Case Teardrop issues

[solphilos]

I assume this is the Tony Bose teardrop jack?

I have one in ebony (and Tony Bose's signature laser etched on the blade). I was disappointed when I bought it because it had a lot of blade wiggle. Some whacks with a rubber mallet fixed that, and the pivot is tight now, yet still retains all the snap it had before. And it does snap. In all positions. Physically and audibly. Pull on mine I'd rate about a 4. Definitely lighter than most, but not weak. It's maybe a slight tad stiffer from half-stop to open than closed to half-stop, which helps with the "walk" part of "walk and talk".

All in all, I'm very happy with the knife. I wouldn't mind if the pull was stiffer, but being a "dressy" knife, I feel it's appropriate for it to be a bit lighter.

If you're not happy with yours, definitely send it in. Send it back if you're disappointed with the scales, send it to Case if all you want is the action fixed. A few years back I got a "dark red" bone Case and was disappointed in the dull salmon color it actually had. Most real-life pictures I've seen with this bone have been the same. However, that's the only option (that I can find, at least) with 2 blades in CV steel except for bonestag and whancliffe main, so you might be stuck with the not-so-dark dark red.

I actually like the scales, even though they aren't as advertised. On mine they are dark red for the most part and fade out to a lighter red toward the bolsters, but not so dramatically as I've seen on other red scales. I like the contrast and think this one will age well should I choose to keep it, and that's looking more likely.
I did a more thorough cleaning with carburetor cleaner and compressed air and it improved slightly, perhaps enough to be considered acceptable.
The pen blade still isn't very satisfactory but the main blade has a nice snap from half-stop to open. Pretty much as you described.

 

[Will Power]

I've had two CASE Teardrops, a Jack and a single-blade, one I gave away. Very satisfied with the build quality of both and no problems with below par walk & talk. But I'm not so struck by the design of the blade, too short for the frame in my view- I know it's intended to be like that but not my taste.

If I were you I'd certainly return it to the dealer and ask for one with proper snap!

 

[jc57]

too short for the frame in my view- I know it's intended to be like that but not my taste.

I made the exact same comment when they first came out and Mr. Bose himself responded to me in the thread that that was how he had designed it.

 

[joeradza]

I remember saying the same thing and he was rather forceful in his declaration. It was his design after all.

 

[Vinifera]

Just anecdotal but I have the 2015 Smooth Chestnut Bone jackknife version and it is perfect. Pull is 5 to 6 with great walk and talk and the fit and finish is flawless.

 

[Planterz]

Just anecdotal but I have the 2015 Smooth Chestnut Bone jackknife version and it is perfect. Pull is 5 to 6 with great walk and talk and the fit and finish is flawless.

Sexy. I've been meaning to get a knife - any knife - with some sort of smooth bone. But I've been on a synthetic and wood kick lately.

Here's my teardrop (only decent pic I have on hand).

 

[Vinifera]

Very nice!

 

[Jolipapa]

I have bought a Blue Lagoon for daughter and received the red Jack from Will. Both have no issue .

 

[rwc53]

Solphilos, the pull on both blades on my Pocketworn Teardrop is about a 5...the same as my Vic Farmer. Hope this helps!

Ron

 

[solphilos]

Solphilos, the pull on both blades on my Pocketworn Teardrop is about a 5...the same as my Vic Farmer. Hope this helps!

Ron

Okay, now I think I'm sending this one back. That's the perfect pull for me and this is not even close. I suppose it would be perfectly acceptable for those who like a softer pull but I'm not one of those guys.

 

[4thpoint]

I have a glow in the dark Teardrop. The pull is a 5 on the main blade and a little bit stiffer on the pen.
If I had yours, I would send it to Case. They will take care of you.

I agree with both blades are short in length but also not wide enough from the edge to the spine. Its like Case is trying to save money on the steel. LOL

 

[Will Power]

I made the exact same comment when they first came out and Mr. Bose himself responded to me in the thread that that was how he had designed it.

True enough, but even great artists and architects have their less stellar moments......

 

[joeradza]

To all those (myself included) who feel that the blade is too short for the handle we have to realize it's all in the geometry. A tapered handle cannot physically have a matching blade length unless the blade is curved like a pruner. So, I guess beauty does have its sacrifices.

 

[rwc53]

I will say I have never found either blade too short for the uses I put them to. Remember, our ancestors skinned mammoths with flint blades about the same size! (Remember Otzi's flint knife?)

Just my $0.02 worth! LOL!
Ron

 

[solphilos]

I too don't mine the blade length to handle ratio. I can understand the practical criticism that you can get more blade length in a handle this size, but but for me the size difference is negligible. Maybe its an aesthetic issue for some?

I'm still struggling with the issue of whether to send it in or not. While the pull is adequate for a knife this size I'm concerned about how much weaker it may become over time since this is intended to be a daily user.
I suppose I still can't tell whether or not this is just a matter of our subjective definitions of pull strength, or if this is truly a lemon.

 

[Railsplitter]

I too don't mine the blade length to handle ratio. I can understand the practical criticism that you can get more blade length in a handle this size, but but for me the size difference is negligible. Maybe its an aesthetic issue for some?

I'm still struggling with the issue of whether to send it in or not. While the pull is adequate for a knife this size I'm concerned about how much weaker it may become over time since this is intended to be a daily user.
I suppose I still can't tell whether or not this is just a matter of our subjective definitions of pull strength, or if this is truly a lemon.

It's all up to you but it sounds like you aren't truly going to be happy with the knife unless you get a resolution. If you had six of these knives laying in front of you and you could take your pick, would you pick one with a little stronger pull?

If the answer is yes then you should exchange it or send it to Case. You might be able to live with the one you've got now but there will always be that concern in the back of your mind.

 

[Will Power]

Well, it has a fairly long wraparound spring and the blade tip is quite far from it. But that's what was intended... The Wharncliffe version looks better in my view as it appears longer, I think it could even house a Wharncliffe from the Mini Trapper actually.

Testing my single blade out: no gaps, no play, flush in all three, from the half-stop it makes a loud audible click so the W&T are first rate. Fine Amber Bone scales, a really decently made knife and distinctive. As I wrote earlier, I'd ask the dealer to replace it as most people have very positive experiences from the build quality.

 

[solphilos]

It's all up to you but it sounds like you aren't truly going to be happy with the knife unless you get a resolution. If you had six of these knives laying in front of you and you could take your pick, would you pick one with a little stronger pull?

If the answer is yes then you should exchange it or send it to Case. You might be able to live with the one you've got now but there will always be that concern in the back of your mind.

Yes I would. And you make a good point, I tend to dwell on things so it would definitely always be in the back of my mind, probably consigning this knife to a drawer never to be used. Thanks for the advice, this helped me come to a decision.