Frenchy's Custom Knives and Sticks - News and contact information

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Due to personal circumstances I'll not be able to take on any new projects as from Thursday 27th October 2011. All being well I should be able to resume taking on new projects at around the beginning of February 2012.

NEWS - As at 21 March 2011

DEER ANTLER HANDLE MATERIAL

Owing to the difficulty in obtaining suitable Red Deer antlers from which I can extract two decent sized scales, I can no longer offer antler as handle material for any of my full tang Bushcraft style knives.

I can however continue to offer full or part Red Deer handles for stick tang type knives.

WHY WOULD YOU WANT ME TO MAKE YOU YOUR DREAM KNIFE?

1. Motivation - As a hobbyist, a serious one at that, my main motivation comes from the desire to exercise my skills to make the best knife possible, which will provide the end user with a unique, beautiful and practical knife that will meet or surpasses expectations.

2. Materials - I don't skimp on materials, be they hardwoods for the handles, leather, or the blades themselves.

3. Choice - I offer choice not only in the types and functionality of blades, but also in the various component parts that go into the making of a finished knife.

4. Prices - I price my knives on the basis of actual material costs and consumables, of which there are many. Time put into making a knife is not important to me as that's the part I enjoy the most and keeping busy is beneficial to me. However, I need to cover my costs and a bit besides, enough to cover the cost of this website, experimenting with new materials etc., endless cups of tea, cakes, antiseptic and plasters for when I cut myself!

5. Comparisons - I'm happy for my knives to be compared to any maker's as long as one compares like for like. Having said that, one can only compare the base materials that go to make a particular knife up vis a vis the final price one is asked to pay. For example, there's a great difference in base material cost between a knife made from 01 tool steel and one from RWL-34. As in most things that one wishes to acquire, personal preferences and circumstances play a great part in reaching a final decision as to what knife to buy from where. Cost aside, one has to follow their heart and choose what is best for them.

6. Delivery time - I prefer to work on a small number of knives at a time and the idea of having a backlog of orders will do my head in! I make knives to relax and not to be stressed out of my mind!!! So, I'll not take on any commissions unless I can make and deliver the knife in under 6 weeks. On average my turnaround time is 3 to 4 weeks.

7. Communication - I spend as long as it takes to make sure that I know what is expected of me. I place great emphasis on communication for the simple reason that I want to get it right first time. Sometimes it takes just a couple of e-mails to be clear about something after I receive the questionnaire. At other times it might take quite a few e-mails, especially if I have to 'advise' on a particular aspect prior to a final decision is made. Attention to detail and patience at the initial stages will be mutually advantageous in the long run.

8. Guarantee - I guarantee all aspects of my work and will not renege on my obligations the day I send the knife off to its new owner. I appreciate that in the case of knives it's difficult to guarantee them as their use (or abuse) is beyond my control. However, even in the event of accidental damage, I'll still do my part at minimal or no cost at all beyond postal charges.

9. Happiness - I want you to be happy with dealing with me. While I have to have a certain amount of money for the knife I'll make for you, next to deriving great pleasure from making the knife, getting a pat on the back from you

for a job well done is the ultimate Buzz for me!

10. Who cares? - I do! I care and will always do right by you, even if I lose out financially. Trust is very important to me and when dealing with me you'll be putting your trust in me. In return I'll honour your trust and will strive to provide you with an excellent product and service to match.

10. Biased advise? - I know I've got an excellent product and service to match; so yes, I'm biased towards my own knives. However, there are times when I get a request for a knife to do a specific job. If I honestly believe that none of my knives would be fit for the purpose I will say so. I'll even go as far as to suggest other knives that I consider more suited to the end user's needs. I don't do that just out of the goodness of my heart. What's the point of me cajoling someone to have one of my knives when they may well end up totally disappointed?! I would be very foolish to risk jeopardising my honour and integrity for the sake of a few quid!!!

I don't know how long I'll be able to go on with this knife making hobby of mine. Joints are stiffening and hurting, the mind plays silly tricks on me and other body parts seem to have a will of their own. But while I'm still at it, you can be assured that all of the above will hold true...

Paul

WHAT'S IN A NICKNAME?

When I joined the Army back in 1966, almost everybody in my Regiment had a problem pronouncing my Maltese surname, let alone writing it! I also had a bit of an accent as well and it wasn't long before I was referred to as 'Frenchy' no matter what rank I held. To this day, my old army pals wouldn't have a clue as to what my proper name is. Not that I minded really. Once I left the Army I started using my proper name and that was that.

However, as most ex-army lads do as they get older, they tend to want to get in touch with each other. In order to facilitate being found I included my nickname when I built this website. However, what I didn't account for was that by including 'Frenchy' into the website's make up would also give site visitors and new contacts the impression that I'm of French origin - which I definitely am not!

So, to set the record straight, I was born in Malta as a British subject, served in the British Army to the best of my ability, with pride, loyalty and honour and in heart and mind, I'm British through and through and very proud of it.