Jay Fisher - World Class Knifemaker

Inventory Knives

Definition of Inventory Knives

Inventory Knives (also called my Creative Works and Finished Knives) are knives that I've designed and made and are for sale on my Current Knives for Sale Page and my Current Tactical and Combat Knives for Sale page. These are knives that are complete, and highly detailed descriptions, measurements, specifications, materials, styles, and multiple photographs are posted on the individual knife for sale page. In essence, I write and detail every thing I can about each knife. There should be no confusion about the size of the knife blade, the size and shape of the handle, the size and shape of the sheath, the weight, the materials used, the geometry of the blade, or the embellishment as all of these details are included on the page. I've provided multiple photographs from every angle, close-up photographs of the handles, the embellishment (if included) and both sides of the sheath. If the knife includes a stand or case, it also is completely photographed. This way, you know exactly what it is you will be purchasing. I know of no other knifemaker who will take the time to do this for his clients, and I do it because I want you to know exactly what it is you are looking at and purchasing.

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Inventory Knife Illustrations and Descriptions

Since nearly all my knives are sold via the pages of this website, please consider the following points:

• Photographic lighting and display: I use a very well-made digital camera under color balanced lighting to photograph the knives, but there are differences in displays and color monitors that may contribute to a slightly different color balance, resolution, contrast, and appearance on each monitor. Knife materials can look different in various lighting situations. For example, knives viewed under florescent lighting may look much different than when viewed in direct sunlight or tungsten-based room lighting. Some of the gemstone materials vary widely when viewed under different lighting. Monitors can vary significantly, and monitor lighting balance, contrast, density, and color temperature can be set and changed by different users even on the same monitor. Therefore, I can not guarantee that the colors will exactly match what you see on your monitor.
• Texture: I do my best to describe the texture of metals, stones, and organics used in knife, sheath, and stand construction. Since this is subjective, the photographic illustrations should be considered as well as the descriptions.
• Balance and Feel: Though these properties are subjective, I offer my interpretations based on experience in making and handling knives for three decades to describe knife and sheath balance and feel. If a knife feels light and comfortable to me, it may not feel so to someone else with smaller hands. I do my best to describe each knife, but my interpretations may be different than yours as no two people are exactly alike. Again, the photographs, measurements, and specifications must also be considered with the description.
• Weight and Size: Unlike balance, feel, and texture, weight and sizes are absolute. There should be no confusion about how big a handle is, for instance, as the length of the blade and the overall length are measured and posted on every knife. Just subtract one from the other, and you'll know exactly how big the handle is. The blade length is from the tip of the blade to the front bolster face, as that is the specification required by legal definition in most states. Some knives that have bolsters or guards that extend beyond the cutting edge into the blade are not measured this way; they are measured at the cutting edge. The overall length is the longest dimension of the knife. The thickness is measured in the thickest part of the blade spine, usually just in front of the front bolster or guard. Weights are measured with an accurate postal scale.

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Inventory Knife Payments

Payments accepted for inventory knives are the price of the knife plus the FedEx shipping charges. I don't charge for handling, boxes, or other fees. I accept checks, money orders, bank transfers, Western Union transfers, or MasterCard or VISA credit cards. I'll need the shipping address and a contact telephone number to calculate the FedEx shipping charges. I don't arrange layaways, payments over time, or any other holding plans for any knife purchase, custom or inventory. For clear and detailed reasons for this, visit this bookmark on my Business of Knifemaking page.

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Inventory Knife Purchases and Disputes

I guarantee your satisfaction upon acceptance of your knife. If you purchase a knife from my inventory, you have 24 hours (during business days) after you receive the knife to inform me that the knife is not acceptable to you. If you wish to return the knife and receive a refund, you must return the knife, unused and in the condition it was received, with the return shipment initiated within 48 hours (during business days) of receipt of the knife. This protects both the maker and the client within a reasonable time frame.

Note: There are certain finishes and materials that may not be covered in this policy. Knives with blued blades, or shell or bone handles can be more easily damaged in nature and finish can be defaced by handling or scuffed by repeated insertion and removal from a sheath. Some materials can change in the temperature and humidity changes of shipping, so once the knife has been accepted, it can not be returned for a refund. Be sure and ask if you are uncertain about these finishes or materials.

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Inventory Knife Workmanship Guarantee

I guarantee my workmanship for my lifetime, or as long as I'm physically able to remedy any craftsmanship issue, which is all any craftsman can do.

• I can not guarantee that a design will be completely acceptable to each client, and that is why I go into so much detail on my individual knives for sale pages. A design or shape is not workmanship, so If you are not happy with the design, you can immediately return the knife for a full refund or application of your payment towards another project we both agree upon, just as listed in the previous topic: Purchases and Disputes.
• I can not guarantee that a knife will stand up to abuse or neglect, or a use not intended for a knife. No knife will last forever; every blade and cutting edge can wear. Materials, particularly organics, can be subject to changes such as shrinking, checking, absorption, and drying that may affect fit, size, shape, and appearance.
• I can not guarantee your satisfaction over a long or indefinite period of time as knives can change with wear and exposure. Since there is no way to know how a knife is treated, used, or stored, it would be unreasonable to have an indefinite guarantee.
• I can not guarantee fragile materials or finishes. Some finishes, like blued steel or mirror polished bolsters will scuff with repeated insertion or removal from the sheath, and drastic changes in humidity and temperature can alter organics like shell, bone, and some woods.
• I can not guarantee knife satisfaction for a knife purchased for someone else after the initial 24 hours (as listed in the previous topic). If you plan to purchase a knife for someone else, you must be absolutely certain that they and you accept it within the first 24 hours. Though it may compromise a dated surprise, it's much better to know immediately than to hold the knife for an extended period and expect me to repurchase and resell your knife. I do not resell knives.
• I can not guarantee perfection; there simply is no such thing. Anything make by hand will have irregularities, no finish, form, or assembly is perfect. I do make extremely fine knives, and their value and appreciation continues, as is shown in over 30 years of making.

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Shipping Damage

Though rare, this does happen.

So, here's the shipping disclaimer: I can't be responsible for the knife package once it's shipped and has left my hands. If there is damage to the package, item, or contents caused by careless handling, it is the recipient's responsibility to file a claim with the shipper carrier, TSA, or other authority that has caused the damage. I'll help with what information and record I have (the photo set and description page is a good reference for condition), but I can't be responsible for anything they do.

For much more information on this topic, link on my shipping page at this bookmark.

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Custom Knives

Definition of Custom Knives

Custom knives are knives made to order. Because these are specialized knives, suited to the individual client and ordered and built to his own agreement and specifications, my policy for custom knives differs from inventory knives above.

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Custom Knife Illustrations and Descriptions

Since nearly all my knives are represented via this website, please consider the following points:

• Photographic lighting and display: I use a very well-made digital camera under color balanced lighting to photograph the knives, but there are differences in displays and color monitors that may contribute to a slightly different color balance, resolution, contrast, and appearance on each monitor. Knife materials can look different in various lighting situations. For example, knives viewed under florescent lighting may look much different than when viewed in direct sunlight or tungsten-based room lighting. Some of the gemstone materials vary widely when viewed under different lighting. Monitors can vary significantly, and monitor lighting balance, contrast, density, and color temperature can be set and changed by different users even on the same monitor. Therefore, I can not guarantee that the colors will exactly match what you see on your monitor.
• Materials: I'll do my best to use the materials you've requested in your custom knife order. Not all materials requested can be used for each project, but I'll inform you of any materials change I may need to make on your project.
• Texture: I'll do my best to finish and apply the texture you've requested on your knife. Not all textures and finishes will apply, and this is handled on an individual basis. You will always be informed of any changes necessary on your project, and the reasons for those changes. I do my best to describe the texture of metals, stones, and organics used in knife, sheath, and stand construction. Since this is subjective, the photographic illustrations should be considered as well as the descriptions.
• Balance and Feel: Though these properties are subjective, I offer my interpretations based on experience in making and handling knives for three decades to describe knife and sheath balance and feel. If a knife feels light and comfortable to me, it may not feel so to someone else with smaller hands. I do my best to describe each knife, but my interpretations may be different than yours as no two people are exactly alike. Again, the photographs, measurements, and specifications must also be considered with the description. Since balance and feel is subjective and the knife design will have already been agreed upon, it is not a reason to accept a return or cancellation of your order.
• Weight and Size: Unlike balance, feel, and texture, weight and sizes are absolute. The handle can be sized for your hand using the handle sizing page here. If you have any changes or variations of an existing pattern, we will have discussed it and clarified it in the email discussion about your project before I begin. There should be no confusion about how big a handle is, for instance, as the length of the blade and the overall length are measured and posted on every knife. Just subtract one from the other, and you'll know exactly how big the handle is. The blade length is from the tip of the blade to the front bolster face, as that is the specification required by legal definition in most states. Some knives that have bolsters or guards that extend beyond the cutting edge into the blade are not measured this way; they are measured at the cutting edge. The overall length is the longest dimension of the knife. The thickness is measured in the thickest part of the blade spine, usually just in front of the front bolster or guard. Weights are measured with an accurate postal scale.

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Custom Knife Payments

Payments accepted for custom knives are the balance due of the knife plus the FedEx shipping charges. I don't charge for handling, boxes, or other fees. I do accept checks, money orders, bank transfers, Western Union transfers, MasterCard, or VISA. I'll need the shipping address and a contact telephone number to calculate the FedEx shipping charges. I don't arrange layaways, payments over time, or any other holding plans for any knife purchase, custom or inventory.

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Timely Payment of the Balance Due

When your custom knife order is finished, I expect a timely payment of the balance. Since these projects usually quote in years to delivery, there is plenty of time for the client to prepare, be ready with the balance due, and complete the purchase. Additionally, I post the progress of the project on my Where's my knife, Jay? page at every update, so there is no surprise when the knife is completed.

When the project is complete, I will inform the client via email. If there is any delay, I will give a deadline for payment. It is a firm deadline; ten business days from the completion of the project. If the project is not paid for by the deadline, the order is cancelled and the deposit is retained.

This system is fair to both parties and has worked well for me and my clients for the last 30 years.

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Custom Knife Purchases and Disputes

Because custom knives are made to order, they can not simply be returned or exchanged. You are responsible for payment for your custom project. I will work with you to my best for your satisfaction, but obviously a custom knife can not simply be resold like an Inventory knife, because it is a specialized, personalized knife suited only to the client who ordered it. Please be certain you agree to the custom knife project before we finalize an order and the deposit is made. You can be confident that I will work with you to your satisfaction on your project; in over thirty years I have yet to have a client who has ordered a custom knife unsatisfied.

Note: There are certain finishes and materials that may not be covered in this policy. Knives with blued blades, or shell or bone handles can be more easily damaged in nature and finish can be defaced by handling or scuffed by repeated insertion and removal from a sheath. Some materials can change in the temperature and humidity changes of shipping, so once the knife has been accepted, it can not be returned for a refund. Be sure and ask if you are uncertain about these finishes or materials.

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Cancellations by Maker

I reserve the right to cancel orders. This applies to both my sole authorship custom knives and our collaborative custom knife orders.

Though this rarely happens, this protects me (and my family in the case of collaborative works) from unworkable situations, designs, styles, or requirements that occur after the original quote is given. For instance, if a client agrees to the quoted knife project, and then changes it to something that is not the type of knife we build, we may cancel the order. Another example is if a client becomes difficult to deal with, and our original quoted project then becomes unworkable, we may cancel the order. The normally non-refundable deposit may be refunded if we have not used it in design work, purchasing materials, or apply it in any way toward the project.

This is only fair, and it keeps the original quoted project and conversation on track. It would be unreasonable to ask us to deal with unworkable and continuous changes to the original order, and unreasonable to ask us to work with a difficult or unreasonable client.

Custom Knife Workmanship Guarantee

Just as with Inventory knives above, I absolutely guarantee my workmanship for my lifetime, or as long as I'm physically able to remedy any craftsmanship issue, which is all any craftsman can do.

• I can not guarantee that a knife will stand up to abuse or neglect, or to a use not intended for a knife. No knife will last forever, every blade and cutting edge can wear. Materials, particularly organics, can be subject to changes such as shrinking, checking, absorption, and drying that may affect fit, size, shape, and appearance.
• I can not guarantee your satisfaction over a long or indefinite period of time as knives can change with wear and exposure. Since there is no way to know how a knife is treated, used, or stored, it would be unreasonable to have an indefinite guarantee.
• I can not guarantee fragile materials or finishes. Some finishes, like blued steel or mirror polished bolsters will scuff with repeated insertion or removal from the sheath, and drastic changes in humidity and temperature can alter organics like shell, bone, and some woods.
• I can not guarantee knife satisfaction for a knife custom ordered and purchased for someone else. If you plan to custom order and purchase a knife for someone else, you must be absolutely certain that they and you will accept it at the initiation of the order. I do not resell custom knives.
• I can not return the $200 deposit whether it is paid toward the design fee or toward the start of your project. This deposit and/or design fee is applied toward my time and effort to work up and start your project. It's also used to purchase the initial materials and expendables to start the project. Read the design fee details on a special page here.
• On some large projects, I may request a larger deposit to start the project. This applies to both my sole authorship and our collaborative works. As with the standard $200 deposit above, this represents an immense amount of time and effort on my part as well as materials, expendables and supplies, and this deposit is also not refundable for custom projects. In thirty years of making knives, I've had no custom project client unsatisfied.
• I can not guarantee perfection; there simply is no such thing. Anything make by hand will have irregularities, no finish, form, or assembly is perfect. I do make extremely fine knives, and their value and appreciation continues, as is shown in over 30 years of making.

Page Topics

Shipping Damage

Though rare, this does happen.

So, here's the shipping disclaimer: I can't be responsible for the knife package once it's shipped and has left my hands. If there is damage to the package, item, or contents caused by careless handling, it is the recipient's responsibility to file a claim with the shipper carrier, TSA, or other authority that has caused the damage. I'll help with what information and record I have (the photo set and description page is a good reference for condition), but I can't be responsible for anything they do.

For much more information on this topic, link on my shipping page at this bookmark.

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