Worn out. Is warranty repair dishonest?

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mcflyfyter

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Jul 14, 2011
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I've carried a knife for several years and its pretty worn out and getting sloppy. I have got my money out of it, but I'm certain the manufacturer would repair it for free. Do you see it as dishonest to have it repaired for free? It kinda feels that way to me.
 
I would consider it unethical to try and mislead the manufacturer into repairing the knife by claiming it is defective if it is not defective.

However, if you told the manufacturer the truth, that the knife has served you well for years, that it has been a valuable tool and cherished companion, that it has worn out from extensive use, and you ask them if they offer any free refurbishing services, I would see nothing wrong with that.

Who knows, maybe the manufacturer would refurbish it for free, in appreciation for a customer who values their product. Perhaps they would consider it good PR.
 
Depends on the manufacturer. Is their warranty “no questions asked”? Is the lock getting to the point of failing? Does it need to be rebladed? Reblading is usually a pay service but some companies don’t charge if it’s a defect. If the lock has worn out then that seems like a reasonable warranty request. Most major knife manufacturers I know will fix the loose or failing lock even if it’s from wear.
 
Most companies values seeing their products after years or even decades of legitimate use. These products give them value R&D data that they can't get any other way.

I have sent in items for cleaning and repair only to have them surrendered to R&D and replaced with brand new products.
 
mcflyfyter said:
I've carried a knife for several years and its pretty worn out and getting sloppy. I have got my money out of it, but I'm certain the manufacturer would repair it for free. Do you see it as dishonest to have it repaired for free? It kinda feels that way to me.
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Unless you abused it or are otherwise dishonest with the maker , using the warranty service is perfectly legit , IMO . :cool:
 
Depends on the scope of the warranty. If the manufacturer says, e.g., “you’ll never wear out our lock.” And you wear out the lock, that’s one thing. If you think customer service will cover you because they want to appease their customer (even though the type of wear is not within the intended scope of the warranty), that’s dishonest and/or discourteous, IMO.

If I was in that situation, I’d offer to pay for the work. That’s just me though.
 
mcflyfyter said:
I've carried a knife for several years and its pretty worn out and getting sloppy. I have got my money out of it, but I'm certain the manufacturer would repair it for free. Do you see it as dishonest to have it repaired for free? It kinda feels that way to me.
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If you already know they wil repair it for free because it is the manufacturer's policy then there is nothing honest or dishonest about it. It is simply abiding by their policy, If you know that the required repair does not fall under their policy but you misrepresent the cause in order to get it covered, then that would be dishonest.
Send the knife in and let the manufacturer decide.
 
Some of what is being referred to as "warranty" is actually good will.

The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (15 U.S.C. § 2301 et seq.) is about defects; service life under normal use is a different thing, as is abuse, even though this thread does not pertain to abuse. Knife companies can and do repair and refurbish knives that need work though the cause is not a defect in materials or workmanship.

As for the reference made to Buck Knives in this thread, I would like to share my 110 folder story. Back a long time ago when I was (much) younger than I am now and (much) dumber than I am now I was using my Buck 110 folder that my grandfather gave me to baton (incorrectly) kindling for a campfire. Mind you batoning with a folder is wrong to begin with and that I was striking the knife between the pivot and the wood I was splitting didn't help matters. SURPRISE ... I broke the knife.

I sent it back to Buck Knives with a detailed letter about how it was a gift from my grandfather and exactly how I broke it. I also explained that I understood that this was not a warranty type situation but I really wanted the knife fixed and was prepared to pay the cost. The knife came back like new - at no cost. I've been a loyal Buck fan ever since. Some Years later I was at an outdoor writers convention in Sioux Falls and I shared that story at the Buck Knives booth with Chuck Buck. A news photographer was there, took a picture and the story (and photo) made the front page of the next day's Sioux Falls Gizette!

Compare that to another folding knife company whose knives I own, carry and like that costs about $23+/- ($8 out and $15 back) every time the liner/blade interface gets worn allowing vertical play rock lock, looseness and the like.
 
Send it in to be evaluated let them decide what to do.

I did that with a Buck 110 worn out blade worn out lock. They charged me for the repairs but it was very reasonable.

If the knife has sentimental value keep it and buy a new one. If you send it in be sure they know it has sentimental value.
 
The knife has not failed, i.e. it did not break therefore you are not entitled to warranty service in my opinion. If you feel like you got your money's worth out of this product (and it sounds like you do) than you should continue to support that company by purchasing a new product rather than hurting the company that provided you with a good product by taking advantage (and that's what you would be doing) of their warranty. Anything else is merely "I feel entitled to free stuff."
 
Warranties are in place not because the company thinks their product will never wear out. They are one of the oldest forms of marketing. You build a bit in to each knife you produce to cover any loss from a warranty claim. If you figure that one in 100 people may ask for warranty replacement, you just take a dime+ more into the cost of the knife to offset the loss.

This also builds brand loyalty. Replace a man's knife without hassle once and his grandkids may be buying your products 40 years from now. In all honesty, it's a very low cost way to build a fan base of a mass produced product.

I would keep the knife if it had personal value, or if you feel like sending it in and they replace it but you want to feel that you did "right" by the company, buy one of their products and gift it to a friend or youngster.
 
FL23833 said:
Do you go back to car dealers and ask for free tires and brakes because the old stuff wore out? Some people are unreal!
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If they had tires and brakes in their warranty, dang straight I would do it. Vehicles are too expensive as it is. And their warranties suck in general. Terrible comparison.

OP: It would help to know what the company’s warranty is that you are considering using. Generally, if I wear out a knife, I offer to pay for new blade and/or refurbish fees.

Real question is: do YOU feel comfortable and right using the warranty?
 
FL23833 said:
Do you go back to car dealers and ask for free tires and brakes because the old stuff wore out? Some people are unreal!
Click to expand...
If they offered them, I would do it every single time. If they decided it was too expensive, I would have no problem with stopping. It's not my job to decide whether or not a company's policies are fiscally responsible or smart. If they offer a service, I'll use it. If they decide the service is too expensive and stop offering, that's fine, too, but it's incumbent on the business to set their policies and costs intelligently, not on their customers.
 
I have a Buck 110 Damascus stag that I’ve had since 1989. About 17 years ago I was field dressing a deer with it and in my haste to get it done quickly because of warm temperatures I tried hacking though a thin bone. Well it did chop through but afterwards I noticed that the blade was angling up and the lock bar was damaged. Uhg ! It still functioned but it looked awful.

I sent it in to Buck warranty paying the shipping along with a note telling them it was my fault and I would pay for repair and return shipping. Two weeks later I got a packaged and sure enough they had repaired it like it was brand new all shiny and bright, everything lined up perfect like nothing ever happened. In the package was a thank you card and a 25% off next purchase! No Charge! I was stunned! That’s what I call customer service and appreciation.
I think if a person is honest and tells them what it’s all about they will decide how to handle it and what to do. Sometimes they will surprise you and you can be blessed without expecting anything.
 
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