Very Disappointing Purchase
Very Disappointing Purchase! I wrote the owner Brent an email "I received my custom shillelagh a couple months ago and have not really had the opportunity to take it out for a stroll. I noticed there was a manufacturing flaw and wanted to inquire what warranty you have. It appears an epoxy was used and that epoxy has separated creating a noticeable crack. I can’t imagine this will last over time. Please let me know how we can address the issue. I can assure you that I have not struck anything with the stick and this is an actual manufacture deficiency. This was an expensive purchase and I hope we can resolve the issue."
He responded back "Good morning Wendell, these are not “manufactured”, they are wood products from nature. As such, natural wood products can and might crack from environmental dryness, etc. and do not have any sort of warranty. We recommend that you give it a light coat of tung oil every now and then to keep the wood “moisturized”. As If I couldn't tell the difference between a natural flaw and a manufactured defect, and as if an oil applied over the top of a lacquer finish would be effective.
I responded "I recognize it is not a manufactured product but the epoxy used to fill a large crack has separated. The stick is in an environmental controlled (temperature and humidity)home in Southern California, so no it has not been exposed to environmental dryness over the less than three months I’ve had it. I cant imagine this will last to be the legacy/heirloom stick I purchased unless I stick it in the corner and don’t use it. It certainly would not survive very long if the head took a few significant impacts or any sort of “combat”. Given the cost of the item, it’s disappointing that you don’t stand by your work. Please reconsider your position."
Brent responded "A blackthorn shillelagh will last generations and normal surface area cracks in wood are considered normal and not a defect. As products of nature, shillelaghs do have any sort of warranty." In my final response I said "Thanks for the response. I guess you are not understanding my concern. I know what a natural wood product is, but the issue is your application/addition of an epoxy or product to fill a crack that did not take hold on one side resulting in a split in the wood nearly half the length of one side of the head. When you grasp the head of the wood you can feel it on your fingers. That is not the natural product, but a filler. I’ll accept that you’re not willing to stand by your product, but I will also share my experience online."
Ultimately, I spent $337 on a decorative walking stick that most likely will not withstand a defensive impact, or even shatter upon impact, due to the structural anomaly. Just know that while it's an interesting purchase, you won't be able to rely on this company to stand by their product and do the right thing. They clearly are just interested in making a buck. Feel free to reach out if you would like a photo to support my review.