Fix or keep as-is

S

Simple Man

Joined
Nov 6, 2001
Messages
2,558
Not too long ago, I got a 1975 Case 5 dot Medium Jack with black synthetic scales (22807), NIB, unused. Real nice knife, but it has vertical cracks at the center pin, one side a little worse than the other. Main reasons I got it was that I like the jack patten and for the year produced.

Question is, do I send it on for new scales, or keep it as is? I'm leaning toward keeping it as is, all original.
 
I like the 'unused survivor' aspect of a knife that old. I'd keep it as-is....at least until you are beyond the shadow of a doubt phase.
 
I would use it. If for some reason down the road it got worse, you could always send it in to have it fixed. That seems to be the most common place for them to crack for some reason..
I'm assuming the crack runs from the pin down to the bottom by the springs ?
 
Correct, the worse one extends on the other side of the pin up a bit toward the closed blades.

Just by nature of how old it is, and the other knives I have, it probably will not see a whole lot of carry time.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I've had several knives with the same problem. Most are now sporting new handles.
 
If the cracks were just from the center pin down to the springs, I wouldn't worry. However, with one of the cracks extending toward the blades also, I'd say replace. Maybe you can get them to put some proper yeller handles on it. :)
 
I would certainly not send a 1975 knife back to Case for repair; chances are, you'll get a new knife as a replacement instead. If you do want to have it repaired, talk to one of our fine fellow forumites who could do the work for you.
 
puukkoman said:
I would certainly not send a 1975 knife back to Case for repair; chances are, you'll get a new knife as a replacement instead. If you do want to have it repaired, talk to one of our fine fellow forumites who could do the work for you.
Click to expand...

Hmmm, I'd be a mite peeved if they sent me a new Case as replacement for an unused 1975 vintage Case.
 
The only way they would send a new knife out to replace yours, is if they don't have the scale material for your pattern.
IIRC I have seen the same knife recently produced with the black scales. As long as there were no dimension changes it should be fine.

The best thing to do would be to call Case. I have dealt with them a couple times, and they were very helpful. I would make it clear that you want the same scales as the knife came with, because they may replace them with another material if they don't have the black in stock.
 
Yeah, I did call them. The kind lady I talked with said they could take care of it no problem. Only thing is that it would not have the same shield, it would be a new, current one.
 
It's synthetic, not '64 red bone or old Remington bone. Have them re-scale it and carry it with pride! Make sure they don't do anything but the re-scale, though.
 
If you send a knife to Case they tell you to specify if the knife has sentimental value, and they won't replace it.The next time I send one in I would go as far as to tell them not to buff the blades. They buffed the "for flesh only" off the spey on my stockman. If you shoot them an email they will tell you if they could replace it with the same material. IIRC scales are 15 bucks to replace.Prices are on their site.
What kind of shield is on it? That could be a deciding factor for me.
 
Here are some pics, not the best, but show good detail.





Well, after pulling it out again for pics, I have come to a decision. I'm going to JB Weld the cracks, smooth them over, and hope for the best. It should handle batoning after that, right? :thumbup:



































Well, yes and no.......No JB Weld, but I think I am going to leave it as-is for now. The second blade is almost impossible to open without tools, so it will go in the collection as a survivor.
 
If it was my knife, I would use super glue and sand it down with fine sandpaper. You might even make it disapear completely.
 
This thread has made me very curious. I've never seen a synthetic scale crack like that at the pins. Bone and other natural materials, yes, but I was under the impression that the synthetics were more durable. I know I've seen horribly abused Schrade Old Timrs and Uncle Henry's with intact scales, and I can personally vouch for black delrin that Buck uses on thier 301 stockman.

What kind of synthetic material does Case us on those knives? Is it one of the delrin family?

I'd send it back to Case for re-scale.
 
If one of those blades is so stiff you need pliers or suchlike to open it, then this might be the cause of the cracks. The spring was too heavy for the scales and it caused a stress fracture. Jackknife is right in my view, it's pretty odd for synthetic scales to crack....

It's a nice knife that could respond to use though.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top