Is a factory blem worth it?

K

Knifein

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Hey, guys I've been looking for a new knife and I just saw some of the ZT factory blems Kershawguy has for sale. I was wondering how many people buy factory blems. Is it worth it to get one at the good price or should I save up more money and buy a regular knife with the warranty?

Just looking for people's opinions. Thanks guys.
 
I picked up a Leek and 2 Skylines and I really couldn't tell what the blems were. They're users and in my EDC rotation. I also saw someone pick up the ZT302 blem and they were extremely happy with it.
 
I picked up a ZT0100 blem and a Kershaw Spec Bump blem last month and I can't find the blemishes either. I absolutely love the purchase and the price!
 
I picked up a baby boa from kershaw guy a month ago or so and I can't find a single flaw on the whole dang knife. I also got a new in box ZT 0350 from him and I'm lovin it.
 
Of the blems that I have bought, only one had a noticeable flaw. That flaw was a small overspray mark on the blade of a ZT. They are absolutely worth the money as long as you aren't worried about the warranty.
 
Depends on the price. If you're buying a blem that's like $40 or something I think it's fine. If you're getting a ZT over $100 I'd just pony up for the regular one for the warranty.
 
I've got a CPM154 Blur from KershawGuy. The only thing wrong is a slightly off grind. Doesn't affect performance at all. I'd say it was worth it; I was dying to try CPM154.
 
I bought a blem 0300 from Kershawguy and it had one tiny spot on the blade finish which doesn't matter one bit in a work knife. I am very happy with it and the price.
 
I have no doubt that the blemished knives are fine, but I wouldn't buy one because Kershaw's warranty is so good. It's not worth saving a few bucks to give that up.
 
I bought a ZT 0350 from kershaw guy, only a barely noticeable spot on the blade finish, most people wouldn't notice unless they knew beforehand that it was a blem. great knife, great price.
 
Tsujigiri said:
I have no doubt that the blemished knives are fine, but I wouldn't buy one because Kershaw's warranty is so good. It's not worth saving a few bucks to give that up.
Click to expand...

Not having a warranty only means that you can't send it in for repairs, but Kershaw will still send you replacement parts (screws, torsion bars, etc.) if you give them a call.

I have purchased 5 blems (3 composite Leeks, a composite Blur, and a S30V/G10 Leek) from kershawguy and was thrilled with all of them. Outstanding value.
 
If it's gonna be a user and the saving is decent - buy the blem.

If it's gonna ne a safe queen - buy it new.

I've purchased several blems and were very happy with all of them.
 
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I own quite a few Kershaw blems and a ZT0300 blem and they are absolutely worth it. I would always opt to save some dough and buy a blem over a non-blem. I always tout Kershaw's warranty, but in all honesty, I've never had to use it. Like its been said before, Kershaw will send you parts if you need them.
 
ZT knives are heavily discounted if you look around. Resale value and warranty is worth buying a non blemish ZT from my point of view.
 
Dealing with kershawguy, whether for a factory perfect or a blem, is a great experience. That said, there is another reason to buy a blem besides price - availability. A case in point: Kershaw JYDII in Ti/SG2. Dealer stock dried up a year or two ago - he found more blems. I've tried to sell several folks on it's bargain nature - those who bought now understand. Sure, you can see it's 'blemish- - unequal lamination thickness on edge sides. Certainly not a user problem - but still available.

Stainz
 
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