All About Pocket Knives

I ordered my son a new knife for his birthday. Bear & Son mini trapper w/jigged bone handles from SMKW. When I got it I found what looks to be where the bone was chipped and glued back on. Or maybe the jig got too low on the handle and they glued a piece on it. Its right under the shield and it bugs me. Of course i don't have a picture

My question is, should I be picky about it and send it back or am I overreacting? About a 60.00 knife.
Should I expect better from B&S and SMKW?

Yes, you should expect better. I'd return it. I have bought a lot of Bears and found the quality has improved over the years. The ones I have stamped "Bear & Son" are in general of quality equal to Case, IMHO. The older Bear MGC knives were good solid knives but the fit and finish was not as good as the new ones. I don't know much about Smoky Mtn Knife but from what I have heard, Bear & Son would make this right for you in a heartbeat. You might try emailing Ken Griffey at Bear & Son and ask him if you can send the knife directly back to him for replacement. [email protected], attention Mr. Griffey.

I would send it back if I were you.

Send it back, explain the issue and ask for a hand selected top quality item. I have three of their knives. The one pocket knife - a Barlow doesn't have quite top function on walk and talk. They should make a good effort to help you out here. Come to think of it - I got mine from SMKW. I think I would call them both and give them the chance to jump though the hoops and make this right for a present of this type.

Thanks men! Your answers confirmed my feelings. I think I'll contact both.
I have noticed that Bear knives are not cheap knives so......

I emailed Bear & Son about a trapper a couple of months ago. Got a reply from the owner himself. They will make it right.

It's been a while back, but I bought a knife through SMKW that I was not satisfied with. As I recall they refunded my money or replaced the knife (can't remember which) with no problems when I sent the knife back. I think there's a form for retuning items included in the shipment if I'm not mistaken.

Phil

philco wrote:It's been a while back, but I bought a knife through SMKW that I was not satisfied with. As I recall they refunded my money or replaced the knife (can't remember which) with no problems when I sent the knife back. I think there's a form for retuning items included in the shipment if I'm not mistaken.

Phil

Phil you are right. They require a phone call but they have a 21 day 100% satisfaction guarantee. Refund or replace.

I did email Bear n Son just to make them aware of it. Looking forward to hearing from them.

Thanks again y'all

Send it back until you get the knife you want. It's better for you and better for Bear. Make sure you don't pay for the return postage. SMKW is the worst for cost of shipping . I believe they think it will deter you from sending knives back. In fact just sent it back and complain to Bear On their web site. I think they want to make it right for you.
wazu013

I just wanted to update y'all on my little problem. I contacted SMKW and they said send it back but they didn't have another of those knives. So we decided to keep it but I emailed B&S and Ken Griffey answered. After a few emails and a picture of the kife, he explained it to be where they cut the bone and got close to a blood groove or a stress mark in the bone. Made sense to me. He didn't have that same knife either but offered to trade for another one. My son likes the knife so we kept it and we are happy being Bear customers.

Good News!!

Excellent !

I had an issue with a B&S fixed blade last year, and got a reply from Ken also. They seem to be pretty good about customer service.