"...as I should only be out ~ $30 for shipping fees..."
What? They are sticking you with the shipping fees for a product that THEY screwed up? Amazing, simply amazing...
They didn't specify but I'm expecting them to keep it...they don't even cover shipping on warranty work (you have to send money for return post) so this would be normal for them. I'll find out for sure when I get my Visa statement. Half of that was my out of pocket expense for shipping it back to them...that's gone either way.
I REALLY like Helle knives. They are some of the prettiest scandi knives out there...on the pricey side as that style goes but still reasonable compared to the mainstream.
I may contact Ragnar and get some things shipped up. I may even order some bare blades and experiment with making my own handles...at least then I can get something unique but on my terms without the risk.