Shield Inlay F&F question

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Sandmage

Sandmage

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Oct 13, 2014
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Hello All,

I recently received a custom slipjoint and I have a question to ask about the shield inlay on it. There are, what I believe to be, considerable gaps all around the inlay and I think there might be some epoxy? to fill in these gaps. I am kind of new to traditionals and have only handled a few customs. My question is: Is this considered acceptable? Because right now I'm of the opinion that it looks pretty sloppy and not what I'm accustomed to in the non-traditional custom world. Any input would be much appreciated.

shieldinlay.jpg
 
That's a terrible job IMO. I think you should ask for a refund and return it.
 
Tight shield inlay can be tough, but, without a doubt, that's totally unacceptable - I would definitely contact the maker and respectfully request a remedy of some sort.
 
Obviously a 'custom' maker who's still learning the basics. I would not accept that finish from any factory made knife! That's an appalling piece of work, yes inlet is a difficult thing but that's what a custom maker has to be able to master - before they start selling to the public. A refund, no doubt in my mind, if you were to try re-selling that you'd have a nightmare on your hands.....

Very good that you ask about these things and I hope you get this sorted and it doesn't put you off Traditionals, there's so much excellent work in this field both custom and factory.

Thanks, Will
 
If I was a custom maker trying to get my name out there....I'd never let that leave the workbench.

From the looks of the edges, it seems as if they did the whole inlay with a dremel or a drill press, hence all the roundness rather than clean cut corners. Maybe they scribed it out OK but then went too close to the lines rather than staying inside of them. Finishing with hand tools looks to be non existent in this case as well. Shields have got to be a painstaking process no doubt and the more detailed the shield, the more difficult it is. However, this is a very hard shield to inlay and obviously proved it's match. Did you get the knife at a great discount??
 
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That is not acceptable in a production, let alone a custom. It should either be returned, or at the minimum, a substantial price reduction if you like the knife otherwise and it doesn't bother you too much as a user. But it for sure needs to be brought to the makers attention. I'm actually surprised it shipped that way.
 
Return it. Never have I ever seen such a job done on a production even.

As customs are handmade by one maker occasionally there is some leeway in the finishing marks and such but this is far past acceptable for a shield fitting.
 
i'm amazed the maker would choose such a complicated shield and then do such a sloppy job of inletting.
but i don't make knives so what do i know.

buzz
 
Thanks for all the replies guys. I didn't get it directly from the maker, but from a third party vendor whose photos were not close enough to see the gaps in the inlay. I'm definitely going to ask for a return. I bought the knife full price. I actually really like the shield pattern and was one of the reasons that I bought the knife in the first place. Don't worry Will Power, the traditionals bug has bitten me hard!
 
I normally say that people complain too much about minor flaws in knives they receive.

Not this time. Send it back!!!!!!!
 
markv said:
i'm amazed the maker would choose such a complicated shield and then do such a sloppy job of inletting.
but i don't make knives so what do i know.

buzz
Click to expand...

You don't have to build cars to know when one is a junker.
 
The picture makes the work look bad enough to be a joke. I'm not saying it is, it just looks that way.
 
I'm glad you haven't posted the maker's name. Please don't.

The maker should have never let that leave his shop.
The vendor should have never sold it.
 
Peregrin said:
I'm glad you haven't posted the maker's name. Please don't.

The maker should have never let that leave his shop.
The vendor should have never sold it.
Click to expand...

I had a question on why I'd posted the first part of this. It was a fair question, so I want to paste my response here.

"This kind of thread really belongs in Feedback GB&U. It might still get moved there but since the original posters question was more about the knife then the details about the maker or dealer, I let it be.

Also there is no info on whether the dealer has cooperated or not. It's rather early to start tossing names around.

It's not an attempt on my part to have something hidden, it just needs to be handled fairly."

I hope that makes sense.
 
Wow that is sloppy work! Of course that's easy for me to say sitting in my chair but unacceptable in a custom knife.
 
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