Rick Ward?

Has Rick gone out of business? I tried sending him an email because I want to place an order, but the email bounced back. Just curious if he is still in business or not.

I recently dealt with Rick and expect to see him at the Blade Show since he is from Atlanta. Everything went fine except for a small problem with the US mail
Did you try calling him. It sometimes takes a bit to hear back from him

Peter

Although I haven't actually "seen" Rick since the Blade show, he has been down to the Randall shop lately. His car was parked there during spring training. Scott & Jason told me he had gone to the Braves game. (They play citrus league at Disney. I'm sure if you give him a call he'll get back to you.
Best, Capt. Chris

I expect he will be fit for another group shot of

"The Usual Suspects."

Hi Buck and Friend in LA already...just to warm up a little bit...
Coming soon...
Guido

I bought four knives from Mr. Ward last month and he took an order for 4 more for July.

Seems like he is still in business to me.

Doug

Just a quick note to add that Rick Ward was in attendance at the Blade show on Sunday for a short time. Rick has been slammed with work (his regular job) and had been called out of town for the past week or so. He told me he wasn't happy, having to pay for his table (They cost $500 and up) and not able to attend...."BUT"...(I know) he is still, very much, in business.
Hope this helps, Capt. Chris

He's got a dead sexy 12-9 14 grind for sale on his site!

yeah he does and you are correct.....she looks awesome!

Guys on the Facebook forums are saying that Randall just pulled his dealership. That really sucks for me because I paid him a $100 deposit for a Model 27 last January, and it still hasn’t arrived. He doesn’t answer phone or emails.

Oh wow , sorry to hear that . I bought a knife off his website years ago and then ordered a few more builds and all went great . Really good communication , service .

This was quite a few years ago .

The decision to pull Rick's dealership can be seen in the "Randall Shop News", listed after the "Randall - Want To Buy" Sub-Forum.

Sad to hear about Rick.

Always good dealings with Rick and questioning whether guys might be just a bit quick to lynch him. I don't know the specifics but it seems to me everyone is just a bit quick to kick him to the curb after years of good tidings.

Agreed Miles. And for those of us who don't have a dog in the fight or have a need to know, I'd say it's none of our business.

and for those of us with standing orders with him, I'd say it's very much our business.

@ mileswelze, you said:

"Yes, great idea. Contact his friend and ask him to sell out his buddy.

Give Rick a chance to recover and make things right. If he's gone dark and isn't responding there's got to be a good reason."


His "friend" Rick Bowles is the one that is posting private information about Rick Ward on Facebook. Apparently he wants to get involved, if not why comment? Like I said before, I don't know what kind of problems Rick Ward has and he could be in a terrible situation and perhaps needs help.

But I know he almost screwed me and apparently a lot of other people. How would you feel, if you would have payed him a lot of money and couldn't contact the guy?
I don't know how bad his situation is, but he still found the time and energy to take orders from people. Like I said before , let some of his so called friends check up on him and help him and the people who are victims of this situation.

Poor Rick Ward! Stole my money and now you guys support him? What about me, my hard earned money and how it affects me and my family? Maybe I should perpetrate these crimes against you and see how YOU feel then. No matter how tough it gets, honor dictates certain moral standards. Rick award committed outright felony fraud against me. I will prosecute this matter to the end of this earth. I have bought or sold many of you knives. To see you rally to a criminal defense is disheartening.

@ Capt.Gary

I would also prosecute him! I am NOT sticking up for Rick Ward and if it was my money I would be mad as hell to. It is strange and scary behavior from a 30 year Randall dealer. I hope you get your money back.

Results and a quote directly from Mr. Gary Randall (I can provide the email):
"I am very sorry about Mr. Ward and his disappearance and hope that he can be located soon."

No other assistance has been offered.

A little research that I did - "Authorized" - definition - verb. These verbs mean to give someone the authority to act:

authorized to negotiate; a representative; commissioned; empowered to make decisions

This situation is real crazy, the dealer is missing. I almost ordered two knives from this guy and he probably was thinking while talking to me on the phone, how to screw me. To be honest, that thought alone makes me pissed. Let alone if I paid him and you can't contact him.

I hope Randall takes action, there must be something in a contract to use, I hope? Maybe they are taking behind the scenes action and can't share that information?

I was hoping Rick Ward would be like this guy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YEmihm6w6g

This forum has ALWAYS been really good about NOT slandering or taking shots at people... there is NO place for it.

I understand and respect that people have been placed into a bad spot over this turn of events. I am sorry they have been.

But really, nobody knows what Rick's situation is so it would probably be best if the content here stays "positive". We don't need to see anyone's personal communication with the Shop or need to be subjected to running someone down who is not in a position to defend himself.

I REALLY feel as a group this forum is better than that.

Good post James, I agree !!

I locked the Shop Knews thread and told everyone I did not mind if the subject was carried on and talked about on our open forum, which has been the case.
However: If any more direct quotes are posted on here, and I don't give a shit by WHO, with regards to shop information, without consent, this one will be locked and the poster will be issued a temporary "BAN" (& I don't ban anybody) followed by a permanent ban if another post of such manner is posted. Are we clear?!
Capt. Chris

Well said James
I don’t want to sound insensitive
I’m sure I would not be happy either
But under the circumstance lets
See what the damage is and who has claimed what loss
Then once they can be verified
Let’s do a Rick Ward Build knife with the benefit going to clear Rich’s name
I would pay $20 to buy a chance to win a knife and clear this up
There is more to it than Rick’s name
It’s the Randall name
Sharpi
It is this forums name

It’s the name of the accuser
the name of all who judge him
And all that don’t stand for him

James , you have mail.
Walker
Possible cleanup on aisle 2.

I don't read PM's... If I open it, I will just screen print it and repost it for everyone to see.

Good deal do not blame you for that, keeps everything clear for all I guess.
Thank you, sir.

Aside from Capt. Gary, who are you ??

This is a very good point Mike, and one I have been bitching about since the inception of this site. Anyone, I repeat, anyone can come on here and stir trouble, take a couple of snipes. and no one knows who they are.

rick prolly has access to an ip address, but so what? None of the reputable websites, chat sites, or whatever allow anonymity the way this site does.

A fatal flaw IMO and possibly a reason participation is low.

Sent a money order for $575 to Rick 1-8-2018 for two Triathletes shipped. Since order was placed in January the order should have been completed and knives shipped by October/November 2018. He does not respond to my calls or emails. This is not a trivial amount of money and I am very concerned for my possible loss. Sellers expect their payment and buyers expect their product.

Having used a money order may end up being a good thing for you, if it was a Postal money order. If so, the Post Office may be able to assist in recovering your loss. Check with them!

Yes it is. Thank you.
Larry

A quick google search appears no buyer protection. I will still check with Postmaster. Inspectors have the ability to investigate and prosecute, they do not have the ability to provide a refund for your loss.

That is a considerable sum of money and you should be worried.
I don’t know Rick or had any dealings with him so no comment from me

Not only did Rick Ward take money for orders, but also took the whole amount for knives upfront it seems. If I would have paid I would have probably lost $1700. Living abroad, I could do nothing about it... First I was wondering what happened to him and I felt sorry, but the more stories I read of people who paid money, the more I think what if it was me.

I have to work almost a month for $1700. You save money, order a Randall knife get exited while waiting for it and then your money is gone. I learned one thing from all of this, go with my instincts more often, that is what saved me this time.

Victims who paid and didn't get your money, get together and go to the police or whatever gets you justice.
People who are saying get in contact with Rick Ward and work something out, All I can say is how???

Ban me, don't like me or do whatever you want, but I am gonna speak my mind!

If this is all true and I think it is unfortunately, I am also disappointed in Randall. They direct people to dealers if you call them. The term authorized dealer sounds trustworthy, but it turns out that it doesn't guarantee a whole lot. Randall should (and I hope they are doing that) sue Rick Ward and help the people who lost money.

Apart from that, my experiences with dealers all have been great!

. Plus one !

Disappointed at RMK?!?...for what? For recommending our Authorized dealers to save you a few years waiting on your orders from the shop? For almost 60 years we've had GREAT relationships with our dealers, (including the last 30 w/ Rick) we've had them pass away and cancel their dealerships themselves and have never had to take responsibility for the orders that were placed with them...so now we're to be held responsible for a dealer that has gone awol?...this certain relationship has soured in the past few years to the point that we could no longer recommend Rick with confidence of a timely delivery and we haven't...he also hasn't answered our emails and phone calls to the point that we don't even start his orders until we received his payments...

Randall has always maintained a very tight reign within our dealerships from size of customer materials allowed to great communications regarding orders and having personal relationships and encounters any chance we get, whether it be at the shows, phones, emails, etc, etc, etc...as ANY of the dealers that participate here on the forums would agree, Randall expects a high class treatment of their customers as we try to maintain the same within the shop, unfortunately and apparently one bad apple has spoiled many of the opinions of both shop and dealers...

@ Dirty_Water

I didn't say or think RMK are to blame for the behavior of one bad apple.
But RMK probably has got influence at the outcome of this drama.
My point is, that there must be a contract with this guy.
There also must be something in it, that you can use against Rick Ward.

The company probably also has (I presume) a lawyer at hand and has more cash then most of the customers. I would say, get in contact with the people who are hurt and sue Rick Ward. Take legal possession of his house, car, boat or something. Take him to court for hurting the brand and make him pay. If this succeeds, RMK could use the money for the victims.

Wouldn't it be great if people got there money back or even better, there much awaited knives.

The word authorized Randall dealer, sounds trustworthy to most people. This is what I find (for lack of a better word) misleading.

Boy oh boy, this is a bad situation......no matter how you look at it.

I do feel very bad for those Randall customers who might be getting financially screwed over.....getting robbed of hard earned money is a very terrible thing and this will most likely put a very bad light, not only only the authorized dealer, but also on RMK and their brand—the shop should keep this in mind, and I’m sure they most likely do.

It is of my opinion that, as one of their authorized dealers, RMK should have some accountability here.....now to what extent, I don’t know (to be fair they can’t completely control everything their dealers do).....but simply posting that this person is no longer an authorized dealer (and leaving it all on the backs of their customers to track him down), just doesn’t seem to be enough and certainly doesn’t bring much comfort to those very important Randall customers.

Some of you guys are stirring stink where it doesn't need to be stirred. Anyone who has been harmed (including RMK) has legal recourse. I'd bet that all who are taking action will remain silent in the public domain; they probably should anyhow.

100% agreed!

A contract between Rick & RMK won't get anyone their money back.
If anyone wants to take Rick to court you will have to prove that he got your money & that you didn't receive a knife.
How ever much money is lost per individual I can almost Guarantee that the lawyer will cost more than the amount you want to get back.
I realize having your funds go missing makes most folks here angry...... I agree with your anger, but not where ya'll are directing it.
I had a deal go bad with Rick 8 or so years ago over some Narwhal material. I didn't call the shop and complain after the fact.
I didn't call before hand and ask them if they thought dealing with Rick was a good idea, I didn't get it in writing with Rick before I gave him a whole Narwhal tusk either! That's on me, it's business plane & simple.
When I do business "I" get it in writing if i'm worried or if the amount of money is of a concern to me.
I don't know of any company that has a registered dealer that they are responsible for.
It would be better time spent if all the folks who are out money got together & got one lawyer & went after Rick collectively to save on lawyer costs, plus a collective suit will get to court faster.

"It would be better time spent if all the folks who are out money got together & got one lawyer & went after Rick collectively to save on lawyer costs, plus a collective suit will get to court faster."

I wish them good luck and hope they win. If he is acting unreliable for years now, I don't feel sorry for the guy at all anymore.

Gary Clinton ones sent two knives to me. I don't know exactly how it went, but he shipped them before I paid anything,
That is called trust and what kind of person are you if you betray that kind of trust.

If Rick Ward or his wife is very sick, can't pay hospital bills or whatever and asked for help, I bet there are people on this forum who would have gladly donated some money. I don't know the guy in person but I would have made a contribution. Let alone the people who know him for 30 years and speak highly of him, I assume. Instead he has choosen this route.
He also told me that he had to go to the doctor when I had him on the phone. Maybe it is true or perhaps he was manipulating me?
The guy could have an addiction and make all this stuff up as far as I know. Anyway, you do have a beautiful Narwhal handled Smithsonian now Chief

Nope I got a offer I couldn't pass up....so now I'm waiting on the other one to come in.
But that was the plan all along to only keep one.

Sounds like Rick's "authorized dealership" should have been revoked a few years ago, which would have avoided this mess with recent orders.

Exactly!

this certain relationship has soured in the past few years to the point that we could no longer recommend Rick with confidence of a timely delivery and we haven't...

At least put the full quote...

And I'm damn sure NONE of us has ever been in a financial difficulty and ran behind in our bills...

I said we could no longer recommend Rick with confidence of a timely delivery and we haven't ...not that we felt like his dealership was ever in jeopardy...we took steps with Rick to help him avoid possible situations such as this, and we were mislead as you have been that "all is ok"..

I wonder how many people didn't get there knives?

"And I'm damn sure NONE of us has ever been in a financial difficulty and ran behind in our bills..."

That could be true, but that doesn't justify stealing money from other people. Rick is a criminal, whatever the reason is. He misleads even RMK, while you were trying to help him.

As long as he still has got his car, house, whatever he could have chosen to sell that before he choose to steal the money of other people.

If I was RMK, I wouldn't want to have anything to do with this situation. I would have made a statement where I would have asked people with outstanding orders, to contact Randall. That way you could get an idea how big the damage is. And after I did that, I would have started working something out with those people.

With the help of a lawyer, that I am sure a million Dollar company with 22 employees has standing by and used many times before. Probably also while the contract with the dealers were made. So there is one thing to do, sue this scammer to help your paying customers.

@ Chief

You said this: "If anyone wants to take Rick to court you will have to prove that he got your money & that you didn't receive a knife."

This is exactly one of the reasons why Randall NEEDS to help. They can look in there order book and know which knives were delivered to Rick Ward. That is prove in court and it would be a shame, if they don't help there loyal customers getting all the evidence they need, to make a good case against this THIEF!

Sounds like you don't know any of the intimate details but like to armchair quarterback the play anyway.

Kinda like, if I stab you with a Randall Made Knife, you can sue RMK.

They can look in there order book and know which knives were delivered to Rick Ward

Absolutely no problem....7-5 Mon-Thurs, ask for Scott and I'll do what I can...but Rick has not received a delivery since late October...

Don't need to know intimate details. I was just commenting in Scott's post. When a business "relationship has soured in the past few years" and you can "no longer recommend Rick with confidence" for whatever reason, it's probably time to severe the relationship to protect Randall customers and the shop. And yes, I realize that hindsight is 20/20.

I’m one of the folks that Rick Ward stole money from. I paid him a $100 deposit for a Model 27. The deal was done by phone, and I sent him the deposit via PayPal. He told me it was for his September delivery, which was 8 months later. Unfortunately, PayPal won’t pay claims after 180 days, which passed before the supposed delivery date. By the time I realized my money had been stolen, and that he lost his dealership, PayPal refused my claim. Both of the phone numbers I had for him, as well as his email, are no longer in service. At this point, I’m afraid it would cost more than the $100 I lost to collect my money, which I’m sure he counted on. $100 won't break the bank, but the fact remains he’s a criminal. It’s disheartening when other dealers jump to defend him on Facebook, literally calling out people who were ripped off for “kicking someone when he’s down”. Disgusting.

I agree with everything you mentioned!
To bad you got scammed...

Brad,
I announced on these forums, as well as on Facebook (& to the Randall shop) that I would honor a $50.00 deposit, lost in dealings with Rick Ward, "and" get the Randall knife order made & delivered for anyone showing proof of their deposit. If you will get in touch with me, we can work this out.
Hope this helps, Capt. Chris

Capt. Chris,
That’s an EXTREMELY generous offer. You, Sir, are a true ambassador for RMK. I sent you an email a few days ago. Currently, I’m interested in ordering a new Triathlete. I’m also looking for a Guardian with the older, Commando-style grip. I’d also like to find a nice RKS3, preferably one of the “Membership Drive” versions with ivory spacers. If I can’t find a nice RKS3, I’ll need to order a 27 from you.
Thanks,
Brad

Get with me the beginning of the week as I am not at (or near) my blade list but we'll get some of this taken care of.
Stay sharp, Capt. Chris

Well done Captain!