What is acceptable quality?

StrayCat

StrayCat

Joined
Feb 2, 2002
Messages
14
I need help. There are no stores in my area so the web is my only option. I started purchasing knives on the web back in Feb. as a hobby. Not expensive knives, but also not junk. Case, Queen, Buck, Kershaw etc. I buy mostly the older style knives for display(lockbacks and slip joint folders with wooden handles). Looks are as important to me as functionality. I've bought from reputable online dealers and am willing to pay a little extra for that warm and fuzzy feeling. I've purchased about 20 knives since Feb. and have sent back 4 back for replacement because of what I consider flaws. I have two more I'm considering sending back. Today I received a Queen mother of pearl knive. The scale on one side looks perfect. The other side looks like a chip is out of the scale. You can't feel the flaw but you can see it. My question is (being a rookie) how do I get my moneys worth without being a pain in the ass.
I have nothing to compare these with. For all I know these visual flaws are the rule and not the exception. Is it reasonable to expect the dealers to inspect these knives before they send them to me.
 
It sounds like your real question is "what is value?" That can only be answered by you. That sounds like a cop-out but its true. Why do you want them? Are they users? I have $30 CRKT users that I accept less of than $500 custom damascus display pieces. But I know that any flaw on a user won't matter much after a month of daily use.
 
That "chip" sounds more like an inclusion which is an acceptable "fault." An inclusion is a flaw in the MOP not a manufacturer's flaw or abuse of the knife. I've got several old (approximately 1910) MOP's with inclusions and it doesn't bother me in the least, but thats just personal likes/dislikes.
 
Raven

Sorry. My post was a bit confusing. I should not have used the term get my moneys worth. The knives I'm referring to are not for carry but display. But I'm not looking to make a profit off of them. I ment how do I know what I consider flaws are really flaws or am I just being pickey. Unfortunately by nature I'm a perfectionist and can spot what I consider a flaw from across the room. If I show one of them to someone and they ask is this the way it is supposed to be. How do I know how to answer them. Maybe I expect too much from inexpensive knives. Unfortunately I can't afford to pay $500. I'm not looking to start controversy but am honestly looking to learn.
 
If you pay close attention to these things, it will only cost you (time, money and frustration). Trust me on this (as a professional salesman, I hate to use that line). I want everything I buy to be flawless and operate at least as well as advertised. You might say I'm a bit obsessive about that kind of thing.

The pursuit of perfection and the fact that you're obviously obsessing about a small, possible flaw in the scale on an inexpensive knife indicate you're getting caught up in this pursuit of perfection.

The bad news is, perfection is unachievable. While I'm by no means a Quantum Physics expert, the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle pretty much garantees that perfection is unachievable. So by pursuing perfection, you are pursuing the unachievable. This can only lead to ongoing frustration. And cost a lot.

If you are wiser than I, you will just accept the flaws in the things you buy and probably be a much happier person.

Now if only I could take my own advice!

jmx
 
Welcome aboard straycat- if you have purchased from the same seller a few times and establish good rapport, then ask him /her to check the knife for those kinds of "flaws", "inclusions" or other marks before sending. Even if you are buying from vendor for the first time, try asking- if he or she is reputable, they will appreciate and respect your eye for quality, and they will be happy to check for you. It save them having to deal with getting a return and shipping new one out potentially. I know this to be true of places like www.knifeworks.com and www.newgraham.com ,other places too but those come to mind.
You are a PAYING customer after all. If a seller finds that kind of simple question annoying ,or they send you a blemish knife when you asked for a check....... well, then you know you won't do business with them again.....
Good luck and enjoy!
Martin
 
If you are looking for near perfection in inexpensive knives, then I think that you are being too picky. If on the other hand you are willing to accept small imperfections and are only sending knives back because of easily noticeable flaws and defects, I think that is within reason. I would do the same.
 
It sounds to me that you are exactly the kind of guy who would appreciate a good custom knife. With a few exceptions, only custom knives offer the level of quality and perfection you apparently seek.

Now, i dont know how much you have spent on the various knives for your display, but im certain that for the same money, you could have bought a really fine custom or 2 and possibly been happier in the longrun. Its a personal choice we all make, but i would rather have 1 beautifully made, flawless custom knife in a display box, all by its lonesome, than 10 mediocre factory knives.

There are some VERY fine custom knives, made in the traditional patterns you like, in the $300 range. You may find one day that you have accumulated a lot of mediocre knives that you wish you hadnt bought, when for the same money you could have had a few quality customs that you would treasure.

Just something to think about.
 
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