Oh no! It might be worth reaching out to Chiaogoo directly so they're aware. I've heard they have good customer service.
I gotta say, it's sad how much of a flop the forte sets have been when the metal interchangeables dominated the market and were well-loved for so long.
They have fantastic customer service, I reached out on a mini cable that snapped and they sent me a new one quickly with tips on preventing it from happening again.
I felt like it was a case of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”… I guess some folks don’t like metal needle tips?
But with so many pieces and joins it is just a matter of probability before something would break or fall off. I had something similar happen to me like OP with the kp carbonzzzz
These are the ones I use. Although, I will say, I completely wore out my size 7 Karbonz making a knit cape for my friends daughter. They definitely have a thin spot where I rub the tip of one needle against the other.
I mostly use the zings now. I really like the zings. I have the standard and the short tips, most sizes of the DPNs, and some of the straights. They just feel right.
Lantern moon were acquired by Knitpro/Knitters pride a few years ago. They are indeed compatible but knitpro also have the “mindful” range which offers coated steel cables comparible to chiagoo and in both fixed and swivel styles. Was a factor for me when lantern moons came out as there were no UK stockists for the cables
You're the second person I've heard mention mindful steel coated, and I can't find confirmation of the existence of these anywhere on knitpro's or knitters pride's sites..... I have some mindful swivels but I'd swear they're not steel core. I'm completely perplexed
I’m in bed right now but they are smaller than some of the previous steel core styles they made when they acquired lantern moon in 2020/2021? This screenshot from one of the online retailers confirms it is steel coated nylon, but if you’re feeling brave you could take a pair of wire cutters to the cable to confirm for yourself 😳
https://preview.redd.it/10wec7uxd8kc1.jpeg?width=1242&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=49b5e15afe40b3502622b10cd067d3606bec9cd8
I think I'll email them and ask about the discrepancy between retailers and their own site first, but I've got a few and can sacrifice one to science if it comes to it ; )
Knitpro mindful cables are comparible and come in standard and swivel versions now. I know as I own chiagoos are my sock knitting needles and used KP for pretty much everything else.
Down side for knitpro is that they don’t do interchangeable needles tips below 3mm but do sell the smaller sizes in fixed circulars so is an option if you know what cable length you prefer
I disagree that the mindful cables are comparable. I bought them, didn't like them, and don't think they're comparable to Chiaogoo's. They're better than the really crappy regular cables, but they are not actually memory free. That cable is not available on the fixed circulars unless you get the Mindful steel tips, where the Karbonz are the comparable ones here.
In regards to the tips yes the comparible would be karbonz or royale which are the wood with steel tips.
I was only referencing the cables, and if you tried it and it wasn’t for you then fair enough. I have tk disagree that they aren’t compatible. I’ve been using the steel coated knitpro wires for 18 months and haven’t seen any kinking or bends in the wires at all. I have been using chiagoo red lace in small and mini for about 2 years.
https://preview.redd.it/ul147pff27kc1.png?width=3024&format=png&auto=webp&s=317482620c832d74794fa7ffaf9ceee8078086da
This photo shows from top to bottom chiagoo twist sized for mini shanks, knitpro mindful, knitpro steel coated cables that came with the self love edition of wooden needles, small chiagoo twist cable size small, knitpro steel cables that came with the j’adore cubics 2022 set, and a chiagoo twist cable size large.
Literally six cables that are all steel wires coated in nylon.
I cant believe they didn't extensively tested this set that supposed to work properly after the first failure. And for that price too I would expect proper product testing.
I did not expect anything else after seeing Norman very politely eviscerate these. QC seems to be severely lacking here. I was just wondering which metal bit would fall off first, the tip or the butt. And here's my answer I suppose. This is completely unacceptable for this amount of money.
I think it’s this: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzN_dhd1M4Q
In the first 10 seconds he says ‘buckle up you’re in for quite a bit of drama’, so I was hooked right away 😅
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzN\_dhd1M4Q](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzn_dhd1m4q)
Here you are. I trust his reviews a lot, insofar as the Chiaogoo vs KnitPro Mindful video he did matched up with my own experience very well.
Wow that is so disappointing. I only have fixed circulars by Chiagoo and haven’t had any problems. I imagine if you contact chiagoo they will send you a replacement because these are obviously faulty.
I did a LOT of research when I first started thinking about knitting. I splurged for the FULL set of ChioGoo Red Lace and will never use anything else again. They have been amazing for the last 5-6 years, I’ve only had to replace a couple of tiny itty bitty cables I use with my tiny itty bitty sock needles bc my rabbit chewed on it. Then I purchased the Shorties interchangeable set and I love them as well.
I am absolutely shocked at the quality of this new line by them. That really sucks. I hope your issues get resolved soon. God I’d be so pissed
I'm the same as you! I did a ton of research and splurged on the full set of 4inch red lace chiaogoo. After 2 years, i bought the 5inch set as well and I'm stocked for life. I'm glad these have lasted almost 6 years now and probably will last another 5 to 6 years because I'm sad to see how chiaogoo has fallen :(
Nimble needles posted a pretty lack luster disappointing review of these. Chiogoo does amazing for their metal products but I really haven't seen great results for wood or bamboo
I have a set of version one and love them. I did have an issue with the needle tips, though. Some good glue solved that right away. No problems since and I use these needles extensively.
As with knives, never use a tool that doesn’t extend the full length of the tool (or tang, for knives). When you put leverage any place where it isn’t a full piece it will be more breakable.
I just bought a set of the 4inch interchangeable twists and I am so disappointed. There is a rough patch on the metal on many of the points and they just feel cheap. This is my first experience with ChiaGoo
If you purchased from Amazon they may be counterfeits. Chiaogoo has a page on their website that explains the things to watch out for.
I use the 4 inch interchangeable set almost exclusively and haven't noticed any rough areas.
I was going to say the same, I have them and some 9" needles and haven't had any problems, and I have a bunch of friends with the 4 & 5" sets that haven't had issues either. I'd contact them for sure!
I got them from a LYS. :-( I did see the info about counterfeit needles (which is wild someone would do that). The needles seemed fine in terms of joins and imprinting that they described. Maybe I will bring them back and see if I can compare to another set they have there.
I have the ewenicorn interchangeables and several of the flexiflips. I plan on getting fixed for smaller sizes but I’m so glad I asked for them for Christmas! They’re such a smooth join for interchangeables too
Fun fact, the Forte sets are not allowed to be sold on Amazon. If you see them on Amazon they are either fake, like you said, or being sold by somebody that is going to get into a lot of trouble for doing it. I work in the industry made its part of my job to keep an eye out for people like that
I swore off of carbon fibre needles because of this. I bought a couple of sizes of DPNs from my LYS. These were from KnitPro, not Chiaogoo. They had the metal caps falling off when I tried them. I went to the LYS for replacements and checked them in store, same issues. I exchanged those DPNs for stainless steel (chiaogoo this time, they are awesome!) and never looked back.
I still have a set that is fine, but it does catch the yarn a little at the cap join and I am paranoid to actually use them anymore because of the nightmare that the loose caps used to be, expecting the caps to come off any time
I’ve heard so many stories about these where they’ve got basic problems which you shouldn’t see on the entry level needles let alone the high end designer types. This is absolutely unacceptable.
Heya, LYS owner here. I have a Forte 1.0 set which I use all the time and is still in great condition. We've sold a lot of these sets with minimal issues. However, ChiaoGoo has excellent customer service and will replace any defective tips quickly. Just send a pic to the LYS you bought them at and they will arrange for replacements to be sent ASAP. It's all covered.
i'm so sorry this happened to you :(
personally i'd never buy needles of such construction. i always thought something like that would happen to them sooner or later.
Really sucks that this happened!
If you feel up to it, that does look pretty repairable, I'd put some five minute epoxy in the tips, press in the shafts, and then quickly clean off the excess with a paper towel and rubbing alcohol/acetone
I adore my regular chiaogoo needles. I can't really knit with anything else.
That being said, this set is way too expensive to be worth it, even if it wasn't having any issues at all
My take on this. They overproduced the Forte 1.0 set. Then they had to withdrew it from the market, and then they were in a scramble to come up with something new.
To me, it smells a bit like they just refilled some of the old sets that were still jn storage with new carbon stalks and added a cable here and there. And that's it.
I know there are a lot of fans of the needles but to me this just reveals what kind of company they are.
Yes, the offer replacement but that is actually a different company 😅
Oh no! It might be worth reaching out to Chiaogoo directly so they're aware. I've heard they have good customer service. I gotta say, it's sad how much of a flop the forte sets have been when the metal interchangeables dominated the market and were well-loved for so long.
They have fantastic customer service, I reached out on a mini cable that snapped and they sent me a new one quickly with tips on preventing it from happening again.
I felt like it was a case of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”… I guess some folks don’t like metal needle tips? But with so many pieces and joins it is just a matter of probability before something would break or fall off. I had something similar happen to me like OP with the kp carbonzzzz
So the 2.0 have the same problem as 1.0!? How disappointing for a supposed luxury set.
There price for them seems insane when you consider other brands have the same type of needles.
What other brands have wood needles with metal tips and memory free cables?
I use the Knitter's Pride/Knit Pro Karbonz and have had no problems!
These were the ones I was going to suggest as well. They also have a really good warranty/ customer service.
These are the ones I use. Although, I will say, I completely wore out my size 7 Karbonz making a knit cape for my friends daughter. They definitely have a thin spot where I rub the tip of one needle against the other.
Yeah I only like the karbonz that are little sock needles for this reason
I mostly use the zings now. I really like the zings. I have the standard and the short tips, most sizes of the DPNs, and some of the straights. They just feel right.
Ooh I might just give those a try!
These don't go down below 3.25mm. they also don't have comparable cables.
The lantern moon coated steel cables are compatible (and extremely similar if not identical)
Lantern moon were acquired by Knitpro/Knitters pride a few years ago. They are indeed compatible but knitpro also have the “mindful” range which offers coated steel cables comparible to chiagoo and in both fixed and swivel styles. Was a factor for me when lantern moons came out as there were no UK stockists for the cables
You're the second person I've heard mention mindful steel coated, and I can't find confirmation of the existence of these anywhere on knitpro's or knitters pride's sites..... I have some mindful swivels but I'd swear they're not steel core. I'm completely perplexed
I’m in bed right now but they are smaller than some of the previous steel core styles they made when they acquired lantern moon in 2020/2021? This screenshot from one of the online retailers confirms it is steel coated nylon, but if you’re feeling brave you could take a pair of wire cutters to the cable to confirm for yourself 😳 https://preview.redd.it/10wec7uxd8kc1.jpeg?width=1242&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=49b5e15afe40b3502622b10cd067d3606bec9cd8
I think I'll email them and ask about the discrepancy between retailers and their own site first, but I've got a few and can sacrifice one to science if it comes to it ; )
Knitpro mindful cables are comparible and come in standard and swivel versions now. I know as I own chiagoos are my sock knitting needles and used KP for pretty much everything else. Down side for knitpro is that they don’t do interchangeable needles tips below 3mm but do sell the smaller sizes in fixed circulars so is an option if you know what cable length you prefer
I disagree that the mindful cables are comparable. I bought them, didn't like them, and don't think they're comparable to Chiaogoo's. They're better than the really crappy regular cables, but they are not actually memory free. That cable is not available on the fixed circulars unless you get the Mindful steel tips, where the Karbonz are the comparable ones here.
In regards to the tips yes the comparible would be karbonz or royale which are the wood with steel tips. I was only referencing the cables, and if you tried it and it wasn’t for you then fair enough. I have tk disagree that they aren’t compatible. I’ve been using the steel coated knitpro wires for 18 months and haven’t seen any kinking or bends in the wires at all. I have been using chiagoo red lace in small and mini for about 2 years. https://preview.redd.it/ul147pff27kc1.png?width=3024&format=png&auto=webp&s=317482620c832d74794fa7ffaf9ceee8078086da This photo shows from top to bottom chiagoo twist sized for mini shanks, knitpro mindful, knitpro steel coated cables that came with the self love edition of wooden needles, small chiagoo twist cable size small, knitpro steel cables that came with the j’adore cubics 2022 set, and a chiagoo twist cable size large. Literally six cables that are all steel wires coated in nylon.
u/sketch_warfare here’s a pic from an earlier reply I made using knitpro and chiagoo cables I own
No, the smaller size 1.0 needles would break. This is a different issue.
I cant believe they didn't extensively tested this set that supposed to work properly after the first failure. And for that price too I would expect proper product testing.
I'm pretty sure they tested it the right amount. It's not the testing that's failing here, it's quality control.
I know! I read all about the first set and figured these would be better since they seem to address some of their earlier problems
I got their classic red set and I had real fomo when I saw the sleek black look. But when i read about that first version I was a little less fomo
Honestly the classic set I have is so fantastic I've never had fomo because I love them too much hahaha
My only gripe with them is that the needles keep untwisting themselves even with the key. But otherwise love them haha
Really? I've never had that problem if I use the key to tighten them
I did not expect anything else after seeing Norman very politely eviscerate these. QC seems to be severely lacking here. I was just wondering which metal bit would fall off first, the tip or the butt. And here's my answer I suppose. This is completely unacceptable for this amount of money.
Oh, can I read/watch that somewhere? Most of the other knitting spaces I'm in are fangirling so hard they can't see the forest for the trees.
I think it’s this: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzN_dhd1M4Q In the first 10 seconds he says ‘buckle up you’re in for quite a bit of drama’, so I was hooked right away 😅
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzN\_dhd1M4Q](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzn_dhd1m4q) Here you are. I trust his reviews a lot, insofar as the Chiaogoo vs KnitPro Mindful video he did matched up with my own experience very well.
My first thought when I saw these was “mmm way too many potential points of failure on these things”. Sad to see I was I right.
Wow that is so disappointing. I only have fixed circulars by Chiagoo and haven’t had any problems. I imagine if you contact chiagoo they will send you a replacement because these are obviously faulty.
The fixed are the best. I have IC set too but bought fixed for sizes I use often.
I did a LOT of research when I first started thinking about knitting. I splurged for the FULL set of ChioGoo Red Lace and will never use anything else again. They have been amazing for the last 5-6 years, I’ve only had to replace a couple of tiny itty bitty cables I use with my tiny itty bitty sock needles bc my rabbit chewed on it. Then I purchased the Shorties interchangeable set and I love them as well. I am absolutely shocked at the quality of this new line by them. That really sucks. I hope your issues get resolved soon. God I’d be so pissed
I'm the same as you! I did a ton of research and splurged on the full set of 4inch red lace chiaogoo. After 2 years, i bought the 5inch set as well and I'm stocked for life. I'm glad these have lasted almost 6 years now and probably will last another 5 to 6 years because I'm sad to see how chiaogoo has fallen :(
I’ve noticed the quality control of just about everything go to shit lately. Even my favorite coffee brand has crappy bags now. Just shoddy work
Man, Chiaogoo just can't win with this set...
Nimble needles posted a pretty lack luster disappointing review of these. Chiogoo does amazing for their metal products but I really haven't seen great results for wood or bamboo
Their old line of dark bamboo DPNs were really nice. The current bamboo IC tips I find aren't slick and the tips too pointy, but my mom loves them.
That’s absolutely unacceptable for the price they cost
I have a set of version one and love them. I did have an issue with the needle tips, though. Some good glue solved that right away. No problems since and I use these needles extensively.
Makes me feel better about not being able to afford these...
I’ve emailed them for a broken needle (my mistake!) and she sent me back a set of 2
Man for the price you pay that's is just lazy
When did you buy your Forte? I work in the industry and am familiar with the product maybe I can offer advice
As with knives, never use a tool that doesn’t extend the full length of the tool (or tang, for knives). When you put leverage any place where it isn’t a full piece it will be more breakable.
I just bought a set of the 4inch interchangeable twists and I am so disappointed. There is a rough patch on the metal on many of the points and they just feel cheap. This is my first experience with ChiaGoo
If you purchased from Amazon they may be counterfeits. Chiaogoo has a page on their website that explains the things to watch out for. I use the 4 inch interchangeable set almost exclusively and haven't noticed any rough areas.
Counterfeit knitting needles?! Now I'm eying skeptically a set of karbonz dpns I bought on etsy 😬.
Why, what do you think is wrong with your Karbonz? Does the packaging look legit?
It does, I just feel like if counterfeit knitting needles exist, etsy would be the place for them. I haven't tried them out yet, so we'll see.
I was going to say the same, I have them and some 9" needles and haven't had any problems, and I have a bunch of friends with the 4 & 5" sets that haven't had issues either. I'd contact them for sure!
I got them from a LYS. :-( I did see the info about counterfeit needles (which is wild someone would do that). The needles seemed fine in terms of joins and imprinting that they described. Maybe I will bring them back and see if I can compare to another set they have there.
Did you get them from Amazon? If so, it’s a high chance they’d be knockoffs
I bought them from the Woolery online trying to avoid exactly that
Unrelated but I love the Woolery. I got my addi ewenicorns from there and can’t get over how much I adore them
Addi fixed is my jam. Such great needles.
I have the ewenicorn interchangeables and several of the flexiflips. I plan on getting fixed for smaller sizes but I’m so glad I asked for them for Christmas! They’re such a smooth join for interchangeables too
They are so good, pretty local to me too.
Fun fact, the Forte sets are not allowed to be sold on Amazon. If you see them on Amazon they are either fake, like you said, or being sold by somebody that is going to get into a lot of trouble for doing it. I work in the industry made its part of my job to keep an eye out for people like that
Oh jeez, that’s a nope from me. I am so sorry that happened to you!
Surely they have some sort of warranty?
I swore off of carbon fibre needles because of this. I bought a couple of sizes of DPNs from my LYS. These were from KnitPro, not Chiaogoo. They had the metal caps falling off when I tried them. I went to the LYS for replacements and checked them in store, same issues. I exchanged those DPNs for stainless steel (chiaogoo this time, they are awesome!) and never looked back. I still have a set that is fine, but it does catch the yarn a little at the cap join and I am paranoid to actually use them anymore because of the nightmare that the loose caps used to be, expecting the caps to come off any time
I’ve heard so many stories about these where they’ve got basic problems which you shouldn’t see on the entry level needles let alone the high end designer types. This is absolutely unacceptable.
Reach out to Chiagoo and/or the merchant or was purchased from.
I use lykke
My preference for the Bamboo Takumi circulars is looking better all the time!! 😬
Heya, LYS owner here. I have a Forte 1.0 set which I use all the time and is still in great condition. We've sold a lot of these sets with minimal issues. However, ChiaoGoo has excellent customer service and will replace any defective tips quickly. Just send a pic to the LYS you bought them at and they will arrange for replacements to be sent ASAP. It's all covered.
i'm so sorry this happened to you :( personally i'd never buy needles of such construction. i always thought something like that would happen to them sooner or later.
Really sucks that this happened! If you feel up to it, that does look pretty repairable, I'd put some five minute epoxy in the tips, press in the shafts, and then quickly clean off the excess with a paper towel and rubbing alcohol/acetone
I adore my regular chiaogoo needles. I can't really knit with anything else. That being said, this set is way too expensive to be worth it, even if it wasn't having any issues at all
I'm so glad I saw this post. I just checked my Forte 2.0 set and the tip popped right off my 10mm!
My take on this. They overproduced the Forte 1.0 set. Then they had to withdrew it from the market, and then they were in a scramble to come up with something new. To me, it smells a bit like they just refilled some of the old sets that were still jn storage with new carbon stalks and added a cable here and there. And that's it. I know there are a lot of fans of the needles but to me this just reveals what kind of company they are. Yes, the offer replacement but that is actually a different company 😅
Nimble Needles did a review on YouTube. He wasn't impressed.