 |
 |
Jay Maines |
Testimonials - Letters to Jay Maines
Jay,
I don’t even know where to start. The boar hunting knife has been a dream come true. My grand father taught me how to make knives along time ago and I know workmanship when I see it. Most people don’t believe me when I tell them I don’t use a gun for boar hunting I only use the knife you made me but that doesn’t bother me. Jay the knife you made me is the pinnacle of my collection and will remain an heirloom in my family and as long as that knife exists. And if there is a breath in me I will sing your praise every time I show it to someone else (which is quite often). I would imagine the pigs down here fear your name, please sir keep up the good work.
Respectfully, Buck
G'Day, Jay,
My bowie knife was waiting for me when I got home from work today. A strange feeling. It was so different from the damaged old crock that I sent you, and EXACTLY what I had pictured in my head when we discussed restoring it. The micarta is sealed against the salt spray, yet still has the roughness I asked for to improve grip. I ran a magnifying glass over the work, and found the fit and finish to be excellent. The crossguard is precisely as I asked for, and you were quite right about moving the thong hole further up the grip. It will mean that I can cut safely at sea with the lanyard attached. No chance of losing a second knife to the Indian Ocean! As for the sheath, I'm not sure which is better, the design or the execution. I particularly like the little things that didn't really show up in the sheath pictures on your Web page. The way the blade is protected from the metal press stud by the extra layer of leather, and the little drain hole at the back of the sheath. Did you do that because this is a sea-going knife, or is it part of your regular design? A nice touch, anyway. So, you turned a damaged working knife into "better than new" and it looks pretty stylish, too. That's the good news. The bad news is that "Number-One Son" says it makes his belt knife look pretty shabby, and wouldn't an "upgrade" be a great birthday present? I'd hoped to get away with a birthday card, and a warm handshake. Looks like it'll be costing me money after all.....Talk soon. Best wishes.
Stephen
Jay, the knife is here, the photos aren't yet. So you were right. Customs had opened the package, and had a good look-through, but your repair wording on the package and the broken bits of handle helped make it clear that it wasn't a new knife. Thank you very much. Please feel free to use the above note on your Web page if you think it suitable. My son really is interested in a fancy belt knife. He has been talking about a desert ironwood grip, with brass hardware. I'll be in touch again very soon. Thanks again. The knife is perfect.
Stephen
Jay,
Your custom sheath arrived today (12-26) and is awesome. My brother saw it and could hardly get himself to put it down. I am extremely happy with your work and will refer customers to you when the topic comes up in conversation; I am going to suggest to my parents that they purchase one of your skinners for my brother as a birthday or Christmas present... he's quite the outdoorsman and might literally become temporarily incontinent if he were to unwrap one of your knives, ha, ha. Jay, thanks again.
Warm regards, Jim Glessner
Jay,
Arrived today! It's just great! I'm impressed!! Handle is perfect!!! I'll keep you posted!!! Many, many thanks!!!!!
Ed
Jay,
The mailman came about a half hour ago, and brought my knife. I would have written you sooner, but I had to play with it for awhile, you know what I mean. Ya know, some people say they're artists, then you have the ones who really are. You, my man, are among the latter. I was speechless about the handle, it's more than what I could have imagined. You were right, the color scheme is great and the sheath is also more than what I could have expected. Now I know why you were so excited. This is truly a unique knife and now it's MINE!!! I don't want to sound like a crazy man, but this is the only knife like this in the world. I like that. Thanks, Jay, I owe you a tall, cool one someday. I'm super happy with the knife. Looking forward to seeing it on the internet. Again, many thanks and you will be hearing from me again.
Regards, Steve
Hi Jay,
I received my Gurkha Kukri with a new handle yesterday afternoon. I must say the new handle looks fantastic. The handle fits just right on my hand and I really like the finger grooves (and the guard and the pommel). I hope I am not being biased but I think this project turned out better than the Trailmaster project shown on your Web. Thanks for all your help.
Paul
Hi Jay,
I was talking with our Saltwater Fishing Guide, Ron Brooks, back in April at an About.com conference in Atlanta, about your knives. We both agreed they're the best we've ever had, and we're very happy with them. I continue to use mine whenever the need arises, such as on a fishing trip a couple months ago. Just the thing for chopping the heads off catfish through all that tough bone. Still holding an edge just fine, and none the worse for wear at all!!!
Best Regards, Russ Chastain, About.com Guide to Hunting
Jay,
Thanks again for showing Nate and I your incredible art. I have spent the last couple days going through your knife links and feel I have been forever spoiled by discovering your knives first. There is nothing out there that could compare to your Texas Ranger Saddle Bowie! I also have an even greater appreciation for your leather sheaths - no one else even comes close. I keep thinking if these other guys see your work they would be slightly embarrassed. You not only have the best knives but also the best photography and definitely the best Web site, and easiest to use! I hope you don't feel I am exaggerating in the least, I am an artist and feel I have very demanding taste.
Thanks, Brent
Hi Jay,
I'm very HAPPY today because the knife has arrived! I don't have the right word to explain my happiness! Your knife is very beautifull and very GOOD product, I compare your knife to the Randall knife and I don't find a difference! Believe me, I Iike very,very much your knife and compliment also for the shipping box! I think, to buy another knife from you. Please if you have send me a list of the knife in available in this moment. Thank you for your professionality and good Xmas in advance.
Maiocchi Fausto, Milano, Italy
Jay,
I received the knife today. It is beautiful! The workmanship is incredible. It is probably the best gift I have given to my husband. I am glad that you enclosed a brochure. I'm sure my husband will want to show it to his fishing buddies. Thanks again for your help. I am thrilled to death over the knife!!
Kim Kane
Jay,
I just have to say I am extremely happy and impressed with your work! When I first took the knife out, I had to look at it for a few minutes because it looked so different from how it was before: micarta handles, beautiful black sheath (left-handed of course!) and sharpening rod pouch with sharpener. I'm almost upset I didn't ask you to mirror polish the blade as well! :) I appreciate your work and hope to do business with you in the future! You won't believe how many right handed sheaths I have! :)
Jerome
Dear Mr. Maines,
A few days ago I received the Maxi Skinner, It is an excellent knife. I am extremely pleased with it. The sheath is very well made and very strong. I also like the fact that the belt loop is just as big as it needs to be, but no more; it lets one keep a pretty substantial knife in a compact sheath. The knife if beautiful, comfortable to hold and very useful. The thing I like most about it is its wide blade with a high grind. The tapered tang is also very nice. I like the knife so much in fact that I may order more Maxi-Skinners later. The Kingwood handle in the Maxi Skinner is very beautiful, with very attractive grain. If I order more Maxi Skinners later, I will take advantage of the wide range of woods you offer, and order those knives in other types of wood. Your excellent Web site will let me know the prices and other details that may be of interest.
Javier Paredes, Valladolid, Spain, September 18, 2001
Jay,
This is Clint in Gainesville...sorry I haven't gotten back with you sooner regarding the two custom fillet knives you made for me. Barry and I really enjoy the performance of these knives. Unless you've spent hours slicing through a pile of grouper, snapper and seabass, it would be hard to figure how a particular design of a knife would make a difference, but yours certainly does. No one will ever forget where they were on September 11, 2001. Me and four of my best friends returned to port that Tuesday afternoon with a boat load of grouper and snapper ..... at 3 p.m. we tied up at the fuel dock and were told of the unbelievable tragedy our nation suffered that morning ... after filling up the Parker, we proceeded to the cleaning table ... Barry and I zipped through 2:1 (compared to our buddies) on the fish using our Sunrise River fillet knives. They're admired so much that I want to order another - this time with a standard right hand scabbard, neoprene handle slabs, and on the right side of the blade engraved "Flats Warrior." Shoot me back an e-mail when you receive this so I can find out your back log and how much the piece will be.
Kindest regards, Clint, Gainesville, Florida
Hi Jay...It's Anne-g,
Steve got his knife today and he loves it!!! Big Score. Big Hit. It is gorgeous. He is very happy and I am happier still. It is really great Jay, thank you so much. I am sure when "the guys" see it, you will get more inquiries. Happy Easter...we will be in touch.
Ann-g
Jay,
I received my knife in the mail today. You did an OUTSTANDING job on it. I could not be more satisfied with the knife, I am especially impressed that you in effect "restored" it without making it look new. Believe me, as an antique nut I know how HARD that is to do. To be able to do so is a tribute to your skill as a craftsman. I like the sheath also. I didn't realize how bad mine was until I saw yours. My son Thomason is 2 and 1/2. I expect to leave it to him one day. i appreciate the care you gave to this future gift to my son.
Take care, Robert, Valdosta, GA
Hi Jay,
Thanks for getting my order finished so quickly. It is a very impressive work of art. Especially thanks for dyeing the sheath black. It matches the ebony handle perfectly. I am proud to own it and look forward to displaying it for my friends to see.
Sincerely, a very satisfisfied customer, Tom
Jay,
Thanks for the quick service on the knife you sent, it came yesterday, wow! The knife, sheath and case are all beautiful! You build a great knife. I really like the walnut handles too. Everything about it right down to the engraving is first class workmanship. Thanks again, I'll look forward to doing business again!
Gary
Jay,
You are a true craftsman. That old western hunter looks fantastic. The wood matches the spacers perfectly (fit and color) and we were able to keep so much of the original knife - everything looks terrific. It looks great for a 55 year old knife. It means a lot to me to have this knife restored since it belonged to my Dad and the etching will be part of his legacy. I'll be contacting you late summer. I have two boys and would like you to build something I can hand down to both of them. We'll discuss that later. Thanks again.
Best Wishes, Jay Brown
Good afternoon Jay,
I received my Maxi Skinner on Friday afternoon. It truly was more than I had expected. I love the feel, especially the weight. She really feels nice, like you're holding a trusted tool. The handle is beautiful! The buffalo horn has just enough accents in it to really turn heads. The sheath is definitely something like I have never seen before. I love it. Thank you for all of your hard work. I know this is something that I will have forever! I am comfortable in saying that after I show this baby off here in the desert, you will have some other customers ringing you up to place their orders. Thanks again! Have a fabulous day!
Bridger Christiansen, Bullfrog, Utah
Jay,
My chef's knife arrived yesterday. It is beautiful; a work of art, actually. Thank you so much for the gorgeous restoration. I hate to use it, but I will and I promise to take good care of it. Thanks again, and special thanks for repairing the blade.
Holly Greene
Received a beautiful Bowie........
But I'm afraid that you've sent me someone else's knife!!!! The knife you sent me has the most beautiful set of handles and the sheath is not the old misfitting piece of lifeless leather that I sent you. This knife is a one of a kind, a work of art!! It clearly could not be the knife that I sent you a couple of weeks ago!!! BUT........IT IS!!!!!! Jay.....You have earned my trust and respect. I now have the "one of a kind" Bowie that I've always wanted. Please except my gratitude and thank you so much for devoting your time and talent to my piece. I will tell everybody that views my Bowie who the artist was who created such a "One of a Kind."
Your friend J.T.
P.S. You've always got a place to stay if you want to visit sunny Florida!!!!
Jay,
Received the knife from the postman. It is beautiful and indeed a piece of artwork. Your skills are impressive. Thanks so much. Really enjoyed the project -- especially the results!
Sincerely, S. Macpherson
Jay,
The #15 arrived yesterday. It is beautiful!! Whoever said that it only costs a little more to go 1st class was sure right when it comes to your knives. The blade is beautiful. It's hard to stop looking at it. It feels great in my hand. With my index finger under the German silver it balances perfectly. Holding the knife in various ways it seems to be anatomically correct for point work, skinning, slicing, long cuts and probably defense if need be. So, this is what a sheath should look like. Sheaths are a weak point with all of my other knives. I really like this one. My philosophy is that the best knife to have is the one that you have with you when you need a knife. When I am outside this one will be on my belt. I should also mention that the wood, while beautiful, gives the knife a personality. I like that.
Phil
Hello Jay,
Just a note to let you know that my knife was delivered yesterday . It was superbly well packed and arrived as you posted - top condition. I can't believe it - Aus customs didn't even inspect - a bloody miracle. Anyway I'm delighted with the knife - it looks great, feels great and it's sharp enough to split a hair. Thanks mate, a beautiful product - something to be proud of. Let's start a new project soon. Once again, thanks heaps.
Sincere best regards, Ashley
WOW!
That's my first impression after opening the box today, Jay! People have described me as being hard to please, but your work on my knife goes above and beyond my expectations. Functional art would be an apt description. You have certainly undersold yourself on this one.
Very impressed in Texas, Brian Fondren
Jay,
Just a quick note as I have a very busy day. The steak knife is awesome, works like a dream. It takes an edge wonderfully and fits my hand perfectly. I've had many compliments on it and even had a waiter try to make off with it, claiming that it belonged to the restaurant. Thanks for your hard work and I'm sure we'll be doing business again soon.
Tom
Dear Jay,
Gary here. The sheath that you made for the model #19 arrived today and is great. I think that it will last as long as the knife (also a beautiful piece of work). I want to thank you for such timely and nice work on it. I really enjoy the sheaths that you make for your knives because they appear as well made as the knives themselves. They are certainly heavy duty and should last anyone for many, many years of good service.
Gary
Wooooooohhoooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!
What a knife that is! It has not left my sight since yesterday! When I got it, I went over to the construction dept. at my work and I tell you they would not let me leave. In fact one of the guys grabbed the brochure from me and that was the last I saw of it!!! So you'll probably be hearing from someone else from the same area as me!! Jay thanks a lot for all your hard work. This knife is, in my eyes, better than any painting or sculpture!!! You are an artist!
Sincerely, Jason Campus
P.S. Is it to early to order my Tanto?? Let me know how you want to do it!
Hello Sir,
I received the knife today, wow! nice work... I let my son open the box and he thought it was just great. I have e-mailed my brother in Oregon the before and after pictures. I know he will think the same as I do "Outstanding Work" and fine craftsmanship. Mr. Maines, I think I am going to order a new knife from you. The Hunter Bowie with the Stag Handle. I need to save some for it, but seriously intend on buying one. What is cost of the knife with sheath? If you have the time to let me know I would appreciate it. Thanks again for the effort and the attention to detail that you put into my Dad's old, now like new knife.
Sincerely, Jack Hill
Sir,
Your #26 Chef's knife arrived in today's mail and I could not be more pleased. Thank you, not only for prompt service, but also for a beautiful knife that slices the hell out of a tomato. It's certainly a pleasure to run across a well-made easy- handling knife such as you have provided to me. It's a pleasure to do business with you and I wish you all the best.
John R. Dupuy
Hi Jay,
I just received my knife and it is a beauty! Great workmanship! I now understand the difference between a good quality custom knife and one off the shelf. It’s an amazing talent you have. Now, I’ve been known to do more damage than good to knives when keeping an edge on them. Is there any advice you can give me as to what type of stone works well with this steel? What angle would you recommend? Thanks for your help and Merry Christmas!
Remo
Mr. Maines,
I received the knife yesterday and it is absolutely stunning!! The size is perfect, not too small but not to gaudy. The shoulder harness is awesome! It will take hours of admiring the craftsmanship before I will be able to actually use the knife! It is that beautiful. Thank you very much for that work of art (you call it a knife)!
Sincerely, Derek VanHoose
P.S. I had a few questions about knife care. How do you suggest your knives should be stored, for short periods and long periods of time? Also, what do you recommend for cleaning it say after field dressing a deer?
Hello Derek,
Feel free to call anytime. 651-462-5301
Jay
Wow! It is done already! I really appreciate all your hard work. I do not think I can wait the 6-8 weeks, so I can give a call today or tomorrow to pay for it whichever you prefer. If you get this e-mail Monday, then I will call sometime in the afternoon. I am actually going home for the holidays in two weeks and plan on doing some bow hunting. Hopefully, if I receive the knife by then I can take it home and "test" it on a deer! Well, have a nice day and hope to hear from you soon.
Sincerely, Derek
Hello Derek,
Good news. I had a few days off over the Turkey Day holiday, and spent the time working on your knife. This last week I built your sheath and shoulder harness, and finished them today. If you like I can hold them for the 6-8 weeks I had first quoted you as a completion date or I can send them out to you whenever you're ready. Your choice.
By the way, the Bowie turned out "sweet!!" I've taken a few photos of it and will have them posted on my Web site for all the world to see.
Best Regards, Jay Maines
Jay,
I received the Puma yesterday and I have to tell you that it is absolutely beautiful! How do you manage it? I was so disappointed with that purchase and just knew that it wouldn’t look good again. You have made it look beautiful again. The grind lines are all still there and the PUMA logo was not touched at all. This knife was made in 1967 and if it didn’t have a code etched on the blade, no one could tell the difference. The new scabbard and box is very much appreciated. I will be proud to carry that knife in the woods and I assure you that the knife will be well taken care of for my boys to enjoy. I want to treat the stag handle like you did for the large German Hunter you restored for me. I think you said that you used Danish Oil Finish. Please drop me a line to confirm that and I will get to it. Thanks again for another outstanding job! Till our next project, take care.
Ray Bernier
Mr. Maines,
The knife arrived yesterday and it is beautiful. I had expected a good job, however, you genuinely exceeded my expectations.
As I mentioned to you, the knife was a gift to my wife from her brother and, therefore, has a lot of sentimental value. She was very moved when she unwrapped it and saw your fine restorative work - you may be sure that it will never see the inside of a dishwashing machine.
Thanks again and add me to your list of very satisfied clients.
Frederick Craw
Hello Jay,
I just received the 203 Woodsman today and all I can say is THIS KNIFE IS THE BOMB. It feels so good in the hands and the balance is unreal, it feels like an extension of my hand. The workmanship is top shelf, I am totally blown away. Thank you so much for making an outstanding work of art.
Nick
Jay,
Enormous thanks. I can't tell you how pleased I am with the work you've done. The match up of dagger and the letter opener is aces, they truly look sensational together. You've also done a great job finding a replacement mokume pattern - it's easily as spectacular and highly figured as the original. I'm glad you're able to use them on your website - I'm sure they'll generate business. They certainly should. I suspect you'll hear from me again closer to the holiday season - these will make great gifts for people I like a lot.
Sincerely, John
Hi Jay:
I received the Buck 119 and the 120 today after what seemed like a long time. It was my impatient nature working because I appreciate the fact that you rushed them through for me. I want to tell you what an outstanding job you did on them; they're truly beautiful. You took knives that are forty years and thirty years old respectively and made them look like new. You are truly a fine craftsman. Thank you for your artistry.
John Klein
Hello John,
Received the knife (bone remover) this morning. You know that I would not be human if I was not worried about the outcome. Did not know you. Have not seen your work. Did not get a recommendation. Did not know what I wanted. I want you to know I am VERY HAPPY with the results. Have had fun showing it around asking people if they knew what it was. So far the score is zero. However the compliments on the handle were great. It fits in my hand great and is perfect for a tool that is used initially by pushing and then twisting. Not that I have ever used it but I intend to. Thanks for the results.
Melvin Boneau
Hi Jay,
WOW, what a great job of refurbishing my 40-year-old chef's knife. It is prettier and easier to hold than the day it was new. You are truly an "old world" craftsman! THANK you!
Regards, Marty
Hi Jay,
I went to pick up the mail today and found that my Western Bowie made it home! When I got home I opened the parcel to find one of the most beautiful sheaths I’ve seen in my lifetime. I did a lot of looking around for someone who makes the sheath and shoulder harness in leather. There are a lot of places a fella can get a shoulder harness but everything these days is made out of nylon or kydex. You are the only guy I found that still makes the harness completely out of leather. I’m a bit traditional and still find leather to be the best material to use for harness work. After putting it on, the harness and sheath exceeded all my expectations! I asked for a rugged sheath and harness, boy was that an understatement! The rattlesnake skin inlay is absolutely gorgeous! I suggest that anyone looking to get a shoulder harness for a bowie or any other big knife, look nowhere else but to Jay Maines! As I mentioned to you, I’m in the saddle from dusk till dawn and the shoulder harness method is by far the best way to go! A thousand times better than my belt sheath! Thanx again Jay, and I will pass your name along to a few other cowboys looking to change there carry methods for their knives! A pleasure doing business with you! Cheers!
Nate
Hi Jay!
Long time "no talk to!" Hope you've had a good year down there in Wyoming! Getting close to Christmas for all of us. Is the knife business still keeping you busy? Not sure if you remember but you built a shoulder harness for my Western Bowie which has been my pride and joy to wear, besides being very practical and a necessity to my job. My wife and I sold the guest ranch about a year ago and moved back to Merritt, British Columbia. Sometimes when you grow up in a lifestyle it stays in your blood forever. I was asked to return to a large cattle ranch and cowboy full time again. I just couldn't pass it up. I now cowboy for Nicola Ranch and we run a 2000-3000 head operation. It's wonderful being back to a job I've always loved. Anyway, I do remember telling you I would send you photos of the knife and sheath in use but never got around to getting a good picture. In early spring I was out at cowcamp doing some sorting and a film crew which I met at a cowboy festival a few months earlier asked to come out with us to film some shots for a T.V. show. I had know idea that the production manager (Lisa Cawte-Baker who's also an accomplished photographer out of the U.K. that now lives in Calgary) was taking still photos as well as the filming. About a week later, Lisa called me and asked if it was ok that she use a photo of me in her gallery. I said of course, as long as I get a print to keep for myself. I now have a the framed print in my home, which I love. Here is her web gallery with the photo. I'm sure this would be a wonderful testament to your work. To add the "icing on the cake," I spoke with Lisa recently regarding some other photos she wants to use, and she told me that this photo has been her highest selling photo ever. It was shown at the Western Exhibition of The Calgary Stampede in an almost life-size framed print. It has been shown at the the Canadian Rodeo Finals in Edmonton, Alberta. I'm not sure how to spell his name, but Michael Schumaker the Formula One race car driver and his wife live in the U.K. and Schumaker's wife is supposedly quite into horses and they purchased this photo for their home! I thought to myself, this is something Jay would be proud to learn! I apologize for not getting back to you sooner, but as always, a pleasure chatting with you Jay! My wife and I wish you and your family a wonderful and Merry Christmas from Nicola Ranch! Hope you are "tickled" about the pic as I was! Cheers my friend!
Nate
Dear Jay,
Just received the knives from you and I am very impressed, first at your prompt response and of course on the quality of the work done. The tanto is a completely new knife, the cocobolo wood handles are terrific and really add a quality to this piece that it simply did not have before. The Damascus knife with its brass guard, end cap and Desert Ironwood handles is truly a work of art. Thank you for a job well done and I know I’ll have more work for you soon.
Respectfully, Bill Gerardi
Dear Jay,
I came by Sunrise River Knives and Jay Maines by "chance." For many years I have been searching for the "perfect knife." I have bought several knives from Ernest Emerson, and they have come close, but still I wasn't satisfied. One night I Googled "tactical knives." Several different sites came up, and I e-mailed Jay Maines. Much to my surprise the next day he answered me -- in detail! I e-mailed him back, and he e-mailed me back. And back and forth it went like a ping pong ball. Jay Maines is more responsive to potential customer comments than most places are to their best customers. He made it impossible for me NOT to become a customer. After looking at his Web site, I fell in love with the 201 Hunter Camper. But I wanted it made from CPM metal. "No problem," said Jay. I had some very special olive wood that I picked up a few years ago in Bethlehem. Jay agreed to use it for my handles. As a woodworker myself, I was so impressed with the way Jay conducted himself I told him I wanted to make a pen for him. He replied that he then would make a knife for my wife. So I wrote him back and told him I would make a pen for HIS wife. Folks -- this kind of thing DOES NOT happen in America! Jay and I were "upping the stakes" but without any cost. I ended up making him a pen and pencil, and a pen for his wife. He made my wife a sandwich knife in addition to my hunter/camper. I also ordered a custom sheath for my most recent Emerson knife. By luck or providence, I won a bear hunt tag for the Dismal Swamp in Virginia. I wrote Jay and asked him if he could get me my knife earlier than we had agreed. As usual, he was he more than accommodating. Instead of waiting until January, I got it by the first week of November. I looked at his site many times a day during the weeks while I waited for my knife. I had VERY high expectations for my knife. Or so I thought. My expectations were nowhere near reality. The knife Jay made for me so far exceeds anything I hoped or dreamed about. You can search for a custom knife, you can pay hundreds or even thousands more than Jay charges, but you will NEVER find a better made knife, or a finer person to deal with than Jay Maines of Sunrise River Knives. I am the proud owner of a knife that no one else has, and I hope the first time I put it to use is for my bear hunt. I looked and searched for a LONG time for the "perfect" knife. I have found it, and it was made by Jay Maines!
Feel free to contact me about this amazing person and incredible knife maker.
Doug Gestwick
Dear Jay,
The Griffon Cutlery Works was started by my great-great grandfather in the late 1800's. Although it was not considered a very valuable heirloom, a set of Griffon steak knives with stag handles has remained in my family for decades. When they were passed on to us, while the blades were still near-perfect, the handles were cracked and shrunken, and had lost all of their color - as you pointed out, a relative of mine must have thought these were dishwasher safe.
We were amazed and delighted at the incredible restoration that you achieved on these knives. All of the cracks are gone, and the stag handles must be as beautiful, colorful and elegant as they were on the day the knives were created so long ago.
Thank you for the fine work that you put into these - you truly helped restore a part of our family's history.
Sincerely,
John and Mary
Kenosha, WI
Dear Jay,
I wish my Dad could see this knife : he loved tools and he loved beauty. In particular he loved that place where form and function come together and a tool simply rings a perfect note. The Thor was a good blade with no voice and now it sings. The new handle is superb providing great grip, balance and beauty. The sheath alone is a work or art. I look forward to using this knife often and someday passing it on to my son. Thanks for your fine work.
Sincerely,
John
Manlius, NY
Dear Jay,
Those two knives are so damn beautiful! I am just sitting at the table looking at them and admiring your craftsmanship and artistry, Jay. WOW doesn't even come close. My young 1st Cav. friend is here and he just about sh-- when he got a load of both of them. We both had the same thing to say, "Now, that's a Gerber!" I am just in awe of both of these knives - that big Bowie is just incredible. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Jay, for putting so much of yourself into my knives. I am truly humbled. God Bless you, my friend.
Stephen
Jay,
RE: Model 404 Boot Knife Order - The knife was waiting for me when I arrived in Iraq....I really like it and the sheath is just what I was looking for and a great design. Thank you.
LTC Darren D. Lynn
Jay,
I couldn't wait to get my hands on my knife. It is absolutely fantastic. I want to also thank you for the lanyard, it just adds one more feature that keeps this knife standing out above others. You did a great, great job on this one.
You've done great work on all my other 11 knives, but since this one is new, it now takes center stage. You have made me a knife that I feel rivals any Randall.
I will keep praising your work for a good while, the spacers and everything is just spectacular. At this time I hate to even think about using it on anything, for the time being, it is only for holding, looking and admiring.
Again, thanks a whole bunch!
Dan
Hello Jay,
All I can say is . . . WOW! When my completed harness and sheath (with knife) arrived in the mail yesterday, I was absolutely ecstatic! It has to be the finest piece of craftsmanship that can be had. This was such a wonderful surprise in this day and time where sadly, we have come to a point of near extinction of the TRUE CRAFTSMAN, and it is difficult at best to find anyone who takes pride in their work. I certainly found someone in you that takes pride in his work - and I can only say - deservedly so! You may be the last of a dying breed (how unfortunate for the future generations) but I guarantee I will not purchase from anyone else as long as you are around.
I wish I could take credit for at least picking out the design, but even that was done with your expert guidance and consultation. The beauty of the entire rig is absolutely amazing! And that is only magnified by the GREAT QUALITY of workmanship you provided. The best of the best of materials; the highest level of creativity and design; all put together with top quality workmanship - I don't know how to improve on that combination! I don't blame you at all for being proud enough to want to put a picture of this rig on your Web site for all the world to see. And if any of them are a "doubting Thomas" even after viewing the pictures, feel free to tell them to contact me!
At this point I obviously have not had time to "field test" the rig, but as I tried it on for fit and comfort, it feels fantastic. I think it will be like a new pair of high quality boots - they are comfortable when you first purchase them, but then once they are broken in, they just become a part of you!
I am going to make it a point to not just find Wyoming, MN on the map, but to come by in the not too distant future and make your acquaintance in person (it will have to be next summer probably, because once the thermometer drops below 70F, I start shivering!). In the meantime, if you have a need to thaw out this winter, let me know! We have more than enough room for you to stay! And with enough notice, I may could even get a 'Gator hunt lined up!
Thanks again for a superb job, and let's do keep in touch!
Richard
Jay,
You have to be kidding me!!! I just received the harness and sheath and it is beyond anything I was expecting. It is so nice, rugged and functional. I am EXTREMELY happy. I have sheaths from five or six different makers and what I just received from you is on a much different level as far as craftsmanship and materials. Thank you!
Now the bad news, I am going to be bugging you about making some more sheaths for some of my prize knifes.
Can you make me a left shoulder dundee harness? And I have two Busse Limited Edition knives I would like sheaths for. Please put me in the queue and I will ship you the knives.
Thank you again, Jay.
Best regards, Ken
|
Sunrise River Custom Knives |
|
