I've just bought my last mass production knife over the Internet. It is a Spyderco Lum Chinese folder. I was taken by the design, and I am a fan of Lum's handmade knives, and so I thought I would be happy with a factory collaboration....NOT!
I posted over on the Spyderco forum about the quality issues with the knife. Sadly, the biggest drawback of buying over the Internet is not being able to inspect the merchandise before the transaction. Sure I could probably send it back, but it is my mistake and I will live with it. I have seen this knife in the showcase of a shopping mall dealer, for $160.
Why am I posting here on the CRK forum? Because from now on, CRK knives will be my minimum standard for a production knife. I have personally never handled a Chris Reeve knife that wasn't perfect, or as close to it as a handground knife could be. (I take that back; I had a problem with one once, but it was taken care of immediately by our friends in Boise). I have ten Sebenzas of different flavors; a small one goes into my pocket every day.
When I look back over the disappointments in purchases I have made over the past year or so, the recurring theme is a production knife purchased over the Internet. I have good ones and bad ones. Spydercos, Benchmades, Microtechs, Bokers, etc. The only thing I can say is that, consistently, these factory knives are inconsistent in quality. Some are perfect. Some are terrible. Most are acceptable.
CRK knives are just on a MUCH higher plane in quality of materials, execution of manufacture, and superb customer service. Two or three purchase "mistakes" would pay for a new CRK. I've finally learned my lesson. But I am preaching to the choir.
I posted over on the Spyderco forum about the quality issues with the knife. Sadly, the biggest drawback of buying over the Internet is not being able to inspect the merchandise before the transaction. Sure I could probably send it back, but it is my mistake and I will live with it. I have seen this knife in the showcase of a shopping mall dealer, for $160.
Why am I posting here on the CRK forum? Because from now on, CRK knives will be my minimum standard for a production knife. I have personally never handled a Chris Reeve knife that wasn't perfect, or as close to it as a handground knife could be. (I take that back; I had a problem with one once, but it was taken care of immediately by our friends in Boise). I have ten Sebenzas of different flavors; a small one goes into my pocket every day.
When I look back over the disappointments in purchases I have made over the past year or so, the recurring theme is a production knife purchased over the Internet. I have good ones and bad ones. Spydercos, Benchmades, Microtechs, Bokers, etc. The only thing I can say is that, consistently, these factory knives are inconsistent in quality. Some are perfect. Some are terrible. Most are acceptable.
CRK knives are just on a MUCH higher plane in quality of materials, execution of manufacture, and superb customer service. Two or three purchase "mistakes" would pay for a new CRK. I've finally learned my lesson. But I am preaching to the choir.
