So now The Tale be Told.....

Kohai999

Kohai999

Second Degree Cutter
Joined
Jul 15, 2003
Messages
12,554
The Traditional Knife of 2009 was a pain to get produced.

Queen lagged on making it(the Production Manager did not understand the requirement for the wharncliffe blade to be the same length as the clip blade, even though that is what we contracted for.....it is in writing)....we planned on them being able to produce in August/September, they pushed it to LATE October, early November, and then.....told us it would not be ready until first week (maybe) in December.

On December 12th, 2009, or thereabouts, my amigo, and partner-in-crime, Gus Kalanzis blew out his Achilles Tendon:

"Both surgical and nonsurgical treatment will require an initial period of about 6 weeks of casting or special braces. The cast may be changed at 2- to 4-week intervals to slowly stretch the tendon back to its normal length. Casting may be combined with early movement (1-3 weeks) to improve overall strength and flexibility".

Gus got it way worse than that, just so you know.

He INSISTED on having the knives delivered to him.....I disagreed, as Queen said they would handle shipping....but Gus said that you all trusted him to get the knives to you, and if it killed him to get them to you....so be it....the knives were delivered to him a few days before Christmas 2009.

He is simply an example that we should all strive to follow.

I was on the phone and e-mail with Gus to see how he was doing through Christmas and into the New Year.....he sucked up pain, responsibility and duty in equal parts throughout the entire cycle....and everybody got their knives as soon as possible...even the fellows that failed to match up a Forum name with a real life name and address.

Through this whole thing, Gus and I became very close friends, and I thank you all for that gift!

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
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That is awesome that a simple, or not so simple, project between two people who have never met in real life can become such good friends. I am happy for the both of you. Its always good to make new and good friends. Everyone could use more.
 
So now we know, the rest of the story. I got to handle one of those knives and you guys did a fantastic job on it. There is no way I will allow myself to miss out on another.
I hope the gentlemen doing this years model are not having similar problems.
 
I believe Gus is an adocate for knife makers. I appreicate all the work he did to help produce last year's traditional fourm knife. He is an outstanding guy and would be glad to have him visit my shop.
 
Both of your "Blood, Sweat and Tears" show in the end result.....The Blade Forum traditional knife that all others will be compared against! I really appreciate this super knife. 2 :thumbup::thumbup:'s way up!!
 
I think you both did a great job.

I appreciate Gus's sense of personal responsibility and wish that our society would emulate it.
 
STeven I would like to thank you both for all your efforts in producing a really unique BF Traditional Forum knife. :thumbup:

I had no idea of the added angst you had with Queen....... it makes me all the more appreciative.

I am so glad to have purchased 2 and I want to add a special THANK YOU to Gus who hand delivered mine to me at Blade...........:)

Steven
 
STeven and Gus, my thanks to both of you! You both hoed a tough row, with a great harvest.
You have both earned my, and I hope everyone's, respect.
 
the trials these men suffered to accomplish a voluntary project are a tribute to the dedication of some of our guys. i'm proud to be a member of an outfit with such outstanding men.
dennis
 
Always interesting to get the inside story.

All I have to say? Even more reason to thank you two for persevering and getting it done. I cherish my 2009 Forum Knife -- it's a member of the permanent collection.

And now, it has its own war story!:thumbup:
 
Thank You both for all your effort. In the end, rest assured all of us appreciate the work and an exceptional knife.
Jim
 
rickmenefee said:
I believe Gus is an adocate for knife makers. He is an outstanding guy and would be glad to have him visit my shop.
Click to expand...

I think you hit the nail on the head Rick! Many makers here on the forum are benefactors of Gus's interest in handmade knives. I want to thank Gus, STeven, and the many guys and gals here on the forum that make this place what it is.
 
Kohai999 said:
The Traditional Knife of 2009 was a pain to get produced.
Click to expand...

After my own experiences with Queen I would have a hard time believing otherwise, and I really hope the 2010 crew is having a better time of it this year.

Thanks again to you both.
 
crbauhs said:
That is awesome that a simple, or not so simple, project between two people who have never met in real life can become such good friends. I am happy for the both of you. Its always good to make new and good friends. Everyone could use more.
Click to expand...

I met Gus at Blade 2 years ago, we had a few quick minutes to meet and greet. We got together on Friday this year at Blade and I got to go over my entire custom slipjoint collection with Gig, Gus, Kerry and Campbell....probably one of the funnest 1/2 hour I got to spend at Blade.

I'm proud to call him friend, even prouder to be able to do it to his face. I just wanted you guys to know the level of responsibility that he called upon himself with this project. It wasn't easy, but the level of satisfaction that he(and I) feel is well earned.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
I love my forum knife and carry it most of the time. As I have said I really don't have the money to buy a custom made knife (probably never will) and I think this knife was about as custom as they come. My thanks to you both.
 
Thanks again, Steve and Gus, for all the work you put into producing such a great knife. I love mine.
Let's hope that the 2010 knife has an easier ride.
 
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