First issue with Becker QC. What to do?

That is great that the dealer is taking care of you. Being a business owner myself, I would want the factory to handle the return, and not the retailer. You can't expect the retailer to check every package going through their door. They're not the one to let it leave the factory that way.
 
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Replacement arrived today. Was home for my lunch break and got to check it out. Unfortunately, it appears to have some of the same issues. The bend is sligtly lessened to the naked eye on the replacement, but that may just be because the swedge is unevenly ground in a different way.

Did I get unlucky twice, or is there just something about this design/manufacturing process combination. I would expect that a full swedge, trailing point, 8'' knife could be tricky to get perfect.

I have 3 basic options:

1) Try to follow through for yet another replacement from the dealer or Kabar. This is my least favorite option. I don't really want to string this out and become one of those troublesome customers.

2) Return the knife to the dealer and get a BK7 instead. I know the 7 and the 5 are very different knives, but they are similar size and would fill the size gap in my collection. I really like them both anyways. I picked the 5 mostly because it was on its way out and I didn't want to miss an opportunity.

3) Keep the better of the two BK5s and use it. Ignore the issues, since they won't impact function very much (if at all).

Like I said, option 1 seems the worst. 2 and 3 are competing for my attention.
 
My very honest opinion here YMMV, these are production knives at production knife prices. In no way is BK&T an inferior product but it seems you may be asking an $80 production knife to live up to the standards of a higher dollar custom/production knife.

The "flaws" with these two knives in no way take away from the working aspect of this blade.

Option 3 is the way I'd go.

Cheers
 
Snakedoc said:
My very honest opinion here YMMV, these are production knives at production knife prices. In no way is BK&T an inferior product but it seems you may be asking an $80 production knife to live up to the standards of a higher dollar custom/production knife.

The "flaws" with these two knives in no way take away from the working aspect of this blade.

Option 3 is the way I'd go.

Cheers
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You are probably right. I have had nearly perfect fit and finish on my other Beckers, so that probably influenced my expectations. I'm leaning towards option 3 as well. If anything, it should lessen any apprehension I have to use it hard and often.
 
If you deal with Ka-Bar, chances are you'll get a hand picked replacement.
Kudos to the retailer but they probably just grabbed another box and sent it out.
 
at the late stage of the game and stock, there's no telling what might be in the barrel.

could be it was a common problem for years.

i would love to have this knife come back, more in the blackjack form, rounded aero spine more polish, more beauty, s35v...

some of the original blackjack models in stainless are wondrous. amazeballs...
 
Bladite said:
at the late stage of the game and stock, there's no telling what might be in the barrel.

could be it was a common problem for years.

i would love to have this knife come back, more in the blackjack form, rounded aero spine more polish, more beauty, s35v...

some of the original blackjack models in stainless are wondrous. amazeballs...
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After some thought, I contacted Kabar with a couple questions before I make a decision. Asking questions is the easiest way to get answers, right?

I would love an uncoated one in stainless!!
 
I wouldn't accept it, and shame on that dealer for not checking what they mailed you the second time.
Sounds to me like they are selling a batch of seconds or defects or something. I bought what I thought was a great deal on some fishing lures online a few years ago; turned out they were all defective and I had to eventually complain to the manufacturer in order to get replacements. Anyway, hope you get it sorted out.
 
And that's the attitude right there that drives more and more retailers to step out of the return process. I wouldn't expect a retailer to remove handle scales and check for straightness. Again, it is an "affordable production knife".
 
Snakedoc said:
And that's the attitude right there that drives more and more retailers to step out of the return process. I wouldn't expect a retailer to remove handle scales and check for straightness. Again, it is an "affordable production knife".
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I agree. I don't think the retailer is at fault. They did their part. I wouldn't expect them to open the box and check every knife before it shipped.
 
Ya know, i wouldn't expect a retailer to do complicated testing on each knife. But, as a business owner, if someone comes to me looking for a replacement because something is wrong. I'm going to take the 3 minutes that it takes to look at the replacement item and make sure I'm replacing it with an item that has exactly the same issue.

Imagine what a clown i'd look like if someone says "I have a bent knife," and I graciously replace it with another bent knife.

An idea for the future- see if you can buy from Baryonyx. They actually do an inspection on every single knife they sell.
 
Per my earlier reply, I emailed Kabar with a some questions. I did not outright ask for a replacement. Rather, I asked if it was a common issue and if discontinuing the 5 made any difference for CS inquiries. I got a quick reply saying that the warped blade was not a common issue, and that they would replace it with a hand-picked one. They sent a pre-paid label right away, and I got it in the mail.

Super impressed with their customer service. This is the first time I've had experience with it, and I am very pleased. If I wasn't already a dedicated customer, I would have been won over.
 
Hell yeah, Ka-Bar CS is awesome! I've never had a complaint but have made some random inquiries and such. Always had quick and satisfactory response, even when I didn't expect or need it fast or thorough. Kristie is tha bomb. I probably spelled her name wrong...

I'm believe Tomars or SMKW would have given the same CS as Ka-Bar but they're rare and special.
 
Glad they took care of you. Ka Bar customer support has been fantastic for me in the past. They always go above and beyond..
 
I'm glad you didn't settle for the warped blade.
Some of the opinions expressed in this thread made me nervous. Gross imperfections, such as your first example, are not okay.
Companies don't want you to own defective examples of their product. It reflects badly on their whole reputation.
Accepting that blade would have done disservice to kabar and yourself.
A responsible retailer would/should have inspected the replacement they were sending out.
My 5 is near perfect in symmetry, and it was out of production and free with my 20 purchase.
I guess my point here is, if your not satisfied with a product or service you should always let the supplier know. If the supplier doesn't take care of the problem, the product/service owner should be informed. If they don't want to take care of the problem they should lose your business.
I had no doubt that kabar would resolve the issue. Fantastic company!
 
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