I suspect that someone fell asleep at the machine! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> When the Dumpster Mutts first appeared I ordered three of them; one for a soldier in Afghanistan and two for me. One of them has the same gap at the handle, which would qualify it as a "factory second" at many other knife companies. However, we are all paying for "1st quality" Yard knives. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> If my DMLE has the gap, I will send BOTH of the errant Mutts back to Dan for repair/replacement, and hope that they make good on the additional shipping expense. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> After all, the Post Office has a box that ships for $8.95 and will probably hold a dozen or so Mutts, regardless of weight!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />