I really don't think that posting the truth about the trouble with this maker is hoo-hah. He has promised delivery to me DOZENS of times and now blames Paypal for his inability to refund my money. It certainly IS depressing for those of us who have been cheated and lied to. Even more so with some folks like the fellow a few posts back posting encouragement to Gil,- stating,
"Don't let them get ya down Gil. You do extremely nice work from what I have seen and inspire me as a maker. Some people need to relize that shit happens and mistakes are made, and all we can do is try our best to correct them. Keep making them nice lookin knives, and all will be well."
I thought this was an interesting thing to say in support of a makers dishonest practice. I agree that Mr Norfleet's knives are beautiful. This is the real world and S__t certainly does happen to us all. I absolutely realize this and I supported Mr Norfleet when he was claiming health issues as his reason for non-delivery. The problem is - that it IS very simple to fix a problem like this no matter what has happened, - send the promised knife that was posted as a completed knife five months ago (and promised sheath) or refund the money. Mr Norfleet has chosen to do neither. And it is pretty pathetic if calling the endless excuses and lies about sending the knife or refund (but NOT really doing so) is doing someone's best at correcting things.
He is now selling more knives on the forum exchange and is even selling chances on his website for a "Thanksgiving give away knife".
I have reluctantly posted this thread and problem in the Good, Bad and Ugly Forum. I think it should also go to the Hall of Shame. I hope that doing so will save some others the frustration that many of us have experienced.