Opinions about my new S30V operator

J

JTC

Joined
Dec 22, 2002
Messages
1,398
Well I made it to the Gateway area knifeshow today. It was a really a nice show with a good turnout. I had decided to budget myself $100.00 for the show.

After a little looking I found a new in the box AlMar SERE Operator in S30V steel. I inquired about the price thinking it would be above my budget but to my surprise it was $95.00! Well I bought it and I think it is a very nicely made and balanced knife. I look forward to try'ing out S30V just to see how it stacks up.

Now heres where I need you guys opinion. The grind at the end of the tip is not symmetrical. It is about a 1/16 of an inch lower on the left side (the side with the markings) than on the opposite side. Now this is a purely cosmetic issue and probably a dumb one to bring up. Am I being too picky?(I'm famous for it) What do you guys think? Thanks alot for your help. I appreciate everyones input. This is a great forum!
:)
 
I think if I paid that much for a knife I would want it to be spot on. Without looking at the blade I would think that if the grind was "off" it would impair cutting ability even if only a minor impairment.
 
I think you got a very good deal. I haven't seen an S30V Operator at that price even on ebay. The best price I've seen at a reputable seller on the internet is about $30 more, plus shipping.

I'm not quite sure what you mean about the uneven grind, but my Operator came with a very average edge NIB. If you have an EdgePro and are fairly adept with it, you can probably even out the tip in one or two sharpenings.
 
Hey Panella Maybe I was'nt specific enough. On each side of the blade at the tip it has a grind or line that meets the tip. On one side it is perfectly centered with the tip. On the other side it is about a 1/16 of an inch below the tip.Maybe that does'nt sound like much but it does'nt look too good. I e-mailed Almar last night so maybe I will hear something from them tomorrow. Have any of you guys ever dealt with Almar on customer service issues? Thanks!:)

John Crites
 
I sent them an email once and never got a reply, so good luck. I think it's legit to be concerned about the uneven grind, but considering that you got it for such a good price I'd consider it a small defect.
 
Good lesson here.

First, always carefully inspect the knife before making the purchase, if you are in a position to do so. Sounds like you found a great price, wanted to buy something, and snapped this one up on the basis of the above.

THEN you found a cosmetic shortcoming (after laying down the $$) and now you are unhappy.

First, the knife was probably offered for the price it was BECAUSE of this flaw. Or is is a SECOND and you indeed got what you paid for.

It will be interesting to see if Al Mar Knives will address this with you given how and where you bought the knife (clearly not from them direct). Please let us know if and when you make contact with them.

If it is as minor a shortcoming (costmetic) as you describe, and you are/were planning to use the knife anyway, I wouldn't sweat the small stuff. It's a good design made from good materials and mid-range in price for a production blade. The offset grind line as described will have zero effect on its ability to function as a knife.

In the end you got a great knife for a great price and its cosmetic flaw was something you might have caught if you'd taken more time to qualify your purchase as well as your needs.

Sometimes the runt of the litter turns out to be the best of the bunch:)

GW
 
What Mr. Walker said!

You got a nice deal on a superior knife with a cosmetic flaw.

Just get out the stones and re-edge the blade to your personal satisfaction.
 
Thanks for the input! It is a really nice knife and it is wicked sharp. I guess I'm sweatin the small stuff. I'll let you know if I get a response from AMK. Thanks everyone.:)

John Crites
 
hit up the egdepro website & contact ben dale. i'm pretty confident he could fix that little glitch with eeeease - and possibly for free.
 
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