Neutral feedback without reaching out

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Well, I wrote a page long response, but my computer froze before I saved a draft. let's make this one short and sweet. I think transparency is incredibly important, so even if this makes me look bad, I feel the forum has a right to know, especially since I started this thread.

Customer got the free knife and hated it, here is his response: "I got the knife today. This handle is lopsided as well. You have different grids on each side. One tapers to the ricasso and the other is just rounded off at the ricasso, so they don’t match and it makes one side of the scales wider than the other. If the handle was bigger, it would throw the indexing off, kinda like the first knife which had a much wider scale on one side. Also, the spine of the tang is smooth, but the spine of the blade part is really rough. Not sure if that was your intention, but it’s not normal."

I have to assume he doesn't buy many knives in my price range as any issue he mentioned had to be within 1* of being perfect, but dang it it's my job as a knifemaker to make knives that people like, not just ones people will buy, so when someone is unhappy with my work, that's on me and me alone.

I had about a dozen people inspect this knife before shipping it, as well as continuous measurements, and a complete remake when the first iteration came out 5.8" instead of 6".

At this point I would like to offer anyone who has purchased one of my knives a free return, no questions asked. I will also offer a partial refund for anyone who is unsatisfied with my work and can provide PHOTOS of the issue. Sorry if I disappointed any of you, I will do my best to bring you all consistently better knives at the same entry level prices.
 
ah crap, does this mean I should reach out to everyone who I sold a knife to and independently provide these offers? I have gotten a bit of positive feedback, so I know those folks are happy, but what about the ones that didn't? Are they secretly just as unhappy with my work? Am I being silly letting myself spiral over one upset customer?
 
I’m not familiar with your work but looking at your post history you are making simple user knives for well under $100. If I bought one I would assume you were a new/budget-focused maker and not expect perfection. As long as there is a decent heat treat, straight blade with mostly even grind and functional handles it would meet my expectations. This seems like a mismatch between the buyer’s expectations and reality. That’s not on you. Don’t spiral.
 
Burke said:
I’m not familiar with your work but looking at your post history you are making simple user knives for well under $100. If I bought one I would assume you were a new/budget-focused maker and not expect perfection. As long as there is a decent heat treat, straight blade with mostly even grind and functional handles it would meet my expectations. This seems like a mismatch between the buyer’s expectations and reality. That’s not on you. Don’t spiral.
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Couldn‘t agree more, you put it very succinctly. scarysamcary scarysamcary , keep making knives and growing your abilities 👍🏻
 
scarysamcary scarysamcary as a knifemaker myself I understand what you are gong thru. I entered one of mine into the KITH a few years ago and thought it was perfect only to hear back from the guy saying my handle was too small and there were scratches on the blade. I took that information and refined my designs and finishing's. Though I will not make another mirror finish again. don't beat yourself up over a sour customer some people cannot be pleased. There is a manufacturer who puts out work that we smaller shops would be flamed for and they are asking triple what you are asking, and their fan base will reticule you for questioning it.

TLDR: keep doing what you love we all start somewhere
 
As the feedback has been removed or modified, I would appreciate if anyone could privately message me who the buyer is in this thread. I will not post in this or any other thread regarding this members identity, I just wish to add them to my list of members whom I will do no business with.
 
I removed the feedback at the buyer's request. Why not let sleeping dogs lie at this juncture? I'm certainly not taking his side...I'm simply pointing out that there is little to be gained by adding more fuel to the fire at this point.

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Blues said:
I removed the feedback at the buyer's request. Why not let sleeping dogs lie at this juncture? I'm certainly not taking his side...I'm simply pointing out that there is little to be gained by adding more fuel to the fire at this point.

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Blues is correct, so I'm gonna close this thread. I really appreciate all of you calming my nerves.
 
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