Cracked case scale

B

Blade_Crazy

Joined
May 26, 2011
Messages
704
What is cases policy for a cracked scale and will they replace it?

Also how long would such a thing take generally speaking?
 
If it's a new knife, or even relatively new, I don't think they'd have any issues fixing it. And if they have the parts/materials, they'll often fix some older ones too. Best way to find out, is to ask 'em (nicely, of course ;)).

What knife is it, if I may ask?
 
From the Case website:

"Yes. Case offers a limited lifetime warranty on its knives which warrants every Case knife to be free of manufacturing defects for the life of the owner. We will repair or replace with a new Case knife, at our option, any Case knife that is defective. Case does not warrant against normal wear or misuse. Please allow four to six weeks for repair. If you believe your knife has a manufacturing defect, mail your knife along with a written explanation of the problem to: W. R. Case & Sons Cutlery Co., Repairs Department, 50 Owens Ways, Bradford, PA 16701. If you have an additional question about a Case knife repair, you can click here to email our Repair Center."


If I had a 30 year old case that had never been used and the scale cracked, I might send it in.
If I had a 30 day old Case knife I dropped off a ladder and broke the scale, I probably wouldn't ask for a "free" repair.
 
Obsessed with Edges said:
If it's a new knife, or even relatively new, I don't think they'd have any issues fixing it. And if they have the parts/materials, they'll often fix some older ones too. Best way to find out, is to ask 'em (nicely, of course ;)).

What knife is it, if I may ask?
Click to expand...


Red bone trapper, a gift from my dad.
 
FLymon said:
From the Case website:

"Yes. Case offers a limited lifetime warranty on its knives which warrants every Case knife to be free of manufacturing defects for the life of the owner. We will repair or replace with a new Case knife, at our option, any Case knife that is defective. Case does not warrant against normal wear or misuse. Please allow four to six weeks for repair. If you believe your knife has a manufacturing defect, mail your knife along with a written explanation of the problem to: W. R. Case & Sons Cutlery Co., Repairs Department, 50 Owens Ways, Bradford, PA 16701. If you have an additional question about a Case knife repair, you can click here to email our Repair Center."


If I had a 30 year old case that had never been used and the scale cracked, I might send it in.
If I had a 30 day old Case knife I dropped off a ladder and broke the scale, I probably wouldn't ask for a "free" repair.
Click to expand...

I dont know that i am going to send it in right now since it has been in my pocket nearly everyday since i got it. but I am now wondering if I use it till it breaks (if it does(its a small crack)) will they fix it for a price?
 
2012-01-24_09-35-51_450.jpg


2012-01-30_14-29-40_461.jpg

This is the one you can see the crack. Its not large or even bad but as a gift from dad (and a knife i am fond of) i really don't want it broke....


but if i use it till it breaks (lord willing it wont) will they re-scale it
 
If it means enough to you, you could ask them whether they still have the parts. Even if the warranty doesn't cover it, it can't be that expensive to have it fixed.
 
I'd agree with the above. Ask Case; even if it's not a warranty fix, you might find it's not that expensive anyway. That knife looks pretty well cared for (doesn't look like it's been abused), so it still wouldn't surprise me if they do fix it under warranty.

But you still gotta ask 'em to know for sure. ;)
 
Looking at your pic, does the crack extend all the way to the recess for the shield? If so, I think that might strengthen your chances for a warranty fix. It's pretty common to see cracks propagating from drilled holes and other machined areas in bone, which might indicate the crack originated at time of manufacture.
 
The bolster nearest the cracked bone appears to have hit concrete or a hard surface, lower right corner of the second pic shows a couple of dings.
That might indicate a problem to Case putting it outside material or manufacturing defect but they'd still be likely to offer repair at a reasonable cost.
If the knife came this way from the Case factory then they'd definitely fix it for free, it would then be considered damaged during manufacturing and thus a defect in workmanship.
Case and BUCK both have excellent repair departments, they may be a bit backed up this time of year but that knife looks like it would be well worth the wait to get it fixed before it gets worse.
It's always worth asking for help, it's not going to get better if you don't ask and will only get worse with use.
 
I sent one in for a similar crack that appeared on its own. It was fixed under warranty. They did a great job matching the bone with the other side. I seem to think it took about two or three weeks from the time I sent it in. They will send out a post card when they receive it. I am sure the are used to dealing with knives that have sentimental value and can let you know your options. Try e-mailing or calling their service department.

Greg
 
Boy that's a tough one. With the sentimental value that knife holds for you, you might consider carrying it on special occasions only.

You can send it to Case as the other guys have said but keep in mind that Case reserves the right to replace it (it wouldn't be your Dad's knife anymore) even if you ask them not to. It has happened in the past.

If you try to fix it or at least halt the progress/stabalize the crack, keep in mind that Super Glue does not work effectively on pourous materials bone being one. You could get some Duco Cement, apply a drop to a straight pin or needle and let it bleed into the crack, clamp the two sided of the cradk together, and polish any residue off with acetone. I've done that before and if works well.

The most complicated but a good fix is to get a drill with a chuck that runs true and use a 1/16" drill bit to drill into the bone cover from the edge closest to the crack and drill through the crack into to bone on the other side of the crack. Use a piece of "threaded" 1/16" stock to screw into the hole/tunnel you've just drilled and pull the crack closed. Keeping the "threaded" stock in place, use the dust/residue left over from drilling the hole, mix it with a tiny amount of glue and use it to fill the hole on the outsice piece of the cover. Sand and polish the bone in order to finish. I've done this on a couple/three knives of mine in the past and again it works well. The key thing to remember when doing this is use a light touch and go slow and easy.

That's a nice looking knife by the way. Very nice keepsake from your Dad.
 
Modoc ED said:
Boy that's a tough one. With the sentimental value that knife holds for you, you might consider carrying it on special occasions only.

You can send it to Case as the other guys have said but keep in mind that Case reserves the right to replace it (it wouldn't be your Dad's knife anymore) even if you ask them not to. It has happened in the past.

If you try to fix it or at least halt the progress/stabalize the crack, keep in mind that Super Glue does not work effectively on pourous materials bone being one. You could get some Duco Cement, apply a drop to a straight pin or needle and let it bleed into the crack, clamp the two sided of the cradk together, and polish any residue off with acetone. I've done that before and if works well.

The most complicated but a good fix is to get a drill with a chuck that runs true and use a 1/16" drill bit to drill into the bone cover from the edge closest to the crack and drill through the crack into to bone on the other side of the crack. Use a piece of "threaded" 1/16" stock to screw into the hole/tunnel you've just drilled and pull the crack closed. Keeping the "threaded" stock in place, use the dust/residue left over from drilling the hole, mix it with a tiny amount of glue and use it to fill the hole on the outsice piece of the cover. Sand and polish the bone in order to finish. I've done this on a couple/three knives of mine in the past and again it works well. The key thing to remember when doing this is use a light touch and go slow and easy.

That's a nice looking knife by the way. Very nice keepsake from your Dad.
Click to expand...

I would take Ed's advice on this one. Unless Case tells you they can REPAIR the crack. Don't throw away the sentimental value :)
 
I'd be tempted to call their service department and see if they would return it if they can't fix it. It looks to be chestnut bone to me, so I think chances are really good that they can replace that scale. The trapper is a hugely favorite pattern, so not having tooling for it will not be an issue either. I'd send it in.

Ed J
 
Put a little 5-min epoxy on it. I did it with some cracked pearl and so far it has lasted 10 years occasional carry w/o any knife purse. If it works, it keeps the knife original, if it doesn't you can still get the scale replaced.
 
I have no reservation in saying they would replace the handle with no questions asked. I have sent several knives back that had issues and each time they have corrected the problem. Whatever you do, write a letter stating what you want done, what would be acceptable as a repair, and if you would/would not accept a replacement. Just be aware that if they replace the handle, it may not match exactly, as they use whatever stock/colors are currently available.
 
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