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Who has made a disappointing knife purchase?

I just received a knife I bought on eBay. When I received it I was disappointed, not because I paid too much for it, but because I didn't get what I expected. (I only paid $6.58 for it, so maybe I shouldn't complain at all.) The seller posted pictures of it that made it look good and also stated that it was in excellent condition. But what I saw when I received it ruined it as a collectible.

My question is, how many others have made purchases that disappointed them and why?

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FeaturedPermalink Reply by Craig Henry on May 1, 2013 at 1:35

I think probably most knife collectors and/or user/ enthusiasts (did I cover all the bases?) have bought a knife that disappointed them. I sure know I have. Why? Well, it has varied from knife to knife. Maybe I thought the steel would be thicker than aluminum foil. Maybe I thought it should have been finished better, like not having "ripples" in the blades. Or how about the times the "knife experts" say this or that is "best", and I find out THEIR idea of "best" isn't the same as MY idea of "best" LOL!

So, yeah, it happens. Welcome to the wild world of knives! But remember, above all else........HAVE FUN! Enjoy the good, the bad, and the ugly!

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Permalink Reply by J.J. Smith III on May 1, 2013 at 11:09

I keep a Jim Bowie (Eye Brand) whittler on my desktop monitor as a reminder to be wary of internet purchases.

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Permalink Reply by Steve Hanner on May 1, 2013 at 17:38

One of my least favorite knives, I really like the handle - it feels grippy and just great in the hand. I don't like the steel that much, although it's sharp it just does not feel substantial. Also the knife is pretty big and no pocket clip! So where exactly do you put this? Maybe in a pack, too bulky for a sheath. I sure hope Gerber has improved the quality on this some, if they still churn them out.

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Permalink Reply by Brad T. on May 4, 2013 at 11:01

Steve,

I bought one of those Gerber Gators back in 1990 when I was in the service. It came with a nylon sheath that fit, but the velcro closure was made of the cheapest velcro available. The closure failed as it was lost during night training in the jungles of Okinawa about a year after purchase. I haven't owned one since.

Steve Hanner said:

One of my least favorite knives, I really like the handle - it feels grippy and just great in the hand. I don't like the steel that much, although it's sharp it just does not feel substantial. Also the knife is pretty big and no pocket clip! So where exactly do you put this? Maybe in a pack, too bulky for a sheath. I sure hope Gerber has improved the quality on this some, if they still churn them out.

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FeaturedPermalink Reply by Craig Henry on May 4, 2013 at 19:03

I remember the old Gators! I tried the smaller one. I didn't really care for it that much. Never held an edge that great even for everyday knife steel. Schrade, Case, Camillus and Queen always seemed better.

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Permalink Reply by Tobias Gibson on July 7, 2014 at 17:54

Oh dear! A friend of mine gifted me a USA made Gerber Gator along with an Gerber EZ-out. The gator is a large knife, about the size of 5 inch lock-back. I've used it often enough but have never carried it I agree it is a bit substantial for a pocket carry but I still kind of like it.

As for my regret purchases. Yep. I've had a few. Sometimes it takes a few few weeks or even months before the regret sinks in. I've also had one or two knives that I regretted buying only to have them surprise me and become a "happy" purchase.

One of my biggest regret purchases was when I decided to buy a knife from a person on a different list that was "strapped for cash" because he lost his job and needed to get food on the table. So I bought few knives at a more or less reasonable price. When they showed up, some were good and others were crap. Still it all averaged out and I figured the guy could use the cash.

Next thing I know he's pestering me to buy more, i politely tell him i don't have any more cash and he asks if I could recommend other buyers or if he could put in a good word for him.

At the point, I did a search on his name on the internet and find out the guy has been hitting just about every knife group you can imagine with the same sob story for almost a year! For all i know the the story was 100% legitimate but the guy really started annoying me.

If anyone who wonders why groups like IKC try to limit people selling in the group, it is because of pushy people who sell sob stories and won't take no for an answer. Maybe the person was hurting and maybe he really did need the cash but that doesn't give him an excuse to pester people to buy stuff. Yep, that was my biggest regret but a lesson learned. Some knife people can be jerks.

Still I got a spare Camillus Marlin Spike and a nice Italian switchblade out of the transaction so it wasn't all regrets!