Am I being nit picky?

T

thinbluelinetx

Joined
Aug 20, 2011
Messages
11
I had read and watched numerous reviews on the Vantage Avid, so I was pretty excited when mine arrived today. Upon inspecting it, I noticed that the edge is not symmetrical and the edge width on one side is not even constant through the whole length of the blade. There is also a minor dent on the scale near the Buck logo. None of these issues will actuall affect the functionality of the knife, but I'm torn between sending it back for a new one or just keeping it. If I did send it back, should I expect the replacement to have the same or other imperfections? Thanks for any suggestions in advance.
 
My opinion is this: if it doesn't affect the function, keep it and use it. As soon as you sharpen it the first time, the factory edge will be gone, so that doesn't matter. Unless you're a collector who doesn't use your knives as tools, in which case "it doesn't matter how sharp it isn't" (to quote Esav).
As for a dent in the scale... again, if you use your tools, then that's just the first of many dents it's going to have, before long.
 
Don't know that you're be "nit picky" but if you intend to use the knife it's going to get sharpened from time to time and will probably get more dents and dings. Pictures would help but if it were mine I'd probably just use it and enjoy it. I've yet to receive a perfect knife from any manufacturer. If you look hard enough you can always find something that someone will take issue with.
 
For me, unless there is a real functional defect its just too much of a hassle and time-waster to pack up a knife, head to the post office, and pay to send it back. If it really bothers you, though, its perfectly fine to send it back, and I think you will be happy with the results.

So see, I have advocated both sides of this issue. I should run for political office. :thumbup:
 
puukkoman said:
Can you please? And, you know, get us out of war, balance the budget, and preserve everyone's individual freedoms? ;)
Click to expand...

Yes, and make all knives, of all size, shape and styles legal across the United States..:D

I'll be the first to vote for ya Noodle!
 
For durability, I'd say my favorite scale material in the Vantage lineup is the FRN in the Select models. I have not been able to damage the FRN from and/or dropping it, whereas I have put sizable gouges into the G10 scales from the Pro and little gouges and dents just keep appearing on the Dymondwood scales on my EDC whenever I'm not looking.

As far as the factory blade grind is concerned, I've seen uneven blade grinds (as in asymmetrical and/or uneven on one side, like the OP described) in knives from every manufacturer at my local knife shop, from Buck to Spyderco and Benchmade. I don't even concern myself with the quality of the edge grind anymore, with the exception of how well the tip is shaped (I find it a real chore to reshape a factory rounded tip), since I'm just going to reprofile and put on my own edge anyhow.

On the other hand, I've been trying to find a NIB Vantage Avid with very good fit and finish and few to no defects, just to collect. I'd like to have a pristine Vantage Avid to compare my EDC Vantage against in the future, just to have a new stock item to compare my modified used item against. And due to the aforementioned issues, it's been very difficult finding one I would like to keep for that purpose. So if you intend your knife as a safe queen, then no you're not being nit-picky. But if you're EDC-ing your knife, then you might be being a little nit-picky - keep in mind that the Vantage line is a pretty good value, and something has to be sacrificed somewhere to achieve that.
 
I don't think you are. Scratches,nicks, and dents are badges esrned by the knife. No "give mes". Make it earn it. A knife has a life contract w/ me. I want to put all the marks on it.
 
Thanks for the input fellas. GundaManiac is right, for 40.00 shipped it's a great knife and I guess the fit and finish can't be perfect. I like the deep pocket carry and being my first non asssited flipper, it's fun getting used to fast deployment.
 
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