I would suggest you first try to re-heat treat it. Grind the washboard out, and heat it to red-orange, and quench it in warm canola oil. Check with a file. If it does not cut it, then temper at 375° in your kitchen oven, using a separate oven thermometer. Being careful to not overheat the strike plate, draw the tail and pivot area to a blue, and try it. The heat treat may decarb the surface a tad, so you might want to re-grind a few thousandths off before trying it out. Of course, you might also consider returning it to L&R, or at least contacting them first. They may take care of it at no charge. They really should acually.
