2015 Northwoods Indian River Jack Smooth White Bone Review

[BrotherJim]

I stumbled across the IRJ on the Internet. The smooth white bone "blew my skirt up" and I HAD to have one. I checked Knives Ship Free and found that none were available in any scale configuration. The few I saw on eBay were used and going for WAY over retail. I joined BladeForums in hopes of discovering a lead on this knife. I spent hours looking at every IRJ in the for sale forum (all had been sold) and read every post I could find concerning the IRJ. I emailed KSF and asked about being placed on a waiting list for one when available. The reply from KSF customer service manager was, "I'll put you down on a list to contact when we have more of those in stock. There are other Northwoods planned throughout the year, so it could be a long while before the next run of the Indian River Jacks."

THEN ... two nights later after the email response from KSF ... Lo and Behold, an IRJ in smooth white bone popped up on the KSF site for sale !!! It was meant to be I thought and jumped on it. At checkout, I entered my CC number rather than use the PayPal payment feature. I paid extra for shipping. The knife shipped Priority Mail the very next day !!! The sales manager at KSF when contacted to verify actual availability was about as surprised as I was that one popped up.

Within the hour of placing my order online with KSF, my CC was hacked and there were charges placed from half a dozen different online retailers for thousands of dollars. Luckily my bank was all over it and I actually did not incur any of those charges. I did have to cancel my CC and my bank issued me another card delivered by FedEx. I have no proof this incident was a result of my very first purchase with KSF and in all honesty, I doubt that it was. They deal with dozens if not hundreds of online orders day in and day out, likely with very few problems. I will however NEVER again enter CC information on KSF site and will use the PayPal feature for payment if ... IF ... I ever purchase anything there again.

I CAN tell you that I'm 62 years old, retired Navy Chief who for 20 years worked for the United States Navy as a Data System Maintenance and Repair Technician on main frame computers, PC's and ancillary devices. I build my own computers and I run Linux, not Windows or Mac. My computer is secure and contains no malware that may have harvested my CC information.

SOoooo ... Priority Mail tracking indicated the knife would be delivered 13 FEB ... Friday the 13th LoL. I waited ALL DAY for delivery of the package and it never came. In the evening, I checked package tracking online and found ALERT: Undeliverable As Addressed. Luckily, I went to the local Post Office this morning as soon as they opened up and was able to retrieve the package. It was perfectly, clearly and properly addressed. I have NO idea what happened.

I do not place blame for the CC fraud or the failure to deliver the package on Knives Ship Free. This is just anecdotal information concerning my online purchase experience of the Northwoods Indian River Jack.

Back from the post office, I prepared a cup of coffee and settled to examine the knife I had drooled over, spent so much time researching and virtually had to fight for in order to get.

Here is what I find:
- The pattern and size is perfect for EDC. The material used is top shelf.
- The blade tang thickness is VERY uneven there is huge gaps between the tang and liners in the closed position. In lockup, while there is a large step transition between the backspring and tang, there are no gaps between the tang and liners.
- The blade is not centered in the blade well, but doesn't rub the liners either.
- Despite the huge gaps between the tang and liners in the closed position, the pull is a 10. I chipped a honking thumbnail opening the knife blade.

The knife is made by Queen and even OKBOHN (Derrick) admits in posts I've seen here on BF that the quality is very good but not as good as GEC. Furthermore, it's been said the IRJ is a work knife not a collector piece and is meant to be used. Maybe I had my hopes too high but I did expect better fit and finish for the price point, even considering this is a production knife. On the other hand, this knife will be carried and used and more likely than not, I will forget about the imperfections or at least hope so.

With my frustrated and disappointed mind spinning, my only thought as to why this knife popped up out of the blue from left field on the KSF site is perhaps it was a return, rejected by someone for quality reasons and then offered for sale again. Dunno.

My experience purchasing and examining the IRJ has been frustrating and disappointing. Lesson learned for me is not to buy a knife I cant hold and examine first.

OH ... and part of the IRJ spiel is that this knife may look like your grandfathers knife, but it isn't ... <<< I agree with that 100%. They sure don't make them like they used to

 

[okbohn]

I am really sorry for, what has obviously been, a very difficult transaction.

I can assure you we have some of the absolute highest security encryption on our site that money can buy. We never receive any credit card information and all of it is handled on a completely secure connection. I don't know where your credit card number was stolen, but I am as confident as I can be that it did not happen at KnivesShipFree.

The Indian River Jack was made by Queen and, as you have said and as has been discussed a lot, does not have the fit and finish of a GEC made knife. I am sorry yours doesn't meet your expectations.

Send it back and I will send you a check for the full amount of your purchase.

Again, sorry for disappointing. I hate disappointing anyone.

 

[BrotherJim]

Thank you for your kind offer Derrick. I had no doubt you would try to make it right nor do I doubt your integrity and I'm SURE you feel and perhaps have even known at some point somewhere, my frustration and disappointment. I will however keep the knife. I'd rather have the knife than money back. It is however ... what it is and my review is quite accurate as you have agreed. Thank you again for you response and offer. Thank you

 

[okbohn]

Jim-- after you talked to Jason yesterday, I tried to give you a call, but missed you. Feel free to call me any time.

The offer stands.

If you keep the knife, I hope you will use it and enjoy it. I love mine.

 

[BrotherJim]

I don't doubt that you may have tried to call, however as I said I am retired. I was here all day (waiting for a package) and here all night feeling very frustrated. I didn't go anywhere except with dogs into the backyard for short periods of time. I have voice mail and there is no indication of a missed call. I guess I was outside with the dogs or something and missed your call and perhaps you hung up as soon as voice mail hit. I'm sorry we missed each other. It's just been one of those kinds of transactions I guess.

I'm sure I will enjoy the knife unless issues with fit and finish pop up that somehow make it unworkable in which case I will have it repaired professionally if possible by someone of my choosing.

Thank you for your consideration in this matter Derrick. And thank you for reviving a loved pattern and using the finest materials available and appropriate to the pattern and intended use.

I would love to have other Northwoods offerings but your shop in Oregon is just a bit too far to drive to and blind trust in quality and online purchase experience is, well ... harshing my calm LoL

 

[hunterjrg]

I'd keep it too. Looks like a really nice knife and I always liked the white bone.

 

[BrotherJim]

It is indeed a lovely knife. Too bad the fit and finish does not match the high quality of the material used ... ON MY KNIFE (pictured). But hey, on production knives and online ordering, for the average guy like me, it's just luck of the draw I guess and your experience may be different. I surely hope so and for most, it probably is.

 

[mrbear]

I am really sorry for, what has obviously been, a very difficult transaction.

I can assure you we have some of the absolute highest security encryption on our site that money can buy. We never receive any credit card information and all of it is handled on a completely secure connection. I don't know where your credit card number was stolen, but I am as confident as I can be that it did not happen at KnivesShipFree.

The Indian River Jack was made by Queen and, as you have said and as has been discussed a lot, does not have the fit and finish of a GEC made knife. I am sorry yours doesn't meet your expectations.

Send it back and I will send you a check for the full amount of your purchase.

Again, sorry for disappointing. I hate disappointing anyone.

Good job Derrick. Stepping up like always. A+ :thumbup:

 

[midnight flyer]

Good job Derrick. Stepping up like always. A+ :thumbup:

He always does! Turns out a fine product and stands behind it 110%.

Robert

 

[Shaggy]

Don't let this one bad experience turn you sour to online purchases Jim. Pick up a GEC or Northwoods: quality is first rate and Derrick has the best customer service in the business. Good luck.

 

[rma100]

Great Customer Service Derrick! It just seems some feel the need to post rather than accept any remedy.

 

[BrotherJim]

Great Customer Service Derrick! It just seems some feel the need to post rather than accept any remedy.

Derrick is honest in his offerings and honest in his transactions. What's wrong with an honest AND ACCURATE review? Even Derrick agreed it was accurate.

Had he said send it back and it will be replaced with one meeting his quality expectations OR had he said send it back for rework to correct irregularities in fit and finish I MAY have taken him up on it. But that offer was not forthcoming was it? So the only "remedy" offered was a check in the mail. Is there any other remedy I may have missed rma100? ... didn't think so

Furthermore, virtually every email exchange I had with KSF as difficulties mounted, I either CC'd Derrick or emailed him personally. He didn't respond. The guy he pays to do customer service did politely and promptly respond. And I missed a phone call Derrick said he placed that my voice mail never acknowledged and/or my phone never rang.

... ya feel me?

 

[hunterjrg]

I would not shy away from all Queen knives. They are a favorite of mine and I've never received a bad one. That's not to say they aren't out there though. Every manufacturer makes some dogs. I've had more dogs from GEC than any other but everyone holds them in such high regard. Use that irj and don't look back.

 

[BrotherJim]

I will use and hopefully enjoy the knife. I really REALLY wanted an IRJ. I got one

 

[Peregrin]

This belongs in feedback. Moving it now.

 

[rma100]

Derrick is honest in his offerings and honest in his transactions. What's wrong with an honest AND ACCURATE review? Even Derrick agreed it was accurate.

Had he said send it back and it will be replaced with one meeting his quality expectations OR had he said send it back for rework to correct irregularities in fit and finish I MAY have taken him up on it. But that offer was not forthcoming was it? So the only "remedy" offered was a check in the mail. Is there any other remedy I may have missed rma100? ... didn't think so

Furthermore, virtually every email exchange I had with KSF as difficulties mounted, I either CC'd Derrick or emailed him personally. He didn't respond. The guy he pays to do customer service did politely and promptly respond. And I missed a phone call Derrick said he placed that my voice mail never acknowledged and/or my phone never rang.

... ya feel me?

Nope, Don't feel ya at all. I'm sure Derrick would gladly have replaced the knife with one of your choice. The problems with Delivery and the USPS had nothing at all to do KSF, yet they were posted just as well in your "Review". Might be "Accurate", but nothing to do with KSF. The Credit Card problem could have come from anywhere, it happens all the time. But it was certainly added into your "Review". Have you ever, yet, actually spoke to Derrick about this?

 

[BrotherJim]

Nope, Don't feel ya at all. I'm sure Derrick would gladly have replaced the knife with one of your choice.

So you speak for Derrick now do ya? ... He was the very first to post in this thread and I don't recall reading that.

I doubt he has an IRJ to replace it with anyway. They fly off the shelf. They are that popular and in demand for a reason. I just got a "bad" one. It happens and it is what it is.

 

[rma100]

So you speak for Derrick now do ya? ... He was the very first to post in this thread and I don't recall reading that.

Of course I don't speak for Derrick. And I don't blame Derrick for not wanting to carry on his business on the Forum. It's clear you're lookin for a fight, you're not going to get it from me.

 

[BrotherJim]

Of course I don't speak for Derrick. And I don't blame Derrick for not wanting to carry on his business on the Forum. It's clear you're lookin for a fight, you're not going to get it from me.

Nope, not looking for a fight and not trying to goad members into one like you did with your first reply. As far as I'm concerned you have contributed NOTHING to this discussion and only directed your comments toward me personally for whatever reason. My OP was was an HONEST and ACCURATE review of MY Northwoods IRJ and purchase experience. Derrick concurred. If you can't accept that, I hope you can at least move along.

CLUE: An honest and accurate negative review is not "looking for a fight". There are plenty of glowing reviews of the IRJ. Read what you want to read but don't attack members for their honest and accurate posts.

 

[onejim]

Hard to be frustrated and disappointed when a full refund is offered........especially when coming directly from the man.

I once posted here about my disappointment with a S&M Heritage Jack. I was new to the knife world when I bought it and didn't understand F&F or quality. I knew there were flaws, but after about a year, the FF issues really started to bug me. The responses I received were both people agreeing with me, and people blaming me for not doing anything about it.

It was my fault that I didn't return a poorly produced product in the first place. Not the manufacturer and not the sellers.

You turned the refund down, so not much else to do. The rest of your issues can be blamed on N. Korea's cyber army.

Just my two cents.

BTW, a forum member here told me to "use it like you stole it" regarding my flawed Heritage Jack. Well I did, and now its one of my favorite knives, despite it's flaws.

Just saying...