New Case pen - should I try to fix it? Or send it back for a tune up/repair?

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Dec 2, 2012
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So I just purchased a Case pen (81090). (non BF Dealer link removed)
It is a nice little knife and I like it. But - getting the pen blade out is next to impossible for me. I need to use a metallic object in the nail groove to open it. Can't open it with my fingers or thumb.

It appears that the pen is rubbing up against the clip point when it closes and the amount of friction is difficult to overcome when using only your thumb. I have tried working in Remoil with about 50 open/close cycles. Slight improvement but still unable to use just my thumb.

So I was thinking of sending it back for repair, but the cost of shipping etc make me wonder if I should just try to fix it myself. The problem is I have no idea how I would go about it but am willing to give it a shot. So I decided to ask the experts. Given the wealth of traditional folding knife knowledge and more specifically Case pen knife know how,, I was hoping someone could discuss a course of action.

I am not committed to fixing it myself, but if it is a relatively simple procedure it just makes sense to do it. I know next to nothing about building and disassembling slip joints - but find myself starting to collect them. I thought it would be a good idea :rolleyes: to learn about maintaining these sweet little folders. On the other hand I don't want to void the manufacturers warranty if aligning the blades is something better left to the experienced hands at Case.

So - suggestions more than welcome.

Thanks.
:thumbup:


Update #1 - 10/6. Sending the knife back to dealer as it has shown no improvement. In fact the blade seems even harder to open after many open close cycles and some oil. The dealer offered an exchange or refund. I told them please exchange if you have one that works. Otherwise refund. Will be in the mail first thing tomorrow morning. Dealer is paying return postage. :)

Update #2 - 11/13. Just got an email saying the vendor sent out a knife. No word on whether it is the same knife, a different (that actually opens) or what. This is the first notification that I have got from the vendor and they have explained nothing. Zero. Nada. Zip. But hey, they are sending a knife. They just didn't say what knife. USPS delivery from Oregon to MA takes about 5-7 business days. Will update when the knife arrives.

Update #3 - 11/18. USPS just delivered my replacement. The pen blade opens and closes easily, and the knife has an acceptable or better fit and finish. Goes to show that bad stuff gets out the door at Case once in a while. But the vendor rectified the situation in an agreeable and timely manner. It all worked out.

Thanks to everyone for your advice.
 
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It's not unusual to get a little blade rub on a penknife, but yours sounds more serious than that and I'd send it in to Case for repairs. On the off-chance that it's just the joint that's really gunked up, try flushing it out with WD40 and see if that helps. (I'm not sure if you flushed it out with Remoil or just used it as a lube). :confused:
 
Your only cost will be the postage to Case. I'd send it in.

Thanks. I will call Case tomorrow and make arrangements.

It's not unusual to get a little blade rub on a penknife, but yours sounds more serious than that and I'd send it in to Case for repairs. On the off-chance that it's just the joint that's really gunked up, try flushing it out with WD40 and see if that helps. (I'm not sure if you flushed it out with Remoil or just used it as a lube). :confused:

I would say substantially more than a little blade rub. To the point where it is painful to open the pen blade. Will try WD40 tomorrow. The Remoil was just a lubricant. Seemed to help a tiny bit but the difficulty in opening the blade is just ridiculous.

Yeah, send it back.

I am good with that. :thumbup:
 
Sorry you have to deal with this. It's the last thing anyone wants when opening a new purchase.
 
Open the clip blade. Now open the pen blade. Is it any easier to open the pen blade now that the clip blade is out of the way? ;)
 
Instead of sending it to Case, why not send it back to the dealer and request a replacement? It will save you weeks of waiting for your repair.
 
Open the clip blade. Now open the pen blade. Is it any easier to open the pen blade now that the clip blade is out of the way? ;)

Coyote - opening the clip blade does not really change the effort required to open the pen. The pen does rub the clip blade.

Funny thing, I have been oiling and working the blade by cycling it open/closed. It seemed to be getting better for a while but has reverted back to being extremely difficult to open. My thumbnail is cracked and broken. Using a metal implement is the easiest way to get in the nick and open it. I am sending it back for an exchange before I damage it.



Obligatory eye candy.

Yep that be it. Nice pic. On my knife the clip blade opens and closes very nicely. The pen is useless. But I would like to exchange it for a working knife. Dealer exchange in progress....
 
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I sent a medium stockman back to case not too long ago. It was returned better than ever (actually, I think it was a replacement) in less than 6 weeks.
 
I sent a medium stockman back to case not too long ago. It was returned better than ever (actually, I think it was a replacement) in less than 6 weeks.

USPS just delivered my replacement. I sent it back to the vendor and they replaced it. Took about 6 weeks as well.

On this knife the pen blade opens and closes easily, and the knife has an acceptable (or better than acceptable) fit and finish. Goes to show that bad stuff gets out the door at Case once in a while. But the vendor rectified the situation in an agreeable and timely manner. It all worked out.

Thanks to everyone for your advice.
 
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