Dozier handle fix - micarta separating from steel

[HarryUK]

Hi all. New member here looking for expertise.

About 15 years ago I left the US after a very enjoyable two years working for a local newspaper in Colorado. As a farewell memento to a wonderful country I bought myself a leaving present: a Dozier slim outdoorsman in D2 with black micarta scales.

I've looked after that knife over the years, but it's been well used as a tool rather than a trophy. Anyway, a couple of years ago I noticed a ticking sound if I pressed and then released pressure on the scale on one side at the blade end. Although I can't feel any movement it's clear the epoxy bond between the micarta and the steel has failed, at least right at the end of the handle.

It makes no functional difference, but I'd love to fix this. Any ideas? I've been tempted to just drip some superglue in the area affected, but I suspect this might irreparably stain the micarta.

What do you reckon?

 

[Twindog]

I wouldn't try to use super glue. You would risk making the knife much worse.

Did you contact Dozier? His company offers a lifetime guarantee:

Bob Dozier guarantees his knives for life. They are designed for a specific purpose. Should a knife fail after purchase by original user, due to faulty workmanship or materials, such defects will be made good free of cost. The right is reserved to make good such defects either by repair or replacement.​

 

[HarryUK]

I wouldn't try to use super glue. You would risk making the knife much worse.

Did you contact Dozier? His company offers a lifetime guarantee:

Bob Dozier guarantees his knives for life. They are designed for a specific purpose. Should a knife fail after purchase by original user, due to faulty workmanship or materials, such defects will be made good free of cost. The right is reserved to make good such defects either by repair or replacement.​

I will contact Dozier and see what they say. Thanks for the advice!

 

[Twindog]

Dozier should make it good. The problem is that the old epoxy is degrading. For new epoxy to adhere properly, you'd need to clean the surface and remove the old epoxy, which requires removing the scale. Then you're into a big-time repair, with the possibility of doing serious damage to the scale.

If postage becomes an issue, I'd look for a knife maker in your part of the world to do a complete repair.