FijiShop.com for Totokia (Gaffi Stick)???

[vader1974]

Well, I have wanted a Gaffi Stick for a long time. I have searched the board for any information about FijiShop.

I have sent multiple emails with no response. Are they safe to deal with?

I assume I want to get the LARGE model.
http://www.fijishop.com/store/merch...ishop&Product_Code=0306010&Category_Code=0300

Anybody have any recent dealings with them or another outlet for a real totokia. I have seen the resin one offered on the board, but would like the real thing even if not totally accurate. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks
Brian

 

[Funky]

Oh yes. I remember FijiShop from about 7 years ago here on the RPF. Someone ordered one for about 30.00 and showed it on the RPF. Most of us lost our minds! But "the guy" said not to mention Star Wars or they'll jack up the price.
Fast forward.
My understanding is that they have pretty much refused to order these any more.
At first (when someone let the cat out of the bag as to why we wanted them) there was a huge jump in the price. In addition, they couldn't promise what shape or style you were getting as each one was hand made. Many people didn't get the "ideal" totkia so they sent them back getting several replacements until they got one that was "close enough".
Time to jack up the price.
Next, they started ordering a LOT to fill the demand. So many that they were very poorly packaged and damaged on the way to the customer, hence said customer returning it for a replacement.
Time for them to jack up the price...again.
Now they are getting stuck with all these returns. In addition, they still can't keep up with the demand, especially for us screaming for "the perfect one". So much to the point where they said, "ENOUGH! WE'RE DONE DEALING WITH THE STAR WARS FANATICS!"
So here we are. Now the mere mention of someone requesting these brings nothing but dead air.
Old timers, does that sound about right?

 

[wuher da brewer]

I bought one for 75 back in the day. Very, very close. However, it came cracked through the middle. The next one I got had a rather bulbous pineapple.

 

[Sidewinder]

I got one ages ago and the head was not accurate at all, but it was such beautifully hand crafted workmanship I didn't care! Made up a metal mace end, drilled (hell that wood is tough to drill!) and stuck it in - now it hangs on my wall in pride of place, looking 'the business'.

(eminently useable as a "burglar basher")

SAS

 

[rmschneider104]

Yeah, that's the history I remember too. When I got around to making my gaffi, I just kept watching for them on ebay. It took me about 6 months, but I finally found a nice one there. Good luck with your hunt! It is a fun build.

 

[PHArchivist]

Even the resin version may be difficult to find now...

 

[TomSpinaDesigns]

I've gone through quite a few fijian clubs over the years and also had the same "hit or miss" experience ordering handmade wood versions. At the very least, with the resin version what you see is pretty much what you get, so you know what to expect.

We're definitely in the "wrapping up" stage on the resin ones, if anyone's interested please view the JY thread: http://www.therpf.com/showthread.php?t=40115

or you can go to this page to place an order directly w/paypal or a credit card:
http://www.tomspinadesigns.com/totokia.html

It's a very cool looking totokia that also satisfies most "fanatics" in addition to those of us who just happen to like the fijian club on it's own! (which is how I display mine)

As for the wood versions, they're awesome no matter the design. I've seen some really amazing ones with intricate carving along the handle, mother of pearl inlays, and "pineapple" ends of all sorts.

Tom