Nothing is perfect but the expectation seems to cause more grief with CRK than any other brand. They make the most perfect and consistent knife on the market today. Full stop. I have customs in the $2-4k range which can get close, but not quite there. And those makers aren't producing in any sort of volume.
The most perfect and consistent knife on the market will still have flaws, there will be the odd thumb lug or cracked blade that needs to be addressed. And that's why there's a warranty.
I don't own multiple knives so I'm prepared when the thumb lugs fall off on one and it needs to go back to Idaho.
This is is a very fair point and I largely agree. Having said that, I also have knives that are cheaper and also have excellent fit and finish. Companies like WE, Microtech, and even ZT. I'm not saying they are at CRK's level of consistency, I'm saying that the ones that I have had hands on experience with have all been excellent. I also agree that all manufactured products will have imperfections. I in no way was trashing the company, I just said I was bummed. CRK is, appropriately so, held to a higher standard than most. They have won numerous quality awards from Blade and damn near every review of their products espouse the quality of CRK's products. Again, I would say that this reputation is well earned.
As I learned from you all though, the thumb studs were originally a flawed design. If they weren't, CRK would not have switched to a new design. I look forward to having the improved version.
Your perspective, however, is well taken.
Didn't we just have a conversation about flicking CRK's?
I saw the post on the flicking. It was specifically calling out the Sebenza and flipping as a pastime. There's a difference between flicking your knife open to use and flicking it open on the couch while watching the Expendables. I would also argue that the Umnum is built to be flicked open for use, but that would probably start another debate in which I have little interest.
Simply put, I used the knife as intended and it failed. I think CRK is an excellent company. I'm confident that they will rectify the situation and I still plan to buy a couple of others.
Solid thumb stud? That means a larger hole in the blade the same diameter as the stud. So... new blade for this one?
I'm also curious about this. I was assuming that they would just put in a new stud. Do you guys think it will be a new blade along with the new stud? I'm indifferent towards either approach, but it would be cool thing to know.