Finally

[terdl76]

So my first two GEC purchases I ended up not so happy about. Got a two blade #15 and couldn't be happier. I was so tickled I went ahead and got a #61 in buffalo. Great knife, reminds me of my Pap. Only thing, where they cut out for the shield it chipped the buffalo horn. It appears it was filled with some type if epoxy, but why white? Is this something I should just live with or ask for a fix?

[Wood-Guy]

If your gonna use it, I say just let it be.
If it bothers you a lot contact the factory. It happens sometimes that the space isn't cut out perfectly for the shield inlay. Not too big of a deal...

[gino]

For the $$$$ it cost send it back, jmo

[big monk]

SEND IT BACK !!!!!!!!!!!!!!___NO Matter, a user or collector ****____no reason for that one, to be sent out the door of the factory__your dealer should exchange,with ""NO QUESTIONS""________ I own several hundred and I'd send that one back,the day I got it out of the tube !!!! ______________________Monk

[jerryd6818]

Whadda ya think, Monk? Think he should send it back?

[IMBand]

For the $$$$ it cost send it back, jmo

+1


IM

[Colonel26]

I agree, send it back. It doesn't matter what it cost, when a new knife leaves the factory it ought to be right. If I'm buying old used knives, imperfections are part if the game, not do with new knives.

At least they could have sealed the hole with an epoxy that matches the handle material. Sheesh!

[terdl76]

Thanks for the reassurance guys.

[Jody744]

I agree, exchange it. you will always know its there.
and it will discourage you to the point of disgust.

[Clown]

Nice #15! I ordered one just like it this afternoon. How are you liking it?

[terdl76]

I really like this pattern. My favorite so far. I'm waiting for the electrician so that may change. Anyone know when and where I can find one?

[singin46]

MONK is right, don't settle, send that dog back!

[terdl76]

On its way back. Can't wait, I really like this knife.

[jon_slider]

I really like this pattern. My favorite so far. I'm waiting for the electrician so that may change. Anyone know when and where I can find one?

contact the guy who placed the Special Factory Order, he is in this thread as STR and has an email link
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showt ... ian/page11
he is also a member here on AAPK and has an email link in this post
http://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/kni ... 469#p43469

[terdl76]

Ha! Nice Jon.

[knifeswapper]

You are the one that has to be happy with a purchase.

But I have an alternate assesment of what you are seeing based on your pictures. Buffalo horn is many layers of a material closely related to hair or fingernails. Many times when they are cutting or routing out a spot it will flake on the outer layers leaving a white bend kinda like when you beng one of your fingernails way out of position. It looks to me like the very top layers just flaked and bent a little when they were routing the shield cavity.

[terdl76]

You are the one that has to be happy with a purchase.

But I have an alternate assesment of what you are seeing based on your pictures. Buffalo horn is many layers of a material closely related to hair or fingernails. Many times when they are cutting or routing out a spot it will flake on the outer layers leaving a white bend kinda like when you beng one of your fingernails way out of position. It looks to me like the very top layers just flaked and bent a little when they were routing the shield cavity.

That could very well be what it is. If its something they can't or won't fix I'll still keep and like the knife. Just hoping there's an easy fix. We'll see.

[terdl76]

Before I start, I just want to say that I'm not bashing GEC in any way. I'm only sharing my experiences. I shared my experiences with GEC on another forum and got tossed around like a sac of taters. This won't prevente from getting more if their products, just sharing with you guys/girls.

So I got the congress back today with a invoice slip that said "repaired"..... I don't see where but the shield and bolsters had more scratches/buff marks so that at least tells me they tried. Maybe buffalo is just one of those materials that can't be patched. Maybe I'll get some horn and try replacing myself or have GEC replace it, I think it's like $25 or something. It is a user, as are all my knives, so maybe I just live with it, I don't know.

Again, this is not a shot at GEC. I know it sounds silly to keep saying that but apparently some people get personally offended by remarks that may seem negatively directed at GEC. That is not my intent.

[coffeecup]

Let's try this:



If you click on that picture to enlarge it, you can clearly see the flaws in the inletting. Along the top (blade) side, there appears to be a faint line of filler (probably adhesive from when the shield was installed). At the both ends, there is a line outside the shield (it almost looks like a kid was trying to trace "outside the lines" for some reason) but for the most part there is little fill evident except possibly in the corners. Other than the "tracing" and possibly the corners, it looks like fairly typical factory workmanship: not outstanding, not bad.

Then there is that gap along the bottom (pin) side. . . . Not only was the recess for the shield cut oversize--and crooked--but the edges of the recess are chipped away. The obvious damage, and microscopic damage done at the same time, is going to promote delamination of the horn in that area over the coming years. At best, it will always look damaged and get worse over time. "Patching" the damage should never have been considered, the only way to correct the problem would be to replace the entire scale (or maybe install a custom oversize shield).

If the original knife, and how the factory handled the problem, are what you feel you paid for, no worries. If not, get your money back.