Recommendation? A Couple of Cover Concerns

[Icky Thump]

Well, it was a couple of concerns..

I had a spot on/in this pearl cover..wasn't sure if it was a crack, or..just a variation in the pearl. When I took it out to photograph to present to the members for opinion...I opened and closed one of the main blades, wanting to hear that good snap that I remembered it having..

Good snap indeed, I watched the suspected crack spread before my eyes..damn. So, I'll consider that confirmation that it is cracked..w/ the now loose cover..what to do w/ it now?

I understand I can have it re-covered. Looking for opinions from memebers.

Awful pics...good enough to show issue.

This one is honestly more of a concern for me. The cover(s) are snug, no play or movement. I fear it might loosen w/ carry/use...and after the "pearl incident" I won't let the blade(s) snap shut...I ease them down w/ pinch grip.

Should I be concerned about its exposed pin? Something that can be done w/ it as is? Mushroom the pin?

I understand I can send these to one of the craftsman on board...I have a few in line at glennbad's at the moment. Looking for some members insight on what they/you might do.

Thanks in advance.

Mods, if this is in the wrong place..apologies and please move..

 

[redsparrow]

Ickythump, I know almost nothing about pearl but if the stag was mine I would grind/file the pin and peen it flush. If you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself certainly one of the craftsmen around here can help you out.

 

[traumkommode]

Yes with that long pin on the stag - grind it down and peen it. Not hard to do, just be careful. If the cover has become loose on the pearl, the options are to use some superior adhesive, or to have it recovered. I'd go either way, although I don't know how easy pearl is to get ahold of, so adhesive might be easiest if you want it to stay a pearl knife. If you're going the adhesive route, get G Flex from West Systems. 2-ton marine grade adhesive. Recovering - talk to @glennbad or @Jfowl31 - they probably know about the availability of pearl.

*Edit - I would tap that pin down from the side that is long until you get it seated at a depth you like on that side, and then grind from the other side (side where currently short). It looks like the stag on the short side has easier stag to peen around.

 

[Icky Thump]

Thanks for the input, redsparrow and traumkommode .

I might try the adhesive on the pearl. Thank you for the product info. The knife was fairly inexpensive, due to a rust spot..Im guessing if pearl is available, it would be more of an expense, plus the labor l, than I have in the knife as yet. I purchased it to carry, but starting to see the less than practical nature of this beautiful but delicate cover material..

I'm wondering if the adhesive will stabilize the crack? I'll have to research some tutorials.

The stag..I think your advice, both, is the way to go...seems pretty straight forward, not sure I want my first attempt to be on this knife w/ this cover material..I can see it getting sideways and me cracking the stag..

I may hit up a member you've suggested. I really love this one and want to carry worries free.

Thanks again for the input!

 

[Ernie1980]

Definitely fix the pin yourself, it should be a pretty quick fix. As for the pearl, I have glued down several vintage pearl knives that developed loose covers. Make sure you clean the surface well with alcohol or some other cleaner before you attempt anything or it won’t hold!

 

[Icky Thump]

Thanks for the advice and encouragement, Ernie1980 ...Now to collect the nerve.

I'm assuming the cover has to be lifted completely off? Cleaned, dryed..adhesive..but the crack? Would/could still spread, I'm guessing?

 

[Ernie1980]

I have done them both ways in terms of removing the cover and not. If you completely remove it you risk cracking it more where the other pins are, but it is easier to clean and get the glue (epoxy) where it needs to be. If you choose to glue in place, take your time and get it clean using thin cardboard strips or something similar that you can work in there and seesaw back and forth to get all the crud cleaned up. After the cleaner dries, use a small wedge to give you some space and use a similar method to get the epoxy in there. Then, clamp it down and let it be for the night. I haven’t had one come back up yet (knock on wood) after doing this type of repair. I hope my description makes sense!

 

[Icky Thump]

Yes, it absolutely makes sense. Thank you. I wasn't looking forward to removing the cover over the concerns you've mentioned. Im glad to hear positive results w/ out removal.

Thank you very much.