New custom knife came bent to the right?

It may look like that but it is totally off to the side. I originally thought it was the grind as well. It's completely cocked to the right though. When I tried to strop with it I could really tell then.
 
Understandable that you were concerned about it. What concerns me is the auto correct spelling in my last post.
 
Pfffewwwwwww! Not one of mine.

I'm damn glad I didn't make that and let it get out of the shop!!:eek:

-Peter
 
Sure is a gap. The scale won't sit flush because of the blade being cocked to the right.
 
It also looks like a big gap in the scales where the bend is on the one side. He should have fixed all that before shipping
 
I have had some of my stock removal blades warp jut like that during heat treat. The method I use to straighten them is one I learned from Jim Hrisoulas' book "The Complete Bladesmith" I chuck it in the vice close to the bend wrapped in water soaked leather then heat the spine with a torch till it is almost blue then I take an 18" crescent wrench and bend it just past straight then let it come back then I cool in warm water. As long as the edge never goes past straw color the heat treat and temper for the edge is not compromised. Plus it softens the spine. We can all have a bad day...me included...I just try like heck not to make someone else's day bad...like when they open a package from me.
 
I wouldn't take that blade if it was given to me. I haven't made too many blades yet, but if I made one that warped from the heat treat, I would make damned sure it was straight before I polished it and certainly before I finished the handle.
 
Thanks for all the feedback guys. I still haven't heard from the maker yet. Hopefully I will hear something tomorrow? I'll be sure to update the thread when I get a response.

You would think that somewhere between grinding, polishing, installing handles and honing you would see that the knife is bent. I imagine the above mentioned work gets you pretty intimate with the blade, so to miss this has me scratching my head?
 
The maker didn't miss that. And it doesn't matter - as soon as he accepted your payment anyway. Either way, I would get my money back and find another maker. Period.

One of the few points of leverage we have as custom makers and smiths is quality control. Without that it's a vertical climb.

Best to you.
 
From the pics I saw, there were other quality issues with the handle geometry as well. I am curious as to what the grinds and plunge look like.
 
The handle scale I don't think is terrible, the knife is crooked though. Check the knife with the point facing you, and that should really tell the story whether it is warp or grinds.

Give the maker a chance to work it out.

I will also second the notion that what is acceptable depends on price.... However it is hard to set price rules.

I've seen sub $200 fixed blades made out of garages that were better fit/finish then some pieces being put out by mastersmiths for nearly a grand.

Tool, artpiece? Depends on you.

Point is, as a knifemaker (or anyone doing anything) no matter how good you are you will occasionally get tired/complacent and make mistakes. Especially high-volume operations or folks rushing for deadlines. What makes the difference is what you do to solve the problem, and fixing discrepancies in your operation to prevent repeats.
 
Yep, it is bent. I have a few knives (from various makers) that were forged, some of them are a bit bent as well. A few older machetes that were made by hand also suffer from this malady. When I pointed out the obvious flaws, I got a discount every time. I'd venture to say that this bend occurs during the heat treat. Does the bend make a difference? It does if this is a 'top shelf' custom piece. If it is a brutal beater and a truck knife, I would not worry too much about it.

These days we are accustomed to straight blades that were ground out by machine. Back in the day, forged knives had various degrees of 'bent material' and tolerances were far from perfect. They still cut like the dickens.
 
Well I will add that this does look pretty bad but could have just been missed. There is this also to remember when looking over the one that just arrived as well as what did you pay for what you received and also who is making these perfect knives ? No it can't be one of mine. I only make liner locking folders and I don't believe I've made a perfect one yet even though I keep trying. Frank
 
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Frank Niro said:
Well I will add that this does look pretty bad but could have just been missed. There is this also to remember when looking over the one that just arrived as well as what did you pay for what you received and also who is making these perfect knives ? No it can't be one of mine. I only make liner locking folders and I don't believe I've made a perfect one yet even though I keep trying. Frank
Click to expand...

Amen to that Frank...I can always find something I am not satisfied with on my work. Heck I sometimes look at my first attempts at forging blades and realize this is definitely a progression driven art form. I have come a long way but feel that I can continue to improve no matter what level I am at right now. And I continue to try...
 
Ok the maker responded and said he had "missed" that before sending it out. He said for me to send it back so he can replace it "if he has another one"?

I'm glad he finally responded but not so happy about having to pack it up and drive down to the post office and pay for shipping.
Do you think I should request for him to pay shipping back?

Thank you for all the support guys.
 
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