Hello (new member) and question

plk7

plk7

Joined
Jan 30, 2012
Messages
240
Hi everyone,

This is my first post and I wanted to say hello. I had some SAKs growing up, but I haven't a pocket knife for years. I've recently discovered some EDC sites and I realized how useful it is to have a small blade handy (I usually end up scrambling around trying to find a pair of scissors or something). I just purchased and received a Fallkniven U4: not too big/not too small (for me, anyway), light as a feather, interesting blade composition, and something a bit off the beaten path (again, for me anyway).

This leads me to my question: when I received the knife, it had what appeared to be drops of oil (or some oil-like liquid) on the handle and blade, as well as a small, but noticeable scratch on the blade. I understand that no product is "perfect," but I would have preferred something "clean"; I'll certainly use the knife, but I feel I should be the one to put the first scratch in! I would appreciate it if others weighed in on whether or not I am being unreasonable.

Thanks for taking the time to read this. Best wishes.
 
That is not at all unreasonable. Even though I know I am going to use a blade, when I buy it new I want it to arrive new. There is something very satisfying about holding a brand new, perfectly clean and non-scratched blade in your hand.
 
Welcome to Bladeforums!

Dissatisfaction with one knife often leads to buying another.
An unending cycle of unrequited love ...

:D
 
Welcome to BF! Really... you gotta do what you're comfortable doing. You're the buyer and the user. You earned the money to pay for that knife and that dealer wants you to be happy so you'll buy more knives from them in the future.

I can tell you that almost everyone of my new purchases has some little blemish or flaw somewhere. A ding in the G10 or a scratch on the blade or an uneven grind... My current EDC folder is a Native 5 that I bought new. It came from a reputable online dealer that most folks here have dealt with before, so I'm confident it was NIB from their distributor. Thing is, when it was sharpened at the factory, someone got a little heavy-handed with the belt when they were shaping the tip of the blade and there's a noticable curve up about 1/6" of an inch from the tip. Oh well... still penetrates and slices just fine, so the funky tip just makes it "mine".

OTOH, don't get me started about uncentered blades on folders. I am anal about blade centering.
 
Your reaction is completely understandable. You might give the dealer a call. Ask if he has others in stock that you can exchange for. Ask him to personally select/inspect the blade. In a large company this might not be possible,but a small operation should be able to accommodate you.
 
Is your blade laminated? If so, the inner layer will be very hard, premium steel, and the outer layers will be very stainless, and softer. This enables you to have a sharp cutting edge, with the outer layers protecting the more brittle center, and providing some give under lateral stress.

But it leaves the outer layers subject to scratching. A pattern of many fine scratches will end up looking less noticeably scarred actually, as they tend to blend together.
 
The hardest part of a new knife is when you find that first blemish. Like women.
Yours came "pre-battle-scarred". So your experience is different, because it doesn't include that first "illusion" of perfection.

So make this one a user, and get another for the safe...
 
Welcome to the forums. I'm sure we will help you find a few more ways of helping you rid yourself of any extra cash you were hoping to save. ;)
 
plk7 said:
This leads me to my question: when I received the knife, it had what appeared to be drops of oil (or some oil-like liquid) on the handle and blade, as well as a small, but noticeable scratch on the blade. I understand that no product is "perfect," but I would have preferred something "clean"; I'll certainly use the knife, but I feel I should be the one to put the first scratch in! I would appreciate it if others weighed in on whether or not I am being unreasonable.
Click to expand...

Welcome, Plk7! You have made an excellent choice with Fallkniven--a very highly regarded manufacturer. :thumbup:

It is not uncommon for a new folder to come slightly oil-saturated. I find that Swiss Army Knives are particularly prone to arriving in this condition and sometimes I'll have to frequently wipe them down for a day or two before the excess dissipates. I've always just assumed that the manufacturer over-oils intentionally to keep the action smooth since they have no way of knowing when a particular knife will reach the hands of the end-user. Some knives are shelved for years before someone buys 'em. I could be wrong, of course. :o As for the scratch on the blade, well, if you use your knife you won't be able to distinguish it from the hundreds of others you'll see after the first year anyway... :p Use and enjoy your new purchase!
 
Thank you all for the welcome and the comments! I apologize for my delayed response. I have decided to keep the knife and enjoy it; it's already been put to use. Thanks again and best wishes.
 
Welcome to the boards.

Let me just chime in that if in the future you get a product, that you paid for, that is scratched or damaged in any way (if you bought it new that is) then you should contact the dealer and have them fix the problem by either sending you a replacement or perhaps dropping a few $$$ off the cost of the knife in your possession.

Remember, it's your money and you should get what you pay for. If you paid for a new, pristine knife then you should receive a new pristine knife. No if's and's or but's about it.
 
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