In 2006, it became apparent that one person could not handle the retailing even of a small sword manufacturing operation. Particularly when it comes to backorder/preorders.......

I've worked with Christian Fletcher and his wife for seven or eight years, and they're well setup to do that kind of thing, keep track of retailing preordered/ backordered swords........ so in 2007 and onwards, Christian Fletcher is the place to go if you wish to order an AT sword not in stock.......

I intend to sell stock from here, but anything that isn't in stock, or normally stocked needs to be ordered from Christian Fletcher..........

Another change will be that Christian Fletcher will be making the handles, wraps, etc for the swords that are ordered thru him, and handling the scabbards of same....... this will also help my situation, since keeping up with the components needed for sword orders was a real issue last year...........

Early next week, I will start the "stock" sales here, with six "standard" Gus swords........ The tactical lineup is already handled that way........

Hi Gus,

Just for clarification; Will you be listing in stock items on forums, or either of these two sites?

www.angustrimswords.net

www.angustrimdirect.com

Your swords do come up in discussion and it is helpful to know which direction to send folk that are interested.

Cheers and best wishes for a prosperous new year

GC

Seems a bit like the way swords were put together historically !? A maker of blades selling his blades or in partnership with one or more hilt makers and scabbard makers. ( The exact relationship I'm vague about. )

On the practical level being able to concentrate on " grinding (pun) things out rather than a lot of bookkeeping seems more efficient and something you probably don't enjoy much. ;)

Still being able to order directly what is in stock is both good for you: Keeping things simple not having to keep track of what estimated delivery time was promised. And good for the customer not having to wait more than shipping and processing time.

I'm looking forward to seeing more of the tactical line like the tactical falchion and basilard, not to mention any new warswords.

Also, Christian seems to have a very reliable and dependable level of customer service and that is always a positive.

Hey Angus, thank you for your excellent communication. I hope this new partnership proves efficient and beneficial to both yourself, and Mr. Fletcher.

Best of luck

Gus,

Any idea on what the cut items are going to be as yet? I've been hoping to get the funds together for an AT1592, and don't want to get my hopes up if it's one that's up for the axe.

Thanks,

Jonathan

Gus,

Thanks for the communication.

I'll keep an eye out for the redesigned version then--Your reputation really precedes you on the "performance" aspect of your swords, so if you say there's a better-feeling version on the way, I'll wait it out.

In the meantime, I'm saving my pennies.

Jonathan.

Angus, on the subject of your catalog, I would like to make a suggestion.

Now, I do not mean to be the least bit offensive... but... You would really benefit by using a better camera.

The photos you use do not fully reveal the quality of the work. They are not a high enough resolution. The pictures taken by Michael Edelson in his various reviews are exquisite, and using photos as lovely as those would surely be a benefit to your catalog.