Has anyone considered that maybe Jim is being burned by Dustin too? I mean theyre friends, so when this first started im sure Jim asked him what was going on and im guessing he was lied to. Probably why he hasnt spoke on it at all afterwards. I mean if you have a friend that does something like what Dustin has done im sure youre not happy about it but would you start publicly shaming him even if he deserved it? Im guessing probably not. Also ive read the cigar forum posts and honestly im not going to judge someone including Jim for something that happen 15 years ago. I havent heard of him ripping anyone off in the knife community so why are some of you so quick to pile him in with Dustins actions?
I don't keep friends who, number one, lie to me, and two, are thieves... and shaming them would hardly be a debate for me. I'd shame the ever-lovin' hell out of them.
Please remember, Jim inserted himself as a messenger for Dustin early on in this debacle, and has since gone quiet. Jim's choice to do so was his alone, and I'll give him the benefit of the doubt that it was with the best of intentions (as I said previously). Let's also recall that Jim sends Dale a message regarding the knives being on Dustin's bench "...in different states of completion." Vague? Yes, definitely, but Jim's statement clearly indicates to Dale that he has some hope of finally receiving his overdue knives. If this is what Dustin told Jim, I would hope Jim went back at some point to find out what progress has been made. If at some point he learned Dustin was blowing smoke up his ass (as I suspect), then I would hope Jim could see that he was lied to by Dustin as well, and then let Dale know. According to Dale, that has not happened.
Again, if you are correct then I must assume Jim's OK with having friends who lie to him, especially regarding theft of property/monies. That is unfortunate but that is his affair. I think Jim's behavior/judgement regarding this situation is why many have some criticisms, justifiable or not. For the record, I have spoken to Jim many times dating back to mid-2013. I have done business with him on several occasions and have also met Jim in person. He was honorable in all his deals with me, was entirely friendly and pleasant throughout, and he did not strike me as someone who is prone to being played (and neither am I). Honestly, I have no problems with Jim whatsoever...
except for this situation. If he knows Dustin is lying--or has lied--about the status of Dale's knives, he needs to correct the record and say so publicly and to Dale--because it is the right thing to do. Basically, I'll boil it down to this for anyone still doing business with Dustin Turpin, including Jim Skelton:
If you lie down with dogs, you get up with fleas.