Chaparral Sun and Moon scratches on handle from new question

[Stas]

Hello everyone,

my first post here, but I'm a Spyderco fan from Europe.

I just purchased a brand new Chaparral Sun Moon locally and when unpacked, noticed a scratch on the handle going through the half of mother of pearl insert and continue to G10. It is not too deep, but on the mother of pearl it is easy enough to notice with naked eye. I really like the overall look of the knife, but have to admit this bother me a bit, as I didn't plan to put a heavy use o this one and usually very careful with my EDC items. There are few more small scratches on G10, but nothing bothering like the one on the "moon" insert.

I want to ask if this is normal based on usual Spyderco QC, or should be considered a defect? Other knives I have doesn't have a G10 scales, so I can't compare and don't know how prone to scratches they are.
Chaparral Sun Moon is sold out here and there is no option to exchange with another example. Sending it to US to 'get fixed' under warranty is also not an option. Have to decide, to accept it or return.

Appreciate any reply / suggestion.

Thanks,
Stas

[cabfrank]

Scratches on the handles of new knives definitely is not normal. I wonder if you got a previously returned knife. Can you post a picture?

[Stas]

Scratches on the handles of new knives definitely is not normal. I wonder if you got a previously returned knife. Can you post a picture?

Hard to capture under the light I have now, but it is there. Once you see, you can't unsee it. And I saw it at the very beginning...

[SG89]

Return it and see if you can ask the dealer to check for scratches on the next one

[Badger410]

I doubt a scratched handle would be covered by any warranty.
To keep it or return is a decision only you can make. How much do you like/want it, can you live with the scratches, are answers only you can give.
I hope you find happiness with whatever you decide.

[Josh Crutchley]

If you really want to keep it maybe the scratch could be polished out?

[cabfrank]

Good pictures. I think Spydergirl's suggestion is good. If that isn't possible, Josh has a good idea too. Honestly though, I get that it bothers you, it might me also, but it is very minor.

[Stas]

Thank you for the replies and insight! It is minor and this is why it is hard for me to decide. The knife is lovely and mechanically perfect. Thanks to you I see it is not something to expect as a norm on G10 and I'll try to source another example. Hope it is still possible. I see them sold out and not sure how limited production it was.

ps The first thing crossed my mind was to polish it, or even, to carry as much as I can, so it will get polished from the pocket :) But hey, if I just got unlucky with this particular example, it worth to try my luck at least once again :)

[dan31]

looks minor but its not my knife. I like my new knives to be new. If all else is well, lock up, centering, lock tension, you may want to keep it.

[skeeg11]

Hard to say. The main sales point of this particular version was the appearance of the scales. If that is why you bought this particular version, then I can see why you would be annoyed.

[kodai78]

I bought one of these knives, my second Chaparral. The other is Raffir Noble. Because they are Spydies the knife part is great, but these two were purchased for their looks. I carry and will use them but I value their appearance more than most of my collection.

[Stas]

I bought one of these knives, my second Chaparral. The other is Raffir Noble. Because they are Spydies the knife part is great, but these two were purchased for their looks. I carry and will use them but I value their appearance more than most of my collection.

Your example is without any issues?

[araneae]

Looks pretty minor, but it is your knife so only you can decide if it is acceptable.

[JRinFL]

I would speak to the store you purchased it from and seek an exchange.

[RustyIron]

Pearl is pretty soft material. If you carry it in a pocket with other things, or you use it with dirty hands, you can expect scratches. I know that doesn't answer your question, but it might help you decide whether to return it or keep it.

[JMM]

Flitz is safe for just about any material, I would think it might fix or reduce the problem, does anyone have experience with Flitz polish and Pearl?

[The Deacon]

Minor imperfections in pearl are not uncommon but if, as you noted, the scratch extends onto the G-10, then it obviously happened after the handle was assembled. Since exchange is not an option, if it bothers you, return it. If you really want one, you might consider ordering from a US source once you get your refund. Or, given that it's a regular production knife rather than a Sprint or other limited run, you could just wait and see if any sources wherever you live get more of them.

[Michael Janich]

Dear Stas:

Welcome to the Spyderco Forum.

Stay safe,

Mike

[DSH007]

Welcom Stas!

If it were me.. I'd put that beautiful knife in my pocket and go about my days using it for knife things, allowing that tiny little scratch to blend in with all the other tiny little scratches that will assuredly be added as the years go by. You know, wabi-sabi and all.. beauty in imperfection.

But... it's not my knife haha. So the call is yours. I don't think it's going to qualify for replacement under warranty based on that scratch alone, so your best bet is probably going to be an exchange/return. If the knife is is great condition otherwise, I'd keep it.

[Stas]

Thank you very much for suggestions and warm welcome!

You know, wabi-sabi and all.. beauty in imperfection.

I love wabi if this is a vintage knife (or other object), or if it started from ‘scratch’ by me. But this is brand new and already ‘pre patinated’. With my way of using knives I’m impatient to wait next 20 years to fade this scratch :)

As few of you said (and I agree), it is indeed very personal. It helped me to understand: I don’t put knife with another sharp things in my pocket, so it makes sense to replace with a spotless one. Already agreed with the seller and he ordered another one from US….now have to wait a few weeks when it arrives.. ****! :)