Opinions of new Mnandi needed

sk8n

sk8n

Joined
Feb 20, 2006
Messages
686
I received a new Mnandi and absolutely love the back-side inlay.


In fact, I purchased this one based on the back-side inlay. Upon receipt I notice that the front-side inlay appeared to have been modified and had a depression in the inlay. I attempted to capture this in the following photos.



So anyway, I am seriously considering returning it. There will be a net cost of ~$100 to return it when considering shipping both ways and the restocking fee. This cost also includes paying for the complimentary case since I removed the tag.

Am I being too critical and should i just keep the knife. Or should i return it. I have 6 other Mammoth Mnandis and none of them exhibit a condition like this.

Your input is welcome.
 
When you say "modified", do you think it was originally a high part, and then shaved down? That's what it looks like to me. Does it feel very different in the hand? You might be able to send it in to crk first and let them look at it. I hate to say this, but that would bug me also.
 
I think it's originally like that, I noticed something similar on one recently listed at an online retailer.

The way I see it they polish some down and that part was more natural. Since it wasn't thick enough there it wasn't able to be cleaned up as much.

I also think it's a very attractive knife. The reverse is amazing for sure.
 
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Hard to say, but it seems like the nature of the natural material. I've owned a couple that have had groves, cracks and whatnot.
 
lemmuhj said:
When you say "modified", do you think it was originally a high part, and then shaved down? That's what it looks like to me. Does it feel very different in the hand? You might be able to send it in to crk first and let them look at it. I hate to say this, but that would bug me also.
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It actually appears as though it may have been flat when initially finished. It looks as though there must have been an issue and a portion of the surface had to be removed. In this area where material was removed, you can see directional sanding marks and some directional gouges. You can definitely feel the depression, in fact that is how I first noticed it. I would estimate that the thickness of the inlay that extends above the titanium in this area is about 1/3 that in other areas.
Within a few hours of receiving it I spoke with CRK and was basically told to return it to the dealer if I was not happy.

lisantica said:
Hard to say, but it seems like the nature of the natural material. I've owned a couple that have had groves, cracks and whatnot.
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I am fine with the natural imperfections such as grooves, cracks, etc... What bothers me about this one is the unnatural directional sanding marks and gouges. To me it looks obvious that the inlay was salvaged, at least that is how it looks to me in person. I honestly would not be able to sell this one without divulging this information.
 
Wow that sucks bro. Id consider returning it if you could take the 100 loss.
 
I'm sort of surprised CRK couldn't at least look at it....sanding marks? C'mon CRK!
 
The back side is really nice. I see what you are talking about on the front but my guess would be that it left the factory that way.
 
franzdom said:
complimentary case?
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I paid $15 for shipping and received a complimentary Maxpedition case and small tube of lube. Since I removed the tag I have to pay $25 for the case if I return the Mnandi, in addition to the restocking fee. I don't have an issue with paying for the case but was at least hoping that the restocking fee would be waived.
I am definitely leaning towards returning it. I know this issue would always bother me and could never attempt to sell it without declaring this issue.
 
tomhalv said:
The back side is really nice. I see what you are talking about on the front but my guess would be that it left the factory that way.
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I totally agree. This is a brand new knife with a late August 2012 birthdate. I don't believe the dealer or anyone other than CRK did anything to it. This was the reason I initially contacted CRK.
 
You are dealing with a rather rare natural material, this is just part and parcel of that. You can't expect mommoths to have their tusks machined into perfect sized and shaped CRK Mnandi inlays upon their death. :p The tusks have to be dug up and worked on so there is a lot to go wrong. The mammoth bark that we all love so much actually needs that time in the ground to get to where we like it. If you don't like the anomalies you always get with natural materials stick with synthetics or stabalised woods. IMO that is a pretty nice piece but if your not happy with it do what you have to to be happy. :)
 
Sell it or return it.
In my opinion and experience, if you are initially unhappy with a knife, you'll remain unhappy with the knife.

I'm sorry to hear this, as there's no way around it being a bad experience.

Best of luck :thumbup:
 
RiverRat84 said:
Sell it or return it.
In my opinion and experience, if you are initially unhappy with a knife, you'll remain unhappy with the knife.

I'm sorry to hear this, as there's no way around it being a bad experience.
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You took the words from my mouth. Especially about the advice to sell it here. There may be a bit of a hit, but it shouldn't be as severe as $100.
 
I do want to add however, it is a beautiful knife and anyone would be lucky to own it.

I see your point though, and was only saying distaste is a hard thing to get over.

As you've said, you have many fine examples of mammoth bark SO your still a lucky guy :D

Some knives fit us, some don't. If you decide to sell it, I don't see you having a hard time getting your money back:thumbup:

By the way, I have a HIDEOUS mammoth bark SAK, BUT it's STILL mammoth bark so I love it. I mean, it's 20,000 years old, how cool is that?!
 
I agree with the others that you should return if you're not happy and obviously you're not. Acceptability of natural made products is very subjective; what some find unique and appealing, others may find hideous. As the buyer, your contentment is all that matters.

I would suggest that perhaps you find out if the Seller has another knife that appeals to you, even if you have to special order it through him. If so:

-Keep the maxpedition case you already have and the Seller won't send one with the replacement knife.
-Seller waives restocking fee because you're replacing the knife with one you're hopefully going to be satisfied with.

All your out is shipping; and that's not so bad of a hit for such a high dollar item, especially if it ends in your complete satisfaction.

Not that it matters, but weren't there pictures of both sides of the scales on the Seller's website? Either way, talk to the Seller and use this as an opportunity to order something else on your wish list.:)
 
Surely you shouldn't be paying a restocking or freight fee on faulty goods?

If you paid by credit card, I'd be getting a chargeback.

I bet the seller will change their mind pretty quick about the fees when you tell them you are getting a chargeback.
 
Yes, he could do that, but burning bridges in not the best way to go about things, IMO. The knife is not faulty or damaged, it has a natural imperfection he doesn't like, and he is quite with in his rights not not like it and want it replaced or returned. I do think he should just send it back or have it replaced and leave it at that, again IMO.

Mike V said:
Surely you shouldn't be paying a restocking or freight fee on faulty goods?

If you paid by credit card, I'd be getting a chargeback.

I bet the seller will change their mind pretty quick about the fees when you tell them you are getting a chargeback.
Click to expand...
 
The OP has already explained that in his opinion, this is not a 'natural imperfection' but poor workmanship, and he is best placed to make that call. If this was a wooden scale (another natural material) it would be returned as unacceptable without question.
I agree the OP would be best advised to return the item as unsuitable and ask for a replacement. The re-stocking fee should not apply as the item is imperfect.
 
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