My Favorite Customer Letter

[Craig Gottlieb]

I get all sorts of letters from customers. While some are rather . . . shall we say "interesting" (what kind of handle grips best when covered with blood), others are really enjoyable to read. Below is the prose that one khukuri fan wrote about his Panawal. Thought you'd enjoy it:

Just received my new Panawal Khukuri, which I purchased through the Knife Outlet. I must say that I have not been more pleased with a new knife in may years (this from a knife collector for 25+ years, starting with Randalls and Coopers in the early 70s).

While some knives are "better" finished, I find that blades so "perfect" that they look mass produced have about that much appeal.

You can tell that the Panawal was made one at a time, adn no two are ever exactly alike. They are almost like a Kipling poem - they evoke a brilliant image of time and place. I can almost see the knifesmith at his open forge (no digital temperature controlled furnaces and CNC machining centers here), with the sparks flying as he hand forges the blade with a hammer in the shadow of teh himalayas, then finishing with only files, abrasive and sweat. There is much to be said for honest craftsmanship, rather than machine made "precision" . . . True craftsmanship is, in the final analysis, much more than machinelike precision; it comes from the heart and soul of the true craftsman who loves his work and is personally involved in it, not as just a way to pay the bills.

Thank you again for such a fine knife, wich I am sure will not be my last aquisition from you.

Sincerely,

Charles B. Hallock

I haven't published this prose yet, mostly because I buried the letter in my to-do box and it only just now surfaced. I think Mr. Hallock perfectly captures what we love so much about khukuris.

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Craig Gottlieb
Gurkha House
Blade Forums Sponsor


[This message has been edited by Craig Gottlieb (edited 03-10-2000).]

 

[Steven F]

Well, Craig, looks as if you've got yourself yet another well-satisfied customer. Of course, I don't know how anyone could not be pleased with the quality and price of GH khuks.

 

[Craig Gottlieb]

I really think this guy put into words what we all feel about khukuris made in Nepal (from Bill, me, or any other genuine khukuri person) - beauty born of a hand-craftedness that can't be quantified or measured exactly.

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Craig Gottlieb
Gurkha House
Blade Forums Sponsor

 

[Blackdog]

Craig,

The man certainly put the feeling into words. The first knife I bought from you was a SN-1. I've bought, sold and traded other GH Khukuris since then and even got a beauty for Christmas. But that first SN-1 stays with me for the duration. I've used it, abused it, wrapped it, banged it and scratched it, but it's not for sale for any price. I just feel like that one was made for me. I know that sounds dumb, but that's how it is.

Like the man said, it's all about sweat, fire and man at his best.

Blackdog

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