Brahma 117 loose bits?

[David Nowlin]

Received my new Brahma 117 from a member here and noticed the pommel is loose and the guard is loose and rattles. I tightened the nut at the pommel and it helped the pommel but the guard is unchanged. It is cold here and maybe the leather has contracted and when summer arrives the leather may swell and tighten everything up?
This is not a deal breaker in any way shape or form just wondered if any Brahma owners have similar issues with this gorgeous knife and if anyone has found a remedy that works.
I may call Buck and see what they can tell me just out of curiosity. Just covering all the bases.
DN

 

[Badhammer]

Use a little leather conditioner on it and snug down the nut. If the leather pieces have adhered slightly to the tang then tightening the pommel nut may not be transferring the compression all the way from tip to butt. All mine needed was a half turn on the nut. I think I applied mink oil to the leather as well. Haven’t checked it again so it may or may not need retightened.

 

[David Nowlin]

I have some leather conditioner i use on my leather furniture i just hate to alter the look of the handle.

 

[David Nowlin]

An example of a knife with stacked leather handle and sheath that I applied some neatsfoot oil to. In this case it really made a positive difference.
View attachment 1755351

 

[GPyro]

I've used leather conditioner/Snow Seal on the ones I have from new and have had no issues.

It just darkens the leather a bit.

 

[David Nowlin]

 

[eveled]

Looks good. But your lanyard hole is pointing in the wrong direction. Lol

I used Cordova shoe Polish on mine.

 

[David Nowlin]

And you did your own finger grooves?

 

[eveled]

Yes. With a drum sander on an old drill press.

 

[David Nowlin]

Still here. Still just using natural oils from my hands to condition the leather.

 

[David Nowlin]

 

[David Nowlin]

Hard to say if it’s any darker? Maybe a smidge?

 

[David Nowlin]

Hand rubbing status to date. Doesn’t need to be made any darker JMO?

 

[eveled]

Looks good David!

 

[Makael]

Careful with the Neatsfoot oil.

Neatsfoot oil on leather​

Recommended: in certain situations.
Neatsfoot oil is a yellow, thick liquid rendered from the shin and foot bones of cows. The word’s etymology harks back to Old English, in which ‘neat’ referred to cattle.
While neatsfoot oil is certainly a popular option, particularly because it softens leather, we have a few reservations. To start with, neatsfoot oil is acidic, meaning that it will gradually weaken and disintegrate cotton stitching on your leather goods. This can, however, be avoided by applying the oil sparingly. Synthetic threads — which are more commonly used in stitching today — will not be affected.
As aforementioned, all natural oils darken leather. Yet neatsfoot is particularly potent and has a strong effect on lighter leathers. Out of the oils we sampled, it caused the most darkening and the finish was very uneven. So if you’re keen to maintain a lighter shade, opt for something else.
In the long run, neatsfoot oil is prone to oxidising, causing leather to crack and deteriorate. As such, it’s wise to avoid using it on items that you’ve invested heavily in and plan on keeping for many years, like leather jackets and wallets.
While neatsfoot oil will restore dried leather, improving flexibility and pliability, mink oil is a better alternative for leather care and conditioning

 

[AZbuckNM]

I use Bick 4 for my knives and my boots. Its does a great job and does not darken the leather.

 

[jmh33]

I also read that Sno-Seal will degrade/rot some stitching and threads..
John

 

[tommycopper1]

I use Renaissance Wax Polish Micro Crystalline on the entire knife it protects from stains and leather scratches on the new brass handles from a new sheath.. Polishes to a fine invisible coating.