Is “centering” in a folding knife important to you?

[BD_01]

The reason I created this poll is that there are times I’ve had buyers reject a knife or return it to me because the blade has been slightly off-center. Is it an OCD issue, or a valid concern?

Did you disclose that the knives you sold were off center with pictures and (importantly) in the description?

If not, that’s on you. If so, using it as criteria for return is weeny on the buyer.

As to my feelings on centering, like others above, it has to do with cost.

If it’s a < $40 Kirshaw, a little off is no big deal. As price goes up, I expect increasing fit & finish and centering is a key factor.

Above $100, a smidge off doesn’t bother me. $200 & up, it should be spot on.

That said, I have a Sebenza 21 Thuya from the exchange that’s very slightly off center (which was unadvertised). As the knife was otherwise pristine and well priced, I decided to be ok with it.

I also had a run of Benchmades a few years ago that were non-touching but otherwise way off…like someone didn’t even try to do it right. It’s one of the reasons I gave up on the brand.

My most recent purchase was nearly $400 and is WAY off center too! No matter what I do I can’t fix the POS! I’m so freaking frustrated!

 

[johnnytoxin]

If it’s in CRK’s price range it better be centered. If it’s a Benchmade or Spyderco I don’t care as long as it’s not rubbing a scale.

 

[King of the Cheese]

Did you disclose that the knives you sold were off center with pictures and (importantly) in the description?

If not, that’s on you. If so, using it as criteria for return is weeny on the buyer.

As to my feelings on centering, like others above, it has to do with cost.

If it’s a < $40 Kirshaw, a little off is no big deal. As price goes up, I expect increasing fit & finish and centering is a key factor.

Above $100, a smidge off doesn’t bother me. $200 & up, it should be spot on.

That said, I have a Sebenza 21 Thuya from the exchange that’s barely detectable off center (which was unadvertised). As the knife was otherwise pristine and well priced, I decided to be ok with it.

I also had a run of Benchmades a few years ago that were non-touching but otherwise way off…like someone didn’t even try to do it right. It’s one of the reasons I gave up on the brand.

My most recent purchase was nearly $400 and is WAY off center. No matter what I do I can’t fix the POS! I’m so freaking frustrated!

“Off center” to one person isn’t always “off center” to another. There are some people that will say it’s “off center” when you have to look real hard and practically measure it digitally. There are eBay buyers that pull this… it isn’t always about “disclosure” of “off-centering”. The best we can do is send a picture of the centering, but don’t act like someone can’t call your “center” … “off” center. It can happen to anyone.

 

[BD_01]

“… it isn’t always about “disclosure” of “off-centering”.

But sometimes it is. Which is why I posed a question.

The best we can do is send a picture of the centering,

This is inaccurate. It isn’t challenging to snap a picture of a slightly off center knife that doesn’t disclose its existence. A thorough written description of a knife’s condition and flaws should be included in a For Sale listing.

but don’t act like someone can’t call your “center” … “off” center.

I never suggested such, nor would I.
I asked a question.

 

[King of the Cheese]

But sometimes it is. Which is why I posed a question.



This is inaccurate. It isn’t challenging to snap a picture of a slightly off center knife that doesn’t disclose its existence. A thorough written description of a knife’s condition and flaws should be included in a For Sale listing.



I never suggested such, nor would I.
I asked a question.

You’re still not getting what I’m trying to tell you. I’m telling you that you can take a picture of a centered knife that LOOKS centered, and some people will STILL say it looks off center to them when they get the knife.

Do you understand now, or are you just looking for a way to be “right”? Can you not admit that two people can have a difference of opinion on what is “centered”?

 

[POCEH KOCEB]

It has to be centered right in the middle.
If Chinese sub $50 knives can have perfectly centered blades, I don’t see a reason, any other, especially budget US company, to have issues with centering, accepting it for one reason or another is IMO lowering your standards.
‘Knives over $100 must be centered, I never returned a knife for this reason, in fact I only came across very few non-centered folders, but if I can’t fix it (I’m usually able to), I have absolutely no problem to call the store or manufacturer and ask for replacement.

 

[Knives&Lint]

I was going to reply to this thread a couple of times but both times BD_01 beat me to it. I will add that in my listings I always say "to my eye" the blade is centered. If it seemed even slightly off-centered to me, I would be certain to disclose that. I try to take a good pic of the centering, but as mentioned sometimes it is hard to get the angle just right, and even perfect centering can seem off in an image (and of course the opposite could be achieved). Then again, I've never had an issue with any sales I've made on this forum.

eBay is a different beast altogether. There it could easily be that a buyer is just nitpicking as an excuse to get a return on an item that in reality is just buyers remorse.

 

[T.Law79]

Centered

 

[DocJD]

If Chinese sub $50 knives can have perfectly centered blades, I don’t see a reason, any other, especially budget US company, to have issues with centering, accepting it for one reason or another is IMO lowering your standards.

I have $20 to $30 folders that are about perfect in centering , F&F , grind , sharpness , lock action etc .

So why can't much more expensive knives be at least as good ?

Just no decent QC and lack of caring , IMO .

 

[stonproject]

You’re still not getting what I’m trying to tell you. I’m telling you that you can take a picture of a centered knife that LOOKS centered, and some people will STILL say it looks off center to them when they get the knife.

Do you understand now, or are you just looking for a way to be “right”? Can you not admit that two people can have a difference of opinion on what is “centered”?

Settle down champ, no need to get all flustered

 

[King of the Cheese]

Settle down champ, no need to get all flustered

If someone is going to accuse me of not “disclosing” a knife being off-center, I’m going to correct them, champ.

 

[jlauffer]

If someone is going to accuse me of not “disclosing” a knife being off-center, I’m going to correct them, champ.

Where did he make an accusation? He simply asked if it was disclosed.

 

[King of the Cheese]

Where did he make an accusation? He simply asked if it was disclosed.

Implying it, when I was making a point about picky buyers. We don’t need to continue this… as much as I know you want to.

 

[jbmonkey]

I have $20 to $30 folders that are about perfect in centering , F&F , grind , sharpness , lock action etc .

So why can't much more expensive knives be at least as good ?

Just no decent QC and lack of caring , IMO .

cause those cheaper ones are built by robots and robots dont make mistakes.

joking Doc just joking......

 

[WedgeAntilles]

But if you could average with all the knives you buy, which would you pick? Do you buy more CRKs than $30 knives, or opposite?

These days, mostly CRKs. In the past 2 1/2 years I've picked up over a dozen CRK folders, SHFs, and a Hinderer as well as a ZT and maybe 3 Spydercos. Don't remember the last time I bought a sub $75 dollar knife, and most now are north of 250.

 

[jux t]

I prefer centered, or close to centered with no liner rubbing.

Do you understand now, or are you just looking for a way to be “right”?

Woah, take a lap and calm down there, sport.

 

[GIRLYmann]

​

fyi, the main knife blade
on a victorinox
is always ground
perfectly off centered

 

[Wild Willie]

I went with as long as not rubbing on the scales. Era of manufacture also plays into some of my decision making. I have an old camillus electricians knife that rubs a bit it doesn't bother me for 3 reasons
1. It's older and wasn't made to be a collectors item
2. I use it as a winter time "coat pocket knife" so it really isn't my daily driver so to speak, it's just easier to access while I'm in my pickup or bucket truck sitting down wearing winter clothes.
3. I paid the princely sum of 12 dollars for it.

Regardless of any issues, it's a solid performer and I like it.

 

[Zulus]

Looks as we got 1/5 Centrists here :^D

 

[Docscoot]

Prefer centered, but slightly off is not a deal breaker. My AD20 is just slightly off, but bought it used and knew that going in. If I loosen the pivot just a hair it straightens out, but pivot tension trumps centering for me.

ETA: I tried loosening everything, wedging the blade over, and re-tightening...didn't help on this one. Kind of funny that my 2 AD20.5s are perfect.

I had the same problem with my AD20. On a knife I like this much it tends to bug me more. With apologies for it being more about my OCD than the knife I reached out to Andrew Demko and he encouraged me to send it back, made it 100% dead centered, sent it back in an upgraded box in no time at all, and it's now absolutely perfect. Such incredible people at Demko. I have a similar issue with my MEFP Strider SnG, but from what I've read about the customer service there I think that one will just remain a little off centered.