Anyone else find John Demko’s CS lackluster or condescending?

[Fullflat]

Having not had any direct dealings with John until recently, I am curious if anyone else had similar experiences with John’s CS, as it seems like many makers in the same category are much more customer oriented & interested in improving their product for the end user. Having recently purchased 3 new AD20s (all directly from ADs), I found one to be perfect, one to be noticeably off center (not quite rubbing though), and another had lock stick so bad it split my index finger wide open after some time mashing it against the lock. After informing him of the issues, while reassuring him that I don’t mind the one being off center, as it’s a user, and that he may want to take a look at the one with severe lock stick, in case it could help in refining the design, he responded by saying something to the effect of the off center one will be just fine as is, but if you really want to send it in for Just that, I could fix it for you (I didn’t imply or express that the centering was a problem, but I’d think he’d be less passive aggressive about it). Then he said, about the one with lock stick, after knowing I split my finger on it and that I need that finger for work, that I should just keep working the lock until it gets better. He also said “Youre the first I’ve ever heard with that issue”, which is something I say to imply someone is either lying or stupid when I’m at my job. I may be reading too much into it though. Granted, it has improved some after a solid week of fidgeting with it (mostly with my L hand to preserve my R), but I know for a fact that when I inform other makers of issues like severe lock stick, they are eager to get it in and see if any remedial action can be taken, especially on a new design. Then, today, I’m considering purchasing an AD15 on the exchange, where the OP said a female body screw spins freely when trying to disassemble, and John’s response to him was to the effect of, “just push that screw against a firm piece of rubber while disassembling.”. That’s when I realized that there may be many folks out there who have had less than stellar (but not terrible, like keeping customers’ knives/funds or disappearing off the map terrible, I should add) CS from John. If so, please share, as I’m sure the CS oriented BFers would want to know. Thanks!

 

[TenShun705]

Man, I was really hoping you’d receive a better response than that from Demko’s CS

 

[TOMBSTONE]

An interaction should go something like this:
Thank you for choosing (maker) knives. I'm sorry to hear your having issues with your purchase. Please send them to me and I'll promptly take care of the issues for you.
Again sorry your experiencing issues with my products.
Sincerely,
(Caring Knifemaker)

 

[coinbuysell]

What comes around usually goes around, i.e. they are selling every one that they an assemble right now so if you don't like it, too bad, but there will be a day when the fickle "cool knife of the month club" turns on them and they will rue the day they were so crappy to their early customers.

Don't get me wrong, I like their knives but the $400+ knife buyers are not the norm and their sales will fall when everyone that wants one gets one (especially with CS selling production versions that are pretty true to the customs for 1/3rd of the price).

 

[86 power]

I’ve had nothing but good experiences with the Demkos. My first custom knife was an ad10 that I ordered directly from Andrew. I foolishly sold it and years later ordered another AD10 and I dealt with John. Both times they very friendly and made the process easy.

 

[Fullflat]

I’ve had nothing but good experiences with the Demkos. My first custom knife was an ad10 that I ordered directly from Andrew. I foolishly sold it and years later ordered another AD10 and I dealt with John. Both times they very friendly and made the process easy.

Thanks for sharing your experience. I’m glad to know there are very satisfied customers amongst us