Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 24, 2009 15:26:35 GMT
Whoa..... Why the attack? I apologize for trying to be honest with my inner feelings and for sharing too much of my life (as it is). Apparently I shared just a little too much of my my private life, I will try to refrain from this in the future. I don't see how this is a case of "buyers remorse", I've already stated that I plan to just purchase another sword after I've returned the Bristol (a Tinker Viking) . Yes I changed my mind in regards to my choice of the sword that I want, but so what...KoA's return policy gives me that option and several have already either suggested that or stated that they've done that very thing. I also don't understand why the attack in regards to Sonny and his representation of VA and their wonderful customer service and support. I've already stated that the sword was being returned to KoA. Sonny and VA will probably never see that sword again and I'm sure whoever gets it next will be happy with it. I really do understand what Sonny and his commitment has done for the sword community. I may be new to this industry, but I can still read about how far it's come due to his involvement. It was only my inexperience with the manufacturing of swords at this level that prompted the thread in the first place. I just needed to understand what was acceptable and what was not, Sonny and others have more than answered that for me, and I thank everyone for that! In the manufacturing industry that I've just come from, if an item that we received from our suppliers wasn't made to print, it wasn't right. There was very little grey area. I'm just not used to "hand-made/forged" blades and the variances that are inherent in their manufacture. Again, thanks to all who have given me their advise, suggestions and positive critisism. Kevin
|
|
|
Post by YlliwCir on Sept 24, 2009 17:13:29 GMT
I don't see it as being about Sonny or VA in general. The sword was purchased from KOA and here's what KOA's return policy states; We offer a 45 day return policy. If you are unhappy with an item for any reason, you may return it to us within 45 days from when you received it for a full refund or credit, minus shipping costs. Simply email or call us to get a return authorization. Note: Returns must arrive in the same condition they were received, with all original accessories and boxes. We can not accept items that have been "used" or otherwise damaged. Note the part that says "for any reason". This is a big reason why I shop KOA first and why they will be my first stop when shopping in the future. I've returned swords just because I didn't like how they looked or felt in hand after I handled them in person. From what I've seen of this one, I'd have already returned it.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 24, 2009 20:20:14 GMT
Ahh Ric, you practicality and wisdom could be a lesson to us all.
But he is right. I bought a sword from KoA today and even tho I thought I'd have enough room on the grip, it was just to cramped for useage. I sent them an email and they said: "No problem. Please send the item back to us at: Kult Of Athena 1424 Davis Rd Elgin IL 60123 Please make sure to pack it well to avoid damage and include a copy of your invoice and a short note stating that you would like a refund. Once it arrives, we'll take care of it for you."
They didn't even want to know what I found wrong with it or any hassle for that matter. KoA will defiantly be my first choice for sword buying in the future as well.
|
|
|
Post by Brendan Olszowy on Sept 25, 2009 6:20:57 GMT
Ahh, my bad. I didn't know KOA were so liberal with returns. I've never bought from them.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 25, 2009 6:48:11 GMT
Yeah they're a pretty good company.
M.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 25, 2009 14:40:28 GMT
...just an update to All: according to UPS the Bristol is "out for delivery" to KoA...and I'm currently working with Sonny, to purchase a custom job from the Custom Sword Shoppe!
|
|
|
Post by Tom K. (ianflaer) on Sept 26, 2009 15:11:26 GMT
oooo a customized tinker. THAT's the way to go with these H/T swords. should be very nice. can't wait to hear your thoughts on this one.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 26, 2009 19:38:29 GMT
I'm actually VERY excited with the prospect of owning a "tuned" sword from Sonny's shop! Having seen what they've already produced (show-cased on the Custom Sword Shoppe forums). I think that this was a brilliant bit of business savvy on Sonny's part. Using his highly trained staff to do custom work during the "down" time in between Signature sword batches.
|
|
|
Post by Eaglehawk on Sept 26, 2009 21:56:47 GMT
So is it being tuned or customized or both? He had told me that some customs he was working on where having blade work done on them. If so, what is he charging for the work?
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 27, 2009 4:24:42 GMT
Well I placed an order for a custom tuned C/H Tinker Longsword with custom leather scabbard and baldric, I think sonny's lot is working on it now we've been trading emails over the particulars. The price I'll keep quiet until we talk about that towards the end but Sonny is doing very very very very very very veeeerrrrryyyyyy well by my requests, at least thats how I feel. I will share more when I come to do a review here.
Thats the idea folks, we all sing Sonny's praises and no ones earnt it more, but I'm putting my money where my mouth is with Sonny by supporting his business and with more then a sub 300 ............ I'm not a yank but I like to support American business ........ and I love most Hanwei stuff particular the C/H Tinker Line designed by Michael Pearce ......... so this is my little way of supporting both parties ........
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 27, 2009 15:15:54 GMT
...actually having read that my interests had turned toward Viking swords, Sonny offered to sell me the Custom Tinker Viking that he had show-cased on the Custom Sword Shoppe forums. I really can't discuss prices at the moment, unless Sonny gives the okay. I would suggest giving him a PM.... I had a phone conversation with him this last week concerning his proposed offering and I felt that, for the amount of work done to the base sword and scabbard, it was quite a deal that he offered me! The man has very good business sense....
|
|
|
Post by Tom K. (ianflaer) on Sept 27, 2009 17:07:50 GMT
he offered you. . . did you turn the offer down? is the sword therefor, still available?
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 27, 2009 22:35:40 GMT
...turned his offer down? HECK NO! I really do want that Viking! We just haven't finalized everything yet. The sword itself is done (I believe) and the scabbard is almost done. I'm waiting for word back from him as I PM'd him over on the Custom Sword Shoppe forum last Friday as he requested.
|
|
|
Post by Sonny Suttles on Sept 28, 2009 1:44:06 GMT
I just wanted to clear something up here. I don't want to give anyone the wrong impression as to what we are doing. We are NOT "Tuning" the swords. What we are doing is refining the finish on the blades. I am not sure why but the Blades that I have seen so far have a rougher finish than I am used to. Not criticizing, just an observation. Anyway I decided that when we redid the swords for the samples I would smooth out the face of the blades and touch up the edge where needed. Again, I may have seen earlier models of the Swords and they may not need any edge touch up going forward. What we are mainly offering, and by we I mean (The Custom Sword Shoppe, I am trying to run this separately from VA), is customized leather and handles and belts at production prices. The idea as I have said before is to keep my leather guys busy between shipments, offer quality products to our customers and promote the medieval sword market in general. I hope this is clear. And please, in the future when referring to these projects, refer to the Custom Sword Shoppe, not VA.
Thanks so much to all of you guys. It would be very difficult in this economy for there to be a Valiant Armoury or a Custom Sword Shoppe without you guys and folks like Paul and his site.
Well, that my 2 cents.
Sonny
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 28, 2009 4:29:04 GMT
Yeah sorry Sonny, tuned was the wrong term but the blades see a slightly nicer finish which is just swell in my books. Also good to hear the grounds on the CSS. Suppose we should think of this venture in the long term. Brilliant stuff
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 28, 2009 11:59:17 GMT
Mea Culpa...sorry Sonny, I believe that I was the one to use the term first in this thread. I will refrain from using it regards to your custom swords in the future. Thanks for your clarification! ...and your "2 cents", is (are) worth a million. ;D
Kevin
|
|
|
Post by Tom K. (ianflaer) on Sept 30, 2009 0:15:08 GMT
ah-ha! I thought that was what was meant by tuning.
I have seen two of this line of sword and they have both had quite a rough finish so I think getting it touched up by the Custom sword shoppe would be a real bonus and probably worth their extra cost all by itself. then add all the pretty leather work and it's a really sweet thing.
thanks for piping up Sonny
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 3, 2009 3:14:30 GMT
I had a John Lundemo custom forged Boromir style sword. Everything was hand made, hand tooled, forged (well, gas hammer forged) etc.
There was also a gap at the guard.
Seriously, on a strong strike, and with a heavy torque, I wouldn't want the guard digging up against the blade. True, it would be an extreme bend for the sword to do that, but when you see swords striking objects in slow motion, you'd be surprised just how much movement there is, our eyes just can't detect it.
In the end, it's a tiny, TINY deal to have a 2-4mm gap unless it was structurally unsound.
|
|
|
Post by YlliwCir on Oct 3, 2009 16:44:20 GMT
I agree, the gap wasn't an issue for me as long as it was even. That off center tang put me off tho. Probably structurally okay but if I'd bought from a place with a good return policy, like KOA, I'd a sent it back just for my own piece of mind. Yeah, I'm a little OCD.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 4, 2009 16:12:31 GMT
...I can be a little OCD myself when it comes to things that I buy... I was fixated too much on the pretty perfect images that are used to sell the swords...I kept wondering, "why isn't mine like that?". Just me being a little ignorant and naive I guess. I do have to say that for a $200 sword, I found very little wrong with my Gen 2 Gladius. I do love that sword!....can ya tell? ...well, I've already received my refund from KoA...I'm now waiting for Sonny to tell me that the custom Tinker Viking is complete so that I can send him some money (the waiting is KILLING ME!).
|
|