CUSTOMER COMMENTS
Well, upon consideration I can’t even remember how I found out about the Double Edge Forge, but once I did I kinda went crazy.
For those of you that read the recent article about Dennis, you’ll recall a comment he makes about guys that carry 5 or 10 knives on them in the field or at rendezvous? Well - I’m one of those guys. For me the big thrill of living history is the acquisition and use of the every day “things” that people carried. As a rule I don’t carry a true “shooting” bag because it’s not big enough for all the STUFF I want to have in it. I carry something more the size of a shooting bag shaped briefcase. Almost everything in it is in duplicate or triplicate - and I go out of my way to use a different article every time I need something (if I shoot three times I use three different priming horns for instance).
But the one type of item that by far outnumbers everything else is cutlery! I have a thing for knives. And now - I have a thing for Miles knives!
I’ve only been a customer (and, I hope, friend - even though we’ve only met online and once over the phone) of Dennis’ for something like two years - but I’ve bought…..oh hell…..about a dozen knives and a bag axe and a war ‘hawk! Most of them I have used, usually in the presence of friends, and after they drool over the blade long enough (knowing I’m a softy) I present it to them. There is a small group of Civil War reenactors in southern California that is well fit out with Miles knives, for instance!
Anyway - I have two in particular that I would like to mention. First - after seeing the herb chopper on Dennis’ site I had to have one. In due course it arrived and let me tell you - this is a great addition to ANY kitchen that gets used. I like to cook, and a lot of the southwestern stuff I prepare means dicing and chopping. This is the chopper that wraps around the fingers - and it is very easy to use! It makes my cooking a lot more fun.
The second knife I want to mention is a real doozy. I decided that I wanted an actual copy of an old knife - so I hunted thru my books and found “the one”! I put in my order with Dennis and was quoted a very acceptable price - then I waited. And waited. And waited! He couldn’t find the right piece of stag - and since it was to be a true copy……we waited! I wasn’t used to this because generally speaking I order something from Dennis and have it in a couple of weeks (provided its not hunting season), but it was DEFINITELY worth the wait!
Thanks Dennis! The rawhide liner is finished and I’m waiting for the leather to mold over the tope of that. I won’t give any specifics on this beauty except to say that it is big - circa 1850’s, and you can find out all about it in one of the more common reference works on period cutlery!
Miles knives: great value for the money and a great smith to boot!
-Bob Mikus
"Double Edge Forge makes a great knife and I own several of them.,
But my favorite of Dennis Miles' goodies is my hatchet--the man's a real craftsman. It's well balanced, historically accurate, holds a good edge, and is handsome, too. Then there's the little herb cutter--andthe fork--the striker--and..." Kate (Cathy) Johnson, Graphics/Fine Arts Press
"you can count on high quality, unquestionable authenticity, and correct-for-the-period work. Dennis is willing to work with each customer to make sure the product suits their needs. I own his knives, a belt ax that everybody raves about, and many other items--Dennis uses this stuff himself, so he_knows_how it ought to work. It does."
Mike Alton
"Dennis gives you fast and reliable service, with accurate 18th C. research and design in every product"
John Lancaster
"Dennis is a true craftsman, his knives look like well preserved originals! His authenticity is second to none and he will work with you to make sure you get just the knife you are looking for."
Grant Davis
"There are few smiths that can reach back in time to produce a knife or axe no different than an 18th century woodsman would have known and used. In the wilderness, I would never stake my life on less than the best I can carry! When it comes to Dennis, I have no second thoughts."
Curt Schmidt
Society of Longhunters
"Dennis recently transformed a long distance idea into beautiful reality. My Bride's Christmas knife was exquisitely hand crafted, based solely on e-mail descriptions, and far surpassed my high expectations. Needless to say, the bride is tickled with the fit, finish and authenticity. It is encouraging to know that, in this age of mass-produced junk, there as still those such as Dennis who's technique honors the old ways. Dennis promised a "wicked" edge and, boy is it ever!"
Tom Roberts
Orlando FL.
"Folks this guy is a rattle snake. Not only does he make a great product, He has the nerve to make good trades. To top that off he will insist you let him send you more than you want knowing you will not send any thing back. Whatch him folks he is a fairly dangerous man."
Don Nelson
I have done a lot of email business on such web sites as E-Bay and Auction
Arms. I can truly say that in over 100 such transactions one of the most
pleasant I have had was my purchase of a war hawk from Dennis. His products
are top notch, his prices are fair, his shipping is rapid and his attitude is
one I share and enjoy. I was so happy with my purchase that I ordered a folder
from him and have my eye on a scalper to boot. If any of you folks are on the
fence about commissioning a piece or making a purchase from Dennis drop me a
line and I'll embarrass him some more.
Peter H. Yarusewicz
