disappointed in barfkriver kephart (is there a way to fix it)

B

baliodude

Joined
Apr 18, 2009
Messages
219
I just got a brand new BR full tang kephrart in amboynia burl. There is a gap between the wood scale and the blade. I can slide a paper between the blade and wood.

Its unacceptable because water could go under and rust the blade.

I dont want to send it back because it requires fedex shipping to get to where i am.

Is there a way to fix it?
 
I think that this belongs in Feedback, and will be moved promptly..once its there, I will give you some input on said issues. I have had several issues with BRKT handles. Overall, I think BarfRiver is a bit harsh, they make some fine knives..but quality control is nill as far as the handles. JMHO.
 
I'm assuming you know that their knives have an unconditional warrantee, so if you can deal with returning it, they will correct the problem. You can also fix it yourself if you're willing to take the scales off, install new pins, re-epoxy and re-finish. It's a bit of work compared to returning it however, but not all that difficult if you have the required materials at hand.
 
I cant take the scales off. I dont have the material or know how. So, there is no quick fix i guess.
 
I would send it in. They'll take care of it for you under warranty, no problem. I've heard nothing but great things about Bark River's customer service. It's a hassle to have to send your knife in, but stuff happens. Bark River should make it right.
 
baliodude said:
I just got a brand new BR full tang kephrart in amboynia burl. There is a gap between the wood scale and the blade. I can slide a paper between the blade and wood.

Its unacceptable because water could go under and rust the blade.

I dont want to send it back because it requires fedex shipping to get to where i am.

Is there a way to fix it?
Click to expand...

While it won't be perfect aesthetically, you can fill in the gap with super glue. Just follow immediately behind it with a paper towel or rag to wipe up the excess:thumbup: You'll want to give each section a bit of time to set up before rotating the knife, but if you take your time you should be able to seal it all up.
 
baliodude said:
I cant take the scales off. I dont have the material or know how. So, there is no quick fix i guess.
Click to expand...


OK here's a couple options.

First and smartest return to Bark River. I can't imagine anywhere in the US you would need Fed EX to ship.

Second you could try to use superglue to fill the hole. I have heard there is some sort of super thin epoxy you can also use to fill holes like that. You could put the paper in the crack put some glue on the paper and try to pull the paper out and use the vacuum to suck glue in.

Third you could heat the knife handle using a heat gun or wrapping it and putting it in boiling water. This will cause the epoxy to release. Then very carefully you can knock the pins out of the handle and remove the scales.

Then you take the scales and on a very flat surface put some fine grit sandpaper down and use it to "plane" the scales flat. You have to be careful not to take too much off, or if you take too much off might want to use a thin liner.

Anyway when you get the scales flat you can just buy some cheap C clamps and glue it back on.

It's not a big thing.

RE: Dissing Bark River. I have had several knives back to them and got them fixed no problem. Also I have had the problem you describe a number of times on expensive custom knives where I would have thought the maker would have taken more time.

I have only had the problem happen on 1 handle I put on and it was some elm that for sure twisted AFTER I put it on because the scales fit PERFECT when I put them on. They got huge gaps and I actually had to buy some super thick liner material because I had to take so much off to get them flat that the scales were slightly smaller than the tang.

It's entirely possible that the burl on yours was a little wet or dry and gapped off after putting on. Also possible they ground the handle too hot and had the glue release.
 
hollowdweller said:
OK here's a couple options.

First and smartest return to Bark River. I can't imagine anywhere in the US you would need Fed EX to ship.

Second you could try to use superglue to fill the hole. I have heard there is some sort of super thin epoxy you can also use to fill holes like that. You could put the paper in the crack put some glue on the paper and try to pull the paper out and use the vacuum to suck glue in.

Third you could heat the knife handle using a heat gun or wrapping it and putting it in boiling water. This will cause the epoxy to release. Then very carefully you can knock the pins out of the handle and remove the scales.

Then you take the scales and on a very flat surface put some fine grit sandpaper down and use it to "plane" the scales flat. You have to be careful not to take too much off, or if you take too much off might want to use a thin liner.

Anyway when you get the scales flat you can just buy some cheap C clamps and glue it back on.

It's not a big thing.

RE: Dissing Bark River. I have had several knives back to them and got them fixed no problem. Also I have had the problem you describe a number of times on expensive custom knives where I would have thought the maker would have taken more time.

I have only had the problem happen on 1 handle I put on and it was some elm that for sure twisted AFTER I put it on because the scales fit PERFECT when I put them on. They got huge gaps and I actually had to buy some super thick liner material because I had to take so much off to get them flat that the scales were slightly smaller than the tang.

It's entirely possible that the burl on yours was a little wet or dry and gapped off after putting on. Also possible they ground the handle too hot and had the glue release.
Click to expand...

Thanks man for the elaborate post. I don't live in the USA. I live in Asia. Where I live the authorities confiscate knives in the male. Only fed-ex is allowed because the company has a treaty with the government.

Thanks for the great ideas. I will start with super glue.
 
I would not super glue it.

Unless you have a thin viscosity epoxy that would seep in and fill, and clamps, and the time to do it, I would send it in to Bark River, as they have all those things.
But it sounds like you cannot do that...

It could be a number of causes; wood warping or epoxy not mixed well enough, or even the basic separating when shipped, as fluxes of moisture when shipping to other areas (i.e wet climate to suddenly a dry climate)...

I wouldn't 'blame' Bark River, or call them less than. They make thousands of quality knives a year by hand. A couple mishaps occur. Overall, they are still tops for heat treat, steel, handle option, performance, and warrantee.



What you need then, is thin viscosity epoxy and clamps.... Good luck!
 
Hey baliodude... Are you enjoying the MT exec Scarab or is it still broken?
 
Hi Hollowdweller-

Instead of vaguely saying, "I live in Asia", what baliodude surely meant to say is, "I live in Saudi Arabia and there is more than a little speculation, though no proof as of yet, about the possibility of me being the infamous Saudi scammer".

And I agree with moonwilson. This is a gb&u issue, particularly because of the use of the term "Barfriver".
 
It sucks that you aren't happy with your BRK, but to resort to the name calling without giving them a chance to remedy the problem, is juvenile...

Nobody likes to send something back, but it happens. Its not their fault you live where you live
 
I bought a Big Mountain Skinner. awesome knife and scary sharp, which is why it sliced through the sheath at the tip like it was warm butter. sheath was too short by about 1/2" and a bit too narrow at the throat.
it took 3 phone calls to BRK to get them to agree that i return the sheath and they would send me a correct size one(i included a cut-out of the blade).
the first 2 times the very pleasant sounding woman said she would call me back. both times i waited 1 week and then called again as i had heard nothing.
that was some months ago. no replacement sheath has arrived. they have my email and phone #. i have given up on this and bought an excellent Buck sheath on ebay that is a remarkably good fit.
my impression from my 3 phone calls is that they are very busy and quite disorganized and the receptionist somewhat harried.
roland
 
Then very carefully you can knock the pins out of the handle and remove the scales.
Click to expand...

FYI, i think the pins in the handle are actually screws? if that's the case, they cannot be simply knocked out...

EDIT: missed the "barf" part and that is totally uncalled for. mistakes happen and the OP has not given BRKT a chance to make things right.
 
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WalterDavis said:
While it won't be perfect aesthetically, you can fill in the gap with super glue. Just follow immediately behind it with a paper towel or rag to wipe up the excess:thumbup: You'll want to give each section a bit of time to set up before rotating the knife, but if you take your time you should be able to seal it all up.
Click to expand...


I second this !

Fix it yourself , they will never know if you do it correctly and you wont void your warranty.

Tostig
 
Tostig said:
I second this !

Fix it yourself , they will never know if you do it correctly and you wont void your warranty.

Tostig
Click to expand...

If the op isn't willing to send it in for repair, the warranty is a non issue.
Unless he sells it later.
However, I think you guys have underestimated BRK by saying they wouldn't notice the difference.

And yes, from everything I have read, the "pins" are all screws with the heads ground off
 
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