Case/Bose lockback whittler question

[somniloquist]

Hi folks,

So Case has reissued this pattern in limited numbers with damascus blades instead of stainless. The moment I learned of this, this pretty much became a grail piece for me. I found one, purchased it and imagine my excitement when I found it on my doorstep this evening.

I brought it inside, ripped open the packaging and closely examined my newest toy. I opened the main blade and the lock snapped closed with authority. So much authority in fact that I couldn't get the blade closed again. Nearly at all. Even with the strongest pressure I could muster with my thumb, the lock lever would not depress enough to allow the blade to close. I ended up closing it by pressing a leather sheath on the lock lever with both hands. Hardly the way this was intended to work, I'm guessing.

I guess I'm wondering if anyone else with this pattern has experienced the same issue? Will the knife break in eventually? Did I get a lemon? I'm hoping the knowledgeable members here will chime in and offer me their thoughts.

 

[Peregrin]

I have the original in ATS-34, and although it takes some pressure to depress the lockback, I can do it with my thumb. The design of the knife, with the short lockback spring, would explain why it takes some extra pressure. I'd try oiling it up and see if it gets better. If not I wouldn't hesitate to call Case. That's an expensive knife and needs to be right. I'm confidant they would make it right for you.

 

[somniloquist]

Given the design, I'd have no trouble expecting extra pressure would be required. However, the lock needs tremendous pressure to open. I'm probably as strong and able as the next guy, but this can't be right.

I'll try oiling it even more and cycling the blade to nearly open and back over and over many times. I hope that will be enough. A trip across the border back to Case will be costly for me.

 

[brownshoe]

A spring is a spring and it won't probably loosen up very quickly. Case is very good in customer service, particularly for their higher end knives. Call them and see if they have any tricks. Since it's a warranty repair, ask them if they will pay for return shipping. Even if they don't, sending it back to Case should be minimal compared to the price of the knife.

 

[Dangerously]

This is very disappointing. The low numbers produced and high price would have suggested more effort on quality assurance.

It's a shame to know they either don't even open them once, or don't have good judgment about lock pressure. Definitely makes the prospect of ordering one online less appealing.

 

[mike Berkovitch]

I can share my experience with this pattern, but not a Case knife. I had the same problem, and I consider myself a strong guy. I got an advice to open and close the blade as many times as I can, and that what I was doing for a week or so. The result was a softened spring that allowed me to use the knife comfortably enough.
Mike

 

[somniloquist]

Well, I have been cyclng the blade back and forth a lot, lubing it and leaving open with the back spring tensioned to try and weaken it a bit. I would normally never dream of doing such a thing, but it seems to have helped slightly.

I called the vendor and was going to arrange a return, but shipping there and back would ending costing me quite a bit, so I think I may just try to live with the crazy spring. It's otherwise a very nice piece, I hope I can just work the spring over time and loosen it up a bit. We'll see what happens...

 

[Chief]

My Damascus whittler arrived yesterday and has the same lock issue, nearly impossible to unlock. In comparison, my original version's lock is butter smooth. Worked the lock on the Damascus for over an hour and gave up. Fit and finish of the bolsters on the Damascus (second pic with multiple bevels) is not on the same level as the originals (third pic) ... not even close. Sad to see such a lack of QC by both Case and the Master Dealer I purchased from on such an expensive knife.

 

[somniloquist]

I'm afraid I'm inclined to agree with Chief about the QC on this one. I have a number of the older collab models and they seem to be assembled a bit better. The snap on the blades of this one doesn't sing the way my Norfolks or Dogleg does.

 

[MarkPinTx]

Unlike a regular slipjoint, where spring tension is unlikely to alter much over time, I wonder if this is not an issue of excessive friction where the notch in the tang receives the "key" on the spring. I imagine the damascus might have a bit rougher surface that needs to wear in a little. Be sure to really drench that area (kind of behind the joint) and maybe try a dry lube like graphite in there. The notch should be fully exposed when the knife is closed.

The error here may very well have been using the same tolerances for the ats34 and the damascus construction, when the damascus could benefit from a tad more slop (or polishing or both) because of the rough surface (compare the spines of the blades in the above pic).

What might help a little is depressing the lock while opening and then releasing and re-depressing without allowing the lock to fully engage. Let that "key" on the spring work on the notch a bit.

 

[Woodrow F Call]

A spring is a spring and it won't probably loosen up very quickly. Case is very good in customer service, particularly for their higher end knives. Call them and see if they have any tricks. Since it's a warranty repair, ask them if they will pay for return shipping. Even if they don't, sending it back to Case should be minimal compared to the price of the knife.

Yes, but there is friction between the spring and liners that could need a little oil, clean, working before it smooths out.

 

[brownshoe]

If a defect needs 3x magnification to see clearly, then it maybe is just a side effect of being hand finished by fallible humans.

 

[Tony Bose]

Well, I have been cyclng the blade back and forth a lot, lubing it and leaving open with the back spring tensioned to try and weaken it a bit. I would normally never dream of doing such a thing, but it seems to have helped slightly.

I called the vendor and was going to arrange a return, but shipping there and back would ending costing me quite a bit, so I think I may just try to live with the crazy spring. It's otherwise a very nice piece, I hope I can just work the spring over time and loosen it up a bit. We'll see what happens...

Call Case and they will probably pay the shipping both ways.

 

[Woodrow F Call]

My Damascus whittler arrived yesterday and has the same lock issue, nearly impossible to unlock. In comparison, my original version's lock is butter smooth. Worked the lock on the Damascus for over an hour and gave up. Fit and finish of the bolsters on the Damascus (second pic with multiple bevels) is not on the same level as the originals (third pic) ... not even close. Sad to see such a lack of QC by both Case and the Master Dealer I purchased from on such an expensive knife.

The bone on those are quite awesome. I'd really like to see Case step up their game on their production knives.

 

[richstag]

John,

I believe those are by far the most beautiful photos I have seen you post! Wow! That lighting really brings it all out!

Too bad about the quality issue. Such stunners otherwise.

My Damascus whittler arrived yesterday and has the same lock issue, nearly impossible to unlock. In comparison, my original version's lock is butter smooth. Worked the lock on the Damascus for over an hour and gave up. Fit and finish of the bolsters on the Damascus (second pic with multiple bevels) is not on the same level as the originals (third pic) ... not even close. Sad to see such a lack of QC by both Case and the Master Dealer I purchased from on such an expensive knife.

 

[Lone Airedale]

Send it to me, I'll carry it for a decade or so, see if it loosens up for you.