New Swayback Jack Question

Getahl

Getahl

Joined
Dec 22, 2007
Messages
990
Hi y'all,

I'm in the Nashville area this week on business, so I decided to stop by a Case dealer in the Opry Mills Mall. Sweet jebus, I'd never seen so many knives (Case, Buck, and Victorinox) all in one place.

After about an hour or so of looking around (despite the fact that I knew what I wanted when I walked in), I picked up a CV Chestnut Swayback Jack, and a CV Amber Bone Medium Stockman. Love them both to death, and will definitely be seeing signifcant pocket time.

Anyhoo, the stockman is more or less perfect, as is the Swayback...for the most part. The blades seem to be sitting a little left of center, nearly touching the liner. They aren't dragging at all, either. Now, I guess my question is, is this normal? The blades, particularly the wharncliffe, looks to be ground as to make it canted, similar to how the sheepsfoot blade would rest in a large stockman. Having no other SBJ to compare this to, I have no idea if this is normal or not. Any ideas if the blades are resting wrong, or is this as it should be?

Thank you very much in advance,

Keith
 
I have not seen a bunch, (only mine ;)), but when I CE it both blades appear to be centered up the best these older eyes can make out.
 
I read once (probably on this forum; I learn all my best stuff here) that this happens when blades are used by the maker for more than one pattern.

Blades are designed with a built-in cant that allows them to close alongside the other blades without rubbing.

The cant will be designed for the model that sells the best and will fit best on that model. If it can be used on another pattern it may not be a perfect fit but if it is acceptable it's a go.

I have a thing for single-blade knives and a I have few that have blades that are canted for no apparent reason. The above would explain it, although it doesn't make me happy.
 
The blades on my Bermuda green swayback are perfectly centered. :)
 
My TB SBJ in chestnut sits just about perfect. It is the best fit and finish of all of my knives. I have others that sit off center, and it no longer bugs me, but it did at first. I think sometimes that minor flaws are what makes things original, special, exclusive, and even sentimental.
Sorry to get squishy on you guys.
I just bought a second swayback jack that will be a gift for my father in law. I bought him a Kissing Crane trapper last year, and just got a report that the thing fell apart, but he loved it up until that point. I was not even supposed to know that the knife broke. Now that I do, I want to treat this man to something of more quality than 2 amorous lanky birds.
 
I have my Chestnut CV Swayback with me today so lets see...

Blades are centered, not absolutely dead centered but close enough to it,

Both blades are "center-ground". They both look like they are single blade knife blades, not like they were made to ride beside another blade,

Springs are dead flush open and at the half stops, and are a hair (or less) proud when closed. You can just barely catch your nail on them, but they feel smooth to my fingertip,

Overall fit & finish is superb, and the color and jigging of the scales is awesome.

IMHO your Swayback should be as flawless as your Stockman. Return it now before you wish you did.
 
My Chestnut Swayback Jack has both blades centered. I'd send it back if one of yours is near the liner. A little off-center is OK, but not all the way over to the liner. They'll make it right for you.
 
Can't find any faults on my Pocket Worn Bermuda Green in stainles.Look in the centre,no rub or blade play,gaps etc. This came via the postman from the US to the EU so I certainly can't complain!

With respect, if you bought it in person from the shop, didn't you notice these faults? All the same, change it while you can, I've never YET had to use CASE's warranty(wish I could say the same of others...) but I hear reassuring things about it.
 
Thank you everyone for your input. Yes, I did buy them in person, but didn't think to check the way the blades rested. Didn't think to because I don't think I've owned any other knives that rest off center, with the exception of a Spyderco UKPK, but I was able to tighten the pivot screws to fix it. I may send it to Case in the future if it bugs me further down the line. It's fine right now, though, so I think I'll just throw it in my pocket and enjoy the knife :)
 
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