Wood knots in chess board

Hi guys, I recently purchased a beautiful 21” Padauk chess board and it is stunning. However, one thing that has been annoying me is that there are several knots in the frame, so much so that the thought of returning the board has crossed my mind. I have attached some pics of the knots - are these normal and expected in wooden chess boards or am I being too pedantic here?

in your last picture, has the knot been filled with something? 

Timber grades are different in different countries, this appears to include a US grading: https://www.thomasnet.com/articles/plant-facility-equipment/lumber-grades/ . Basically, the bigger the knots the cheaper the wood. The top appearance grades do not include knots like that at all:

Grade A Select - Does not exhibit knots, splits or visible defects.
Grade B Select - A few small visible defects (these are not large knots)
Grade C Select - Small knots, but one side may be completely clear of defects (meaning clear on one side, knots on the other).

The next question is, what did you buy?  Does this quality match the pictures or description?

Ive built guitars in the past and knots are a no no. But, some would see those knots as adding character. But i see where you're coming from. that will have been expensive. it looks like they're not going to fall out. I have a very expensive Martin acoustic  guitar £3k, that has imperfections in the sitka spruce top, which are considered normal for the wood type. It sounds lovely though.

it all comes down to what you're happy with.

Are you sure about the lower knot in the second photo?  I suspect that that goes through to the bottom of the frame.  

Unless that board was purchased at discount due to multiple wood imperfections, I would return it. [The woodworker] should not have used that low grade wood. They had multiple chances in the production process to inspect and scrap it. They intentionally used that poor quality wood in order to save money. Photo #3 is borderline ok. Photo #1, #2, and #4 are NOT ok.

**EDIT**

@GrandPatzerDave  Ahhh,,, you're right, I misspoke. Original message redacted. Do me a favor and edit your post as well. It's not fair to associate that particular woodworker in error. Thanks for pointing it out.

Just a note that the OP didn't specify the board was from CWW.  I'd be shocked if they ever shipped such a thing - even if some "brother" messed up, hahaha!

All the pics were bad enough but then I saw #4.  That does look to have been (badly) filled.  Ugh. immediate return.  What a waste.

I agree with many if not all of the comments made so far. My take: Highest grade wood will not exhibit knots. So, it depends on what you paid for and expected the wood to be. Some knots can be and are esthetically pleasing and add character to the piece, again depending on several things; placement, chess board vs. furniture vs. instrument vs. table top, etc. It truly is your choice, and it seems the board doesn’t meet your expectations or you wouldn’t have started this thread. So, my very humble advice is to return the board and find one that doesn’t just meet your expectations but makes you say “wow, I love this board” when you receive it. I could accept the knots shown with the exception of the one in picture #4, it has been filled and that tells me the maker attempted to improve upon the flaw. I don’t mean to imply that by doing so the maker was purposefully deceitful. I’ve found that a good portion of working with wood is learning to work with the wood and all it’s imperfections. Bottom line for me, I’d probably return it with clear direction on what you expect from the maker. On the other hand, how do you intend to use this board, display in your home, taking it the local club or coffee house, or to the park bench? If it is the later, you’ll be the talk of the park with this board, the knots likely will be unnoticed there. Keep us in the loop, and thank you for posting. I do really like the combination of woods on this one. I see why you were drawn to it!