Comments on my knife repairs
Owl

This is to say, that even though some knife repairs are pretty straight forward, most are complicated or can become so in a flash.
Every repair very much depends on a succesfull disassembly.
Main pins, which are often totally invisible to the eye, have to be drilled and punched out without the punch even touching the edge of the hole.
All you need is a stubborn or bent pin to crack that priceless scale on the family hairloom - it has already happened.
I could swear that some were designed by extra-terestrials.
The good ol' Murphy's list goes on and on. And yes, there is always the first time for some other unforseen mishapp ......

It is pretty difficult decission for anyone to entrust that irreplaceble, but sorry looking or broken knife to a complete stranger just found on the internet.

You only have my assurances that I will do my very best to complete the repair to your satisafaction.
Some customers would go as far as to recommend my services. I have decided to share some of their views with you.
You can have more than just the word of one stranger.

I am grateful, and I thank all for their nice and kind comments, and shared pleasures.
Read on and decide for yourself.


Customers Comments


  • Dear Tony, Thank you for the superb work on my Kabar folding knife. This was my Grandfather's favorite hunting knife back in Wyoming. By the time I got it, it was a lump of rust and broken scales, as when you saw it. I very nearly threw it away, and I am so happy now that I didn't. Now it is like new again, and I'll be able to give it to my grandchild. As you said, "like a phoenix, reborn". I certainly do appreciate your skill, and hope you will use me as a reference. Your potential customers would be welcome to e-mail me for a very positive recommendation. Thanks again,
    Franklin D. Munkres - Fdmunkres@msn.com


  • I received the knife on Saturday. I just go home and opened it tonight (Sunday). Tony, you have far exceeded my fondest anticipation of ever seeing this knife in such mint condition. You have done nothing short of a miracle. You have restored for me, the single most representative item that ensured the safety of a paratrooper after he landed in a precarious situation, prior to meeting his mission objectives. The first time I flicked the blade open, I felt the tremor of security so often felt by men like my father and others when they landed in trees, flooded canals, and fields, everywhere from North Africa, to Sicily, to Italy, to France, Belgium, and finally Germany itself. I am so proud of what you have done. The second time I flicked the blade open, tears came to my eyes. You did it right my friend. From the bottom of my heart to the top of my Paratrooper's helmet, I thank you and will of course recommend you to every one of my friends and reenactor buddies who need a custom knife or knife repair. Thank you again...you have returned to me a living link to those men and I will never forget your "learning experience."
    Daryl - Daryl1861@aol.com


  • Warm regards, Hi Tony, I cant believe what a wonderful job you did on the knife;I cant tell you how pleased I am the hatchet fits well also, I was wondering would you also refurbish the hatchet ..........
  • Hi Tony, recieved the hatchet, beautiful job as usual. If I ever need or know of anyone who needs work on a knife I will certainly recommend you. Thank you again for the work. Have a good one.
    Leonard - lensfish@email.msn.com


  • Hi Tony, My knife arrived yesterday and I am thrilled with the results! It looks brand new!
    Thank you for such a speedy response time too.
    I will definitely recommend your service to anyone we know.
    Best regards, Linda - LCurtis647@aol.com

  • Greets, Tony
    Just got back into town and the knife was waiting for me at home. The lanyard loop is better than I had envisioned. There is a very graceful sweep to your design that easily accepts the line I am using for the lanyard.
    Excellent repair work, and the finish you put on the metal surfaces is better than new. I am glad I sent the knife your way, Tony, and will recommend your services to anyone who needs repair or custom work. Thanks for your efforts and attention to the heirloom-to-be, best wishes for a fine spring in the BC wilds.
    Mark Hollomon- HOLLODOGS@email.msn.com

  • Tony, I am currently overseas, and my mother has received the knife. She doesn't even like knives and says it looks beautiful! She's visiting me in ten days and will be bringing the knife -I send you a mail as soon as I have it in my hands...........
  • My mom arrived last week with the knife -Absolutely excellent! Now I have a problem: My dad wants the knife! His birthday is in March -maybe you would be up for doing another one?
    Many thanks Tony -it really couldn't have turned out nicer.
    Jack - jack@blindsight.org

  • Got the knives today. The package was a little beat up but the knives were fine. I can't tell the repaired handles from the originals, so you picked the right color. Nice job on the repair. Will keep you in mind for future work. Thanks and good luck.
    Garrett - jonesgr@email.msn.com


  • Tony: Looks great!..I knew that this would not be easy. Again, thank you for taking on the challenge. I like the old stuff and I am delighted to find someone like you who enjoys the old stuff and is an artist who can do the repairs...and enjoys the fun of rebuilding an antique.......
  • Tony: Thank you! It looks like it is new..and I know that it is better than new! Let me know if you need some extra money for this and I will send it along.
    Thank you. John Besser - JBesser2@aol.com


  • Hi Tony!
    Wow! Great job! My Dad's knife came out GREAT! I really had no hope for it and expected it to be "junk" and not repairable at all. In fact, it never looked so good. I am amazed that you were able to find enough steel left on it to re-grind it at all. Wow. It is also the sharpest knife I have ever held. I am glad you warned me! You are very correct -- it doesn't feel sharp when you test it with your fingers! But I could truly shave with it.
    My knife is also beautiful and much better than I expected. I like the way you refinished the handles on both knives as well.
    The pocketknife is in my pocket and is the sharpest it has ever been as well.
    I can't thank you enough. You have all my knife business from now on. All of my friends' and family's business included.
    Daniel Chase - chaselings@email.msn.com


  • TONY, It took me hours to realise that the knife you returned to me was actually mine.
    What a beautiful job. You are an artist, but it's opbvious, judging from your work, you've heard that before.
    Sincerely, Paul De Simone - desimone@snet.net


  • Tony, got home from a business trip today, was near Paducah, Kentucky (near the Illinois border) all week doing an audit of a polymer manufacturing facility. While I was gone this week, knife came in the mail, so I asked my wife to open it up. She said "wow, he really did a nice job, you'll like it". This really got me excited, much anticipation coming home tonight to see the knife.
    What an understatement. Tony, your work on the knife in short, blew me away. Outrageous.
    I'm not one to make spontaneous, off-the-cuff remarks, but in all candor, the knife is simply outstanding.
    Your work on refurbishing the knife has absolutely exceeded all of my expectations in every way - I just cannot say enough. My only wish is that you were close by so I could thank you in person.
    Here in Houston, people demand to be paid exceedingly well for highly skilled handwork like what you have done on my knife, I dare say $75-$100 per hour.
    Your fee for all of the work you did to bring my treasured grandfather's knife back to like new (albeit used) condition is truly phenomenal.
    Again, Tony, I am truly appreciative for what you've given back to me with your work.

    In closing, I just wanted to mention that before I sent you my treasured knife, I again looked over your web page to peruse customer comments about your work. The comments I read there were very positive of your work, but I must say, no one spoke with the kind of pleasure and gratitude that I feel about your work. Again, thanks.
    Trey Scofield - Houston - oscofield@houston.rr.com


  • Tony: They're exquisite! What a wonderful job you did of restoring them. And you got those handles and the knives all soldered together was just brilliant! Anyway...Wish I had more knives of that quality that needed fixing....but I certainly will recommend your services every chance I get. Thanks again. From initial e-mail to final delivery of perfect product, the entire exchange was wonderful.
    Blanche Brann - BlancheBrann@Home.com


  • Well Tony,
    My knife arrived today and I can't thank you enough for the effort and craftsmanship you displayed in bringing back to life my Grandfather's vintage knife. Obviously, I had read the exerts from your web site, but your work far exceeded my expectations and I am very grateful!
    Thanks again for your time and efforts and feel free to use me as if reference if you desire.
    Sincerely, Bruce Stewart - bruce.j.stewart@gte.net


  • Hi Tony,
    WOW...WOW...and WOW again! Grrrrrreat job! It looks better than when I got it from Jim (but please don't tell him I said that). I could not have asked for a better job. Thanks for taking care of that grind/sharpening problem area too. Perfect blending! You truly are a master of your craft. I will be very happy to pass this heirloom down to my children so that they may enjoy is as much as I have.
    It was a distinct pleasure dealing with you and meet you even though it was only through e-mails. I will recommend you to any who ask me for the name of a true knife craftsman!
    Take care and God bless,
    Frank De Luna - San Jose, California - FDeluna@aol.com


  • Tony:
    I've been very remiss in saying "Thank You !!!!" for your hard work and beautiful craftsmanship !
    The work you did in recovering my dad's knives was 1st calls all the way and I wanted to say "Thanks" for you efforts.

    I've taken your work and made a beautiful memorial for my dad with his Burial flag and your knives and his medals and awards that commemorates his life and achievements and without your work it would not have been complete.
    I know and trust that if I ever have any work to be done in the future that I can give you a call and if you say "it can be done" I am assured that you can do it and do it right.
    I am very very grateful for your talents.
    Your truly,
    David Katz Portland, OR - dkatz@ix.netcom.com "A true fan !"


  • Dear Mr. Hnilica:
    Superb! Phenomenal! Excellent! Thank you so very much for the work you did on the knife! The picture you sent does not do it justice.
    I will not hesitate to use your services again, and I will recommend you to anyone who will listen.
    Take Care,
    Greg Beaton - Vancouver, BC - gbeaters@yahoo.com


  • Tony,
    I received the BSA knife. The quality of your craftsmanship exceeded my expectations. Was able to show knife to my dad when I visited him at Easter. Hard to believe the knife is pushing 40 years of age. Looking forward to many more years of service from it thanks to your efforts. I cannot thank you enough.
    Thank you,
    Charlie - cjo_ies@msn.com


  • Hi Tony!
    Wow! Great job! My Dad's knife came out GREAT! I really had no hope for it and expected it to be "junk" and not repairable at all. In fact, it never looked so good. I am amazed that you were able to find enough steel left on it to re-grind it at all. Wow. It is also the sharpest knife I have ever held. I am glad you warned me! You are very correct -- it doesn't feel sharp when you test it with your fingers! But I could truly shave with it.
    My knife is also beautiful and much better than I expected. I like the way you refinished the handles on both knives as well.
    The pocketknife is in my pocket and is the sharpest it has ever been as well.
    I can't thank you enough. You have all my knife business from now on. All of my friends’ and family’s business included!
    Best regards,Dan
    Daniel Chase - chaselings@email.msn.com


  • The knives arrived today,and they're beautiful! Thank you very much. I will certainly call on you again if I have any other knife problems.
    Sincerely,
    Peggy Norris - Water2459@aol.com


  • Hi Tony,
    Absolutely, this knife is 1000% better than what I hoped for, you are an incrediable workman with knives.
    I couldn't be happier with your work and I know have a knife that not only works like new, looks like new, but after I put it to work for the next 40 years, (I hope at least that being 36 years old), would be a nice present to a nephew or niece.
    You are the man,
    Rob Franke - rfranke@rcn.com


  • Hi Tony!!
    ...it arrived!! I haven't been this excited about a knife since the day I discovered the original knife many years ago. The locking mechanics of the knife really fascinated me. Now that it is usable again, it will bring me more years of pride and fun.
    All thanks to your masterful craftsmanship. Thanks again, Tony! Great work and superior service .....

    Competent, courteous, concerned, passionate, professional, open-minded, imaginative.
    Tony Hnilica at Custom Knives & Services is all this and much more. This avatar of service takes nothing for granted and your only trepidation is whether the courier can get your repair to him and back.
    You will not be disappointed. Tony does more than provide a service. He creates a life experience.

    E-mail me for a personal reference at:    jenserge@hotmail.com
    Sincerely, Serge Gossmann


  • Tony,
    I thought the last time you out-did your self. I was wrong, You have surpassed my highest expectations. I have been searching for several years to hope to find the right person to refurbish these antique stag carved knives. I always thought they had hope and now they have a new life entirely.
    All I can say is: WOW, THEY LOOK GREAT!!! Thanks again for such fine quality work and your turn around time is amazingly fast.
    Thomas Litton - thomaslitton@msn.com


  • Hello Tony,
    My knife arrived safely this morning and I'm still smiling!
    You did a beautiful job, Tony.
    I love how the designs in the abalone fit so nicely with the contour of the knife. The color and depth seem to leap right out at you. I'll send you a picture after it's engraved.
    It's been a real pleasure meeting and working with you and I will recommend you to my knife buddies.
    Thanks for everything...including the fast shipping!
    Until next time!
    All the best,
    Ty Franklin - TyFranklin@aol.com


  • Hi Tony,
    What can I say, the two knives surpass all expectations. You did a remarkable job. Their history is secure and their future is sure to be long. I can only say thank you so much. With the recent events the knives mean that much more to me and to see the care and skill that you applied to them makes me extremely grateful to you and so happy that I found you to restore them.
    Take care and thanks,

    Mark - mark@blakemail.com


  • Tony,
    The knife arrived home safely. All I can say is thank you so very much for the beautiful job and workmanship. I was stunned with the work you did to restore it, as well as making the new spring. It looks like it did that night in 1958 when I bought it in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. We were waiting for a snow plow to clear the road ahead and were trying to get home in time for Christmas.
    Many thanks and let me know if you need a good reference.
    Warm regards,

    John Schroeder - jschroeder@perigee.net
  • Hi Tony,
    The knives arrived safely today. What amazes me is the different feel I get just by holding them in my hand. Both knives feel much more solid than before. I appreciate your fine work and the timely manner in which it was done. As I continue collecting knives - I hope if ever I need your services, you are available.

    Sincerest Regards,
    Cliff


  • Hi Tony
    A small package arrived today and I'm smiling. You have done a wonderful job, it's so much better than the original.
    Thanks very much for looking after me so well. I have a very special knife.

    Regards and all the best
    David Hayman - tradewind@wave.co.nz


  • Tony
    Arrived today. Knives and case look great. Thanks.
    Very nice dealing with you. Do not hesitate to use us as reference.
    Warmest regards

    Ed - mc010162@direcway.com


  • Hi Tony,
    The knife arrived in the Mail on Friday. It is truly a beautiful job, I could not be happier. I’m so pleased that the knife retained so much of it’s characteristics. I’ll be dropping it in Dad’s stocking this Christmas. I’m sure he will be very pleased too. Thanks so much for your fine work and craftsmanship.
    The only thing I see as being a problem is it may be too pretty for him to use now!
    Have a terrific Christmas, and thanks again.

    Sean - SLewis@Ottawahospital.on.ca


  • Dear Tony,
    I just received my knife today in the mail. It is beautiful!!!
    You are a true craftsman. I know you don't do this for the money(of course it helps); but rather because you love to see the restored product. You really are a artist. I appreciate so much what you did.
    This knife is one I will pass on to my sons with a new chapter added to its long and interesting history.
    If you ever get down this way please give me a call. I would love to show you some southern hospitality

    Sincerely JerryOgle - jerry.ogle@earthlink.net


  • Tony,
    The knife came today. I can not tell you how happy I am with your work! The knife is outstanding.
    The work you did is incredible! The handles fit and look perfect. The metal looks brand new.
    This whole project came out better than I ever expected. Plus, it is super cool that you got it done so quickly.
    This is the best knife in my collection. Thank you so much!! You are the best.

    Harv Donohue - hjdonohue@comcast.net





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