Without seeing it in person, hard to say... but I have four thoughts:
1) Call Chef's, explain the problem and see if they can help. If the CSR gives the stock answer - "All sales are final" - ask to have the issue escalated. I just did this on a shipping issue and it was solved to my satisfaction almost immediately. Or jump that and try this person - Deborah Hedrick | Customer Service Specialist | CHEFS® | An Affiliate of ¤Target Corporation® | 5070 Centennial Blvd. | Colorado Springs, CO 80919
800-338-3232 (P) | 800-967-2433 (F) |
www.CHEFScatalog.com |
www.Target.com2) Contact DeBuyer - talk with their customer service folks, maybe they can help.
http://www.debuyer.com/en3) Contact Ahron - africanmeat on this site - he is a magician with metal and may be able to suggest a way to salvage it.
4) Go ahead, season and try it.
Good luck!