- Joined
- Sep 19, 2001
- Messages
- 8,968
What do you consider problems for knives at various price points? If these are issues to you, what is the most you would expect to pay for knife and still see it when you open the box?
dull/missing edge - knives eventually need to be sharpened anyway, but reduces/prevents a knife from performing its intended task. You need sharpening equipment and ability to fix.
chipped edge/tip - similar to the first, but will require reprofiling or additional steel removal.
loose screws - can cause parts to rub where there is slop, eventual loss if not corrected. Easy to tighten, if you have drivers of the appropriate type/size.
stripped threads/rounded heads - again similar, but in this case adjustment cannot be done. You can order replacements from the maker, possibly for free, or try to source them locally. Replacement may be a hassle, depending on the fastener type/placement and whether or not you need extractors, locking pliers, needlenose, or some other extra tools.
missing screws - parts loss a concern. Find them around town or order them.
off-center blade - affects lock up for liner/frame locks. Can sometimes be adjusted by tweaking the pivot and applying lateral pressure to the blade. Bad cases have the blade rubbing the frame.
ill-fitting/chipped/damaged scales - affects comfort when using, possibly blade deployment and lock actuation depending on type. Sheets of G10, carbon fiber, wood, and other scale materials are available from knife supply companies like AKS, Texas Knifemakers, USA Knifemaker, Jantz, etc etc. Scale material, sandpaper, a hand or power saw of some sort, drill press, countersink, and/or step drill bits would be needed.
loose/tight clips - tight clips can damage pocket material and interfere with retrieving/replacing the knife. Loose clips can result in the loss or damage of the knife. Again, if you have or can locate the proper type and size of driver, you can fix these. Otherwise, I guess it depends how much your pants and the knife cost as to whether you can tolerate the potential loss or damage.
rough edges - leftovers from grinding, laser cutting, or some other operation. Affects comfort, may provide for small injuries depending on placement. Some abrasive can be used to fix, if you can reach the problem area to use what you have on hand. Or wear gloves every time you use that knife.
bad heat treat - affects edge performance. Requires replacement or rehardening of the blade. Would not appear to me to increase risks of loss, damage, or injury. Could be one of the pricier fixes, depending on the time and tools you would need for specific instances of the other things mentioned.
So, for these, or any other things you can think of, are they acceptable to you, and up to what price point? In any case, returning or exchanging is probably possible, but I mentioned self-fixes I could think of. Please add more if you wish.
dull/missing edge - knives eventually need to be sharpened anyway, but reduces/prevents a knife from performing its intended task. You need sharpening equipment and ability to fix.
chipped edge/tip - similar to the first, but will require reprofiling or additional steel removal.
loose screws - can cause parts to rub where there is slop, eventual loss if not corrected. Easy to tighten, if you have drivers of the appropriate type/size.
stripped threads/rounded heads - again similar, but in this case adjustment cannot be done. You can order replacements from the maker, possibly for free, or try to source them locally. Replacement may be a hassle, depending on the fastener type/placement and whether or not you need extractors, locking pliers, needlenose, or some other extra tools.
missing screws - parts loss a concern. Find them around town or order them.
off-center blade - affects lock up for liner/frame locks. Can sometimes be adjusted by tweaking the pivot and applying lateral pressure to the blade. Bad cases have the blade rubbing the frame.
ill-fitting/chipped/damaged scales - affects comfort when using, possibly blade deployment and lock actuation depending on type. Sheets of G10, carbon fiber, wood, and other scale materials are available from knife supply companies like AKS, Texas Knifemakers, USA Knifemaker, Jantz, etc etc. Scale material, sandpaper, a hand or power saw of some sort, drill press, countersink, and/or step drill bits would be needed.
loose/tight clips - tight clips can damage pocket material and interfere with retrieving/replacing the knife. Loose clips can result in the loss or damage of the knife. Again, if you have or can locate the proper type and size of driver, you can fix these. Otherwise, I guess it depends how much your pants and the knife cost as to whether you can tolerate the potential loss or damage.
rough edges - leftovers from grinding, laser cutting, or some other operation. Affects comfort, may provide for small injuries depending on placement. Some abrasive can be used to fix, if you can reach the problem area to use what you have on hand. Or wear gloves every time you use that knife.
bad heat treat - affects edge performance. Requires replacement or rehardening of the blade. Would not appear to me to increase risks of loss, damage, or injury. Could be one of the pricier fixes, depending on the time and tools you would need for specific instances of the other things mentioned.
So, for these, or any other things you can think of, are they acceptable to you, and up to what price point? In any case, returning or exchanging is probably possible, but I mentioned self-fixes I could think of. Please add more if you wish.
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