I purchased it from Great Lakes Outpost. It isn't their fault that ZT sent them the knife though. I'm not okay with blaming a retailer for a garbage knife they were sent from the manufacturer, that does nothing to address the issue of the knife having been shipped out in the first place. It isn't a matter of GLO's customer service (yet), it's a matter of ZT's customer service, quality control, and lack of integrity. Elizabeth, Dan and Josh specifically.
NOT to tell you what to do, but you should think of the retailer's role in this. Yes, it is their fault for sending you faulty merchandise. You bought it from GLO, and they should sell products with the quality and integrity they can stand behind. Otherwise, just buy your knives from the lowest priced guy on the auction sites, and be happy with a cheap price and no service after the sale. MOST retailers will stand behind the products they sell and want happy, repeat customers. I buy from the reputable approved vendors here, and THEY stand behind the products they sell and represent, they don't make me do the factory leg work for them if they shipped an defective product. With knives being sold out of faceless warehouses these days by the hundreds every day, it is unreasonable to think that every vendor will open every knife and inspect it for quality control. But on the other hand, I have never had one kick when I wanted to return a flawed knife. I always think of my long standing buyer/seller relationship with A.G. Russell.
If you simply don't like the knife, reasons non specific, he will take the knife back with no complaining. i always go there first...
Most goods (including knives) that are returned to the vendor as "flawed" or "defective" are marked and returned to the vendor for credit. (That shouldn't be your job since you didn't buy factory direct.) The vendor has a role in this game too, and it should be to represent your interests as well. And more than likely the vendor will simply return the knife and get their credit (or resell it!) with no loss to themselves. I have a friend that is a licensed seller of a very popular brand of knives that is highly respected here, and he assures me he has never had to eat a returned knife.
BTW, sorry to hear about your experience with ZT. I have several Kershaws and a couple of ZTs that I am very fond of. I sure hope you haven't discovered a trend...
I own my own small business and have for almost 40 years. While the customer isn't always right, on a $200 retail item, I would make it right for my customers. Period. Why? Think how many folks are reading this thread about ZT... now you even have me thinking, which is never a good thing!
Seriously, speaking as a small business owner, give GLO a chance to earn your return business and just stay away from ZT.
Robert
