A knot that size definitely will not affect performance. Possibly only became visible as material removed during construction. No point in filling it, especially on an oiled blade, epoxy would eventually fail.
Good bait for the crowd here to discuss but really a question for the maker. What parameters do they manufacture to? I think that given the quality of wood available these days an absolutely flawless solid wood paddle would be very rare and the price should reflect the challenge of producing such a paddle. You have likely paid a fair price to a maker for the material and effort to create a beautiful, durable, functional tool.
Good bait for the crowd here to discuss but really a question for the maker. What parameters do they manufacture to? I think that given the quality of wood available these days an absolutely flawless solid wood paddle would be very rare and the price should reflect the challenge of producing such a paddle. You have likely paid a fair price to a maker for the material and effort to create a beautiful, durable, functional tool.
