my two day old Ti-Lock is ruined (for now)

[bhyde]

It's not unusual to request a quote for repair- That is on the customer in my opinion.
Whenever I have taken anything in, I ask "what can I expect for this repair" and always received the cost..
If you send something in, there could be an "implied" request to just fix it..

If I am going to send anything in, I will always get a rough estimate on what I expect to pay..
You may also use some common sense..

Cost of knife is this- ~$475.00
Any large part is going to be, almost without fail $75.00-$100.00 to repair.
Blade, scale..and now, lockbar

Really, I am not sure what was expected here

 

[JNewell]

JR88fan, you may very well be right in your understanding of the situation. However, it is fair to point out we only have one side of the story to consider. And even if you are spot on in your assessment, that in no way excuses insulting others IMHO.

B-i-n-g-o.

 

[Dhbranum]

Really been trying to stay out of this soap opera, but just have to have my say. I think you have stated it well. Sending it in for fixing, and depending on the communication sent with it, could very well be considered a direction to proceed. Also note in the email from CRK it states "We will contact you again ONCE THE SERVICES HAVE BEEN COMPLETED." Maybe that should have raised a red flag. What was expected? I think the idea that "I paid a lot and it wasn't my fault so you should fix it for little or nothing." I feel for the guy's situation, but not with this attitude and the lack of integrity that would suggest he would use limited funds for another unnecessary purchase instead of paying an honest debt.

Sorry, but I think when you get older, you get less tolerant of certain things.

It's not unusual to request a quote for repair- That is on the customer in my opinion.
Whenever I have taken anything in, I ask "what can I expect for this repair" and always received the cost..
If you send something in, there could be an "implied" request to just fix it..

If I am going to send anything in, I will always get a rough estimate on what I expect to pay..
You may also use some common sense..

Cost of knife is this- ~$475.00
Any large part is going to be, almost without fail $75.00-$100.00 to repair.
Blade, scale..and now, lockbar

Really, I am not sure what was expected here

 

[kaotikross]

(FWIW, if I pay $500 for a knife, I expect it to be able to withstand the "abuse" of someone screwing around with it. If it's THAT fragile, imagine what hard use could do to it.)

You got that right! If I pay $500 for a knife I wanna see "Lifetime Warranty" . Busse replaced a guy's knife who had shot it with a rifle and posted it on YouTube. IMO, $90 for one piece of metal is ridiculous after spending $500 less than a month previously. Now, I'm not debating the value of the knife. The knife cost $500, and that's the price, if it were myself, however, surely there was some way to do this that didn't require sending the thing in lock stock and barrel and just hoping for "mercy" without making it clear what was expected. Solutions could have been asking for JUST the part, paying for that and installing it (which wasn't going to be $90, and if it was in fact $90, any machine shop could probably make it for twenty bucks, even if you had to settle for steel), taking the part to said machine shop and having them attempt to repair it, (via press or whatever, I'm no expert), looking for said part on the secondary market , buying a clone and just swapping the part out, if possible, (although that means keeping it, can't resell it, with any of these methods, actually). Idk what exactly you were hoping for, but it sounds like you were hoping to be honest and have CRK do you a solid for cheap or free. As to the CRK side, YES. They should have sent you an estimate. All this being said, now it's done, the option you have is to either pay the $90 (which is your perogative) in a somewhat timely manner, or for CRK to eventually lay down an ultimatum to pay up or they'll sell the now repaired knife to recoup the repair bill. Auto repair places (any repair shop, actually) deals with this all day long, if you don't pay within a reasonable time frame, they'll just sell it, and that's totally legal.

 

[Officer's Match]

You got that right! If I pay $500 for a knife I wanna see "Lifetime Warranty" . Busse replaced a guy's knife who had shot it with a rifle and posted it on YouTube. IMO, $90 for one piece of metal is ridiculous after spending $500 less than a month previously. Now, I'm not debating the value of the knife. The knife cost $500, and that's the price, if it were myself, however, surely there was some way to do this that didn't require sending the thing in lock stock and barrel and just hoping for "mercy" without making it clear what was expected. Solutions could have been asking for JUST the part, paying for that and installing it (which wasn't going to be $90, and if it was in fact $90, any machine shop could probably make it for twenty bucks, even if you had to settle for steel), taking the part to said machine shop and having them attempt to repair it, (via press or whatever, I'm no expert), looking for said part on the secondary market , buying a clone and just swapping the part out, if possible, (although that means keeping it, can't resell it, with any of these methods, actually). Idk what exactly you were hoping for, but it sounds like you were hoping to be honest and have CRK do you a solid for cheap or free. As to the CRK side, YES. They should have sent you an estimate. All this being said, now it's done, the option you have is to either pay the $90 (which is your perogative) in a somewhat timely manner, or for CRK to eventually lay down an ultimatum to pay up or they'll sell the now repaired knife to recoup the repair bill. Auto repair places (any repair shop, actually) deals with this all day long, if you don't pay within a reasonable time frame, they'll just sell it, and that's totally legal.

Good luck replacing a Ti Lock leaf spring, the $90 from CRK would quickly look like a bargain. As for the breakage, as I said earlier, apply the same force to a Sebenza (or any framelock without an over-travel-stop) and see if you aren't holding a non-locking knife afterwards.

 

[sutherland]

This thread.

I totally get the whole "provide a quote prior to starting work", but in total fairness, what other option do you really have when a key mechanism has failed? You sent it in because the knife didn't lock. They replaced the part, enabling the knife to lock. Parts + Labor is $90. If you were unhappy with the price, the repaired part comes off, the damaged part goes back on, and out the door the knife goes. Is that inefficient? Who knows. All operational processes and resource costs vary from business to business.

I also don't see why one should expect anything from a product than what is presented at face value. If you are spending 500+ for a knife and expect a no-questions-asked, all-things covered warranty, then buy a knife that has that warranty. That simple.

 

[uofaengr]

Is it possible that CRK went ahead with fixing it due to the fact that a critical part of the knife had failed, in this case the locking mechanism, and if the owner had opted to not fix it, well now CRK is aware that someone has a faulty and potentially unsafe knife?

Either this or CRK assumes that if you inquire about having a faulty lock serviced and you send it in, then that means you obviously want it fixed. For me, I might would've asked if I could send a short video of the problem just to see if I could get a ballpark estimate. I'm sure they'd much rather see it in person to know exactly what's wrong, but never hurts to ask.

 

[robgmn]

Really been trying to stay out of this soap opera, but just have to have my say. I think you have stated it well. Sending it in for fixing, and depending on the communication sent with it, could very well be considered a direction to proceed. .

I wondered about this myself and was going to ask dubya to share, but I figure it'd dead-end since he's already pissed that someone would dare question his right to do whatever he wants (even though he publicly posted to a potential audience of millions EXACTLY the fact that he did whatever he wants, regardless of the effect on others).

 

[Seporith]

If a knife (folder) is found to be functionally unsafe while in the care of CRK they won't send it back "as is" and they are (smartly) saving/covering their butt from being sued. Some folks disagree but that is a sound business and ethical decision. In a perfect world nothing goes wrong and we make no goofy moves but human error factors in and a manufacturer or any business needs to protect themselves as the legal system looks to blame them 1st even when product or area was used/treated improperly. Anthony

 

[kidcongo]

Use it, she out performs bigger knives. I use mine hard and love it. Its all scratched up in good fashion. Really. And when I work certain construction jobs I keep it in my special drawer too. Cant lose the damn thing, but I carry it 4 days a week at least with the Emerson.

Something about this photo screams "Mad Max" to me. I didn't realize it until now, but the Blue Steam ti-lock is a badass looking knife. It's kinda like a CRK with tattoos! Love this photo.

 

[dubya3]

An update for the sake of it. I haven't read the replies for a few days and frankly, I don't care to. This whole thread has been blown out of proportion for no good reason. I'm not sure exactly what I expected when I made this thread but I wanted to discuss my CRK on the CRK forum, that's what the forum is for anyway, isn't it? I don't think the Ti-Lock is a weak design, infact, I think it may be a much stronger design than it appears. Titanium is very springy and the lock shouldn't fail under normal circumstances. Obviously what happened to my particular Ti-Lock wasn't normal and it was abused, badly. Chris Reeve customer service is top notch. This isn't the first time I've contacted them but it was the first time I've needed something fixed. I never thought they would fix my knife without giving a quote and from the first email I ignorantly interpreted it as the knife would be fixed for free, yeah I expected too much but that's what it sounded like after reading and discussing the email with two other members that have had many services provided by CRK customer service.

A couple members here would like me to believe that by me not paying my repair fee before I spend my money anywhere else will hurt CRK. That's obviously a ridiculous statement and when CRK emailed me after seeing this thread they made it clear they have no timeline for repair fees. Although certain members make it out to be, I never intended to not pay the repair fee, I just wasn't financially ready to pay as much as I ended up being. The repair has since been paid after selling my damascus 21 and yes, I bought a Shadow IV BEFORE I paid the repair fee. My money, I'll send it where I want and I'm dead sure nobody else here wants some cowboy telling them where and when to spend their hard earned money. I too was not born with a silver spoon in my mouth, I've busted my ass to buy a house at 24, support my family and enjoy the hobbies I do and for anyone to tell me how I should prioritize my spending is ridiculous.

I'll attach all the emails i received from CRK throughout this whole process and thread. They've been nothing but good to me.

This will be my last post in thi s thread, I'm here to enjoy the forum and discussion, not argue with people over things that don't concern them.

 

[mqqn]

A class response to a less than classy customer.

Merry Christmas

best

mqqn

 

[sams]

Try to be a little more considerate, and kind. The guy got kicked in the nuts twice. I would be a little curt and bummed out too. Kinda like a pigeon pooping on your new suit.

 

[unit]

Thanks for sharing those messages from CRK. They confirm a lot about how I assumed this transaction proceeded.

 

[kidcongo]

Not to turn this whole thing on its head, but isn't sharing / broadcasting private emails also in poor taste? I dunno. When I send someone an email, even business related, I don't expect it to be posted on a public message board, though such things are beyond ones control. When an email is broadcast beyond the intended audience (IE a share-all in a response) I feel there's some unwritten rule that has been broken.

I think most of the info in this thread (the delayed payment / buying the shadow instead of paying the bill / sharing the emails from CRK) are things that would be best kept to oneself. Why we need to know any of this baffles me. I don't see the point in this broadcast.

I am happy you have been well taken care of dubya, but this may be a case of over-sharing. It happens. Let's move on.

 

[VolGrad]

Thanks for sharing those messages from CRK. They confirm a lot about how I assumed this transaction proceeded.

Yup. Same here.

 

[unit]

Not to turn this whole thing on its head, but isn't sharing / broadcasting private emails also in poor taste? I dunno. When I send someone an email, even business related, I don't expect it to be posted on a public message board, though such things are beyond ones control. When an email is broadcast beyond the intended audience (IE a share-all in a response) I feel there's some unwritten rule that has been broken.

I think most of the info in this thread (the delayed payment / buying the shadow instead of paying the bill / sharing the emails from CRK) are things that would be best kept to oneself. Why we need to know any of this baffles me. I don't see the point in this broadcast.

I am happy you have been well taken care of dubya, but this may be a case of over-sharing. It happens. Let's move on.

While I understand and agree with your point on personal emails, business responses are written with the understanding that they are public (or should be). Simply put, if you are doing business, you should conduct yourself as if the entire world sees and hears what you say...because they do.

In this case, NOTHING in the email is shocking to me, and it basically confirms that everyone involved had the same understanding (that the knife was sent in for the purpose of repair, and it was NOT a warranty matter). Further, it appear to me (opinion) that CRK conducted themselves with diligence and respect (in fact, they responded MORE than what due diligence would dictate (opinion) illustrating their level of care.

Perhaps it would have been more appropriate to show ALL correspondence (from both sides), but I think the fact that the OP has expressed satisfaction with how CRK treated him, I don't think there is much issue. All my opinion, of course

 

[kidcongo]

While I understand and agree with your point on personal emails, business responses are written with the understanding that they are public (or should be). Simply put, if you are doing business, you should conduct yourself as if the entire world sees and hears what you say...because they do.

In this case, NOTHING in the email is shocking to me, and it basically confirms that everyone involved had the same understanding (that the knife was sent in for the purpose of repair, and it was NOT a warranty matter). Further, it appear to me (opinion) that CRK conducted themselves with diligence and respect (in fact, they responded MORE than what due diligence would dictate (opinion) illustrating their level of care.

Perhaps it would have been more appropriate to show ALL correspondence (from both sides), but I think the fact that the OP has expressed satisfaction with how CRK treated him, I don't think there is much issue. All my opinion, of course

That's another way of looking at it. Good points.

 

[robgmn]

CRK stated they would contact you "ONCE SERVICES WERE COMPLETED". Not much left for interpretation there.

Per the quote of your service ticket request, you wrote "New titanium lock bar/strip needed", PLUS you told them it was damaged by a co-worker, NOT by normal use (in your own words: "it was abused, badly").
You also admit "from the first email I ignorantly interpreted it as the knife would be fixed for free" because of what someone else told you, as opposed to what CRK customer service told you. That's on you, not anyone else.

Then you dig your hole deeper with "A couple members here would like me to believe that by me not paying my repair fee before I spend my money anywhere else will hurt CRK. That's obviously a ridiculous statement..."
RIDICULOUS? Honestly?!?!
You don't want any "cowboys" telling you how to spend your money or prioritize your spoending, yet YOU get to decide whether or not CRK should get their money timely because not getting your repair money before you spend it on another non-necessity will not "hurt them"?

'Nice sense of entitlement.
You should try it with a mortgage lender. I'm sure it'd fly great there.


Yes, I'm sure you'll respond with an "I don't give a sh*t", but I'll bet you've been put on a lot of "do not deal with " lists on this forum.
Way to go.

 

[Zemapeli]

I'm thinking the $500 on most anybody else would be better spent on a Basic Economics 101 class. I'm quite certain now that you'd never pass the course if you can't see how your actions affect the bottom line of any business. It has nothing to do with bankruptcy.

I agree. Customer service is there for flaws in manufacturing or materials. Not for customers who abuse or use their knives for stuff that it is not made to do. That is taking advantage of the warranty. Personally, I would just keep the knife and see if I could do something with the blade or buy a replacement.