When you initially said:



I assumed a 1/4" gap in a worse way.

I wouldn't be thrilled about the gap you have, but I don't know if that little gap would bother me too much and I consider myself pretty picky.

Yes, you could arguably get water in the gap, but even if it developed rust in the handle, you would NOT likely rust that handle to failure in your lifetime and you wouldn't see the rust. It would be more of an issue that you worry about in your head than any real-world issue.

In the end, it is really just a minor aesthetic gap - less than I expected.

Speaking for myself, I don't know if I would bother sending something like that back to Dan, but I personally wouldn't give you a hard time about it either.

IMO - something like that is not a big deal, but I would probably feel that it is big enough that I don't think it should be sold/shipped as a "Regular" production and with regular levels of expectations in fit and finish.

I think the Busse's should have the inspectors set up to screen these types of "Cosmetic" flaws more carefully. And I feel knives with these little flaws should probably be sold at a slight discount as XXX's, X-out's or 2nds or whatever you want to call them with "Minor" aesthetic and non-functional flaws - Maybe a 5% - 10% discount (????).

Personally, instead of dealing with all of the hassles with return shipping (both ways) and such, I think a 5% - 10% credit would be a good option to consider for both parties (buyer and seller). But, post-initial shipping, this way of handling it "Might" open a can of worms. - Especially considering knives from the Past - Some people might start trying to cash in on slight cosmetic issues from the past - gaps in the SS4's for example. (????).

It is not for me to say how current situations should be handled or future, but, for my two cents, I feel "Future" screening of products should "possibly" be handled with the option of being sold as 2nds at a slight discount.

Slightly better "user" grade deals for minor aesthetic "Cosmetic" only type flaws - maybe with an "X" (????).

For the record, I don't feel this should apply to blade quality or ultimate reliability and performance quality. Discount, Lifetime warranty or not, the blades and performance quality are still set up to have expectations of EXTREME dependability. I don't like the idea of any lesser quality blades floating around. But, I don't have a problem with minor cosmetic flaws such as minor handle gaps, slightly off grind lines or similar - if discounted and marked.


*** However, the Busse's already have a Full Blown Comprehensive and extensive Warranty that pretty well covers everything and they have proven to take care of any and all concerns I have seen from customers. So, in the end, their current way of doing things pretty well covers anyones specific concerns. All you have to do is ask. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />



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