Small fracture?

SharpCutlery · Jan 25, 2011

My ESEE 5 arrived today but when I pulled it out of the sheath and looked at the logo, I couldn't help but notice this:

Could it be a fracture?

5.56 · Jan 25, 2011

Does it matter?

If it breaks under use, it will be replaced.

Phyx · Jan 25, 2011

5.56 said:
Does it matter?

If it breaks under use, it will be replaced.

:thumbup:

KennyB · Jan 25, 2011

5.56 said:
Does it matter?

If it breaks under use, it will be replaced.

I don't know, I think I would be more worried about breaking myself than the blade.

In any case, it seems to be only a scratch.

YODELAYHEHOO · Jan 25, 2011

Kinda just looks like a depression made during the coating process.

SharpCutlery · Jan 25, 2011

5.56 said:
Does it matter?

If it breaks under use, it will be replaced.

That is true

thebrain · Jan 26, 2011

It looks like a small flaw in the surface of the blade itself nothing to worry about.
And remember

"If it breaks under use, it will be replaced." 5.56

lsheldon · Jan 26, 2011

The skull has a scar, nothing more. Carry on.

If in doubt, see below.

5.56 said:
Does it matter?

If it breaks under use, it will be replaced.

LWILLIAMS · Jan 26, 2011

Looks like a scratch in the coating. Put it to some good hard use and it will not be near as visible.

5.56 · Jan 26, 2011

Haha, you guys are killing me with the 5.56 quotes.

ikilledkenny · Jan 26, 2011

are u able to feel it when you slide your finger nail over it? if no, its just a scratch

Decklin · Jan 26, 2011

Thinking about this, I would guess that the laser etching is applied after the paint is fully cured. The crack we are looking at only appears in the lazer etching and may just be a crack in the paint. Only way I can think to be able to tell for sure if it is just the paint or possibly a fracture in the metal would be to strip the paint.

To answer the question, Does it matter? My oppinion... When you reach for a hard use survival knife from it's sheath for the first time, you shouldn't be asking your self, I wonder if that is a fracture in the blade? I think it matters.

I'm sure one of the folks at ESEE can shed some light on this, may be something they have seen before...

Redeye · Jan 26, 2011

Decklin said:
To answer the question, Does it matter? My oppinion... When you reach for a hard use survival knife from it's sheath for the first time, you shouldn't be asking your self, I wonder if that is a fracture in the blade? I think it matters.

You're right, it matters. IF there is a break in that knife it isn't safe to use.

paolino250 · Jan 26, 2011

It is a scratch in the metal, not in the coating.
If this 5 is intended as an exposure/collection copy this is a problem, if it will be an user this scratch is nothing!

MikePerrin · Jan 26, 2011

it is a defect in the laser etching I think. It is not a crack in the blade itself. If you want to send it in and have us replace it we will. Just follow the warranty procedure on our warranty page. Mike

adaman04 · Jan 26, 2011

I'm with Mike, just looks like a scratch on the laser engraving. Don't sweat it.

trailbum · Jan 26, 2011

Sure is shinny, use it and see if it breaks.

SharpCutlery · Jan 26, 2011

I'll just think of it as a scar on the logo for now.
If it breaks later on then its totally going to be replaced.
I'll just have to make sure to bring a back up knife.

jumpmonkey · Jan 26, 2011

Send it to me for some extensive testing. After a year or so of hard use I should be able to tell you conclusively whether or not it is indeed a fracture in the metal.

God bless,
Adam