Online Custom Knife Dealers...

S

Shortknock27

Gold Member
Joined
Sep 2, 2002
Messages
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Assuming the dealer is of good reputation, what are the odds of receiving a "lemon" example of a particular FOLDER (i.e. liner-lock, framelock) versus receiving from the maker himself? In other words, do most online dealers send back knives that are questionable in fit and finish, or do they even check things like that before sending the knife out to the buyer? I do not like buying knives without handling them, but I cannot go to any knife shows and there are not really any brick and mortar dealers in my area. Having said that, are the odds pretty good of getting an impeccable fit and finished knife from an online dealer? My apologies in advance if I seem a bit like a novice knifebuyer as far as customs go, as I am fairly a novice (I DO have a Sebenza and a Dozier folding hunter, but both were bought in a b&m).

Thanks,
Scott
 
Most all reputable on line knife dealers have a 3 or 4 day inspection period, where if you are not completely satisfied you can return it in same condition as received for a full refund.
 
I think your odds are pretty good in my experience. I have done most of my ordering through truenorthknives and have nothing but good knives come from them. Everything locked up tight and had centered blades. Anyone else?
 
You are more likely to get an immaculate knife from some dealers more than others. Robertson Custom Cutlery would be one that I would highly recommend.
 
I can highly recommend the following:
The Knife Cellar, Steel Addiction, NC Blades, and Only Fine Knives.
 
I can definately recommend:

www.truenorthknives.com
www.bladeart.com
www.knifeart.com
www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com
www.bobnealcustomknives.com
and also some of those listed above. This is going to turn into a "favorite" dealer thread again.....

That said, I would like to think that every maker does a "qc" check of sorts when he/she is done building a knife- regardless of who the customer is. I think that often a maker never really knows who the final customer will be. I would think that overall, your chances of getting a "problem free" knife from a dealer would actualy be better since I would also like to think that dealers go through a "qc" check of sorts when they buy/receive knives and if there is a problem it gets sent back and fixed before it's listed for sale. In addition as mentioned, a good dealer will ALWAYS offer an inspection period.
 
No matter who you deal with, you ought to establish this aspect beforehand. I don't know of any dealer who's return policy isn't stated.

My hunch is that unless the work is egregious, the dealer is going to pass it along. I don't blame them either. It's the MAKER who provides the final QC--it's not the dealer's explicit purvue.

My opinion is subject to review.

Coop
 
Hi Shortknock,

By law you have a 3 business day inspection period of anything you buy through the mail. Also, don't buy into that "restocking fee" crap that some dealers are using now.

Understand that the dealer does not make the knife. As such there is nothing they can do to "fix it". The only thing they can offer is a refund.

That being said, most of the reputable Online Knife Dealers ( Note; only a few are Custom Knife Dealers) generally get knives that are well made.

If you have questions call or email the dealer with them. Every question you ask is going to save you money in the long run.

One way to ensure that you are getting a quality knife is ask he Dealer what their trade in policy is. If a dealer won't stand behind the maker and their work prior to the sale you can imagine what kind of customer service you will receive after the sale. Things like "restocking fees".

WWG
Custom Knife Entrepreneur
 
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