It seems to my simple mind that there are 3 likey scenarios around this axe problem.
1. The axe has gotten through GB's QC process and made it to the point of retail where it's been bought by you.
2. The axe has been altered from the norm prior to you buying it and it's been sold as new to yourself.
3. The axe has been altered from the norm since it was purchased.
There may be others but these seem to be the salient ones.
Given the amount of time that has elapsed since purchase and notification of the product fault. It's perhaps understandable and possibly reasonable the GB are reacting the way they are. Also warranty issues or complaints are generally initially dealt with either by the retailer or the distributor in a given country.
You also need to give the respondents to the issue a reasonable amount of time to react to any query, question or complaint.
Interestingly GB axes have the smiths initials on each one IIRC so that aids in traceability of the product.
1. The axe has gotten through GB's QC process and made it to the point of retail where it's been bought by you.
2. The axe has been altered from the norm prior to you buying it and it's been sold as new to yourself.
3. The axe has been altered from the norm since it was purchased.
There may be others but these seem to be the salient ones.
Given the amount of time that has elapsed since purchase and notification of the product fault. It's perhaps understandable and possibly reasonable the GB are reacting the way they are. Also warranty issues or complaints are generally initially dealt with either by the retailer or the distributor in a given country.
You also need to give the respondents to the issue a reasonable amount of time to react to any query, question or complaint.
Interestingly GB axes have the smiths initials on each one IIRC so that aids in traceability of the product.