Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith
ilmarinen - MODERATOR
Moderator
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
- Joined
- Aug 20, 2004
- Messages
- 37,806
A while back I posted a note about an old problem with K&G,concerning a bad batch of stabilized wood.Ken McFall,the owner of K&G called me up at work and after a good conversation,it became clear that he never was made aware of the problem by his employee (who has been gone for a while now).He offered to make it right and I sent him a large batch of wood,nearly #100.There was mammoth ivory,buckeye burl,maple burl,afzelia burl,wood to be dyed, all kinds of misc.woods,even a wolf leg bone. The batch arrived back and I have examined it.The stabilization is well done,and completely through the wood.The dying is perfect - done exactly the way I asked.The ivory seems well impregnated,too.I am pleased with the work and can recommend Ken's company.BTW,Ken does not do the stabilization personally,it is done in his shop by an employee.
The only major thing different between K&G and WSSI is the size of wood that they are able to stabilize.K&G can only do a medium (4X4X6") block of wood,while WSSI can do a much larger block.
Both companies have extra resin ,usually sticky,on the outside of the wood on some blocks (that is normal).
Some wood warps and some wood splits,that is the way with stabilization.The batch done by K&G was very good on not warping and only a few of the larger buckeye blocks had small splits - again,to be expected.
The end result is that both treaters do a good job.Most complaints from people have to do with their expected end results.If you expect a smooth,colorful,shiny block or scales - purchase the wood already stabilized from any supplier.The wood is rough,sticky,and generally ugly when you get it back from being stabilized - it has to be trimmed,sanded,and polished to look good.If you want a batch of wood done,and can slice,and trim it yourself -then you can save some money.The larger the batch,the better the savings.
Thanks Ken McFall, you are a good businessman and have a good company.
Stacy Apelt
The only major thing different between K&G and WSSI is the size of wood that they are able to stabilize.K&G can only do a medium (4X4X6") block of wood,while WSSI can do a much larger block.
Both companies have extra resin ,usually sticky,on the outside of the wood on some blocks (that is normal).
Some wood warps and some wood splits,that is the way with stabilization.The batch done by K&G was very good on not warping and only a few of the larger buckeye blocks had small splits - again,to be expected.
The end result is that both treaters do a good job.Most complaints from people have to do with their expected end results.If you expect a smooth,colorful,shiny block or scales - purchase the wood already stabilized from any supplier.The wood is rough,sticky,and generally ugly when you get it back from being stabilized - it has to be trimmed,sanded,and polished to look good.If you want a batch of wood done,and can slice,and trim it yourself -then you can save some money.The larger the batch,the better the savings.
Thanks Ken McFall, you are a good businessman and have a good company.
Stacy Apelt
But everyone needs to know about good service! I suspect too many times owners/managers do not hear feedback they should and could act on. Too bad really, but probably just a training issue.
