Hello,
I would ask the company if they would give you another knife due to the issues that you have with your knife.
I would NOT pay to have it changed.
I would want a NIB knife from the company with you returning what you have now.
If the company does NOT want to do this for you, I would get a new hunting knife that you picked out yourself in ANOTHER brand. I would keep the Cutco knife for some other kitchen or household use OR sell the knife.
I have heard and read about the name of the company, Cutco, but I have never owned the brand myself. I thought that company wanted it's customers to be 100% satisfied with their knives too. I do not know much about the Cutco company other than what I heard briefly and read in the past.
Best wishes to you.
Cate