Mike from River City Sheaths

Shanester66

Shanester66

Feedback: +23 / =0 / -0
Joined
May 27, 2009
Messages
274
Anybody know whats up with this guy? He has had my knife since December with no phone call or communication. His contact number is just a fax line and he doesnt respond to email. Any info would be much appreciated.
 
I see 3 posts in here, that belong in Feedback. :thumbdn:
I am not stirring any crap, just stating my opinion..and I use the list Alot, to dream of all the leather and kydex I could buy:D
 
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It's good to know I'm not the only one he's ignoring. I purchased a sheath from him 2 or 3 months ago. When I received it, I complimented him on his work and indicated I was interested in purchasing one of his Southern Comfort sheaths for another knife. After a week or two of no response, I e-mailed him again. I have yet to receive a response of any kind.
 
1) I tried the phone number 1-513-868-9680 and it is not just a FAX - I got an answering machine so it's probably a combo/switchable line. I would recommend calling again until you can eitehr speak with some one or leave a message.

2) Email not matter how convenient is not anywhere near to being 100% reliable - about 15% of the time emails are never delivered to the correct party due to spoofing of email addresses, spam engines, etc. I have this problem all the time when communicating with customers - I may not get theirs and even when I do and answer they often do not get mine.
Again I would call and FWIW - the lack of reliability of emails is one reason I will not do business with anyone not offering either/or a phone muber (best) or a physical address for regular mail.
 
gunknifenut said:
Sounds like he should be removed from the master list...and, is the list a great idea? I see 3 posts in here, that belong in Feedback. :thumbdn:
Click to expand...

The list is only sheathmakers offering their information.
It is not a BF recommendation or endorsement.
See Mike's entry and note the final line.

He does good work.
He has his priorities.
You may have to wait.

Mike Sastre
River City Sheaths
P.O. Box 421
Hamilton, OH 45012
www.RiverCitySheaths.com
RiverCitySheaths@aol.com

I use Concealex exclusively, specialize in concealment with quick presentation, and tweaking the tension/release to the use. Fixed blades or folders. Over 20 years experience.
Always backlogged so delivery is variable.
Click to expand...
 
I stand corrected, although I do think complaints of any nature have a home here in BF, its the feedback section. Like I said, I love this area, I get to come and admire leather and kydex experts work. I think questions and complaints should be moved or kept in feedback. That way there isnt an uneasy feeling for newbies in this area.
As far as Mike is concerned..he says you have to wait..then thats the way it is, like Esav points out, read the fine print.
Sorry for sounding off, but, I really like the new sheath area..and I would hate to see it get cluttered with business dealings and not skilled guys showcasing their work.
 
I thought it was 14.87% and not 15. Mike has had the reputation of great Sheath maker but slower than whale poop to get back to folks. He has always delivered class act products but if you need a sheath within a few month period, Mike may not be your guy.

If you do a search of him here in GB&U the same type issues have been posted here.
 
Esav Benyamin said:
The list is only sheathmakers offering their information.
It is not a BF recommendation or endorsement.
See Mike's entry and note the final line.

He does good work.
He has his priorities.
You may have to wait.
Click to expand...

Unfortunately you may have to wait forever. I actually did succeed in purchasing a sheath from Sastre about 4 months ago. When it arrived ,I sent him an e-mail thanking him, complimenting his work, and telling him I wanted to buy one of his Southern Comfort sheaths. About a week or so later I sent him a similar e-mail. I still haven't heard from him and I no longer expect to.

Business must be good, because you'd think he'd want to respond to a customer who's already demonstrated his bona fides by buying something from him, and his sheaths are not cheap.

I wish there was a reputable sheath making company out there with professional standards, instead of these prima donna Mom and Pop [minus the mom] operations that treat customers like they're doing them a favour by deigning to make a sheath for them.
 
Let me put some perspective on this situation, since the last post really sounds like smearing the majority of the sheathmakers we deal with.

They are Mom & Pop operations. It isn't their fault, it is their opportunity, that we don't see major manufacturers making Kydex or leather for the tremendous variety of knives out there, let alone the actual customs, let alone carefully checking each sheath for secure fit and easy release.

These are people who have taught themselves an arcane skill but many of them start out with no more business sense than the rest of us. They thrive on contracts with knife manufacturers to bring in the real money if they are lucky. A few, especially those newer to the business, came up through the ranks of knife knuts and got into helping themselves and friends sheath our toys.

Many of them are still at the stage of doing a few pieces at a time, individually crafted for people they know online here. They will be more responsive to the occasional purchaser. Seek them out and enjoy the experience.

Speak with respect of all hard workers who provide excellence in craftsmanship but avoid those whose schedules do not match your expectations. It is not a sin for them to leave you to do business with someone else.
 
My intent was not to smear all sheath makers, in fact if you read the thread on the CRKT Sting you'll see that I've got nothing but good things to say about Eric at On Scene Tactical.
I didn't say peep about Sastre until I read a recent post from a member who was complaining about the fact that he had sent a knife to Sastre back in December and so far had not got back the knife and ,presumably, the sheath Sastre was supposed to make for it. I commented at that point because it was obvious that my experience was not an isolated case.
Mike Sastre is a talented sheath maker and may be the nicest guy in the world, but if he doesn't respond to his customers e-mails , those individuals are going to be annoyed with him and will want to share their frustrations with others. It's a rare thing when you want to give a businessman money for his products and he won't let you.
 
Larry Turko said:
I wish there was a reputable sheath making company out there with professional standards, instead of these prima donna Mom and Pop [minus the mom] operations that treat customers like they're doing them a favour by deigning to make a sheath for them.
Click to expand...

Not a company, but if you are interested in leather, Paul Long has a business ethic that can be held up against the best customer service you have ever had from a company, and add decency and a true need to satisfy the customer...simply put, he is the absolute best.

If you want kydex, Kiah S. is your man...fast, affordable, great sheaths, quality, second-to-none.

I DON'T care about who, what, why and family BS....if I need a sheath, fast and right, these are the ONLY two gentlemen I deal with.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
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