problem had been described but if he was not satistied he could return it for a full refund. He decided to keep it; no harm, no foul. I don't know how he would have responded if I had just said "Send it back". My point is that if you communicate clearly there is no reason for hard feelings.
 
did you get the knife below current market?

sounds like I wont be dealing with greged anytime soon. 3 day inspection should be standard on any transaction.
 
A deal is not done until both parties are satisfied
Click to expand...

Thats my motto.

I wasn't apologizing for greged, Blues. Just adding a bit of perspective to the post as he and I have done at least one good deal.

I look forward to seeing you in Atlanta, as always.
 
Anthony Lombardo said:
Thats my motto.

I wasn't apologizing for greged, Blues. Just adding a bit of perspective to the post as he and I have done at least one good deal.

I look forward to seeing you in Atlanta, as always.
Click to expand...

Anthony, I didn't think you were doing so. (And I'll look forward to seeing you as well.)

The main issue is that greged feels that he gets to decide whether or not the knife is acceptable from the perspective of the purchaser and then goes even further and decides that the purchaser must keep the knife despite the purchaser pointing out the flaws which had gone unmentioned during the emails prior to the transaction.

Whether the seller feels the buyer is picky or not is not the issue. The decision to make final the purchase remains with the buyer. If he is not satisfied there is no sale.

Who would buy an allegedly "mint" custom knife from someone sight unseen if they were told that they couldn't return it if it didn't meet their standards? (If those are the terms then you must state that as a condition of sale up front.)
 
Some people are bush league rookies, and make mistakes...as long as they are willing to stand behind their rep, and work with me, no harm, no foul.

IF it is a person experienced in the art of the knife trade/sell, and they act like a petulant little bitch right off the bat, well, it is Mr. Reality upside the head, MF'r!!:grumpy: :grumpy:

If he had given me terse e-mails like yours, my response would have been "what is your problem, call me/provide number, I'll call you".

You're not happy with the knife, it was not as described, and it certainly was not cheap.

If Greg does not step up to the plate to say what he is going to do to make it all right, then he should take a MAJOR shot to his reputation, and maybe, find it a bit harder to buy and sell knives on BF.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
Pretty much what everyone has said especially Kohai999.

Seems that anytime someone sells a custom it is best to sit tight and make sure everyone is happy. That is just the way it should be for knife collectors. We need to reflect the values that are a part of the hobby in general. I would venture to say that many of us would not be so wacked out over knives and the friends we have made due to them if it were not for those values and trust.
 
Blues, you said the edge had a small burr on it?

Well, that can't be 'pristine' or 'mint' in anybody's book.

Not surprised you are discontented, especially with the surly response.

Money is replaceable, integrity and honour are not.
 
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