Strikemaster Lazer hand augers

[Jdjulik]

So I purchased a 6" lazer hand auger from Cabelas yesterday. Brought it home and realized that the screw for attaching the handle and the drill big was missing. When inspecting the rest of the equipment the blades noticeable had Mora "Made in Sweden" etched into them.... So I bring everything back to Cabela's to have an exchange performed since they couldn't just give me a screw for it. Get all the way back home again, open up the box and notice everything says made in China on it( the box, the sticker on the drill bit and the blades themselves when taken off and looking at the back side... So I do a little research online and find that people are having problems with these Chinese blades and that Strikemaster will send them the Swedish blades if needed. So I contact Strikemaster and here is their response.

Jacob,

Thank you for your email and your feedback. Just because these blades are from China doesn’t necessarily mean they’re of poor quality. We strongly recommend giving these blades a chance out on the ice and we feel you will be surprised with the results. If you experience any issues, keep in mind these blades are under warranty against manufacturer’s defects with a proof of purchase. If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask.

Thank you for your support and happy fishing!

StrikeMaster Customer Service.

Now, I don't mind trying these out if they will replace them for the Swedish blades if they don't work as well or last as long I would like. But, is it wrong that I feel like I got screwed by paying the same price for a product that was likely made much cheaper than the one I originally set out to purchase?

Would you return the auger and just get another with Swedish blades or just use it as is and hope for the best or hope that Strikemaster will give me the Swedish blades if/when the Chinese ones fail?

[walleye44]

So I purchased a 6" lazer hand auger from Cabelas yesterday. Brought it home and realized that the screw for attaching the handle and the drill big was missing. When inspecting the rest of the equipment the blades noticeable had Mora "Made in Sweden" etched into them.... So I bring everything back to Cabela's to have an exchange performed since they couldn't just give me a screw for it. Get all the way back home again, open up the box and notice everything says made in China on it( the box, the sticker on the drill bit and the blades themselves when taken off and looking at the back side... So I do a little research online and find that people are having problems with these Chinese blades and that Strikemaster will send them the Swedish blades if needed. So I contact Strikemaster and here is their response.

Jacob,

Thank you for your email and your feedback. Just because these blades are from China doesn’t necessarily mean they’re of poor quality. We strongly recommend giving these blades a chance out on the ice and we feel you will be surprised with the results. If you experience any issues, keep in mind these blades are under warranty against manufacturer’s defects with a proof of purchase. If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask.

Thank you for your support and happy fishing!

StrikeMaster Customer Service.

Now, I don't mind trying these out if they will replace them for the Swedish blades if they don't work as well or last as long I would like. But, is it wrong that I feel like I got screwed by paying the same price for a product that was likely made much cheaper than the one I originally set out to purchase?

Would you return the auger and just get another with Swedish blades or just use it as is and hope for the best or hope that Strikemaster will give me the Swedish blades if/when the Chinese ones fail?

I would asked them before you use it, if you are unhappy if you can still get the Mora "Made in Sweden" replacement blades?

[Jdjulik]

I did send them a response that I would like to the get the Swedish made blades sent to me or I may return it for one that comes with them. Still awaiting a response, but I would like to get out fishing after work today and really want to test out the new Clam drill conversion plate I got it mounted on, but I guess it could wait if I don't hear back.

[Jdjulik]

Well,They wont send me the Swedish ones unless there is something wrong with the ones on there... So I'm going to go test it out tonight, if I'm not satisfied it will be going back to the store for an exchange for one with Swedish blades. I'm done dealing with Strikemaster directly as I would have never had this problem if they didn't package my original auger without the handle retaining screw.

[SkunkedAgain]

When inspecting the rest of the equipment the blades noticeable had Mora "Made in Sweden" etched into them....But, is it wrong that I feel like I got screwed by paying the same price for a product that was likely made much cheaper than the one I originally set out to purchase?

Your original post seems to imply that you bought an Strikemaster Lazer, not knowing anything about the blades. I'm confused as to how you can feel screwed for getting the product that you intended to buy. Manufacturers often have multiple sources for various parts. Nothing you noted indicated for a fact that the Chinese blades are produced cheaper, although I'm sure most of us would infer it.

If the product works as you expected then you've got nothing to complain about. You paid for and got what you wanted. Buyer remorse is another matter.

[Jdjulik]

My purchase did have the Swedish blades, however once I got home and opened the box it did not include the screw needed to attach the handle to the bit. So I brought it back to Cabela's and exchanged it (The customer service person had one rushed to the front desk from the back). I didn't know that Strikemaster had china made ones and Swedish made ones as well until I got home and saw the markings when I had opened the box. As far as the quality differences go, it is well documented based off a simple Google search on the subject that weight to this argument. None the less I took it out to the lake today and it did cut great, what I'm worried about is the blades lasting much less than the Swedish counterparts would have.