New VTAC first impressions

S

SGTC

Joined
Mar 13, 1999
Messages
19
Disappointed...and surprised by my disappointment. I just got my VTAC in the mail 2 days ago. The grind lines are not too spiffy, I suppose it would do the job, but it looks like very little attention was paid to the crooked grinds. I have read many reports to the contrary, but it is far from "shaving sharp" on any edge. Even more disappointing is the discoloration on the spike...you know, the discoloration that comes from grinding a bit too long and ruining the temper. The last 1/2 inch or so of the tip is brown. Another disappointment came when I noticed the crack that runs along one edge of the spike tip. It hasn't chipped away yet...of course, I haven't used it for anything yet. The crack is visible with the naked eye and runs most of the length of one edge of the spike, about 1/16 inch from the edge. And the final disappointment came when I noticed the warped handle. Did I get the hawk that had the truck parked on the handle?? No, it really isn't that bad; but, again, it is noticeable with the naked eye.
On the plus side, the way the handle is attached is very nice. It looks strong and durable. I also like the sheath. The removable/reversible liner is nice.
I guess I only have one question...is this the normal QC to expect from the company, or is it due to the rush to get the new hawk style out the door?
 
I think you should send Andy an email, and have him take care of it. I have had nothing but a positive experience with ATC products.
 
SGTC,

While the VTAC isn't supposed to be an award winning example in grinding, the grinds should not be crooked. It should never have left the shop that way.

The new LaGana VTAC is not supposed to be shaving sharp. I explain why here, http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=309057

A warped handle and cracked head should not have left the shop either.

In short, sounds like your VTAC had a bad day at birth.

Send it in to me and it will be replaced immediately.
 
I was going to butt in here, but it is Andy's realm to deal with QC issues with ATC 'Hawks. What I will say is that I also have a VTAC 'Hawk, and while the grind-lines COULD have been a little tighter (more straight and even), I have NO other problems or concerns with mine...It is a Tomahawk that I would carry into battle with no reservations, if called upon to do so. As far as the handle goes, it is somewhat flexible, so you might try "bending" it back into shape.

Also, keep in mind that these are "working Tomahawks", so they weren't made to be "pretty" (as in a "wall-hanger"), but rather highly functional...Which they are.
 
I just got mine as well, and it seems to have a few of these problems, but not as bad as SGTC.

One the main cutting edge, the grind on one side isn't all the way to the top and the last 1/8 of an inch on the spike is discolored as well.

No problem with the handle and no cracks yet (I haven't had a chance to examine it thoroughly though).

That said, it feels really, really good in the hand.
 
To all,
I hoped that this post wouldn't come off as too whiney. I understand the purpose of the tool and am not overly concerned with looks. I think it is still a functional item as it is. Nothing I noted would prevent me using it. I think the edge that is cracked would break with serious use, but it could be fixed up with a file if it did.
Mr. Prisco, I never thought the tool should be "shaving sharp", I have just noticed that it is something I have read on some reviews. I wanted to point out that mine isn't. I don't want others to buy it, thinking it is something it isn't. I appreciate your offer to take a look at it. Is there anything I need to do before sending it back? Any return number I'd need or anything?
One more thing...an apology is in order, I broke out the ruler and the crack is actually closer to 1/32 than 1/16 inch from the edge. Sorry for the mistake earlier.
 
SGTC,

While I still have to look at it, everything you have reported tells me it should never have left the shop. Your complaint is certainly valid and worthy of prompt attention.

Send it to my attention at ATC. Address is at our site. Use RMA#081304SGTC
 
Some years back I purchased an original LaGana 'hawk from Bill Able. It was as if brand new to include the sheath.

I noted the grind lines were a bit non-machined; and it was working sharp as opposed to shaving sharp.

Since then I've become fairly familiar with both Pete LaGana in the original, and ATC's efforts and products both during and after Pete's passing.

And have carried, and still do, an ATC 'hawk here in Iraq now going on three tours.

Agree with SGT C in the matter of something he read. If a review, or opinion, or observation in a knife magazine or on a forum the term "shaving sharp" could be accurate regarding the one example; inaccurate but thrown out there to fluff up the writing; or simply broadly used because it sounds good. What is "shaving sharp"? Would have to be defined in the context of the story or whatever - otherwise it is simply a catchy phrase.

However, what I find of import here is Andy Prisco's response. Immediate, concise, responsible, encouraging, and no excuses made or offered. That says more than "shaving sharp" - and means more to a first time or long time ATC customer.

Having had a knife (AK bayonet, actually) fine-sharpened by Andy a few months ago I can attest to his ability to create a truly wicked edge. On a knife meant for specific taskings that may be what one needs and wants / on a 'hawk it's the working edge that I prefer and certainly what I have - and have maintained via my own sharpening skills.

Thanks Andy -

Kasik sends -
 
I will be the first to admit that I handled this pretty poorly and I should have gone straight to the source privately first. I know no one really beat me up about it, but I think I should have given the company a chance to fix the issue before I complained about it openly. I recently got a very cordial e-mail from Mr. Prisco asking if I had sent it in and informing me that they haven't received it yet. He is obviously concerned, and it seems like great customer service. I want to say publicly that the concerns I voiced earlier are less complaints about the tool than they are complaints about raves and reviews I have seen. I hope my post hasn't had any impact on anyone's decision to buy this hawk. Like I said earlier...nothing would stop me from using it as is, but the reviews I have seen didn't paint the full picture. I'll stop justifying now...I have to pack up a hawk for the mail.
 
SGTC said:
I will be the first to admit that I handled this pretty poorly and I should have gone straight to the source privately first. I know no one really beat me up about it, but I think I should have given the company a chance to fix the issue before I complained about it openly. I recently got a very cordial e-mail from Mr. Prisco asking if I had sent it in and informing me that they haven't received it yet. He is obviously concerned, and it seems like great customer service. I want to say publicly that the concerns I voiced earlier are less complaints about the tool than they are complaints about raves and reviews I have seen. I hope my post hasn't had any impact on anyone's decision to buy this hawk. Like I said earlier...nothing would stop me from using it as is, but the reviews I have seen didn't paint the full picture. I'll stop justifying now...I have to pack up a hawk for the mail.
Click to expand...
SGTC...Don't sweat it. I've had the pleasure of talking with Andy on the phone a few times, as well as countless emails & PM's back and forth, and I know that he is a man of honor and a man of his word, and is someone who really cares about his customers. (Actually, I look forward to meeting him one of these days, since we live fairly close to eachother.). I have no doubts that he will take care of the problems that you have with your VTAC to your satisfaction.
 
Enjoyed the opportunity to visit with Andy yesterday at his shop - just blowing through on way back to the sandbox after two weeks' vacation - Andy was kind enough to turn me on to new Ontario USMC bayonet with Prisco custom edge - which I watched him do - I then looked over some of the new 'hawks standing by for his attention when the normal work week begins - and got an update on the new and exciting things happening at ATC to include the History Channel special due to air in October -

The bayonet is an exceptional working fighter and Andy's extra work on the edge(s) for me make it razor (no, really, razor) sharp (I watched Andy pop the hair off his calve with the finished effort) and quite the CQB item - no wonder the Marines in BAG love their new bayonet!

Thanks, Andy, see you next time around I'm sure.

Kasik sends -
 
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