Learning to send things back if not right...

PocketKnifeJimmy

PocketKnifeJimmy

Feedback: +0 / =0 / -0
Joined
Aug 4, 2013
Messages
3,989
I have had to break down and order knives online... and it is for me, just like you folks out there, hard to find a decent selection of U.S. made knives at brick and mortar stores. Well, I already sent a Buck #55 back to the factory for having a very wobbly blade. Now, have decided to send back another more expensive knife... a Canal Street Pinch Lockback. It will be sent out on Monday when I get a chance. The knife has three issues... A hairline fracture in handle that seems to originate from where the coin shield is inset into the handle. Also, when the blade is in the open position, the back spring does not lay flush with the frame (and it is obvious). And third, the blade on one side was very unevenly sharpened.. it looks bad and it is easy to see. If I am going to play this ordering online thing with knives, I am going to have to get used to the hassle of going to the post office, laying out a bit more cash, and sending things back to manufacturers that are not doing their jobs in quality control.It is frustrating, but this knife cost me about 80 bucks total (now even more with needing it returned)... so I am nor going to just accept poor quality, I will start being active in returning things that are not right... I feel empowered already!!! But, still wish these firms would be more on the ball... these are not $10 chinese knives.... these are $40, $50, $75, $100, and even more.... so one would hope a little more consistancy :-(
 
PocketKnifeJimmy said:
I have had to break down and order knives online... and it is for me, just like you folks out there, hard to find a decent selection of U.S. made knives at brick and mortar stores. Well, I already sent a Buck #55 back to the factory for having a very wobbly blade. Now, have decided to send back another more expensive knife... a Canal Street Pinch Lockback. It will be sent out on Monday when I get a chance. The knife has three issues... A hairline fracture in handle that seems to originate from where the coin shield is inset into the handle. Also, when the blade is in the open position, the back spring does not lay flush with the frame (and it is obvious). And third, the blade on one side was very unevenly sharpened.. it looks bad and it is easy to see. If I am going to play this ordering online thing with knives, I am going to have to get used to the hassle of going to the post office, laying out a bit more cash, and sending things back to manufacturers that are not doing their jobs in quality control.It is frustrating, but this knife cost me about 80 bucks total (now even more with needing it returned)... so I am nor going to just accept poor quality, I will start being active in returning things that are not right... I feel empowered already!!! But, still wish these firms would be more on the ball... these are not $10 chinese knives.... these are $40, $50, $75, $100, and even more.... so one would hope a little more consistancy :-(
Click to expand...

i agree. i can't find any knife stores where i live so even though i'm a novice to buying knives, i'm already finding myself visiting the post office more often than i'd like. also some of these online purchases are now hitting you with a restocking fee for the return, plus you pay for the postage. if this is the game they play, i don't have the money to throw around nor the confidence to buy online. i will keep trying, but i'm starting to think i would have no problem being more patient with less knives in my collection, and if i come across a knife i want maybe at a knife store in my travels or on vacation, this would be the way to go.
 
Yeah... you may be right. I have been happy with all my Case knife purchases thus far... 3 online, and 4 at the store. But, maybe I will do your idea... I hate games... and returning things is never fun. Besides, I like to look at something before I buy, online purchases sometimes can be a real let down... the item not being quite as nice as in a picture. I got to say on Case' behalf... I like all my actual Case knives more than I like their pics of them in their catalog :-)
 
PocketKnifeJimmy said:
Yeah... you may be right. I have been happy with all my Case knife purchases thus far... 3 online, and 4 at the store. But, maybe I will do your idea... I hate games... and returning things is never fun. Besides, I like to look at something before I buy, online purchases sometimes can be a real let down... the item not being quite as nice as in a picture. I got to say on Case' behalf... I like all my actual Case knives more than I like their pics of them in their catalog :-)
Click to expand...

you've had better luck with case knives online than i have. i'd be much oliged if you could leave me a message on where you bought your case knives online.
 
It was just luck, likely... good and bad with all my online purchases thus far. I mean, as long as it is sight unseen, it will be a chance one takes, no matter who the maker is (though certainly some makers are sending out more flukes, I'm sure). If you live anywhere in my area, I could message you to where to hit a store that carrys Case :-)
 
PocketKnifeJimmy said:
It was just luck, likely... good and bad with all my online purchases thus far. If you live anywhere in my area, I could message you to where to hit a store that carrys Case :-)
Click to expand...

thanks anyway but i'm quite a ways southeast of you and not willing to travel long distances for a knife. :D
 
I'm actually a transplant here... I used to live in middletown ny (orange county). Getting tough to find certain things without going online... and online buying has just not been too positive for me... just too much hit and miss :-(
 
I think things have kinda come full circle.... In the olden days, there was little selection at your in town stores, so folks would order from the wish books (catalogs). Then, brick and mortar stores started offering more instant gratification by having good selection and inventory... then the internet came... and us brick and mortar buyers are left wanting... such is life :-( I may hold off on ordering for a while... maybe start seeking out some vintage knives and such locally... Yard sales, flea markets, and such. I know one thing, my online buying will atleast slow down... I mean, if three issues can leave on a knife made by a reputable maker like Canal Street, then maybe this online buying is just not for me either. We shall see :-)
 
The closest Brick and mortar store I have is about an hour away and they have a pretty small selection of traditionals.

Best solution that I've found is the buying off of the exchange. Not only do you get to see detailed pictures of the actual knife you are buying, but you are also supporting bf members.
 
Also several of our Bladeforums supporting dealers who post here frequently have good web site with pics of the actual knives. OldHundredCollectibles.com, Collectorknives.net, KnivesShipFree.com, GunstockJacksKnivesandCollectibles.com are all good dealers who will take care of you and can help you in picking out a knife.
 
Yes.. I did get my first GEC knife from KSF... and though it was only one transaction.. it went well with merchandise and shipping :-) Also, I ordered a Queen from a dealer on another knife forum site, him carrying an exclusive line of Queen knives... and that transaction went well too. I am not saying one will always be disappointed... but the hassle of returns and wait when something ain't right... well, it's just a real pain.
 
I am going to have to return the Boker trad I bought. The scales are cracked and split at the end pins and lanyard hole. I am surprised at how efficient and easy the large e-tailer is making the return process.
 
This may be a related story. Back in the day, I worked gun shops, sometimes as sales... but even managed a gun dept for a while. Anyhow, one time, while discussing a few Auto Ordnance made guns with an employee of that company, he gave me inside info that turned me off. He told me that they had been trying to catch up on some orders, and there were a few non hazardous issues needing addressing. Well, their boss told them to ship the guns out the way they were, that if the folks that had them had problems, they could ship them back for warranty. Apparently, they figured the issues were to be put onto the buying customer to later determine whether they needed fixing or not... knowing things were not 100% right. This was when Auto Ordnance was owned by Ira Trast and were done in West Hurley NY... later being sold to Khar Arms. The guns we were discussing were their 1927-A1 model. I would like to give firms the benefit of the doubt... but wonder how much of this goes on. I mean, like with my Canal Street.... sure mistakes happen, but trained eyes such as theirs, to not notice when something is going wrong, or to let things go through, in this case three different things... I have to wonder... Are they just seeing if it will just fly by! I would often not send back defective stuff because of the hassle, or I'd give it away, or sell at a loss. Once my less than trained eye gave this knife a once over, I easily found these three defects.... But one is to believe their trained eyes missed them all! Okay, and I have the deed to the Brooklyn Bridge! ;-)
 
Last edited:
PocketKnifeJimmy said:
This may be a related story. Back in the day, I worked gun shops, sometimes as sales... but even managed a gun dept for a while. Anyhow, one time, while discussing a few Auto Ordnance made guns with an employee of that company, he gave me inside info that turned me off. He told me that they had been trying to catch up on some orders, and there were a few non hazardous issues needing addressing. Well, their boss told them to ship the guns out the way they were, that if the folks that had them had problems, they could ship them back for warranty. Apparently, they figured the issues were to be put onto the buying customer to later determine whether they needed fixing or not... knowing things were not 100% right. This was when Auto Ordnance was owned by Ira Trast and was done in West Hurley NY... later being sold to Khar Arms. The guns we were discussing were their 1927-A1 model. I would like to give firms the benefit of the doubt... but wonder how much of this goes on. I mean, like with my Canal Street.... sure mistakes happen, but trained eyes such as theirs, to not notice when something is going wrong, or to let things go through, in this case three different things... I have to wonder... Are they just seeing if it will just fly by, like I would often do, not semd back because of the hassle, or give it away, or sell at a loss. Once my less than trained eye gave thia knife a once over, I easily found these three defects.... But one is to believe their trained eyes missed them all! Okay, and I have the deed to the Brooklyn Bridge! ;-)
Click to expand...

fewer and fewer people are caring about anything these days. it's all about moving the merchandise and making a buck. my most recent purchase of a pocket knife, i went on the website to look at the same knife i bought and will return and noticed that it was out of stock. i wonder if i bought the last one they couldn't get rid of? maybe, but they're going to get the case right back because it's a pathetic attempt to just push the product.
 
I try to buy used, you can ask questions about the fit and finish and accept what is within your tolerances.
 
I feel your pain, but I am used to all this. I live in a very remote area and have to buy everything on-line. I never have the opportunity to hold items in my hand before buying.

I'm new to the knife world, but have some history with buying/selling camera equipment. I guess the camera vendors are a bit different in how they work. If you buy an item that you find defective, within 30 days of purchase, they will email you a pre-paid return shipping label to send it back and send you another piece. After 30 days you have to go through the manufacturer.

So far I have been very pleased with my knife purchases. I've bought 3 knives new from vendors, and 3 used here on the exchange. I haven't looked at any of the vendors return policy yet - going to take a look now to see how they work it with defective items.

Of course my on-line buying goes way beyond cameras and knives. I like to use Amazon whenever possible because their return policy is great. Anything defective and they also send you a pre-paid return label.

So, I've been the course with all this so I am used to it - making sure I read the vendor return policy before I make any major purchase. I can see if you are new to buying on-line where this can become quite frustrating.
 
I am not new to it, for sure... but overall, in my many years of online ordering, and though it ain't all bad... it remains frustrating to wait for something that one has a good chance of not being up to par... qc is not as once was.. cost cutting and bottom line, and people just having gotten used to less than acceptable, seems the norm. I am truly looking for options that will break me away from online ordering... just ain't my thing.
As for my returning that canal street... I almost did it today. The post office was closed, so I went to one of those fed ex places. The guy recommended a certain box to protect it, recommended a signature requirement, and by the time he waa about to ring it up... it waa gonna be $18+ .... heck no! I will send it out Priority mail for about $6 at the post office on Monday sometime. Even $6 is too much when one knows this should not be happening in the first place... and then of course comes the wait. The Buck knife I just sent out is stated as can take 4 to 6 weeks! This stuff is ridiculous!
 
Last edited:
Ouch. That's the second tale of bad QC from Canal Street I've read today! Hum.

I've bought all of my knives online, and thankfully have only made one return and only been a little dissatisfied a couple times.

My return was pretty recently: a Case sway back jack. The grind was uneven and the blade tapered off to one side, looking like the tip was bent. Sent it back to the vendor and should be getting a new one in the next couple days. Sure hope this one is 100%.

Other than that, I've had good luck -- mostly buying Spydercos. Only issue I ever had really was a not so great sharpening job on my Calypso... but I took care of that!

My only GEC came butter knife dull, but besides that was immaculately constructed and is now one of my prized pieces... after it got sharp!

Sorry to hear you had a bad experience, but in my experience online ordering works out for the best most of the time! A couple duds, though, for sure.

P.S.: I wouldn't shop anywhere with a "restocking fee", personally.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top