Ener-G disappointment

Joined
Jul 23, 2007
Messages
11
I just took delivery of an Ener-G last week. Sorta disappointed. Partly my fault I guess for not doing sufficient research, but also a quality issue.

First, I didn't get the knife I "thought" I was ordering. I wanted an Ener-g II (the big one). I >>got<< an Ener-G2 (the small one). Why a company would make two products with names so similar is probably a question of dubious marketing decision - but I'm willing to take accountability for not fully checking catalog numbers (now I know). Still, not a good plan on Kershaw's part IMHO.
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff141/Nullfield/label.jpg

The quality thing is more problematic. On my knife, the linerlock engages at almost the right side of the tang. If I flip the lever hard, I swear the only thing holding the lock off the right side liner is the detent ball. I'll post a pic if possible later. Also the trac-tek insert material is has extra untrimmed material. Really minor point but I'm on a roll...
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff141/Nullfield/lockup.jpg
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff141/Nullfield/tractek.jpg

Lastly, I tried to address these issues on the "contact" form of Kershaw usa's web site with no response in a week.

All that said, it's a nice pocketable knife, and I like the opener mechanism. Works very well and dependable. Blade was quite sharp. If the lock didn't worry me, I'd EDC it for a while. Guess I'll throw it in my briefcase as a backup.
 
correct me if I am wrong guys, but I have had a couple of each and I noticed an inconsistency (error) in the marking on the boxes. I forget which one is which but I have seen both large and small boxes marked Ener-G II but I think they have the models numbers right 1740 and 1745? Anyway, I know they didn't name both the same on purpose. The rest is fixable... and you should really just call them. I NEVER rely on those email boards. Kershaw will respond ultra fast and make you happy, I'm sure.
 
I think it's easy to react, in the midst of initial disappointment. Happens a lot in forums. I'm sure it will continue to happen, but I would urge all us consumers to first attempt to resolve their issue at the source before posting reactionary first impressions, that may be incorrect... but will remain floating around for people to see on these forums for some time. As far as the naming issue, I think its a great marketing decision to have the name be close on the 2 because it's the SAME knife, just two sizes. Would it be better to have the names completely different. As for the the box thing or any quality issue, sh-t happens in the human world, and the companies that stand out are the ones who admit that and go above and beyond to make it right. Like Kershaw ;) (ok, I'm done)
 
I bought the 1740(small one) about a week ago. Mine has been fine but with the flipper I get it fully opened about 4 out 5 times. On mine you got to hit or flick the flipper at the right angle. Fit and finish is good with very good lockup. The liner engages the tang slightly to the left looking upside down on the knife opened. All of the liner engages the tang and the detent pulls the blade closed properly. And this knife is very very sharp.My large 1745 ENER-G2 should be here today along with a double cross and a kershaw torx tool. Contact Kershaw by phone as they fix the knife. Every6thing I heard on this forum about them is excellent and I sure they will take care of it promptly. Don't let a good knife go unused. Good luck and best regards.
RKH
 
Shoot. I didn't want my post to sound...reactionary. Or premature. I actually think the knife is a nice little piece, just flawed in my copy. And I stated so in my post. This isn't buyers remorse. I'm keeping the knife (repaired will be nice) and I didn't get it just hours ago. I posted real shortcomings in marketing and manufacturing that you would recognize as I did.

Hey OregonEdge:
If we we all post glowing posts about how great each acquisition is, how does that help anyone? Consumers or Kershaw. We can post "1st looks" "1st Impression!" and other early reviews only if they're good? I didn't see that in the faq.

I disagree about the naming issue. It can only hurt and cause confusion by less than dedicated consumers. I can see Kershaw's problem though..."mini-Energ" doesn't sound so good either. :D

I don't get any freebies from manufacturers - I use my hard earned pay as most everyone here does. This allows me to speak freely - and honestly, and hopefully politely. I should probably post more of my success stories, and there are many. I stand by my post.

And thanks for letting me post it!
 
I can relate to how disappointed I have been when I received a knife I had been reading about or seen on the forums. It has ruined my day a time or two. And I would not criticize anyone for an honest post about quality control of a knife because this helps all us in making a knife buying decision. I can't tell you how many knives I bought because of reviews/comments on the blade forums. hope you get your knife fixed. Good luck
RKH
 
I'm pretty sure that Thomas and Kershaw really don't mind hearing both the good AND the bad about Kershaw and the Kershaw knives. Feedback is what brings improvements and changes.

Other than not having enough "lefty-friendly" folders, I still haven't been able to find any faults with Kershaw or Kershaw knives.:thumbup:.:thumbup:.
 
thomas only has a problem with you if you dislike bobby night-

i do doubt thats kershaws view though-lol
 
First of all let me say that constructive criticism is Ok when directed to the party that needs to hear it , not in an open forum where it has potential to hurt a company that bends over backwards to keep it's customers happy and provide a quality product at a price we can afford. I have been through the facility in Tigard and watched with my own two eyes dozens of people testing and assembling knives and I was amazed at the efforts they take to test every knife and I stood and watched them test every knife they touched, for one to get by that many people would almost be a miracle. I have had more Kershaw knives pass through my hands than most of you could even imagine and have only sent one in for a QC issue and then I found out I was wrong, and that was the way it was designed. Also we all work hard for our money and that is why we buy Kershaw. If you have a problem with it , send it to them with a note inside with your return address and you will be taken care of, I'll guarantee it and I don't even work there. Pete Kershaw founded Kershaw knives with a "Lifetime no hassle warranty " and it still is no hassle. Don't post negative stuff until you have taken the proper steps to resolve an issue , if you read the warranty papers that came with your knife, you will see it says to send it in, not leave a comment on a contact page on the Internet. I may sound a bit defensive here but , Kershaw is like family to us here on this forum and they are simply the best at all they do , Hands down.

Dave
 
If a person is little disappointed in a product, there's nothing wrong with speaking his peace, that's what this forum is here for. The pecentage of Kershaw buyers here are probably less than 1% of those in the world. So I personally like to here about short-comings on knives. That's not saying Kershaw is selling a shotty product, it's just giving others here a chance to here about what could be a potential problem, not actual.

I have the ENRG-G2 1740(small one), mine is flawless and I've been carrying it every day. I have seveal friends that will be ordering one, they liked it that much too. Kershaw is a fantastic knife company that stands behind their product. I for one will be a forever customer!
:thumbup:
 
, if you read the warranty papers that came with your knife, you will see it says to send it in, not leave a comment on a contact page on the Internet.

I kinda agree with Nullfield on this one.
While I have never used the 'contact' page of their site, it is there
for Customer Service. Granted, it might get past someone, but they
put it there for a reason. If they would rather have you mail it in, or
call them instead then they shouldn't have a form that says:
kersupp.jpg


Just my opinion. Ya'll should know me by now, I lub Kershaw knives.
The last thing I want to see is a bad post about quality or customer service.
I'm pretty sure that Customer Service gets a kabillion messages a day
like "What color does the chive come in? or Is that blade really sharp?"
It could have easily been missed.

I would suggest as others have, just to give them a call and they will take care of it.

I hope that made some sense. It is still early and I'm half asleep.

mike
 
Calling (twice) got me a recorded message to send it in per webpage instructions. So I did. Thread closed as far as I'm concerned.
 
First of all let me say that constructive criticism is Ok when directed to the party that needs to hear it , not in an open forum where it has potential to hurt a company that bends over backwards to keep it's customers happy and provide a quality product at a price we can afford. I have been through the facility in Tigard and watched with my own two eyes dozens of people testing and assembling knives and I was amazed at the efforts they take to test every knife and I stood and watched them test every knife they touched, for one to get by that many people would almost be a miracle. I have had more Kershaw knives pass through my hands than most of you could even imagine and have only sent one in for a QC issue and then I found out I was wrong, and that was the way it was designed. Also we all work hard for our money and that is why we buy Kershaw. If you have a problem with it , send it to them with a note inside with your return address and you will be taken care of, I'll guarantee it and I don't even work there. Pete Kershaw founded Kershaw knives with a "Lifetime no hassle warranty " and it still is no hassle. Don't post negative stuff until you have taken the proper steps to resolve an issue , if you read the warranty papers that came with your knife, you will see it says to send it in, not leave a comment on a contact page on the Internet. I may sound a bit defensive here but , Kershaw is like family to us here on this forum and they are simply the best at all they do , Hands down.

Dave

couldn't have said it better myself. and I stick to my opinion regarding "reactive" vs. "constructive" criticism. I concede that the online customer service shouldn't be there if it doesn't get answered. My opinion comes from experience at having reacted myself and done damage that I later found out was based upon assumption and emotion. These forums are an important venue, but all I'm saying is, cover all your bases with the party and give them an ample opportunity to make the situation right or explain why something may have happened. Your whole opinion and level of disappointment could change... and you might regret doing unnecessary damage to a companys or individuals reputation.
 
Just to close the loop:

Kershaw did a great job of customer service. I have an entirely new knife. Works perfectly and I'm a happy customer. Wish every business did as well. Thanks Kershaw.

And I too stand by my comments and evaluation of a real product sample. It was in no way reactionary. I encourage all to post their darts and laurels as honestly as possible. It's how we all win - both manufacturers and consumers.
 
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