Well this is all quite murky. Darthwayne's OP isn't really clear--the knife might be defective or might be used. What is clear is that he didn't like it and "immediately returned" it. What's also clear is that he honed (let's not quibble about sharpening) it and used it--not just a paper test but to cut down a box as well--actions one should not perform before a return to the seller. Maybe it was used before he got it, but for sure it was used by the time he returned it.
Unclear too is exactly how the OP's purchase was made through Amazon, as there are many variations in how something can be obtained there. One can buy directly from Amazon; or buy from another vendor "fulfilled by Amazon"; or through Amazon, shipped from and sold by another vendor. OP stated his knife came from ikon goods, but whether this was purchased by one of the latter two modes or by a third method--from a Marketplace Vendor, as in "available from other sellers"--is not stated. "Fulfilled by Amazon" is another vendor's stock held by Amazon and likely arriving at their warehouse by direct ship from the wholesaler, although goods clearly identified as used are similarly available at the Marketplace page.
There are references in the thread to "having heard of receiving returned or used knives from Amazon" (my paraphrase), but if indeed these reports are true, the manner of their purchase is significant. Knives bought directly from or "fulfilled by Amazon" are almost assuredly new. With the other two methods, the chance for picking up a returned knife increases as there are no checks on what is sent out. Look, I'm not an apologist for Amazon nor do I recommend buying knives there (although I did buy a few back in the day). They're not knife guys and don't support the hobby per se. The good dealers well all know well here do and should be supported in turn. On the other hand, I buy a ton of other stuff at Amazon and have had almost zero problems there. Those few issues I've had have been promptly and fairly resolved. I don't think a blanket condemnation of the Big River Site is in order hear.
Back to the knife. I don't see any strong evidence that the knife was used previous to the OP's purchase. As Corey stated in his earlier post, many new Benchmades come through with minor imperfections. The clip's appearance is a little extreme but in keeping with that sort of finish (which I like a lot). Knives come through sometimes not so clean. The handle mark is indeed unfortunate and fairly warrants a return if one chooses. A rant? Not so much.
This does smack a bit of buyer's remorse. The OP seems somewhat new to better quality knives, as we all were once. I've had a 940-1 and own a 943 Franken. Good knives that I wouldn't expect to be great at breaking down boxes. For what he has in mind, darthwayne would indeed be better served by a Grip. There are different ways to go there and choices for steel, scales, color, etc whether new, used, or aftermarket. There are a ton of Grip variants available on the Exchange too and no ambiguity as to whether they're pre-owned.
