- Joined
- Nov 17, 2011
- Messages
- 452
This isn't a bash, but I feel compelled to point out a couple of recent things I've noticed on CRK's. I don't expect perfection, but when prices go up and discounts aren't offered, I expect quality to remain the same or better.
On my recently purchased Carbon Fiber Sebenza, I noticed the screws on the face aren't the same quality finish as the pile side. The tube (female) ends are machined in CRK's shop and are clearly the quality we expect. However, the screws on the face don't appear to be any better quality than a stainless machined screw found bouncing around in a bin at Home Depot. I asked about the screws and was told the weren't made in the shop at CRK. If that's the case, I might suggest CRK push back on the their vendor to provide screws to meet the standard we all know and love with CRK. What's even more frustrating, is being told I would be charged $1 for each replacement screw that doesn't have imperfections. Really?...$1 for each replacement screw that I'm trying to replace on a $400 dollar knife. How about replacing screws for free when customers complain (and I'm not the only one) then charging the vendor that supplied them. Or, finding a new vendor that will provide a product up to CRK's standard. I would accept this on a $200 Bradley Alias, but not a $400 Sebenza.
The second thing I noticed was with the Mnandi. On three recently made Mnandi's I noticed inlays that were cut smaller than the cutout on the frame. It left a VERY visible and unattractive gap. These were recently made Mnandi's (since all three sport the new pivot pin). On two I decided not to follow through with the transaction, and on the other I returned the knife. Again, this is quality expected of a $150 BM, not a $375 and $685 knife. The ironic part is that CRK makes it a point to clarify these are inlays, not overlays. "The essence of what I wanted to do rests in "inlay" and not "overlay". It is quite easy to add a piece of wood or ivory onto the outside of the handle, but I wanted to "inlay". It's clear there is a great deal of pride taken by CRK to make the tolerances so tight it needed to be pointed out. Unfortunately, the aforementioned Mnandi's didn't need clarification they were inlays.
I can only hope this is temporary and an issue that's been identified in manufacturing, not an issue of sloppy work as a result of falling back on laurels.
UPDATE 5-15: CRK contacted me and is sending me replacement screws. All is right with the world
. The screw issue wouldn't have stopped my next purchase (large CF Sebbie) or future CRK purchases. However, it gives me a great deal more confidence in the company and product moving forward. Thank you CRK!
On my recently purchased Carbon Fiber Sebenza, I noticed the screws on the face aren't the same quality finish as the pile side. The tube (female) ends are machined in CRK's shop and are clearly the quality we expect. However, the screws on the face don't appear to be any better quality than a stainless machined screw found bouncing around in a bin at Home Depot. I asked about the screws and was told the weren't made in the shop at CRK. If that's the case, I might suggest CRK push back on the their vendor to provide screws to meet the standard we all know and love with CRK. What's even more frustrating, is being told I would be charged $1 for each replacement screw that doesn't have imperfections. Really?...$1 for each replacement screw that I'm trying to replace on a $400 dollar knife. How about replacing screws for free when customers complain (and I'm not the only one) then charging the vendor that supplied them. Or, finding a new vendor that will provide a product up to CRK's standard. I would accept this on a $200 Bradley Alias, but not a $400 Sebenza.
The second thing I noticed was with the Mnandi. On three recently made Mnandi's I noticed inlays that were cut smaller than the cutout on the frame. It left a VERY visible and unattractive gap. These were recently made Mnandi's (since all three sport the new pivot pin). On two I decided not to follow through with the transaction, and on the other I returned the knife. Again, this is quality expected of a $150 BM, not a $375 and $685 knife. The ironic part is that CRK makes it a point to clarify these are inlays, not overlays. "The essence of what I wanted to do rests in "inlay" and not "overlay". It is quite easy to add a piece of wood or ivory onto the outside of the handle, but I wanted to "inlay". It's clear there is a great deal of pride taken by CRK to make the tolerances so tight it needed to be pointed out. Unfortunately, the aforementioned Mnandi's didn't need clarification they were inlays.
I can only hope this is temporary and an issue that's been identified in manufacturing, not an issue of sloppy work as a result of falling back on laurels.
UPDATE 5-15: CRK contacted me and is sending me replacement screws. All is right with the world
. The screw issue wouldn't have stopped my next purchase (large CF Sebbie) or future CRK purchases. However, it gives me a great deal more confidence in the company and product moving forward. Thank you CRK!
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