Flaws on a brand new knife, what would you do?

D

Dutch_Henry

Joined
Sep 27, 2011
Messages
51
Curious what folks do when you receive a knife that's out of spec in some way. In my case, I've been eagerly awaiting a new fixed blade--a higher end production knife, US made, priced around $400, so not cheap. I won't say the manufacturer because my intention here isn't to throw anyone under the bus.

Anyway, it came today, I eagerly unboxed it and was disappointed to see that at the tip, the taper/grind lines are off by about 1/16" from one side to the next. I personally expected more given the price tag. I have no doubt that I could return this to the seller for a refund, and likewise the manufacturer has a great warranty. But that same manufacturer also has stock issues, meaning I'd likely have to wait for a replacement.

Just curious what other folks do in this situation. Just use it and enjoy? Exchange it and try again? Something else?

Trying to temper my disappointment with realistic expectations and wondered what your MO has been...
 
For that price point , you should be getting a knife that's not going to bother you forever .

Unless you really can "just use and enjoy " ?

Return to maker for replacement or to be fixed if possible .
 
If it didn't ultimately cause issues with performance.

I'd get all fired up and vow to return it and insist that they make this injustice right.

Then I'd keep putting it off until it didn't bother me anymore.

Next I'd draw the conclusion that I won't be checking it for scratches every time I cut with it because it was never perfect.

Finally, I'd use it like I stole it.
 
You always know when a knife doesn't meet expectation or feel right...others can only commiserate in that regard, but you know.

There is no shame in returning a knife. I've done it, rarely, but done it. I try to be fair and explain my reasons without ill will or rancor. Whether or not to give a second chance, if you think it worth taking, is entirely up to you...but you probably would be loathe to return one a second time, whether to the maker or the vendor.

It's your hard earned money, and it's also part of the learning path for the maker / manufacturer.
 
I would bite the bullet and return it to the maker for a replacement.
If not over time i would regret not returning it as the flaw would become the first thing that i would see every time that i picked the knife up.
If nothing else it could be looked at as doing your part to help improve the QC of that makers blades.
 
IMO, if this is a display/show knife (not intended for use) then I would return it. If I were going to use and sharpen it, then I would keep it. My hand sharpened bevels are always off a bit anyway. I don't mind that on a knife I actually use, but I would not want that on a show piece.
 
Check with the maker to see if they will fix it. Else return it or exchange it.

N2s
 
No offense meant when I ask this, but is the knife meant to be pretty in a collection or used very hard? That’s why the maker matters since some make $400 “form over function“ knives and some make $400 all function knives. All function knives might skimp in the looks department while putting everything in the performance department.
 
SharpBits said:
No offense meant when I ask this, but is the knife meant to be pretty in a collection or used very hard? That’s why the maker matters since some make $400 “form over function“ knives and some make $400 all function knives. All function knives might skimp in the looks department while putting everything in the performance department.
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No offense taken. This is built to be a user--modern powdered steel, micarta grips, parkerized hardware. And I intend to use it hard.

In my head, during a QC check, someone would've looked this over and said "definitely not ideal, but probably close enough." Rest of knife is without issue. Edge is uninspiring, but I rework all my edges anyway.
 
Dutch_Henry said:
No offense taken. This is built to be a user--modern powdered steel, micarta grips, parkerized hardware. And I intend to use it hard.

In my head, during a QC check, someone would've looked this over and said "definitely not ideal, but probably close enough." Rest of knife is without issue. Edge is uninspiring, but I rework all my edges anyway.
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In that case, and if it were mine, I’d lean toward ignoring the flaw. But I think if it bothered you enough to post here, it probably is going to continue to bother you. Try contacting the maker and see what options they offer.
 
I have found that when I get above the $200 range, I expect more out of a knife in terms of finish. It doesn't have to be custom levels of perfect, but there should be no way that an $80 folder has better edge geometry than one 2x+ the price.

I would contact the manufacturer and see what they are willing to do. You could return it as well, but I usually like to politely contact the manufacturer first for a couple of reasons: One, they tend to want to make you happy. Two, they deserve to know when something slips through the cracks. They can't fix what they don't know about.

I recently bought a $550 Spartan folder. The blade was very slightly off center and the edge was slightly unevenly ground. Did it function? Of course, beautifully. Did it bother me?...yeah. I contacted Spartan and they had me a shipping ticket within an hour and had the knife back in my hands in less than a week perfect and buttery smooth along with some cool swag.

That level of customer service really endeared me. I'm in the market for another tactical fixed blade, and Spartan is most likely going to be the brand I purchase.

I don't think asking for a $400 to be pretty close to perfect is that much to ask. When you get to that price point, you are paying more for fit and finish over materials unless they are made from just really hard/hard to work with steel.
 
Steely_Gunz Steely_Gunz - Good point.

I think I will end up reaching out in the manner you suggested. This is definitely not a case of compromised function. But it's probably something that will irk me and take away from my enjoyment of the knife. At this price point, I'd much rather be an unapologetic evangelist for a brand I believe in.

I'll see how they respond. After giving them that courtesy, I'll report back. Then, D Danke42 , I'd feel better about closing the loop with a full account. I don't want to risk turning this into a bash thread of an American company without going to them first.
 
Why the big secret regarding the brand? Talking about brands and quality control is what we do most here. If you use the search function you will likely find dozens of threads on the brand, including a few on your specific model. There is no reason to protect a company who is delivering poor quality product.

N2s
 
not2sharp said:
Why the big secret regarding the brand? Talking about brands and quality control is what we do most here. If you use the search function you will likely find dozens of threads on the brand, including a few on your specific model. There is no reason to protect a company who is delivering poor quality product.

N2s
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No big secret, it's simply a reflection of how I was raised. I believe it's better to talk to people directly before gossiping about them behind their backs.

If they treat me like trash, you'll read it here first. If they are stellar in the resolution, you'll read it here first.
 
Dutch_Henry said:
No offense taken. This is built to be a user--modern powdered steel, micarta grips, parkerized hardware. And I intend to use it hard.

In my head, during a QC check, someone would've looked this over and said "definitely not ideal, but probably close enough." Rest of knife is without issue. Edge is uninspiring, but I rework all my edges anyway.
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User name checks out. No offense intended, I’m Dutch AF myself. Personal opinion, if it’s bought as a user, I wouldn’t quibble about small imperfections. YMMV
 
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