Kabar extreme gap between guard and kraton

StrangeDaze

StrangeDaze

Gold Member
Joined
Mar 20, 2016
Messages
2,037
I have a kabar extreme plain edge that has a gap between the guard and the kraton.
I was wondering if anyone else has one like this, and if so, has it presented any problems?
I noticed it when it first arrived but they were hard to come by at the time so i decided to keep it. I’ve had it awhile and used it lightly but it just occurred to me that maybe the guard could loosen up.
 
Is the guard loose from the gap?

On the leather handled versions I have had to apply judicious amounts of leather treatment to cause the leather to swell back up again to tighten the guard.

You have to apply some epoxy in the gap.

To be completely honest, I don't really care for how the handle and guard are held on by a single pin and butt cap.

But I still love the knives and enjoy using them.
 
It may be just the angle of the pic,but the guard looks to be not square with the blade.
Looks as if the guard has moved forward at the top creating the gap between the it and the rubber.
I would send it back.
 
zanussi01 said:
It may be just the angle of the pic,but the guard looks to be not square with the blade.
Looks as if the guard has moved forward at the top creating the gap between the it and the rubber.
I would send it back.
Click to expand...
I think that might just be the angle. Its been too long to send back but maybe i could contact kabar and see what they think.

MolokaiRider MolokaiRider Its not loose at the moment but it just occurred to me that it could loosen up potentially. You think epoxy would work?

Maybe OFFICIAL_KA-BAR OFFICIAL_KA-BAR could take a quick look?
 
Honestly, my guess would be that the kraton handles are pressed on and if there isn't sufficient lube or pressure, they may not bottom out against the guard. I'd try to massage the handle up the tang and see if it didn't fill out the gap.
 
NapalmCheese said:
Honestly, my guess would be that the kraton handles are pressed on and if there isn't sufficient lube or pressure, they may not bottom out against the guard. I'd try to massage the handle up the tang and see if it didn't fill out the gap.
Click to expand...
If i did that then wouldnt that create a gap near the pommel?

Kabar said it was not considered a defect and not uncommon, but that if i wanted to i could send it in.
 
StrangeDaze said:
If i did that then wouldnt that create a gap near the pommel?

Kabar said it was not considered a defect and not uncommon, but that if i wanted to i could send it in.
Click to expand...
So here's my thinking.

They squish the rubber onto the handle really hard. That rubber compresses while it's being pushed on and doesn't quite bottom out. If it doesn't rebound it would leave a gap.

So I'm suggesting that maybe the rubber is compressed a bit and if you massage it you might get it to relax and fill out the gap.
 
NapalmCheese said:
So here's my thinking.

They squish the rubber onto the handle really hard. That rubber compresses while it's being pushed on and doesn't quite bottom out. If it doesn't rebound it would leave a gap.

So I'm suggesting that maybe the rubber is compressed a bit and if you massage it you might get it to relax and fill out the gap.
Click to expand...
Its worth a try!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top