Benchmade mini freek 565-1, what's on the handle?

[Dextar]

Hi there,

Just received Benchmade mini freek from online dealer.
But I find something on handle.
Are they normal What do they mean?
If you have a 565-1, would you please help to check on your knife's handle as well? Please let me know if they are existing or not.

Before purchasing, I asked and they said they sell only new products, not used / second hand, but seems to me, those are someone re-adjusted the handle after the product line?
Any advice please?

Do you think I can ask for exchange?
Thanks and have a safe day.

 

[Hackenslash]

Those look like voids in the carbon fiber or chatter from machining. Either way, that might be acceptable in a cheap knife, but not in one that costs over $200 USD. I’d ask about an exchange from the seller.

 

[Dextar]

Those look like voids in the carbon fiber or chatter from machining. Either way, that might be acceptable in a cheap knife, but not in one that costs over $200 USD. I’d ask about an exchange from the seller.

Ya, I watched some review videos, on the hold lock, scratches are normal, but not on the handle.
Don't know why this one has so many "chatter".

Not sure if this problem is existing in a batch produced in same period or just this one.

Writing email and ask for refund, not sure whether the seller will accept or refuse the request...

 

[Wolverine666]

If you’re not happy with it then definitely exchange it. It’s your money so get something that you’re happy with. That’s what I’d do.

 

[c7m2p3]

If it is a reputable online dealer you should be able to get a refund or even better, have someone over there in customer service exchange it for another mini freek and inspect it before sending your way to avoid any of the same issues. Good luck.

 

[Dextar]

If you’re not happy with it then definitely exchange it. It’s your money so get something that you’re happy with. That’s what I’d do.

Completely agree with you.
But if that's a common "problem" or situation on the product, maybe I set my expectation too high and seller say: "No, we cannot refund or exchange just because you are not happy"
(Still new to Canada, not sure about their "rules", but you know, in some other country, seller said to me: it's not a quality problem and has no impact to the everyday use, just impacts the appearance...)

Thank you for reply.

 

[Dextar]

If it is a reputable online dealer you should be able to get a refund or even better, have someone over there in customer service exchange it for another mini freek and inspect it before sending your way to avoid any of the same issues. Good luck.

According to the forum feedback, it is a dealer with good reputation, I had email communicated before purchasing and left comments on the order, to ask for their check on scratches, dent, chip, etc.
But maybe just unfortune, it has just happened.
I am not sure if I exchange, they will check it or not, so, I want ask for refund.

Hopefully I can get the refund.
Thanks for reply.

 

[JonesE]

Hi Dextar, what you have going on with your scales is called “tear out.” It is from using dull cutters in the machining process. I would not classify this as normal. I recommend you contact your dealer for a refund or exchange. Your knife should not have passed though QC prior to shipping to your dealer. If your dealer is uncooperative I would contact Benchmade for an exchange.

JonesE

 

[Dextar]

Hi Dextar, what you have going on with your scales is called “tear out.” It is from using dull cutters in the machining process. I would not classify this as normal. I recommend you contact your dealer for a refund or exchange. Your knife should not have passed though QC prior to shipping to your dealer. If your dealer is uncooperative I would contact Benchmade for an exchange.

JonesE

Hi JonesE, thank you for so quick reply!
I contacted the dealer, so far they are really good, and told me just return the knife back and I will get refund.
But, they states that, Carbon Fiber for having these small voids in the resin, especially around complex shapes. And they opened another unit in store, have tiny better, but still have.

That's why I asked your and someone else help to check their own one.
If that is common situation, I may just set my expectation too high and this is a real common case.

But as you replied, I think it would better I can return it.
Thanks.

 

[Yo Mama]

Hi JonesE, thank you for so quick reply!
I contacted the dealer, so far they are really good, and told me just return the knife back and I will get refund.
But, they states that, Carbon Fiber for having these small voids in the resin, especially around complex shapes. And they opened another unit in store, have tiny better, but still have.

That's why I asked your and someone else help to check their own one.
If that is common situation, I may just set my expectation too high and this is a real common case.

But as you replied, I think it would better I can return it.
Thanks.

If they do not have one that is free of defects I would get a full refund and go to a different dealer. It does not look as much of a void as like JonesE said, tear out of the carbon fiber. There are chunks missing as opposed to voids where spots you would be able to see through the weave.

This picture is of a void on a different carbon fiber pattern:

Notice the shiny part is the liner, you can see through the carbon fiber. A void like this is not a structure problem, just visual. However the chunks missing in your benchmade is a problem.

 

[Dextar]

If they do not have one that is free of defects I would get a full refund and go to a different dealer. It does not look as much of a void as like JonesE said, tear out of the carbon fiber. There are chunks missing as opposed to voids where spots you would be able to see through the weave.

This picture is of a void on a different carbon fiber pattern:

Notice the shiny part is the liner, you can see through the carbon fiber. A void like this is not a structure problem, just visual. However the chunks missing in your benchmade is a problem.

Thank you Yo Mama for the detail reply with the picture.
I also viewed a lot of review videos with close up views, not on them.
So, I decide to return it and am waiting for dealer to provide the ship address.