Warped GEC

Barman1

Barman1

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Joined
Jun 21, 2013
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Northfield Ben Hogan
Is this common? Character added or flaw that I can't live with?
I'm probably going to send it back for replacement though.
How did this even get out of the shop? :confused:

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It is quite common actually. My first question is, "How does it close?"
Next, "Is the blade reasonably centered when it is closed?"
Antique knives occasionally open off-center like that, as well as new knives. It is not always bad; more "wabi-sabi!" (beautiful in its imperfection!)
I have had many good Case knives, old and new that do that.
Steel for production knives (you do not have a Custom knife there!) often comes in rolls to be punched out for blades and springs. It can be put through a series of rollers to relax the kink that develops, but sometimes it returns under heat treat/tempering.
Also, when a production knife is riveted together, it can take a barely perceptible curve, because the holes are a couple thousandths in variance!!
In the final assembly/hafting/finishing, a blade may need crinking to close correctly. Might be what is up with yours. . . .
I have had knives for YEARS, using them satisfactorily before I noticed they had a kink. In a user, it is not a problem. If you are collecting them, you might object of course. Queen tried to straighten one out for me years ago, only to find, I could have the knife look straight in the open position, OR in the closed - but not both!!
Of course they will do their best I believe, but they may not have a replacement. A lot of their runs sell out in a short time.
Good luck with whatever you decide.
 
I had this happen back in June with a Northwoods Forest Jack (made by GEC). I bought the knife for my brother's wedding gift, so it had to to perfect. Opened it and was heartbroken to see that same warp in the blade. It looked almost identical to yours. Not cool on a $140 knife.

At first I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me because of the stag handles, but sure enough it was warped. I contacted the seller and explained what had happened and they replaced it, no questions asked. GEC needs to know this, though, because it's affecting their reputation. In my opinion, there's no excuse for that on a single-bladed knife. My #57 and #73 are rock-solid in comparison, even though they are more complex patterns.

Definitely send it back.
 
Not in any of my GEC's, but I bought a new S&M Medium Cokebottle that looked that bad. Sent it back to the Mfr. several months ago. Still waiting. : (

~Jim
 
Thanks for the replies all.

If it were a less expensive knife I'd most likely put it in my pocket and use it as is. Unfortunately though I've got some blade fanatic friends that would never let me hear the end of it if I didn't at least attempt to make it right. We've all got "those" friends... :rolleyes: And the picture doesn't do the bend justice. It was the first thing I saw when I snapped the blade open, it's that obvious.

I just got a return authorization and am sending it for replacement. I see the vendor has 4 other serialized burnt stag models. I'll request an inspection before shipping.
 
I had a #73L like that, perfectly functional, and sat straight in the middle but opened with a bend. It just really bugged me and I ended up selling it, disclosing this of course. I can understand you sending it back, this would not be acceptable on a multiblade knife, so there is no reason that they can't look out for same thing during QC on a single-blade knife.
 
None of my Ben Hogans have a warped blade (thank god) but both of my CSC Half Moons are horribly warped. Pretty shoddy for $80+ knives. I want to send them in for repair and will sooner rather than later. I just can't live with that and I wouldn't if I were you either - send it in and see what GEC will do for you.
 
The $10 rough riders I've bought weren't bent like that. It's unacceptable in an expensive knife.
 
joeymoey said:
None of my Ben Hogans have a warped blade (thank god) but both of my CSC Half Moons are horribly warped. Pretty shoddy for $80+ knives. I want to send them in for repair and will sooner rather than later. I just can't live with that and I wouldn't if I were you either - send it in and see what GEC will do for you.
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I bought it from a reputable dealer and he sent me the return authorization immediately after I sent the Email explaining the issue. The knife is already on the way back for replacement.
I'm a huge fan of vendors who stand behind their inventory. :thumbup:
 
SonnyJim said:
Not in any of my GEC's, but I bought a new S&M Medium Cokebottle that looked that bad. Sent it back to the Mfr. several months ago. Still waiting. : (

~Jim
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Well I'll be darn I just looked at my S&M medium coke bottle and its got a bend on it now I can see blade rub.by the lettering and I really like this knife.
 
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I just checked about a dozen GECs and the only one that showed evidence of such an issue was the same pattern (65, this one the lockback.) Didn't much bother me before and it doesn't much now but it is interesting to see. Probably such a long, thin single blade is quite prone to warping issues as mentioned above. It's centered perfectly in the well so I can't complain. Also mine is a factory second so I'll just have to deal with it ;)
 
It definitely happens, and I've seen it on a few GECs, but definitely not the majority. The ones, that had it, I sent back for a refund or store credit. If I were you, I would absolutely send it back in exchange for another or for a refund. I think yours is more extreme looking than the warped ones that I have witnessed in person. I understand that this is not uncommon, but for $80+ dollar knives, I think it is unacceptable. In any case, GEC or any of their dealers will make it right for you one way or another.
 
Picked up my new Ben Hogan today at the Post Office and I'm happy to say it's straight as can be.
I'm happy now. :) Very nice offering from GEC. I'll be carrying this one for a while.
And kudos to the vendor for their understanding and resolving this in a timely manner. Also cool that their knives Ships Free of charge. ;)

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That's awesome to see you got it resolved so quickly! I really have a hankering for the Ben Hogan too, it's just sleek and elegant with it's long single spear point blade.

Enjoy it now!
 
arizonaranchman said:
That's awesome to see you got it resolved so quickly! I really have a hankering for the Ben Hogan too, it's just sleek and elegant with it's long single spear point blade.

Enjoy it now!
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It is a beautiful piece with the burnt stag handle. Very solid feel. And yes, I will enjoy it and hopefully collect a few more with the same handle material.
 
bear1889 said:
Well I'll be darn I just looked at my S&M medium coke bottle and its got a bend on it now I can see blade rub.by the lettering and I really like this knife.
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Well I got my S&M Coke Bottle back from the shop, and while it closes now without rubbing, it still has a bend that's at least as bad as the O.P. Yours makes at least 3 that I know of from that run that has the same issue :(

~Jim
 
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