slav
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Katsujin No Ken
Posts: 4,457
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Post by slav on Apr 1, 2010 15:38:56 GMT
As many of you are well aware, Shadow of Leaves is now closed. On the front page, Mike writes:
Thank You All !! For a Wonderful 10 years. Shadow of Leaves is Gone, But Hopefully Not Forgotten. This Domain is now the Property of Others
Best Regards,
Mike
I thought it would be nice if we could let Mike know that SOL will not be forgotten by reflecting upon our experiences and thoughts. Anybody who has dealt with SOL can post some words here if you have any; and perhaps a photo or two of projects that were made possible through Mike's services.
A big thank you to Michael Crampton and Shadow of Leaves!
slav
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slav
Member
Senior Forumite
Katsujin No Ken
Posts: 4,457
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Post by slav on Apr 1, 2010 16:07:24 GMT
Mike, Thank you for putting up with me for the last two years. My indecisiveness my making several separate orders in a day (which you then had to ship out separately--all still for FREE), my visiting outdated pages and ordering things that were out of stock, my questions, the confusion of having other people buy and ship things to my address....and more, I'm sure. I was probably one of your best and worst customers at the same time; but I cannot tell you how appreciative I am for everything you have done for me--for all of us. It is so plainly obvious that you truly loved to teach, provide, and to serve. If "to serve" is what it means to be a Samurai, then you embody that spirit. Shadow of Leaves has allowed me to provide service to others in a similar way; and I hope that someday they may see in me the same dedication that we have all seen in you. Alright, enough mushy stuff. Here is my photo. The wakizashi on top was my first custom mount ever. That old brown sageo was my first purchase from SOL. Below it are my most recent projects; all sporting SOL merch. This is all you, Mike:
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Post by shadowhowler on Apr 1, 2010 16:22:31 GMT
Awesome Slav... Mike: I never did get to order anything from you, which is a shame... but it was very cool to correspond with you and discovered our shared love of Nicholas Linnear.
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Marc Ridgeway
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"The best cost less when you buy it the first time." - Papabear
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Post by Marc Ridgeway on Apr 1, 2010 16:36:29 GMT
All hail the loss of a good and honorable businessman, an amazing resource and a derth of knowledge... Mike, the sword world is poorer without you , and SOL...
Cheers and happy journeys...
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 1, 2010 16:38:06 GMT
So it's finally happened. Shadow of Leaves will be sorely, sorely missed. Mike, you made it possible for my fiance and I to begin a business which served to further our hobby. Several custom swords in our own collection and for friends and customers were made possible in large part because of you. Because of the selection you offered, I was able to put together the koshirae for my ongoing project, the 'cruelty free sword', and you've always been quick to answer questions and to get orders to people. You are an upstanding individual in this community, and we would be happy to welcome you back should you ever try to give it a second go. May the wind always be at your back, my friend. Here's some photos of projects and swords made possible by SoL. From the bottom of our hearts, Thank you.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 1, 2010 19:48:55 GMT
Mike was and remains ever the gentleman, someone whom you felt genuinely invited you into his 'home' even though you may be hundreds/thousands of miles apart. An enthusiast first & foremost, a man of principle who was not shy in standing for what he believed in his heart. Some how, I hope we may see Mike again, it is indeed sad that such an influential chapter within in our community apparently drawn to a close. all the very very best to the best & a fellow Vincent enthusiast Bill
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 1, 2010 21:16:30 GMT
I always got the best service possible from Mike, it's really sad it's over. I would probably not have done customization on the scale I have if it wasn't for SOL. I have only got similar service from Japan.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 1, 2010 22:14:25 GMT
Thank you to SoL; the only problem with my custom projects was that they were so few. Good luck in all you do.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 3, 2010 6:24:58 GMT
Mike-
I made a mistake on the first order from you, but you stood for the difference. You were the only source I had for good mekugi. I'm so sad that SOL is gone. Just be aware that those of us who dealt with you are distressed by the loss of this resource. You are one of a very few who were reputable in your dealings and always tried to help your customers. I will miss you and your business.
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