jess horn question

ccsavage said:
First post in the customs section, hello everyone! I have recently purchased a few Jess Horns in my search for the best made pocket knives I can find. I love them, they are beautiful, well made for sure, and the horn logo is super. Thing is, 2 of the 3 that I bought have rock lock and side to side play. The are seamless along the backspring and the blades are tightly fit between the bolsters. The knives were mint when i bought them. Does anyone know if these are traits of a jess horn folder, or did i get the only ones that have notable bladeplay. The "middle horn" is tight as a drum, but the folding boot knife and remington bullet replica have the play. Im keeping the knives but wonder if anyone knows if this is a common thing. Thanks
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Any idea on the age of these knives?
 
All I know is the middle horn is #061 stag, the bullet is #187 a.g.russel jigged bone, and the FBK IS #213 in stag. I havent had alot of luck researching these
 
All different logo's
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About the slight side to side play, maybe the interview to Jess Horn in 2008 below helps(I am a Japanese, and this is a translation from Japanese KNIFE MAGAZINE. So the English expression may be unnatural...):
"I use the pivot pin which I specially ordered from 1975 for my folders. This is a special shoulder pin, and the only center part where touches blade is thick. The blade hole for pin is larger than the bolster hole for pin. And if the pin is hit from one side, the pivot pin(shoulder pin) will not be come off…do you understand ?
The thick part of the pivot pin where touches blade is ultra precisely finished, and is perfectly set with no rickety. The thick part is 1/1,000 inches longer than the thickness of the blade. When all of these conditions become complete, I start to assemble the bolster and the liner, and fasten. Also there is a knack for fastening, but the essence of Horn action comes from these points."

Jess Horn used this method, and Frank Centfante used ball bearing system.
From this, both knives' blades may slightly play side to side.
It is for smooth open-close action.
 
I've seen a number of older very well made folders with side play. A little play is not an issue. Lock rock should not be there, make sure to bottom of the lock pocket is free of lint & crud. These knives may be mint, but have been opened and close hundreds if not thousands of times. Most collectors love to play with their knives.
 
Thanks for the responses. These knives have become my absolute favorites despite a tiny bit of whatever it is. They are a pleasure to look at and use for sure.
 
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