Advice on new EG with flaw

[Baron]

Originally Posted by Edward Appleby

Looks pretty small to me. Call me impatient, but I'd happily deal with a little extra space there in order to be able to wear my new Greens that I'd been waiting months for.

I'm in this camp too. That particular flaw wouldn't have even caught my eye.

 

[itsstillmatt]

Originally Posted by Baron

I'm in this camp too. That particular flaw wouldn't have even caught my eye.

It would not have caught my eye either, but I know from experience that once something does catch your eye, it is hard to get it out of your mind.

 

[Demeter]

Originally Posted by LabelKing

Not trying to deride the poster but really, when buying things of a hand-made nature, or as close to hand-made these days, expect small imperfections for that is what is special.

Mr. King has put it well, I think.

Part of the nature of a handmade creation is its soul, for lack of a better word. For some makers, it's kind of a search for perfection.

But I guess it depends on what your definition of 'perfection' is. If by perfect you mean a labour of love, then I think you will appreciate something different from an individual who equates 'perfect' to 'flawless.' If you're looking for flawlessness, then you might like the new Kenneth Cole collection.

However, I do see how something like that would be more and more annoying every time you see it. If that's the case, then by all means, have it fixed (although I would suggest, as someone else already has, to visit a local cobbler, since this really isn't a structural flaw).

 

[LabelKing]

Originally Posted by meaculpa

Mr. King has put it well, I think.

Part of the nature of a handmade creation is its soul, for lack of a better word. For some makers, it's kind of a search for perfection.

But I guess it depends on what your definition of 'perfection' is. If by perfect you mean a labour of love, then I think you will appreciate something different from an individual who equates 'perfect' to 'flawless.' If you're looking for flawlessness, then you might like the new Kenneth Cole collection.

However, I do see how something like that would be more and more annoying every time you see it. If that's the case, then by all means, have it fixed (although I would suggest, as someone else already has, to visit a local cobbler, since this really isn't a structural flaw).
Indeed, it's soul--or ethos.

There are some hand-made goods that reflect perfection but most of them are usually mechanical things like a watch or a camera. And even then, the level of craftsmanship has been diminished for the sakes of the accountants. Compare the factories of a 1950s Leica to today's Leica.

 

[redcaimen]

Originally Posted by dopey

The perception as a flaw in artisinal work reveals as much of the critic as of the craftsman and the artist must educate the critic.

Good Grief!

 

[A Y]

Hi everyone,

Thanks very much for everyone's opinions --- I truly appreciate it all. FWIW, I sent a bigger version of the picture to a well-regarded shoemaker who's fairly familiar with the make and last of the shoe, and while he believes it's not structural, he would not send it to a local cobbler whom he believes would fill it in with wax which will crumble over time, and his advice was to return it to EG for proper repairs. He's also surprised that this flaw made it through quality control, as EG is apparently quite thorough about these things.

Iyorito, you have a good eye: there are actually two scars near the flaw. It looks like someone's tool slipped, or the shoe was dropped onto something sharp. While that is a very human mistake, I doubt it is part of the handmade patina valued by everyone here.

--Andre

 

[A Y]

In case anyone was wondering about these boots, I just got them back from Malouf's yesterday. It seems like EG quantizes their shoemaking and shipment, because these shoes came in with a bunch of ordered shoes. Anyway, they look great, and I'm happy with them now. I posted some pictures in the Ankle Boot Appreciation thread.

--Andre

 

[Will]

That's about right. Four months for an "expedited" repair. Mine took the same.

I don't think the factory has any interest in adjusting its schedules. First in, first out.

 

[A Y]

Originally Posted by Will

I don't think the factory has any interest in adjusting its schedules. First in, first out.

They do seem to be very set in their ways, not that there's anything wrong with that. I thought their new (to me) dark green shoebox had a really amusing logo that kind of summed it all up: "Master Shoemakers To The Few".

--Andre

 

[Englandmj7]

Should've just got 4 pairs of R.M Williams for the same price.......

 

[A Y]

Originally Posted by Englandmj7

Should've just got 4 pairs of R.M Williams for the same price.......

Or better yet, half a pair of bespoke for the time I waited! Sorry, but I don't understand your point.

--Andre

 

[Englandmj7]

nevermind.

 

[Teacher]

Originally Posted by Andre Yew

In case anyone was wondering about these boots, I just got them back from Malouf's yesterday. It seems like EG quantizes their shoemaking and shipment, because these shoes came in with a bunch of ordered shoes. Anyway, they look great, and I'm happy with them now. I posted some pictures in the Ankle Boot Appreciation thread.

--Andre

Four months...good God...................