Need some more Knife making stories and the problems that crop up.

[jimmontg]

It has been slow the last few months and Christmas coming too. I've been having issues with people that want a knife or a belt to go with it. If you can make a cool sheath you can make a matching belt to go with it if you have time. Avoid lined belts unless you have a sewing machine. I've been sidelined with cataracts and the surgery to fix it. Now I can see better than I have in years.

I recently bought some pieces of Alabama Damascus from Sheffield Knife Supply. Mostly smaller pieces, but outstanding stuff. Sheffield's doesn't have a lot of Damascus left at their 50% discount.The dear old lady who ran the company after her husband died passed on herself and they are modernizing. Expect a new catalogue next year and a website. Their old catalogue is still in force, but call to double check prices and availability.
Click on catalogue @ http://www.sheffieldsupply.com/
sinds, 4" drop point. He chose some bocote for the handle. I finished up about 90% of the knife and called him to find out if he was right or left handed, but he had quit and left no phone number. The bloody beggar bastardo!

So now I've spent a lot of time and almost the last of my bocote wood and no deposit because the maintenance job here pays above average and I figured he'd be good for it, Plus I gave him a working man's discount on the price after he raved on about how cool the knife was. I won't do that again.

Anyone have similar experiences with close friends or family? Would like to hear what you do now to prevent getting stiffed again.