Noob Questions

Idaho Jarhead

Idaho Jarhead

Joined
Nov 2, 2007
Messages
1,415
I've got a couple of questions that are kind of a rant, but I've held them in long enough that its starting to bug me. So here goes:

  1. In the Busse exchange, how come so many people say they will ship "CONUS only?" Alaska (and Hawaii) is part of the United States, dammit! We have a post office and everything.
  2. How come there is no Scrap Yard forum? Where do I go to ask questions about Scrap Yard knives? Since its Busse family, can I ask it here?
  3. How do I let people know that I am looking for a certain blade? I have seen members get infractions for telling people they are looking for a certain blade. They are told to post in the "Wanted" forum. But has anyone ever been there? Every time I drop in I've heard crickets chirping. There hasn't been a post there for years. Really!

I have been around long enough that I should have figured out the answers to these myself, but I haven't, so I'll just put my foot out to be stepped on. I hope I don't sound like a jerk, cause I'm not trying to be...just working through a couple frustrations.
 
1. Tell me about it! However... Often a polite PM gets a good response - I think a lot of folks just don't want the extra complication but will do it if asked properly. It's far worse for those not on the same land mass like me. There are occasional horror stories of things going missing and the ensuing arguments. I've ordered literally hundreds of things from the US, Aus, etc over the years though and only lost two, apart from a couple of ebay items that I'm pretty darn certain were never sent in the first place. Most places now have much better international handling than they did say 10 years ago. UK, most of western Europe, Australia (and of course Canada) seem fine. The other issues are insurance (it can cost a lot, often needing a courier rather than, say, USPS) and customs problems. Bottom line is it's a private deal and it should be acceptable to the purchaser to accept responsibility for the parcel's arrival, having made their choice of shipping/insurance.

2. Good question! I don't see a problem with asking here myself; it's more on-topic than a lot of posts.

3. A lot of folks put a want add in their signature (have to be a paying member though). You can also drop 'hints' without being as obvious as 'can someone sell me a...'. Also, pester someone who has a few of what you want.
:)
 
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I used to say CONUS only because I thought it would cost more to send to Alaska/Hawaii but I think it's about the same. Now I usually just say USA only. I've shipped many times overseas but I must admit I've chewed my nails over it every time.

Scrapyard does have its own forum on their website just not her on Bladeforums. I think most of us Infiholics are more familiar with INFI models and maybe not as familiar with Scrapyard/Swamprat, I know I'm not so for me it's useless and somewhat annoying for someone to come in here and start asking questions about the SY/SR models when they have their own experts on their own forums.

Sig line, location, ask older Hogs, be creative.
 
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Hey bro, I'll ship to you anytime done it before without any problems. And it was only a few bucks more.

Dont know anything about scrapyard knives because I dont buy them only Busse and Swamprat occasionaly but I have placed 2 wanted to buy adds in the EE and both times got the knives I was looking for. Just takes a litttle patience and a back to the top every now and then.

Hope this helps you and good luck!!!
 
http://www.scrapyardknives.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?Cat=0

Bro, WTB adds do work, I've gotten a load of offers over the years from threads I've started there. But patience is a virtue when dealing with WTB and hard to find Busses --- I've had threads that I've bumped 30, 40, even 50 times (every three days like clockwork) before scoring a "grail" blade. Uncle Mofo LE took forever, but eventually "popped" up.

Some guys do like me --- when they need cash they look at the WTB forum first, before listing in the sale forum. Give it a shot, you might get lucky.
 
I usually indicate "CONUS" because it's easy and everyone understands it. But Bravado has a good point with saying "USA". I've always shipped to Alaska and Hawaii with no problem and little extra cost.
 
Don't forget all the over seas military bases and territories. I once shipped to an address in Guam and it just needed your everyday USPS procedures and insurance. There are probably others places to consider as well.
 
I have no problem shipping internationally. I always get insurance and I alert the buyer that they must assume the rest of the risk of delivery ... which is considerable for some shipping locations. Alaska and Hawaii might as well be CONUS for purposes of shipping, so I don't see why anyone would worry about that.

I've shipped Busse blades to many international locations. No real problems so far, although one person has still not received their blade. I am always unhappy to hear that a Customs Office has embargoed a blade or, much more usual, charged a ruinous fee to the buyer ... but there is literally nothing I can do about that. Also, I won't lie for anyone -- the furthest I've ever gone is to describe the knife as a "camping tool," and even that was only because this is how I often use my own knives.

I'm perfectly happy to spread the "Busse Love" worldwide, within the limits of the law, practicality, and (oddly enough) personal integrity.

That said, try to be a bit patient and keep your nets out. It often takes considerable time to snag the Busse you're after. If you've got a good attitude, that just adds to the fun. I'd be happy to ship you a knife any time. :D:thumbup:
 
Idaho Jarhead said:
  1. In the Busse exchange, how come so many people say they will ship "CONUS only?" Alaska (and Hawaii) is part of the United States, dammit! We have a post office and everything.
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  1. when saying CONUS, most mean ak and hi as well. but perhaps not all.

    regarding intl shipping, many dont like the added risk and cost. personally, ill ship anywhere, so long as the buyer assumes all risk once the package leaves u.s. soil.

    [*]How come there is no Scrap Yard forum? Where do I go to ask questions about Scrap Yard knives? Since its Busse family, can I ask it here?
    Click to expand...


  2. as mentioned, there is a scrapyard forum. it is linked to their website.

    you can ask here, but may or may not get the response you are looking for. most likely you will be directed to the sy forum anyway.

    How do I let people know that I am looking for a certain blade? I have seen members get infractions for telling people they are looking for a certain blade. They are told to post in the "Wanted" forum. But has anyone ever been there? Every time I drop in I've heard crickets chirping. There hasn't been a post there for years. Really!
    Click to expand...

    you can post a "want to buy" in the exchange forum.
 
All you HOGs are a great bunch of guys, that's for sure. I have received several e-mails and will get back to you soon. Thank you!

I have never had anyone NOT send a knife to Alaska just because I wasn't CONUS, but some members always put "CONUS only" in their sale threads and I feel obligated to check if that counts AK before I tell them I'll take it.
 
Idaho Jarhead said:
I have never had anyone NOT send a knife to Alaska just because I wasn't CONUS, but some members always put "CONUS only" in their sale threads and I feel obligated to check if that counts AK before I tell them I'll take it.
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That's a good idea. I think I put "lower 48" in my sale threads out of habit more than anything (mainly because of additional shipping expenses elsewhere). However, I'll usually ship anywhere that tracking will follow if the buyer will cover shipping costs.
 
I am flexible as long as the details are known up front. I will ship as long as they will accept responsibility for the package once I have sent it. I will help with anything I can do on my end if there is a problem. That being said....INFI for everyone!
 
As to 1.), in my case it is because CONUS is where I am offering to pay the shipping charges as part of the sale price. Doesn't mean I won't ship to other addresses, ask, but don't be offended if a seller doesn't want to go through the hassle of an overseas shipment. When shipping to a foreign trade zone many things can muck the waters along the way if shipping postal carrier. I have had two issues with outgoing overseas shipments not arriving when shipped USPS, because carrier hands change mid stream. USPS is not an entity in Rome, so your package will "do as the Romans do" and another countries postal does not have to be absolutely accountable for it! This is not to say you can't do it successfully. But, if going overseas with a "package", a single carrier (i.e. UPS or DHL) is safest as they have their own customs brokerage or broker and you have a single point of accountability start to finish.

2.) No idea.

3.) The WTB forums works well. Like others have stated, it simply takes time depending upon that for which you are searching, if ever you find it in some cases.
 
Idaho Jarhead said:
3. How do I let people know that I am looking for a certain blade? I have seen members get infractions for telling people they are looking for a certain blade. They are told to post in the "Wanted" forum. But has anyone ever been there? Every time I drop in I've heard crickets chirping. There hasn't been a post there for years. Really!
Click to expand...

IIRC, registered users cannot view other members "wanted to buy" threads, only paying members (Gold & above???). That's why it seems so dead, however; my quick check shows five new posts today. So....give it a try and good luck finding what you want.
 
GPB said:
As to 1.), in my case it is because CONUS is where I am offering to pay the shipping charges as part of the sale price. Doesn't mean I won't ship to other addresses, ask, but don't be offended if a seller doesn't want to go through the hassle of an overseas shipment. When shipping to a foreign trade zone many things can muck the waters along the way if shipping postal carrier. I have had two issues with outgoing overseas shipments not arriving when shipped USPS, because carrier hands change mid stream. USPS is not an entity in Rome, so your package will "do as the Romans do" and another countries postal does not have to be absolutely accountable for it! This is not to say you can't do it successfully. But, if going overseas with a "package", a single carrier (i.e. UPS or DHL) is safest as they have their own customs brokerage or broker and you have a single point of accountability start to finish.
Click to expand...

That is my point. Alaska is part of the US. There is no overseas shipping involved. There is no carrier change, only the good ol' U.S. Postal employees. I even use greenbacks to buy my stamps. :thumbup:
 
spydie54 said:
IIRC, registered users cannot view other members "wanted to buy" threads, only paying members (Gold & above???). That's why it seems so dead, however; my quick check shows five new posts today. So....give it a try and good luck finding what you want.
Click to expand...

This is news to me. I didn't know this bit of information at all!! That's why I titled this thread as I did. I do plan on becoming a paid member, just going to wait until new years and then pay.

Appreciate it! :thumbup:
 
Idaho Jarhead said:
That is my point. Alaska is part of the US. There is no overseas shipping involved. There is no carrier change, only the good ol' U.S. Postal employees. I even use greenbacks to buy my stamps. :thumbup:
Click to expand...

ive sent several packages to ak and hi, i don't recall any additional charges for the mileage.

maybe there should be, them canucks between us are some nutty folks.

and don't forget the sharks between ca and hi.
 
Idaho Jarhead said:
That is my point. Alaska is part of the US. There is no overseas shipping involved. There is no carrier change, only the good ol' U.S. Postal employees. I even use greenbacks to buy my stamps. :thumbup:
Click to expand...

Right, I'm with you and knew that's what you meant. Shipping to AK & HI is no problem:thumbup:, just wanted to make the point since you brought up CONUS in general why overseas can cause some to hesitate as well.

Traveling with precious metal can be a problem as well. The WTB LMS thread I posted is there because while traveling on business to Baltimore, one of mine got liberated right out of my locked suitcase. Wasn't a good day.
 
I read somewhere on BF about a person using plastic zipties to secure their knife to the frame of their suitcase when they travel. I asked my wife, a TSA nazi, if they would have a problem with that and she thought it was a good idea.

...but still, I just leave mine at home and try not to pout my whole vacation.

GPB, thanks for clearing that up.
 
Well I have'nt had any impossible hurdles with the Conus thing....just get the knife shipped to a sheathmaker who is prepared to ship internationally and get some "pants" at the same time.

It would bug me though if I paid my taxes and Alaska was seen as some sort of foreign country.....I see where your coming from on that one....
 
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