Testimonials

The following is a rather random collection of email responses gathered over the years. Not originally planned to become “testimonials”, the names of the customers were not saved along with the responses in a number of these entries. These are simply excerpts from correspondences with buyers that I found to be particularly interesting, entertaining or moving.
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Just a quick note to say I stopped by the site and love the new pieces you have up for sale.  Those swords in particular are stunning.  The details are what get my mind spinning and thinking of the possibilities for my own work.  It also got me thinking about an aspect of old-world craftsmanship that I think is overlooked by most people today… when you possess a functional work of art such as this, you aspire to be worthy of possessing it.  It becomes a means to developing your character and a check on ignoble behavior.  In these times of mass consumer objects, we think wealth is the accumulation of “stuff,” oblivious to how such shoddiness ends up being mirrored in our own character.

Happy New Year,

Sam Spiczka

…As for the razor, I’d have emailed you already but didn’t want to bombard you-
I might just be a natural at it but 5 shaves and no nicks, and I have always managed nick myself with a safety razor around my Adam’s apple. So I am damned pleased and will probably want the other one you have up there as well (with the slightly narrower blade) for safe keeping. So far, it’s the best shaving experience I’ve had. So I guess I owe it to your badass razor design skills for convincing me to try something I’d probably have never tried otherwise. 🙂

Hello, I recently stumbled upon your site and had to reach out and say how beautiful your blades are. The organic yet thoughtful and refined details truly are remarkable. You are an inspiration. Among a sea of talented and respected bladesmiths you truly stand apart. Thank you sincerely for setting this novice to task! Continue the amazing work. Please.

-Chris

BTW the “knapping” texture you use on the Raven, Korvus Kukri and elsewhere, how it “spoons” out the blade without actually cutting through the edge of the spine really is gorgeous and has my brain spinning as to how it was done. A great puzzle to keep me up past bedtime!

Opened the package today, and wow… I could not be more pleased. Fantastic craftsmanship and quality, shave-ready to perfection. I truly appreciate it. Your work reflects a level of pride in artisanship that is becoming nearly extinct in today’s society.

Thank you,

-Aaron Slemker

Pre-Script: Quality. Panache. Style. Breathtaking Aesthetics. Purity of Function. Usefulness. A Trustworthy Blade. These are among the ideas that sprang to my noggin’ when i saw your work. That, and “Ohhhhh…! He makes stone-age textured knives: Coolest thing i ever saw, man.”
I am most impressed with the achievements you’ve made in the Primitive Look, & no doubt, Feel, of the textured pieces. (Although after gazing upon the sublime designs on the Straight Razor page, I am more & more convinced that you are from the 24th century; But I’ll never tell. 😉

Clifton Loucks

Got the shipment in the mail today, and I must say the razor looks even more beautiful in person. The finish on it is insane, especially the wooden texture on handle portion. Would have been cool to see that on one of your edc blades as a finish. And it works great in the hand, makes shaving look easy with a straight razor. Funny thing is that not even my custom Dovo razor is as sharp as your razor. It really gives me a baby smooth shave. So again, thank you for a superb product.

Hello brother: ), Brother I wants stone age razor, I belongs to India, When it will be available?  I will get it in India or Russia, where you think is good for you ask me for address…and how much it will cost with shipping?  also leather case, and leather sharpening strap,,, Your products are cocaine.  Thanks.

I recently purchased a razor that you designed with fossilized ivory scales and I can say without a doubt it is a better shaving tool than any of my other straight razors.

Thank you, Best,

John Rasmussen

…showed another guy your wares on the Sage Blades site last night; Another man in total awe of your 24th Century Stone Age craftings…! How does he do this….? How does steel get worked to look like wood? How does he get the patterns on the blades? How does he do that on the sheaths…? “He’s from the future;” was my standard response.

Clifton Loucks

Just got the razor today and it’s even better than I had anticipated. Everything about it is exceptional; I couldn’t be more pleased. Going with the 8/8 was the right choice. I don’t think I would like the feel as much if it were smaller. I will definitely be ordering more blades from you in the near future.

I received my Stone Age razor and I must say, your work is incredible! I can’t wait to use it. Thanks again for all your help Dylan. I look forward to future purchases of your razors!

I just received the wrench razor (it had an interesting journey…I moved bases so someone at my other base received it, tracked down someone heading my way, and passed it off to them on a Blackhawk with instructions how to find me), and I wanted to say that the pictures did not do it justice. It is without a doubt a work of art in both form and function. When I opened the package and unsheathed the razor, everyone immediately commented on the design, amazed that it started life as a wrench and was crafted into something that was at once beautiful and aggressive. Not only does it look great, it has the sharpest edge out of any blade I have ever worked with. I was pleasantly surprised by just how sharp it was, and thrilled it needed no sharpening prior to use. After shaving, I was left with the cleanest feeling I have had in a while (well, my face at least), which over here is nice to have every now and again. I wanted to thank you not only for your excellent craftsmanship, but for answering all my emails promptly and being extremely accommodating with mailing. I look forward to your future projects and where you take Sage Blades.

Thank you again, and take care!

I ordered a wrench razor from you a while back and I absolutely love it. So much so, I’d like to get a 2nd…My wrench razor is still shave ready after 9 months with only daily stropping…

Jared Agius

How do I purchase these blades?! I must buy these blades?!

I must say that you are a remarkable professional and I have not dealt with anyone – certainly not on internet and faceless purchases – who has given so much of his time answering emails, sending photos, etc. You have a true personal touch and it shows in the fine art which you produce.

It has been almost two months since I picked up my bush sword and the excitement has not abated one bit.  Even now when I unsheathe it, it still elicits goose bumps as though I were seeing it for the first time.  Never before have I been so please with a purchase.  You truly are a master craftsman of the highest order!

Sean Heumann

I just wanted to let you know that you are making AMAZING knives. I just so happened to stumble upon your site when I was looking for a Karambit and I have fallen in love with everything!!! Awesome job! I love how you recycle different parts! I live on an army post and totally will spread the word of how awesome these knifes look, since knives are big around here. I am hoping to save up to hopefully get one! it may take a long while but maybe I will even become a collector! Awesome job!!!!!

Katie

I picked up the razor this morning but didn’t open it until a few minutes ago. One word for now – Wow!!!! Looks absolutely incredible – finish is amazing, ergonomics of handle are spot on…it looks just plain bad ass.  love the sheath/case too.
Update after a couple of uses – Simply phenomenal!  The finish is just incredible. That alone was well worth the wait.  What do you call it? How is it done? Also I can’t believe how freaking well it shaves.  The edge you put on it, how well it was ground,  the weight behind the edge, a combo of all – I have no idea but it immediately goes in the top tier out my several dozen large razor rotation. Dylan you my man are a remarkable craftsman (not that you needed me to tell you).  I’ll be picking up another razor or 2 of yours at some point. But first I may want to pick up one of your knives.

All the best, Piyush

I wanted to say how much I appreciate your work and I also wanted to ask you a question.  This blade is definitely the sharpest I have ever owned and it was honed so well that I had to ask you if you honed it yourself and if so, what technique you use. Thank you very much and again, it’s truly the most treasured razor I own.

Hello, I am Gabriel from Romania and I like very much your work with razors and knives. I am thinking to make a knife for myself and I was wondering if you may tell me what tools do I need to do it. I would like to make it a hobby, I like knives very much. Hope I will get to 50% of your level, I will be more than pleased. I appreciate your work. Respect, you are the best I’ve seen.

Thank you,

Gabriel Albu

Received the knife on Friday.  It’s as beautiful as it looked in the photo, though the sheath is nicer than I expected. Points for the presentation in the box as well. Felt like I was unwrapping an undiscovered piece of history. I haven’t had the pleasure yet of really putting it through its paces but I did decide to see how shaving sharp it was and promptly incurred a really obvious bare spot on my arm. 😀 So far so good on the not cutting myself, which I understand twice as well why you warned me. I’ll be in touch after I’ve gotten to play with it some more but truly exquisite work.

😀 thank you again, one of the best birthday presents I’ve gotten.

David Levinger

Dylan, Honestly Bro’, I looked at the pictures numerous times and I honestly don’t know what to say…I appreciate everything you’ve done on it. The time, effort, and modifications you’ve put into this project have drastically changed the character of my razor and I was definitely not picturing this as the final outcome for razor.   From the reduction of material along the spine length, the pronounced material reduction at the front, blade tip softening, bark pattern carvings, scale reconditioning, blue coat, and deeper bevel, this razor looks AMAZING!!!!!!!! =)   I’m so stoked that this project turned out so well Dylan, you are a true metal Artisan!!! I am really excited about being able to physically see the razor and shaving with it too! It’s DEFINITELY going to be my showcase piece and  “Sunday Driver”! 😉 I honestly didn’t think the idea was going to look THIS great! ha ha. Everything flows so well together, like the way the blued blade seamlessly blends with the reconditioned scales. Bro, even the way your bark carvings bleed into the patina on the flat surfaces of the blade, it just looks like a masterpiece! I’m really diggin’ the cut you made into the front notch of the blade along with the flow of the bark carvings into that area! I hope I don’t sound dumb, but the spine and notch actually remind me of a tree’s branch, the new look looks PRICELESS!!  I love your other works that you’ve created, but the fact that you did this to mine, man you turned my 1988 IROC Camaro into a 1969 Camaro SS, CLASSIC!!!! ha ha! I’m really happy to know that my time piece is forged; kept in true old-world fashion! =)   Thank you for taking the time and effort to work this one, I could only IMAGINE how long it took you to hone this sucker. I honestly tried for over an hour on my 2000/4000 and I couldn’t dent it, so I gave up! So I could only think that it took you MANY more to get it shave ready! How did you peen the pin without breaking it? Shoot, I can barely Dremel the rust off of some razors without chipping blades past repairability and “wasting history” (I’ve wasted 2 Wade&Butchers, 1 Schumate, and 1 Engels) much less properly putting a hammer to hardware on a razor! Will I be able to just lather up and give it a test run when I receive it from you? I’m anxiously looking forward to that! =)   Just let me know what I need to do in order to enjoy this creation Brother!! My razor looks the Ultimate, all of its imperfections came together for a perfect blend! 😉

Joey

Good Afternoon! =)

I just wanted to let you know that I ran into my mailman as I was pulling into my driveway and I spotted my EBC box that I mailed out to you! I quickly went into the house and could not believe my eyes when I opened the box!!! Man, my razor looks indescribably SICK! =) I’m ecstatic! This piece of art looks WAY better in person than in the pic’s and I thought the pic’s were smokin’!   I just wanted to let you know that I am truly grateful for what you’ve transformed this piece of history into and I’m really looking forward to my first shave, which by the way, will be Sunday! 😉   Thank you for everything Brother, I’m eternally grateful!

Sincerely,

Joey

Dylan!   I meant to write this sooner, but I had to tell you about my 1st shave with my razor you restored for me: Fit & finish- Top Quality! The retained pitting, dark patina spots blended in with the patina, applied on the blade, and the original horn scales restored with the brass pins refitted are amazing!  The icing on the cake has to be the hand carved “Tree bark” engraving along the blade’s spine and the barber’s notch, along with the deepening of the barber’s notch and softening of the blade tip (subtle but noticable features) it makes the blade stand out a lot from its former form!

Initial Shave- The razor’s heavy weighted blade and the scales’ natural grip created a strange but nice balance initially it felt awkward, until the 1st stroke! The blade’s weight and sharpness are remarkable! Out of the 5 straight razors I have, this modified W&B you made me, is BAR NONE! The way you sharpened the blade felt like I was only using the blade weight and it glided on my face with every stroke. I was wondering if it was even cutting my facial hair! My Sunday shave was the best ever, no , pulling, dragging, and I really appreciated the softened blade tip, no cuts around my nostrils! =)   My Sunday Shaver that you’ve restored for me only makes me wish I had 4 more to replace the 5 others I currently have, again, thank you for the best straight razor in my collection, have a great weekend Brother!

Joey

Dylan,

I received the knife in the mail a short time ago. It is impressively sharp to say the least. I’ve pulled out at least a dozen of my own beard hairs just to watch this knife cut them in half, lol. I have to do kind of a quick swipe to get them to cut completely in half, but if I gently drag them across the blade it will split and slice them. Excuse my language if you’re a religious man, but it’s fucking awesome!   The craftsmanship is perfect to my eye it looks to have a convex grind, my favorite. The mirrored edge is spectacular. This is the sharpest knife I own by far… I haven’t figured out what I want to do with it yet. Chopping and hard use, though I know it will do it, don’t seem to be in its best interest. Self-defense, maybe? But I’m not trained enough and if someone took it from me and turned it against me I’d run like hell. It’s hard to tell what I’ll end up doing with her…. The artistry equals her function. It’s dark and rustic, but her mirror polished edge is like the glimmer of beauty and light in her soul. She reminds me of something a pirate would carry, I love it.   I do know this, I need more sage blades. I need a sword, a razor, and a kitchen knife!! Can’t wait to do more business with you, thanks for all the extra work you put into this one!

Sincerely,   E

OMG, this thing is simply amazing!  it cut so well on the first with-grain pass that i didn’t think I needed a follow-up pass like I usually would with my other straight or safety razor.  Also, I love the handle on this.  With the uneven surface, it made gripping some getting used to, but once I found the sweet spot for my hand, the movement pattern, etc I needed for this blade it then started to feel like the best shave ever.  My Fiancee even said after touching my chin that this $700 shave was well worth it.

Jimmy

Hi Dylan,

I will write you again once I have gathered myself bit more, but I have to give you my first impressions now.

I can’t come up with the words to express how beautiful this blade is.  The only thing I can say is that it is completely mesmerizing.  It has a reverence about it that I can’t explain.  I’m looking at it as I sit here and type this, and I can’t reconcile why I am handling it so gently as if it is fragile, while at the same time it is obvious what a solidly built tool it is.  Amazing…

You have taken an old file, reborn in fire…and created something that seems to have a soul – perhaps it does…

The sheath is incredible too.  I hope you collaborate with this old-world leather worker more often.  The blade and sheath are meant to be together, as if it was destiny.

I am so proud to own such a unique and finely crafted work of art.  I am truly envious of your talent, but if I had the ability to make a blade like this, I wouldn’t be able to part with it.  I don’t know how you can let something like this go, but I guess you have a different perspective as the “maker.”  I am grateful that you gave me the opportunity to acquire this masterpiece, even though you could have easily sold it for twice or more what you asked me to pay. Please know that I will always cherish it.  It will be a family heirloom passed to my son one day.

Many thanks!

Randy

Hi Dylan,

I have calmed down a bit now 😉

I seriously appreciate all you have done.  I hope to someday be able to repay you.  I really feel like you went out of your way to offer this extraordinary blade to me.  I have about 8 or 9 quality knives I have collected over the last few years, but I have never seen anything like what you sent me today.  You literally blew my mind.

This blade is a most prized possession, and she will be well taken care of.  My whole family is now fans of yours.  Everyone was blown away at the detail you crafted into the blade.  The sheath is also as cool as the other side of the pillow.

I hope to meet you one day, maybe if you go to the Atlanta Blade Show or something.  If you ever do, let me know and I’ll bring her with me;)

I really think your work is in a class by itself.  I hope you begin to get the recognition you deserve, and I am sure you will.  I get the sense that you will always walk your own path, and I admire that.

I wish I had discovered your work years ago.  I will save my pennies from now on – there is no other blade maker for me.  You have a new life-long customer.  If I had the money, I would have one of each of your pieces – no kidding.

Thank you so much, and I hope to talk soon…

Randy

With all my rambling on about your artisanship and the blade itself, I never mentioned that it was an absolute pleasure talking and working with you.  You’re a genuinely kind person, and I have really enjoyed this whole experience.

Oh, one more thing…

I read the care and maintenance insert that you sent with the knife.  I did not know that you invented the “micro-peening” technique, but I understand now why I have never seen it on other knives.  Your explanation of its benefits makes perfect sense, and it looks cool as the morning breeze too.  Just amazing…

Thanks,

Randy

I just received the LUCKY CHESHIRE in the mail the other day here in Western Australia. I love the handling and functionality of it. Truly a piece of functional art. The only problem is that your blades are like trading cards, I want to collect them all hahaha. I look forward to see what comes out of sage blades next and hope I’m lucky enough to get some more pieces of your art”

Dylan,

I cant wipe the smile of my face!  I just received the scimitar and HOLY COW, this thing is amazing!  I’ve spent the last 15 minutes outside admiring your work in the sunlight, just beautiful, not to mention the incredible sheath.  I’m going to go drool some more but thank you again for the amazing piece, I will treasure it for a very long time!  My daughter has already claimed it as her own when I pass, looks like it’s going to be a family heirloom:)

The scimitar has cured the itch for now but I will need more of your blades in the near future…..I’m addicted!!

Max

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Hi Dylan,

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You really know how to make someones day!  I just got home to find one of the greatest packages that the USPS has ever delivered:) It’s amazing to see up close how much quality and craftsmanship went into the bronze karambit.  The Striation texture that you applied to the blade is just incredible and DAMN is it sharp!  This is far and away the best looking karambit I have ever seen.

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Dylan,

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       I just got home, and an awesome surprise was waiting for me! Let me just say that everything about this blade is amazing. I love the patina/oxide finish. The Crystalline texture with the micro peening is off the chart beautiful! The only problem I have is this thing’s just too damn sharp! Ha Ha, just kidding, but for real I’m scared of it. I understand why you added the guard and choil. I was flipping it around a little and, if it wasn’t  for the guard, the blade would have nestled deep into my palm meat. Even with the guard, the blade still gave me a little microdermabrasion. Lesson learned, but seriously I need to take some classes and get better at wielding the karambit before I carry this one. Maybe if you feel up to it I can commission a simple trainer from you. Or would you recommend wrapping up the blade and practicing? Let me know what you think. As I sit here now with it in my hand, I’m in awe with it’s craftsmanship and attention to detail. Simply beautiful; I wouldn’t trade it for any knife in my collection. I’m in love… and the sheath, what a bonus! I love it down to the green leather cord wrap. Green is my favorite color. Well I haven’t told you anything you already don’t know. You’re the man! Now I feel like a SAGE BLADE junkie. I can’t wait for my next fix. Like I said whenever you feel like making another I’ll be ready. Thanks again so much Dylan you’ve made a fan of me.

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Forever grateful,

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-Kevin Hermanson

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WOW! I received the package. By far this is the best knife in my collection. Truly amazing – the care scroll, the leather/kydex sheath, and craftsmanship and art of the knife itself. WOW! Thank you so much. I look forward to more works of art…

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BB

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Seriously.  I despise you.  You actually reached into my brain and produced the type of knife I have always wanted to make.  Your quality and artistry is beyond breathtaking.  You have taken knife making into an entirely different category.  You are the Eddie Van Halen of the knife world.  The fact that you exist makes me cringe when I look at one of my own completed knives.  The inspiration your work has given me cannot be put into words.  I looked at your blades for the very first time yesterday and my jaw hit the ground.  This has never happened.  So, I hate you with the passion of the fire of a thousand suns…….And I really want one of your knives.  Fuck you and I love you!  Keep being you!  You amazing bastard!

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Levi Wallin

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OMFG… This thing is beyond cool!  I am seriously floored!  As always you have far surpassed my wildest expectations.    My only regret is that I can’t seem to find the words to adequately express my excitement! ; D  Great work man… really… your skill never ceases to leave me in awe.

I can’t wait to come up with another design worthy of your talent!

All my best,

Sean

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Dylan,

I got the package yesterday, just on time, and today it saw a full day’s use on an eight hour off-trail hike. Essentially, it’s an amazing piece. I’m really, really pleased. Everything about it is pretty much perfect, it bites through wood, the climbing spike works absurdly well, the sheath and belt are great. I was going to send a picture, but I didn’t fell anything too impressive with it, which is for the best of the forest anyway, so I didn’t bother, but the axe cuts trees down like no other tool I’ve owned. It’s aesthetically beautiful, I can already tell it’ll be incredibly durable, and the primary function is unparalleled. I just wanted to let you know how excellent both your craftsmanship and dealing with you has been. You seem like a great guy and I wish you all the best.

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Dylan,

I’m left speechless once more!  The kukri is an astonishingly beautiful work of supreme craftsmanship. I am in awe of your skill. It is as if the blade was formed by the spiritual forces of creation itself, not by mortal hands. The balance is perfect and the blade is keen, and I love the giraffe bone handle scales.  The attention you give to every detail is, in my opinion, unmatched.  I have collected a lot of knives over the years from different makers (production, semi-custom, and some custom), but you are a truly unique craftsman/metal artist in a class by yourself…

-Randy