Ripped Off by Dustin Turpin Knives– Deal with Caution.

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Disappointing and pretty poor show of character and integrity by the maker.
I don't really understand the point of any legal action or such as suggested by others here. That is just time consuming and emotionally exhausting
If you are collecting Rolex's etc, you aren't really even going to miss $3,500.

I think it's alot more of the way you feel about how you were treated.
It's a total bad taste in your mouth. I mean do you even want those knives anymore? I wouldn't, they are almost worthless IMO.
You feel abused and taken advantage of.
Only Dustin can make this right by you if he wants to.
 
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HSC /// said:
Disappointing and pretty poor show of character and integrity by the maker.
I don't really understand the point of any legal action or such as suggested by others here. That is just time consuming and emotionally exhausting
If you are collecting Rolex's etc, you aren't really even going to miss $3,500.

I think it's alot more of the way you feel about how you were treated.
It's a total bad taste in your mouth. I mean do you even want those knives anymore? I wouldn't, they are almost worthless IMO.
You feel abused and taken advantage of.
Only Dustin can make this right by you if he wants to.
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Thanks for your comments. Please understand that I don't make a ton of money, I am a middle-class kinda guy with a fairly good salary so the Rolex Sub represented a lot of money to me. I am not "rich" by anyone's definition. But, you are right that this is more about the principle of the thing than the money per se.

I do feel like he has taken advantage of my good nature and willingness to cut him slack again and again. Now that I am finally holding him accountable - at least via the knife boards - he is angry, I guess. Frankly, I should have done this awhile ago.

In the interest of full disclosure, I am a second-career attorney so if I want to go the legal route, I know what I need to do. I spent my first career as a teacher and social worker working with inner city gang kids and then went to law school later in life. I don't want to make this a legal matter; I still hope that when he sees that other people than just me feel he has not handled this fairly, he may decide to do the right thing.

I am not about making threats and am not going to grab anything that does not belong to me -- I just wanted people to know what has happened and to perhaps encourage Dustin to resolve this quickly and fairly, that is all.

Again, I appreciate everyone's advice and for taking the time to read all of this. Means a lot.

Thanks.
 
I posted this same message on the Green forum as well...hopefully it will be of use here as well:

Thank you Dale for posting this thread. I'm so sorry to hear of your loss on the watch...maybe he'll make good on the other pieces. I also have an "issue" with Dustin.

I was/am one of those "lucky" people that got on his list (25 spots) over two years ago this past February and paid a $100 deposit. We (some of the folks on the list) made some waves last fall and Dustin made us some promises and then fell off the radar...again!! This seems to be Dustin's modus operandi...get behind in work, claim some issue, malady, disorder, condition, syndrome, sickness, etc. and then offer a piece up for auction on IG, build things for other folks, etc. I understand that making knives for people is a lot tougher than making whatever one wants but that was the deal...honor it, make good, and move on...period!

Anyway, I just wanted to share my little issue with Dustin. I would still like to have a knife instead of the refund but at this point I don't think either will be forthcoming...lesson learned.
 
It makes you wonder what "logic" some of these makers seem to use when they have outstanding orders, and they are still selling knives outside of their order list.
 
Dale thanks for posting and long overdue IMO, we've had a couple conversations about him as I've also been on his "list" for almost as long although no money has exchanged hands.

This guy is a real piece of work and i believe it's about time someone calls him out on his B.S.

Hope it works out for you in the end, good luck bro, god i hate thieves!
 
Would it not be interesting to reach and contact dear ole dad and let him know exactly what happened... If I was his dad I would would return the watch to you and let his son feel the heat.... Good point Joe
 
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TinyDog said:
Would it not be interesting to reach and contact dear ole dad and let him know exactly what happened... If I was his dad I would would return the knife to you and let his son feel the heat.... Good point Joe
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Post of the day!
 
lawfor said:
Thanks for your comments. Please understand that I don't make a ton of money, I am a middle-class kinda guy with a fairly good salary so the Rolex Sub represented a lot of money to me. I am not "rich" by anyone's definition. But, you are right that this is more about the principle of the thing than the money per se.

I do feel like he has taken advantage of my good nature and willingness to cut him slack again and again. Now that I am finally holding him accountable - at least via the knife boards - he is angry, I guess. Frankly, I should have done this awhile ago.

In the interest of full disclosure, I am a second-career attorney so if I want to go the legal route, I know what I need to do. I spent my first career as a teacher and social worker working with inner city gang kids and then went to law school later in life. I don't want to make this a legal matter; I still hope that when he sees that other people than just me feel he has not handled this fairly, he may decide to do the right thing.

I am not about making threats and am not going to grab anything that does not belong to me -- I just wanted people to know what has happened and to perhaps encourage Dustin to resolve this quickly and fairly, that is all.

Again, I appreciate everyone's advice and for taking the time to read all of this. Means a lot.

Thanks.
Click to expand...

^ I hope that Dustin, does resolve your issue, very soon. You've been patiently waiting long enough!



Liberty43 said:
I posted this same message on the Green forum as well...hopefully it will be of use here as well:

Thank you Dale for posting this thread. I'm so sorry to hear of your loss on the watch...maybe he'll make good on the other pieces. I also have an "issue" with Dustin.

I was/am one of those "lucky" people that got on his list (25 spots) over two years ago this past February and paid a $100 deposit. We (some of the folks on the list) made some waves last fall and Dustin made us some promises and then fell off the radar...again!! This seems to be Dustin's modus operandi...get behind in work, claim some issue, malady, disorder, condition, syndrome, sickness, etc. and then offer a piece up for auction on IG, build things for other folks, etc. I understand that making knives for people is a lot tougher than making whatever one wants but that was the deal...honor it, make good, and move on...period!

Anyway, I just wanted to share my little issue with Dustin. I would still like to have a knife instead of the refund but at this point I don't think either will be forthcoming...lesson learned.
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^ The fact that he continues to make & sell knives to others (while ignoring people like you & the OP who've been waiting 2+ years), is putting it mildly: reprehensible!

What I find the most interesting: is the fact that there hasn't been one "positive" testimonial, or person defending this maker (Dustin Turpin).

Dustin Turpin:
BladeForums HALL OF SHAME, or successful knife maker. NOW, is the time to turn things around, & get your business on the right track. Do the right thing!
 
brancron said:
Are you kidding me? This is exactly the kind of information that this sub is made for: letting the knife community know who the scumbags are who should be avoided at all costs. It would be irresponsible of the OP not to let people know publicly!
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Well said. At some point you have to give in, not only to protect others but to hopefully force the offenders hand in your favor! I have been aware of this situation for some time now and I can tell you that this is extremely painful for Dale. He did not want to do this and he tried to avoid having to do this for a long time. He is one of the most stand up guys that I know on or outside of the forums. Dustin was given every opportunity to make this right and used every excuse in the book until the end. Good luck Dale!
 
Liberty43 said:
I posted this same message on the Green forum as well...hopefully it will be of use here as well:

Thank you Dale for posting this thread. I'm so sorry to hear of your loss on the watch...maybe he'll make good on the other pieces. I also have an "issue" with Dustin.

I was/am one of those "lucky" people that got on his list (25 spots) over two years ago this past February and paid a $100 deposit. We (some of the folks on the list) made some waves last fall and Dustin made us some promises and then fell off the radar...again!! This seems to be Dustin's modus operandi...get behind in work, claim some issue, malady, disorder, condition, syndrome, sickness, etc. and then offer a piece up for auction on IG, build things for other folks, etc. I understand that making knives for people is a lot tougher than making whatever one wants but that was the deal...honor it, make good, and move on...period!

Anyway, I just wanted to share my little issue with Dustin. I would still like to have a knife instead of the refund but at this point I don't think either will be forthcoming...lesson learned.
Click to expand...

What is the Green forum?
 
whitedog3322 said:
Well said. At some point you have to give in, not only to protect others but to hopefully force the offenders hand in your favor! I have been aware of this situation for some time now and I can tell you that this is extremely painful for Dale. He did not want to do this and he tried to avoid having to do this for a long time. He is one of the most stand up guys that I know on or outside of the forums. Dustin was given every opportunity to make this right and used every excuse in the book until the end. Good luck Dale!
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Thank you, Mark. Frankly, this has just turned into one huge headache. But I do feel better finally putting this out in the open.
 
Dale, your character shines through your words. It's obvious you are an honest, stand up guy and I'll bet this is the last thing you wanted to do. It seems you almost feel bad by sharing this........DON'T!!! And please don't let his response, so predictable, change your mind on future action you MUST take......and soon!!
I see shit like this happen EVERY day!! I'm in HVAC......wanna see some real thieves?? Nothing wrong with an AC unit in a 75 year old widow's house..........and some piece of garbage will convince her she needs a new system for $15,000.
Don't let it go Dale!

PS....mad respect for going back to law school bro!!
Joe
 
palonej said:
Dale, your character shines through your words. It's obvious you are an honest, stand up guy and I'll bet this is the last thing you wanted to do. It seems you almost feel bad by sharing this........DON'T!!! And please don't let his response, so predictable, change your mind on future action you MUST take......and soon!!
I see shit like this happen EVERY day!! I'm in HVAC......wanna see some real thieves?? Nothing wrong with an AC unit in a 75 year old widow's house..........and some piece of garbage will convince her she needs a new system for $15,000.
Don't let it go Dale!

PS....mad respect for going back to law school bro!!
Joe
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Thanks a bunch, Joe. Yeah, I guess in a really weird way I do feel bad about posting it. I am pissed at what he has done, but I am not a vindictive person. I just wish he'd do the right thing.

I know lawyers get a pretty bad rap and often it is deserved. But I went because I truly beleoive the law can be a tool for good and to force those who would screw over others with no consequence accountable.

Ironically, most of my free legal work has been on behalf of knife makers who were having some kind of legal problem; not against them!

--Dale
 
I wish you practiced in my state my friend!
I was trying to figure out if you were a lawyer OR a nice guy.........
Sorry........couldn't resist!!
[emoji1][emoji1]
Joe


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