It has come to my attention that there is a perpetuated, one-sided fabrication regarding my Pete Winkler Cross knife, and I would like to set the record straight by providing the appropriate documentation and full context.
In late November 2025, I purchased this knife through a public surplus auction, without any prior knowledge of any alleged issues associated with it. Attached is the auction listing showing the knife prior to purchase, dated November 2025, as well as my paid invoice, also dated November 2025, with all personal information redacted. The auction regularly handles surplus property, including items lawfully transferred for disposal by the United States Postal Service.
Under USPS claims policy, when a mail insurance claim is filed and paid, USPS assumes ownership of the item and may dispose of it accordingly, including through surplus channels. The auction listing and invoice therefore establish a clear and documented chain of custody before the knife ever came into my possession. I bid on the item, paid in full, and the knife was shipped to me, at which point I became the bona fide purchaser and lawful owner.
After receiving the knife, I was contacted by an individual claiming to be the original owner. Initially, this individual stated that he had sold the knife shipped the knife and that it was now lost or stolen; he has since shifted his claim to asserting that it was stolen. Despite this change in characterization, he did not provide a police report, theft report, insurance documentation, or any evidence establishing that the knife had been stolen.
To independently verify the allegation, I contacted both local law enforcement and USPS directly. Neither was able to provide any record or evidence indicating that the knife was stolen or subject to an active theft claim.
Instead of providing proof, this individual began circulating a narrative within the Cross Knives Facebook group that is factually incorrect and unsupported by evidence. Before I was able to respond or present documentation, I, my partner, and our business page were all blocked pre-emptively while attempting to join the group, preventing any discussion or clarification and ensuring that only one version of events was visible.
This is particularly concerning given that the allegation appears to have originated from a group administrator, and that the group and brand publicly identify as Christian, with other administrators — including the knifemaker — also openly identifying as Christian. Therefore you'd think the group would emphasize honesty, accountability, and truthfulness, and not knowingly allow a false or unsupported narrative to persist — whether through silence or protection of a friend — to me this compromises both personal integrity and brand integrity.
Based on the information available, what appears to be at issue is insurance, not theft. The available facts indicate that the item was shipped using only standard USPS insurance, rather than being insured for its full value. Failure to obtain adequate insurance does not establish theft and does not transfer responsibility to a downstream purchaser. I was shown evidence by a former group member that this knife was publicly posted as lost or stolen as early as July 9. If a USPS claim was filed and paid at that time, that process would have concluded well before November 2025. In such a case, USPS would have assumed ownership upon settlement, and the item’s release into surplus and subsequent sale at auction would be consistent with standard USPS disposal procedures. An insurance loss or payout does not equate to theft and does not invalidate a subsequent lawful purchase.
Again, I am posting this solely to set the record straight. The continued repetition of an unsupported allegation appears to be sustained by an insular, one-sided dialogue in which I — the other party directly involved — was intentionally excluded. Preventing participation while allowing an unverified claim to circulate enables misinformation to persist and allows sympathy to be garnered without accountability or evidence.
The attached documentation predates the allegations being circulated, there has never been proof that this knife was stolen, and ownership transferred to me through a legitimate, documented transaction. Excluding one side of the conversation does not change those facts. Additionally, a number of individuals have reached out wanting the item, but they are fearful of retaliation, they would be unable to share the item with fellow collectors, in fear of being kicked out of the group.
by Quirky_Cat_5631
