Buying knives on the internet

[miamiblades]

I usually purchase some of my equipment on the internet due to the fact that I live in a rather remote area. Sometimes when I find a really good deal the knife has some minor imperfections.

In one case I purchased a knife for $75 dollars and received a better model that cost $145 dollars.

In another case I purchased a knife that was skelontonized but apparently the model I received had a rubber handle installed, still haven't figured that out. I assume Benchmade doesn't rubber coat the handles on their push daggers.

I ordered an Emerson knife that had visible imperfections.

I ordered a knife from steepandcheap.com that surprisingly was what I actually ordered.

Recently I ordered a benchmade balisong and again, surprise, surprise it had some slight imperfections.

Are my experiences "normal" when purchasing products on the internet normal? It seems that almost every product I purchase that is Made in America has some slight imperfection, and almost everything else I purchase (made in Taiwan, Russia, Czech Republic, etc) have absolutely no problems...but that's a different topic.

Just wondering if my experiences are normal.

 

[Ultraman]

It doesn't sound normal to get imperfections in your factory knife purchases, but I suspect it might be because you're not ordering from larger, more established internet businesses, maybe?

You could always return them, but then again you end up paying for shipping.
I have had some bad experiences making online purchases, mostly when they are late or unresponsive. I tend to order from "well known" internet sites with a brick and mortar store. Also, even if it costs a little more, I would purchase from a known source.

 

[Cougar Allen]

Welcome to Bladeforums!

Let’s see if we can find the right forum …

 

[miamiblades]

Sorry Cougar Allen, I didn't know where to put this. I'm a bit new here.

The companies in question are

http://personalsecurityzone.com/ - Benchmade pushdagger with "rubber" handle...no idea why that was
http://www.bladehq.com/ - Benchmade Balisong which seems as though the blade was dinged up on the titanium handle
http://www.knifecenter.com/ - Emerson CQC 15 - the "wave" seems to have "bump" of satin near the tip, or something. The bottom of the handle looks as though it fell on something hard
http://www.hideawayknife.com/utilityhak.php - ordered a $79 dollar HAK and got a $149 HAK...no complaint there, other than the fact they were unresponsive

everything from CRKT from every dealer (no problem) with the exception of Big 5 Sporting Goods who sells tantos at half price that are crooked.

It is important to note that nearly all of the products were substantially reduced in price ranging from $50 to $100 dollars with the exception of the HAK knives. I suppose this is a case of "you get what you pay for".

I have considered simply returning these knives but I don't have time to jump through hoops, deal with unresponsive individuals, and I am rarely at my residence.