Pay extra for a guaranteed 100% good knife?

There is a reverse to this - is the factory warranty an included fee to cover the costs of fixing those knives found to have specific issues?

Really, when they are churned out perfect, then you are paying for time to check up front before shipment. Since they're not perfect across the board - and I've had my share - then the factory has overhead in a customer service department to fix the problems after. Those expenses are in the selling price. If your knife is judged by you to be good to go up front, that money goes to pay for somebody else's repair.

Beginning to sound like knife repair socialism?

For those buying superior knives, you're paying, and those who use the warranty, well, you're paying.

The real difference is that some don't feel coerced by the procedure while they are actually doing what they abhor.
 
Long ago I used to deal with a purveyor that did just what you are talking about. He would have the standard picture, and the description, but then he would add a letter grade to the knife. He would not be nit picky, but he would give it an A+, A, B, C, D, etc. It was subjective to be sure, but it helped the buyer make a descision. I have bought knives where the picture and description, did not tell the whole story. Yes I could send it back if not to my satisfaction, but with the grading system, it added a level of confidence to the purchase. For example, if he had 2 or more of the same or similar knife by the same maker listed, the grading system would help you pick the one you would have if you were there handling them. With production knives, this is much more difficult, but it would be interesting. I have called retailers and asked for specific types of stag features, and other objective items. They have always been willing to oblige. Would I pay more for a "mid-week" versus a "hung over Monday" knife? YES!
My .02
Dave.
 
For most companies warranty and repair as well as QA/ QC is just part of the cost of doing business, I wouldn't call it socialism.

I could similarly ask, should people play less for a knife if they have a good chance of having to send it back to be fixed when brand new. I won't mention any names. :rolleyes:
 
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