I think the shop will stand behind the knife as part of their quality control, assuming they could verify what was done with it.

We have had other examples pop up on the Forum where the owner posted stuff without going back to the shop with their issues, and the shop stood behind at least one that I can recall.

I have my suspicion as to what happened with this blade, but instead of stirring the pot maybe let the shop do what they are best positioned to do--assuming they can get the knife back for evaluation.

Larry

P.S.: Can anyone explain why the guy wanted to chop off that branch?