William Henry-QC probs?

D

donovan

Joined
Oct 4, 1998
Messages
1,100
I've been eyeballing a WH Spearpoint for awhile now. During tonights Internet knife sojourn I noticed that Discount Knives had discontinued the WH line for QC issues. Has anyone heard anything about this or had a personal experience that this is a legitimate, on-going problem? Everything I've ever heard previously has been exemplary.

Jack
 
I noticed the same comment on the site. I can only state that my own experiences with their knives, especially the Spearpoint, has been excellent. I own a bolsterless Micarta T-12 that is beautiful, and have given both a CF and a Fishtail Oak version of the same knives as gifts recently, and both were flawless (I drooled over them extensively before gift wrapping). The recipients have been as pleased as with them as was. I also got to handle a MOP model last Sunday, and thought it was the best bargain in the display case.

I had one problem with a Cocobolo Lancet that I ordered on-line. It was from a fairly large retailer, and was an obvious display model (one scale sun bleached, liner discolored at the thumb cutout from handling). The retailer promptly sent me a model in perfect condition for the exchange.

I would recommend William Henry Knives highly.


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James
San Francisco, CA

 
I know very little about WH Knives. I had checked them out over the internet a while back but they are a bit small for my personal tastes. If I purchased one and it had problems, I would be quite disappointed because they are definitely not cheap.
 

Not cheap compared to other production folders. I've never seen them discounted either. If their quality is good, then the price is probably reasonable. If the quality is not good, then they are not worth the price.

I probably should not contribute to this subject because I am talking from a strictly theoretical perspective. What I'm trying to say is that when a person buys a folder for $50.00, there is only so much they can expect. When a person buys a folder for $200 - $300, they have a right to expect a lot more. I'm not saying that all $50.00 folders are bad, I'm just saying that the more one spends, the more one has a right to expect better QC.

 
DonG, you are right on the money. The caveat to “You get what you pay for” is that you should get what you pay for. High-end production knife companies like William Henry and Chris Reeve have to keep their QC levels and customer satisfaction up to the highest standards or they will quickly lose their customer base. And I do mean base, as people who purchase their products tend to end up with more than one.

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James
San Francisco, CA

 
I've been happy with almost all the William Henry knives I've handled. I did have a couple or three of them, spaced fairly far apart, that failed the spinal tap test, but when I sent them back they fixed or replaced them promptly.

Fit and finish have been impeccable, and you don't see a 600 grit hand-rub on the blades of too many production knives.

William Henry knives are made to compete, not with a $100+ Benchmade or Spyderco, but with a $500+ custom knife. I have found QC glitches on $500+ custom knives too. Mere mortals don't get everything perfect all the time.


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- JKM
www.chaicutlery.com
AKTI Member # SA00001
 
I realize that I am going into Dangerous territory here but: What kind of company is Discount Knives? I have never dealt with them and really don't know.

But considering all of the positive comments I have heard about William Henry Knives I have to wonder if there might be something else going on that is unique to Discount Knives.

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AKTI Member No. A000370
 
Thank you James Mattis! That was exactly my point!

For me personally, I haven't seen anything that I like better in the $200-$300 price range. Everyone likes something different! That's good! If WH had Stag scales, I would have to buy, no question about it. If it wasn't acceptable in Quality, I would have a problem, and I wpould address it.

Don G I wasn't trying to give you a hard time, because you're right, "they're not CHEAP!" It's all relative to what you're comparing it to. When I do have some "disposable!" money, $50 or $500, it's never an easy choice for me what to buy, I've got a long list of knives I want. Since I've been at BloadeForums that list has gotten considerably longer. I've had the chance to view and hear about different knives, makers, manufacturers, dealers I've never considered before I joined. That's why I'm here. I'm having a very good time. I hope I'm never the cause of someone here not having a GOOD TIME!

PhilL
 
I concur with St James, the quality I've found with my Rainbow series Spearpoint is very good, I use the knife, not just look at them either and they stand up to the task. Of course if I were in a ditch digging with a knife I wouldn't chose that one due to it's impeccable looks, but would rely on my Sebenza or a small fixed blade to finish the nasty task.

I had a Carbon Fiber Lancet for a short while, nothing was technically wrong with it, I just didn't like the one liner deal with them.

I heard rumor that they were going to come out with some new models, so Don G, maybe they will come out with a larger version for you?

G2

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I don't have a solution,

But I admire your problem.

www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Cabin/7306/blades.html

 
The fit and finish on all my William Henry knives is as perfect as I could ever ask for! I've had a few Custom Knives that cost double and triple what a WH does, that had some slight flaws in them.

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When someone annoys you, it takes 42 muscles in your face to frown.
BUT,...it only takes 4 muscles to extend your arm
and smack them upside the head. :)
 
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