I hate to join the witch hunt, but I feel I should put my two cents in. I asked on a group buy thread about firesteels after Big Mark said he bought 50. He offered to sell me three and sent me a price. The price was cheap, he sent them immediately and was great to deal with. The problem was, when people started to question his integrity, he claimed on British Blades I BEGGED him for the firesteels. I've never begged for anything in my life! I even sent more than he asked for because they were so cheap and I felt bad.That thread was shut down so I couldn't reply.
When Big Mark mentioned making cheap blades and sheaths I thought it was a great idea. What surprised me was when he asked me if he should put his maker's mark on the blades. I said of course he should stamp his work. Hmm...
I also defended him when he was starting to be questioned on the £12 blades. I still believe he's doing people a service by supplying cheap blades for people to have a bash at. The problem is, the more I see the more I question how he can be so prolific with his forging, leatherwork, jewellery work as well as hold down a job in the smoke.
He's pleasant to deal with, and provides people with an affordable item. I thank him for that. However, I don't agree with people taking credit for other people's work, and if that's the case it is a breach of the maker's market and is unfair on the people trying to sell their work they put a lot of effort into. I truly hope this isn't the case. It wouldn't be hard to take a photograph of some work in progress to clear his name. I take pictures of everything I do at every stage for the person I make items for.
As I stated at the start, these are just my feelings and opinions on the never ending mystery!
Cheers, Chad
