Would you buy from a bad seller if ...

[OilMan]

I've been wondering about other people's take on this for a while and figured this would be the best place to ask. Would you buy a knife, or anything else for that matter, from somebody that has screwed/upset so many other customers? The names that immediately come up when I think about this are: Reif, Allen Blade, Eichenseer from his interaction with DrDan, I'm sure there are many more.
The thing is I really like some of Reif's designs for folders but wouldn't buy anything directly from him because of what I've read on him. And I've boycotted other makers equipment because of how they talk about/to their customers on forums too. Sadly enough I just bought a folder of someone's that I don't agree with anything he says but I like the design. What's that say about me?

What's your take?

thanks,

Oily

 

[edgetrip]

It certainly doesn't say anything bad about you. There are lots of people that do great things who I don't or wouldn't want to spend time with or even like. Artists often create amazing art but lead lives that many of us might find troubling or upsetting. Personally I try to base my opinions of people upon personal interaction. I would not buy from someone who I knew to be an active racist or who I thought would use my mony to support things I don't believe in but that isn't to say that some people I have known who are racists or abohrent to me in some other way don't make great art or great knives or do some other work that I can appreciate.

 

[Frank]

I wouldn't buy anything from Reif or Allen Blade because they have screwed over multiple people. The DrDan/Eichenseer incident is different because it's a single dispute between two people and since I don't know both sides of the story, I can't make a decision based on the public threads.

 

[DaveH]

I would not buy something from someone that has screwed someone over. To do so is to give approval to their dishonesty, and put greed (owning a knife you like) above principals.

 

[dsvirsky]

There are a lot of great knife makers out there. Why would I give my money (either directly or through a dealer) to Reif and his ilk???

 

[OilMan]

To do so is to give approval to their dishonesty, and put greed (owning a knife you like) above principals.

That was what I was thinking but in better wording.

Thanks for the replies,

Oily

 

[Keith Montgomery]

Would you buy a knife, or anything else for that matter, from somebody that has screwed/upset so many other customers?

My first thought on this was; "Not a chance in hell!", but then I thought about it a little more and my thoughts changed a little. If the maker did everything possible to re-establish a good reputation, then I think I would be willing to give them a chance. I believe in giving a second chance to someone that has done everything they could to deserve it.

 

[faramir]

I wouldn't buy items from those kind of people simply because i wouldn't want to end up ripped off myself. If you're doing the sale in person there's far less of a chane you'd get scammed and then it just boils down to your attitude towards crooks, i don't think anybody could blame you for getting yourself one of the designs you like if you can't get it anywhere else. Besides, why woudl you care what the rest of us think about you anyway ? Just stay safe, don't give them a chance to rip you off.

 

[SIFU1A]

my problem w/a maker w/a bad rep is what if i need some work done on the knife, am i gonna have to worry about getting it back? will he fix it? how much will he charge?? how long?? imho too many good guys to do biz with others..........

 

[Fort Henry Custom Knives]

I agree with SIFU, when you purchase a Maker's work you are buying some of the history of the maker (his design evolution, his knowledge, his application) so there is something of the Maker in that knife. Also, (and more importantly) you are investing in the Maker's future and showing that you have faith that the Maker will care for you and his work should the need arise.

With all that said, I have boycotted several Makers due to their treatment of others (online and offline) and I have boycotted a couple of Makers due to their treatment of me.

You are de otter of your own fat.