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| Moderated by: 3T | ||
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Graham 3T WIS 
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About two months ago I cleared out some junk from a closet, and stumbled on this: An elephant hide money wallet given to me as a gift by my parents when I was about 13 years old (that's 36 years ago....) I never used it because it did not have a coin pouch, which I like. (and as a kid, you obviously have more coins than bills!) Anyway, as I was about to throw it out, an idea was born. Why not have it turned into a strap? After considering my options, I contacted Paul to discuss the idea. He was agreeable to take on the project, and I mailed the wallet off to France. (continued in next post; photobucket not accessible for some reason..) Attachment: 27072009190 (640 x ratio).jpg (Downloaded 147 times) |
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Graham 3T WIS
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After a LONG wait (isn't it alway too long when you're waiting for something exciting to arrive? ) Paul e-mailed me with a pic of the semi-finished strap. I was over the moon, and waited.............Finally he contacted me about a week ago, and had good and bad news. The strap had been completed, but he wasn't happy with the end result. He sent it to me FREE OF CHARGE.....................yes, you read correctly. This morning, the package arrived in the mail, and of course I couldn't wait to open it. Imagine my surprise when not one, but TWO beautiful straps came out of the wrapping! My commisioned strap is simply beautiful, and if it has any flaws Paul has managed to hide them very well. It is much better than I had imagined it could ever be! To crown it all, he included another strap as a gift - the exact one I pointed out initially as the type of strap I had in mind for the wallet-leather. What can I say? (see next post) Attachment: 01102009394 (640 x ratio).jpg (Downloaded 148 times) |
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Graham 3T WIS
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The two straps together: Attachment: 01102009396 (640 x ratio).jpg (Downloaded 149 times) |
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Graham 3T WIS
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Unbelievably, I wore my Orange Monster today - the exact watch I had in mind for this strap! And of course all you need for a strap swop on an OM is a paper clip! (not being near my tools at home) So, on it went.................... Attachment: 01102009397 (640 x ratio).jpg (Downloaded 147 times) |
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Graham 3T WIS
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..................and another shot, showing the beautiful buckle off nicely............. I e-mailed Paul straight away to thank him for this very special strap (and the freebie)and his kind gesture to offer it at no charge. I did, however, pay him a token amount for out-of-pocket expenses, ignoring his protest. Paul,  for a very special strap. I will always treasure it - especially since my Mom passed away two months ago. This will always be a reminder of the gifted wallet, artistically transformed by Paul.Attachment: 01102009398 (640 x ratio).jpg (Downloaded 146 times) |
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Tony Duronio 3T WIS 
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Looks fantastic and Poul is one of the best..congrats on a great straphand6.gif |
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Paladin 3T WIS 
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Graham... that is awesome!! Having several of Paul's straps myself, I gotta say he does great work! Looks Great! Enjoy!  Bill |
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oagaspar Site Founder 
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it look Awesome Graham!...Congrats! perfect.gif...and Poul is the Best as a WIS friend and strapmaker!  |
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GX9901 3T WIS 
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I'm not sure why Paul wasn't happy with the strap. It sure looks good to me. Elephant hide makes great looking straps and I think it will last a long time too. Congrats!cool10.gif |
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bigrustypig 3T WIS 
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I really liked the execution of Paul, Graham. For a while there I thought Paul had an inventory of elephant hides with that kind of rare grain and marbling....until I read the history of the wallet. The usual elephant hides I see are generally in monotone black or tanned into brown. How thick is it? 6mm? 7mm? It is perfectly made and i doubt even Paul himself can improve on that. Kudos, Graham, wear it in good health. And great gesture from Paulhand6.gif |
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Nabco 3T WIS 
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I really like it...not sure what Paul didn't like about it, looks great to me. Paul he is a true gentleman and as Oscar said a real WIS friend |
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Jeep99dad 3T WIS 
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Wow impressive straps, story, customer service!!! gotta love the Frenchies |
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nicolasbdive 3T WIS 
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That strap looks great, I too fail to see what the artist wasn't happy with. It's nice you have that sentimental strap to bring memories. Paul was really very kind with that gesture, and you were a true gentleman with your decision as well. I appreciate your story and will look at commissioning Paul in the future for my strap needs(well, desires at least:D). Thank you for sharing that. |
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tombs 3T WIS 
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What a great looking strap and Paul is for sure a real gentleman |
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KenC Admin 
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Awesome straps...and Paul, thank you for the grand & geberous gesture to one of our own here at 3T! |
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Graham 3T WIS
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Thanks for al the positive comments, guys! BRP, the elephant hide strap is 5.5 mm and the other one 7. |
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macbrad 3T WIS 
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Thats one fine looking strap and an example of Customer Service over and beyond the norm ...hand6.gif |
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Janner 3T WIS 
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That's a tail to gladden the heart of any WIS. |
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stew77 Admin 
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Graham...congrats on the beautiful custom elephant strap (Paul - beautiful work...not sure what's not to like about this one). Looks very finely crafted and beautifully built!! Enjoy!! |
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Devin 3T WIS 
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what a great story! |
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bigrustypig 3T WIS
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Graham wrote: Thanks for al the positive comments, guys! 5.5mm? Wow, that's really thick. That's my magic number on straps, too. The other at 7mm? Double WOW! I never though a 7mm could be made but nice to know. I am thinking of getting a 7mm X 26mm strap one of these days. yourock.gif |
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RockJohn 3T WIS 
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I think I'm gonna start looking through all my old stuff - maybe there's a hidden strap idea in there somewhere, as well! Thanks for sharing - amazing work by Paul. |
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DM71 3T WIS 
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Of course everything started with a great idea IMHO, you have to be a real WIS to see a strap in an elephant wallet , there is no doubt about that :shock: . As for the end result, well, I think you will keep this one for the rest of your life, sorry for your mother Graham, it makes this strap even more unique. Enjoy it and keep it preciously hand6.gif |
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Graham 3T WIS
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Thanks, guys. Yes, I will cherish this for as long as I can. Now I just have to find the right watch for it with 20mm lugs! BRP already chastised me for daring to fit it to a Monster...... |
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Mercury2wo 3T WIS 
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Wonderful and heart-warming Story! Amazing that customer service like this still exists! |
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aredman 3T WIS 
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WOW! Graham, that is a great story and a wonderful combination. I know that I am late to this thread but this was just amazingsmile8.gif |
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joecb 3T WIS 
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just saw this one.....very nice...beautiful straps.....and great story. |
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