New folding knife - blade skewed a bit, normal?

M

mk0AU

Joined
Aug 1, 2018
Messages
2
Hello!

I recently purchased a Terzuola designed Fox Knives 515W through Massdrop, and received it a few days ago. Just through playing with it a bit in my hands, I noticed that the blade looked slightly skewed when viewed from the top. I took a photo and drew on some parallel lines to make sure I wasn't going crazy. High-res image: https://imgur.com/a/VxhwkwJ

I don't have any other folding knives so I don't know whether this is normal/within the margin of error ... or if it's a manufacturing defect. Strangely, when folded it is centered within the handle, so no issue there. Overall, it's a very solid and handsome knife, it's just that my OCD is kicking in a bit because of the blade.

If I had bought it in a shop, I would have gone back and exchanged/compared it to another one, but the knife came from Italy and I am based in Australia.. so the whole RMA is going to be more involved.

I would appreciate some thoughts from the community .. would you RMA it or is this normal/acceptable for a folding knife?

Thanks!
 
If you have no functional issues , then this is really a matter of your own value system . If it's something that's gonna always eat away at you and prevent your enjoyment , you should return it . You have the right to be satisfied with a brand new knife .

And , NO , I wouldn't consider that to be "normal " .
 
I have a TOPS MSF (produced by Maserin) with the same problem. The FX-515W and MSF share a substantial amount of manufacturing DNA, with the same city of origin, blade steel, blade thickness, basic construction style and approximate price. I didn't notice the issue right away, but I definitely would've exchanged it had I noticed it sooner. It doesn't bother me too much since it wasn't a very expensive knife, but I'll be paying closer attention the next time I buy an Italian-made folder.
 
Post it on the product thread on MD so they at least know there is one with an issue and others can check there's.

For me I'd rma it for sure. I don't think the costs in shipping for you would quantify it. If it's time your worried about... Well I'm sure you waited along time already, what's another month?

You want a straight blade to index properly when cutting.
 
Did you contact the selling company and ask for an exchange, because of the blade being off centerline?
 
Don't think I've ever seen this problem before, ergo, not at all normal. Return it on their dime, not yours.

A $100+ should feel like one. I've a number of sub $100 knives free of said issue as well as any other major issues as well. In fact, my Ontario Rat is just about perfect. Cost me a $20 spot.
 
mk0AU said:
If I had bought it in a shop, I would have gone back and exchanged/compared it to another one...
Click to expand...

There is your answer. If you are not happy, contact MD customer service. From everything I’ve read thery are verey responsive.

DocJD said:
If it's something that's gonna always eat away at you and prevent your enjoyment , you should return it . You have the right to be satisfied with a brand new knife.
Click to expand...

Yup.
 
I cant tell whether it's bent or just not sitting square. If the blade's flat and it's just a centering or pivot level issue I would probably try to fix it myself. If it's bent then I would just return it.

No, it's not normal. It won't cause any functional issue, more than likely, but neither would a small crack in the corner of a phone screen... and I certainly wouldn't accept a cracked phone.
 
Thanks for the feedback guys.

snapshot2017 said:
Did you contact the selling company and ask for an exchange, because of the blade being off centerline?
Click to expand...
No not yet, this is my first and only folder so I wasn't sure if I am going to be making a fuss over something which is considered normal.. wanted to verify my concerns with the knife community first. I will be contacting them now though.

Nautique said:
Does it open smoothly?
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Yeah it opens without issue, and is nicely centered within the handle when closed.

T.L.E. Sharp said:
I cant tell whether it's bent or just not sitting square. If the blade's flat and it's just a centering or pivot level issue I would probably try to fix it myself. If it's bent then I would just return it.
Click to expand...
The blade itself doesn't appear bent to me, I believe it's in the pivot when open. I am just confused as to why there isn't any issue seen when closed. One would imagine that if something is not aligned as it should be, it would be apparent however you look at it.

I have tried unscrewing the two screws at the pivot, but I didn't go as far as disassembling the knife as I didn't want any potential issues with warranty.

AF said:
Is the pivot loose?
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It's not, in fact it's quite firm. I am having trouble opening with one hand with how firm it is. And when open, everything is rock solid.. no wobble/movement.
 
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