The news is not good. Production continues to take longer than expected.
I feel as if, for the continued delay, a more detailed explanation is deserved.
What you need to understand is that we don’t own a factory, we do the design of the product in house, but actual manufacturing is bid out to specialized factories. This is the norm in the sword business, and in most modern manufacturing, be they swords or computer chips or flat screen TVs. So, we hired a factory to produce the Longclaw Damascus based upon our specifications, they said sure, it’ll be ready in X months.
Well, they vastly underestimated the time required to make damascus to our desired quality. There is some cheaper quality damascus swords out there, but we wanted to put out something higher quality and so we requested something better. The better damascus is a newer thing and they just, apparently, did not have the experience to measure the time frame correctly, and we have been told their own metal supplier is also giving them problems.
They have also been thoroughly turned off on the whole product, they bit off more than they can chew and are now choking, not just on ours, but on damascus swords for other vendors too. You may have noticed that damascus is the style du jour for many swords lately. We of course wish to make them to be more accurate to the books, not just as special versions, but there is still a lot of demand out there presently which is squeezing quality supply.
Anyways, they have choked so badly on this damascus sword that they’re swearing off future damascus orders. This is probably just a negotiating tactic, but we are exploring other options for an Ice damascus edition. However it does mean our original goal of concurrently releasing two version of Ice is not going to happen.
What we are likely going to do is have a partial release of Damascus Longclaws sometime in early fall (in customer hands in September, we hope), to fill the people with the earliest preorders, with the balance coming two or three months later for the rest of the preorders and for open ordering if there are any left at that time (currently, around 60 sold).
Of course if anyone is tired of waiting they may cancel and receive a full refund. You’d lose your spot in line if you ever changed your mind to buy one again.
In unrelated news, we should have photographs and thus open preordering for the standard version of Ice in late August. And we will continue seeking options for the Damascus Ice, but it may be awhile before that is available. Finally the technical drawings for King Robert’s War Hammer just went off to GRRM for final approval, once gotten we’ll start building a prototype.
Thanks for the update – I’ve been wondering when to expect my Longclaw!
Good luck getting the Damascus version of Ice – I was really looking forward to picking it up (along with any other Damascus versions of future weapons coming out)! It would be a big disappointment if there were no more Damascus versions.
My sentiments are precisely like Dwayne’s, thanks for your hard work and the update.
I’m so sorry that things are so difficult in regards to supplying the Damascus blades. It’s a disappointment to the customers, but it makes me happy to see that you guys have such a high standard that you’re holding your products to — just makes me even more secure in recommending the company to other people.
Good luck with finding a production company for Ice. I hope you either find one or can renegotiate with the current company. I’m still trying to figure out a way to scrape together the funds for Longclaw, and I too would hate for it to be the only Damascus version released.
Thank goodness for preorders! Hopefully the first batch isn’t going to be of an inferior quality just so they can get them out the door. Though I trust your / GRRM’s quality control, and your current responses of wanting a higher quality blade do assuage that somewhat.
Keep working at it and thanks for the update, it is appreciated, especially going for the better quality.
One more: thanks a lot (for the update now and the great work in advance
).
This is exactly what I was looking for in my posts in the “Damascus Longclaw” discussion. Thank you very much for the update. My pre-order is still on.
Thanks for the update. That’s all we were looking for.
Glad there’s finally an update on the site. I don’t care much about the damascus blades for myself, but I feel for those who pre-ordered. I wish you guys would post a minimum of 1x per month even if it’s just to say there’s nothing special going on.
Glad I can start looking forward to Ice, and the warhammer!
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That’s unfortunate. So much for having Longclaw slung across my back at this summer’s Ren Fests.
Maybe I’ll have it in time for Halloween though?
Sad to hear about the lack of a Damascus Ice for the time being or I would have preordered one of those as well.
Like all, I am disappointed with having to wait, but again we all want the best possible product.
Also as and when the Damascus Ice becomes available I’ll order it.
Not yet, huh?
It’s been a month since the last posting, an update on the possible partial release would be much appretiated… Thanks in advance.
+1 to Greg and Andrew, and I also don’t plan canceling if ерt’s of any importance for you to know.
We appreciate that each post says smth significant, but all of us checking this page min once per day for update would be grateful for some update frequency rule, even with status quo posts.
Btw this is the first time in last 3 months I could access the site directly ad leave a comment. Before that, only Google cache was available and the page just did not open. Maybe the problem is still intact for some prospective customers of yours.
Ice update ready?
So… a month later, any word?
If they’re not coming in, just tell us.
How do we exactly go about receiving a refund?
If you wish to cancel an order you may contact us.
http://www.valyriansteel.com/shop/contact-us/info_2.html
I Just bought mine on Aug 30, I have been watching this since they were announced hmmming and hawwing trying to decide if it was worth the cost. I have to say that I am glad your not just accepting a crap quality steel to make a lack luster product. I am more than willing to wait longer for a superior product as long as it comes eventually and there are periodic updates as to the status even if it is that there are no updates to be made. Just like to be kept in the loop.
Valyrian, do you have any pictures of the Ice prototype? Also, what timeline are we looking at for release, shipping, etc? Thanks.
Hi Valyrian,
Any update. Don’t want to cancel but just want a status.
kind regards,
nothing of substance to report. Only the factory continues to take longer than anyone thought because working with the damascus, especially doing the fuller grinding (Longclaw has 3 big fullers, way more than most swords).
Hello, I was just wondering if anything worthy of note (that is to say, noteworthy)has occurred regarding the state (more importantly, the shipping date) of the highly anticipated damascus blades.
I was just wondering how the swords are being sent out “logistically”. When 5 swords are ready will you ship those 5 or wait for the whole batch? Are any of the swords actually complete yet? Was sword #1 that was auctioned off earlier a Damascus blade? Is the factory where they are being made shipping to you as they are completed or are they waiting for the whole order to be done?
The first batch will be 50, they will be shipped all at once. We auctioned off both #1 damascus and #1 stainless.
I got news today that they could actually be in your hands (if you were in the first 50) by Thanksgiving. I don’t want to make promises yet until they’re on the boat.
Thanks for the response!
Valyrian,do you have a numerical list of those who purchased the Damascus Longclaw? Just wondering which number I had. THANKS!
Joseph
Hello, I have the same question as Joseph. Don’t remember if I am in the first 50. Maybe with cancellations I am now? lol. How do I find out where I am on the list? And Thanksgiving would be AWESOME!(I ordered both Longclaw and Needle at the same time, as an anniversery gift to my wife…. end of Nov.!!!) fingers crossed.
Joe, you’re 27.
Chris, you’re 34.
Can I get on the bandwagon? What is my number?
Thanksgiving sounds great. although it has come and gone in Canada. Not sure where i am on the list. but hope to see it soon. Could be a christmas gift. Keep up the great work!
I would also love to know where I am in line. Thanks.
doug 20, dale 15, jake I don’t have an order for the email you used to place your comment. Or any damascus longclaw ordered by someone named “jake”
Also, thanksgiving is looking doubtful now, more delays, I’m pulling my hair out. They had some ready but we wanted some more work done on them because they weren’t quite right.
also remember, numbers can change. They go down if someone below you cancels, up if we get a damaged one we can’t ship or something.
Valyrian,
All I can say is “Kudos” to you guys for making sure the swords are right! Hey, we’ve waited this long…and I appreciate a quality heirloom. I think most people understand it takes time to produce a fine sword made to Mr. Martin’s requirments for this blade, as well as Valyrian’s. I know we live in a “drive thru, fast food” age; however, I for one am happy to wait. Thanks, Valyrian!
After freaking out for about an hour, I figured out we ordered it under my girlfriend’s name. The guy on the phone was very nice and helpful BTW. Anyway…thanks again.
Cannot resist any longer where am I in queue?
Is xmas a viable delivery date? (to UK)
If you guys could shoot me an e-mail confirming my address, it would be appreciated. I ordered the sword over my phone and think I may have mis-typed a few letters.
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