Ka-Bar Mule Warranty Question

B

bghorn

Joined
May 18, 2015
Messages
197
I have contacted Ka-Bar about Mule folder lockbar failure (model 3050) and received rather ambiguous answer as far as warranty is concerned. Basically, what they say is, folder can be send in for "consideration". No word whether this would be covered or not, even though, email was photo rich.


HISTORY:
Knife was purchased 4 months ago and was used 4 weeks on daily basis. No abuse or even heavy usage. Basically it was used in the same manner as any other folder.
After few days I've noticed some binding when opening and closing the blade. Within 2 weeks it got progressively worse and substantial amount of bits of coating and metal shavings coming out.

At that point knife was disassembled. Metal shavings stuck between blade and liners and lockbar and liners caused damage to coating. Coating was removed, all parts cleaned, assembled and lubricated.

Knife worked fine for a day before it developed same symptoms again. It was used for another 2 weeks before lock failed at slight thumb push against the thumb ramp.

Knife was disassembled yet again and upon further inspection, lockbar was ground off solely due to friction between tang and lockbar. It's obvious that lockbar is too soft.

QUESTION:
Would that be covered by warranty? Does disassembly void warranty. Does coating removal void warranty? I'd hate to send it in just to get it returned as it is in few weeks time.

PICS:
05.jpg


06.jpg


08.jpg


03a.jpg
 
Depends and is probably on a case-by-case basis.

Fixed blades that have been stripped have had their warranties honored. But I don't know about folders.

If Kabar doesn't respond here, give them a call and an email linking this thread. Then I'd go ahead and send it in.
 
Hey bghorn,

Please send it in. If you are looking for someone to give you a definitive "yes" or "no" via cyberspace unfortunately that will be difficult. We don't receive many products back that are defective, but of those very few are not covered by our warranty. We like to get our hands on products that may have an issue for a variety of reasons. We handle the knives all day everyday and can usually pinpoint pretty quickly any issues and what caused the issue. My guess: your knife will be covered by our warranty. Why just a guess? Because there is a department of people that are more qualified than myself whose job is to handle quality and warranty and I don't want to speak for them or make an attempt to do someone else's job for them. Its best to get the actual product in their hands, not just for the knife and owner in question, but for all future buyers of the product.
 
OFFICIAL_KA-BAR said:
Hey bghorn,

Please send it in. If you are looking for someone to give you a definitive "yes" or "no" via cyberspace unfortunately that will be difficult. We don't receive many products back that are defective, but of those very few are not covered by our warranty. We like to get our hands on products that may have an issue for a variety of reasons. We handle the knives all day everyday and can usually pinpoint pretty quickly any issues and what caused the issue. My guess: your knife will be covered by our warranty. Why just a guess? Because there is a department of people that are more qualified than myself whose job is to handle quality and warranty and I don't want to speak for them or make an attempt to do someone else's job for them. Its best to get the actual product in their hands, not just for the knife and owner in question, but for all future buyers of the product.
Click to expand...


Thank you for the reply. I'll send it in for your folks to examine it.

BTW, love the ergonomics of the Mule.
 
Follow up!

Today I've found brand new MULE in my mailbox. Thank you for excellent customer service.
 
Alright! Thank you Ka-Bar for giving those of us who love your products confidence in your quality and customer service. I've never had an issue with the many that I own and I know I can make future purchases with peace of mind!
 
KABAR in my book is a VERY stand up company with there products and service ! Like how fast they get to the issues !
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top