Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 29, 2021 0:14:01 GMT
Splitting off from a 28-page thread from "Balaur Arms releasing new models".
Is OTC/Shahzeb Ansari the company/person behind Balaur Arms? Or a scammer, or a middle-man? My personal opinion is he's a scammer or a middle-man.
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stormmaster
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I like viking/migration era swords
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Post by stormmaster on Sept 29, 2021 0:54:54 GMT
what happened here? super lost
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Post by ihutch1 on Sept 29, 2021 0:56:06 GMT
I haven't been following the whole story, but I feel kind of relieved I turned down the kriegsmesser when I saw the price. It was also a bit suspicious that the prices quoted for other swords were the same as those at KoA. My experience has been that direct from the source (particularly if it's somewhere such as India), is usually a bit less.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 29, 2021 1:06:15 GMT
Wtf involve KOA? The "issue" is only a couple of weeks old but if the seller is unresponsive then you have an idea of how to proceed. I suppose you also emailed or called Darksword to confirm or deny an association. Me? I just stepped out of an auction because I do prize my money and I was outbid at my maximum. I'm not about to message the seller and make a private bid to avoid the system (in this parable, KOA being the system). I had also posted an OTC website that did appear recently and would suit Shahzeb, his even mentioning OTC India at the SBG fb group. www.iotcusa.net/swords-armory/swords-weaponsEverything may be just fine though. Good luck GC
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Post by Eric Bergeron on Sept 29, 2021 1:15:00 GMT
I don't have any dogs in this fight but what I think when Brother Nate said when he contacted KoA was to just confirm that Shazeb was associated with Balaur/OTC to just confirm they were indeed dealing with the same people. That's at least how I read his post as.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 29, 2021 1:43:34 GMT
So if OTC is exporting to KOA then it is/was ok for OTC to cut out KOA entirely, selling unbranded swords that are the same swords KOA receives.
Okeedokee
edit (rhetorical snort)
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 29, 2021 1:48:12 GMT
BTW, why not invite Shahzeb to participate here?
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Post by Eric Bergeron on Sept 29, 2021 1:51:28 GMT
BTW, why not invite Shahzeb to participate here? I am sure they would love to have him participate, but it sounds like he isn't answering any of members here who contacted him once he received their money, but I would love to see him come here and talk to hear what he has to say.
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Post by snubnoze on Sept 29, 2021 2:26:06 GMT
Nobody was going the Shahzeb route as means to subvert KOA to find a deal, the Kreigsmesser wasn't being offered through KOA, nor was a customized piece. The narrative was that OTC was no longer going to be making Balaur regardless. Shahzeb posted images of a Kreigsmesser that had the aesthetic that I was looking for and a price range I was OK with. That's my only motivation here. This was prompted when people that had purchased from him started communicating with each other and noting that this situation felt shady. Immediate responses prior to sending money, followed by a lack of communication after sending money (weird situation involving the payment as well). I'd love for Shahzeb to show up and be like "You got it all wrong, see here is your sword (insert pic)" or some sort of evidence. I still want that sword, would gladly take it and apologize for the accusation but he literally ghosted all of us. Mine was supposed to be shipped out a week ago according to him. Same with another purchaser. We asked for a tracking number, then an update and have gotten zero responses. I really only bring this up to alert caution as I ignored some early red flags myself, now I'll have to wait on this PayPal claim.
Meanwhile another person on Facebook just sent him money last Friday.
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Post by Hardrada on Sept 29, 2021 2:36:44 GMT
I contacted Shahzeb a few months ago about getting a customised Balaur Arms sword, which he was happy to do, but ended up not going through with it as he wanted full payment up front, and I was not comfortable with doing that. From the sounds of things, that was a good call.
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Post by snubnoze on Sept 29, 2021 2:40:27 GMT
That website appears to be for an importer and has a different business name:
India Overseas Trading Corp. 2750 Raymond Ave. Signal Hill, CA 90755
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Shahzeb Overseas Trading Company Dehradun-248001, India.
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Post by ihutch1 on Sept 29, 2021 2:43:04 GMT
So if OTC is exporting to KOA then it is/was ok for OTC to cut out KOA entirely, selling unbranded swords that are the same swords KOA receives. Okeedokee edit (rhetorical snort)
That's between OTC and KoA. It's impossible to say without knowing the exclusivity of the agreement/contract between them, if one exists at all.
Consider Arma Bohemia or Wulflund: they source from a bunch of makers, and offer their products available immediately on an English language website. However, if you know that a particular piece is made by Pavel Moc, you can go to him directly and order it for less. No one would claim that it is 'wrong' to place an order with Pavel Moc.
If you can buy a food product directly from the maker would it be wrong to cut out the grocery store?
It's just resale, exclusivity isn't always a factor.
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Post by Kane Shen on Sept 29, 2021 2:45:22 GMT
Based on the photos he posted on his FB profile, he probably is the middle-man who has access to the actual maker of Balaur Arms swords, that Reliks sword called the Sword of Courage and the few new Red Dragon steel swords, and KOA and Reliks might have gone through him to import the swords. Overseas Trading Company seems to indicate this is only an exporter, not a maker.
He might not be a scammer but he sure isn't very straightforward with the people who are doing business with him. When I asked about the scabbard for that kriegsmesser, he confirmed they do have scabbard for it. But when I asked for photos of the scabbard he tried to stall, and when I pushed on that, he admitted that they hadn't made any scabbard for the sword.
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Post by Kane Shen on Sept 29, 2021 2:47:25 GMT
That website appears to be for an importer and has a different business name:
India Overseas Trading Corp. 2750 Raymond Ave. Signal Hill, CA 90755
VS
Shahzeb Overseas Trading Company Dehradun-248001, India.
Yeah I don't think these two are the same entity either. One is registered in the US and the swords on that website resemble nothing like the swords posted by Shahzeb. It could be that just the company names are similar, maybe Indians are not too keen on figuring out innovative business names?
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Post by Kane Shen on Sept 29, 2021 2:52:55 GMT
So if OTC is exporting to KOA then it is/was ok for OTC to cut out KOA entirely, selling unbranded swords that are the same swords KOA receives. Okeedokee edit (rhetorical snort)
That's between OTC and KoA. It's impossible to say without knowing the exclusivity of the agreement/contract between them, if one exists at all.
Consider Arma Bohemia or Wulflund: they source from a bunch of makers, and offer their products available immediately on an English language website. However, if you know that a particular piece is made by Pavel Moc, you can go to him directly and order it for less. No one would claim that it is 'wrong' to place an order with Pavel Moc.
If you can buy a food product directly from the maker would it be wrong to cut out the grocery store?
It's just resale, exclusivity isn't always a factor.
Balaur Arms seems to be a brand created by KoA. They can source from anyone for products under that brand.
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Post by alientude on Sept 29, 2021 2:55:23 GMT
Well, that's interesting. I seem to recall seeing KoA mention that they were going to partner with another company to source Balaur Arms, but to have it confirmed as Windlass is new (to me).
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 29, 2021 2:57:06 GMT
what happened here? super lost The "Balaur Arms is releasing new models" thread went for 28 pages. Members wondered if Shahzeb Ansari - of company OTC - has been the manufacturer or distributor behind Balaur Arms. Multiple members reached out to him about different models. He required non-refundable payments at first, then later changed that to refundadable payments. But he hasn't held up. He went silent when members asked about their purchases. Looks like he's either a middle-man or a scam artist trying to leverage Balaur Arms' brand.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 29, 2021 2:57:42 GMT
"The narrative was that OTC was no longer going to be making Balaur regardless." That is not what he indicated and posted to fb. I have posted that screenshot and response transcript from March twice in the other thread. He has since indicated he can produce any of the Balaur swords. He has clearly indicated capable of selling any models yet requested and new models on a yet to be published website. He has since posted he can supply Balaur model swords, including customization. Comments David Schullinger-Krause So, will Balaur continue as well, or be replaced by the new line? · Reply · 9h Shahzeb Ansari Author David Schullinger-Krause god knows what KOA decides, I think it will be know as windlass not balaur arms anymore. · Reply · 8h David Schullinger-Krause Shahzeb Ansari that seems odd. The Balaur swords are awfully popular. I would hate to see them disappear. · Reply · 8h Shahzeb Ansari Author David Schullinger-Krause no who said that, they will remain be in the market but with our official maker’s mark · Reply · 8h David Schullinger-Krause Shahzeb Ansari I misunderstood you. I'm glad they will remain! · Reply · 8h Shahzeb Ansari Author David Schullinger-Krause 🍻 · Reply · 8h Write a reply… Michael Smith To be clear, the existing swords will continue, but no longer under the name Balaur Arms? · Reply · 7h Shahzeb Ansari Author Michael Smith yes · Reply · 7h Tom Hinderman I'm excited to see the new line. Especially the Kriegsmesser! · Reply · 6h Kane Shen This is awesome news. Would love to see some preview of the new models.🙂 · Reply · 6h Shahar Ytzhaik Shahzeb Ansari where can i find details on the new models? I have a sword academy and might be interested in swords for the students · Reply · 5h Shahzeb Ansari Author Shahar Ytzhaik we are working on our online store and soon it will be available for you guys · Reply · 4h Kyle Smith Can't wait to see what you have in store for us! · Reply · 5h Carter Coates Will you offer sharpening when buying directly? · Reply · 4h Shahzeb Ansari Author Carter Coates yes · Reply · 4h Carter Coates Shahzeb Ansari Cant wait! · Reply · 4h Troy Schmidt So you think they will end up being windlass, koa exclusives? Thats interesting. … See More · Reply · 4h Carter Coates Troy Schmidt I like this, but I doubt that will be possible. Swords from India can only be exported with a significant (1mm, 1.5mm) blunt edge. I assume these are being made and exported form India, then shipped to a USA based operation for sharpening/… See More · Reply · 4h Shahzeb Ansari Author Troy Schmidt I am not confirm about KOA but surely it will be in sbg store · Reply · 4h Troy Schmidt Actually,, it doesnt matter if the sword is shipped "sharp" for cutting,, but instead it is important that the sword is shipped so that with a normal set of wetstones, i can finish the edge to a good sharpness. So,, it isnt about being "sharp", as much… See More · Reply · 4h Shahzeb Ansari Author Troy Schmidt perfect, that’s a good opinion. We can add the wetstones for you guys 🍻 · Reply · 4h Troy Schmidt So, option 1 can be a sharpening service akin to koa or museum replicas,,,, it doesnt get a very acute bevel, but it is very durable, easy to reblunt without ruining the sword, and doesnt cost much for the sharpener,,, option 2 would be a single bevel … See More · Reply · 3h Troy Schmidt Windlass swords for example, require a significant amount of work if hand tools are used, to produce a proper single bevel (and cutting performance changes dramatically). Similarly balaur takes a lot.of removal. Basically, i have to buy a new file, and… See More · Reply · 3h Carter Coates Troy Schmidt Right, as I said above, you cannot ship swords out of India with an almost sharp single bevel. They have to have a significant blunt edge which will always require heavy sharpening and a large secondary bevel. This is not something driven … See More · Reply · 3h Troy Schmidt Right,,, thats what i mean. It would be a sharpening service to regring the entire bevel. If you didnt actually finish the job, and just brought it down to pretty close,, then you could still polish it without being careful of the edge. ,,, i am using … See More · Reply · 57m Write a reply… Tim Moen Looking forward to seeing your new site, and especially the new product line. · Reply · 3h Thomas White Thank you · Reply · 3h Write an answer…
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Post by snubnoze on Sept 29, 2021 3:19:22 GMT
When I asked about the scabbard for that kriegsmesser, he confirmed they do have scabbard for it. But when I asked for photos of the scabbard he tried to stall, and when I pushed on that, he admitted that they hadn't made any scabbard for the sword. More evidence that he's being shady as he told me that he could provide a scabbard and I bought the sword under the understanding that one would be included.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 29, 2021 3:25:11 GMT
Looks cut and dry to me. OTC/Shahzeb Ansari is a scammer.
Edelweiss called it long ago. I know this more from my own interactions with Shahzeb Ansari. And when Brother Nathaniel backs it up, it's gospel.
Mr. Shahzeb Ansari can chime if and when he wants to? Not that he's responded to any of my messages...
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