Jigged bolsters - Would you be able to ignore this?

A

addylo

Joined
Oct 28, 2009
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Just got a Case medium Stockman today and immediately noticed that one of the edges of a bolster has been "jigged". It may not show well in the picture but the bolster's actually dented at the edge.

I usually ignore gaps and blade rub but this is the first time I've seen something like this. I'm not sure whether to throw it back or forget about it.

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For me I think I'd send that one back. Blade rub no, gaps maybe but that one I think I'd send back.
 
I haven't noticed anything like that on my Case knives. I'd probably ignore it if you plan on using it, but you should send it back if it bothers you.
 
I've seen it before -- first on a GEC and later on a Case. I found it kind of charming, honestly, as a 'tell' of how the building process goes. I mean, it's not like blade rub or wobble -- it's purely cosmetic. Up to you to decide if you like it or not.

--Mark
 
I thought that jigging was done before attaching the bone to the liners, and asumed they filed the bolster in the jig marks to take away the edge, and keep it smooth. Gec does it, and I have had it on my stag white owl, so it's definatly not from the jigging process.
 
A while ago there was a similar thread but the bolster appeared dented while this one looks more 'carved'. I think it's done to get rid of a sharp spot where the bolster sits higher than the bone.
 
It happens when they are polishing things at the end. A bit of the bolster is polished away as the wheel is following the jigging.

Not a deal breaker for me!
 
Right on the button, Derrick!
Nickel is softer than bone, so the buffer erodes a bit of metal. I have seen many, old and new! No problem for me! Kinda interesting, and it indeed softens what could be a sharp edge.
 
okbohn said:
It happens when they are polishing things at the end. A bit of the bolster is polished away as the wheel is following the jigging.

Not a deal breaker for me!
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What Derrick said.

waynorth said:
Right on the button, Derrick!
Nickel is softer than bone, so the buffer erodes a bit of metal. I have seen many, old and new! No problem for me! Kinda interesting, and it indeed softens what could be a sharp edge.
Click to expand...

I'm of the same opinion and would rather see that than have a big cliff of bolster leading down into a valley of Jigged bone.

Keep it :)
 
Yup, definitely from buffing. Nothing wrong with that at all, it's the trade-off with having the jigging go right to the bolster, which imho is preferable when possible.

Eric
 
waynorth said:
Right on the button, Derrick!
Nickel is softer than bone, so the buffer erodes a bit of metal. I have seen many, old and new! No problem for me! Kinda interesting, and it indeed softens what could be a sharp edge.
Click to expand...

Charlie is the Final Word on this matter.

That's how it was back in the day and how it is now. I've seen it on a couple of my GECs. Minor cosmetic thing, part of the build process.
 
Thanks all. The buffing wheel explanation makes perfect sense.

I've decided that this will be my "rough use" knife so into the pocket it goes.
 
Why are you looking at your knife under a microscope? Is it a $1,000 custom?......no. It's a production knife....mass produced.
 
I'm guessing it's WAY less noticeable in person than magnified photos make it look, and would definitely ease the transition from the bolster to the deep jigging. Not a negative for me.
 
Markesharp said:
Why are you looking at your knife under a microscope? Is it a $1,000 custom?......no. It's a production knife....mass produced.
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Why does it bother you if I do? I was only asking a simple question and was curious if others have noticed anything similar.

black mamba said:
I'm guessing it's WAY less noticeable in person than magnified photos make it look, and would definitely ease the transition from the bolster to the deep jigging. Not a negative for me.
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Thanks, Jeff. Yeah, it's not too noticeable from a distance. But you know how it is; new knives tend to get close scrutiny. Within a few weeks it will probably be even more ding up anyway. This one's going to get used hard.

- Neal
 
On a Case user it wouldn't bother me too much. I wouldn't send it back. If it were a $100 knife I may send it back.
 
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