non-maker question re: re-furbs

wyrm

wyrm

Joined
Jan 16, 2001
Messages
733
Not sure where to ask this so I thought I would get opinions from some makers about how to go about getting my new knife "fixed".

I bought it second hand, at least, but it is unused as new, but when I look at the guard I see some epoxy and a fairly large gap between the guard and the blade. I'm not sure but I think this knife may be seven to ten years old.

I don't even know if this kind of thing is even possible to fix. Is it possible to remove some of the epoxy, re-solder the gap and buff it again without damaging the heat-treat or the micarta slabs? Or am I SOL and will have to live with it? The gap is just on one side and a bit on the bottom, other side is good.

I really like this knife and the polished linen micarta slabs are a sweet colour, so I don't really want him to re-handle it as I may not get the exact same material put back on. I haven't spoke to the maker yet, but he is in the same town as I am, not even a 10 minute drive away.

Thanks for your thoughts guys and for your patience with an "intruder" her in the makers forum. ;)

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wyrm said:
Not sure where to ask this so I thought I would get opinions from some makers about how to go about getting my new knife "fixed".

I bought it second hand, at least, but it is unused as new, but when I look at the guard I see some epoxy and a fairly large gap between the guard and the blade. I'm not sure but I think this knife may be seven to ten years old.

I don't even know if this kind of thing is even possible to fix. Is it possible to remove some of the epoxy, re-solder the gap and buff it again without damaging the heat-treat or the micarta slabs? Or am I SOL and will have to live with it? The gap is just on one side and a bit on the bottom, other side is good.

I really like this knife and the polished linen micarta slabs are a sweet colour, so I don't really want him to re-handle it as I may not get the exact same material put back on. I haven't spoke to the maker yet, but he is in the same town as I am, not even a 10 minute drive away.

Thanks for your thoughts guys and for your patience with an "intruder" her in the makers forum. ;)

TestPicture-038.jpg
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You can talk to him if you want and see what he says. I personally would have to remove the scales and fix the guard, if it is "fixable".

Clearly, if it were abused, I would also charge for the job. Being nice is nice but business is business, too.

Craig
 
One question may whether the knife is consistent with the maker's other work of the time. The first knives I ever sold had a PILE of flaws - but they were the best I was capable of a the time. My current knives go out with flaws too - smaller ones - but still flaws. When I can make a flawless knife, the challenge and excitement will be gone. (although I'll admit Brian Lyttle seems to still enjoy turning out 'flawless' works one after another.)

If someone brought me one of those first knives - especially a resale knife - and asked me to rebuild it, I think I'd be hesitant. The original purchaser took it as it was and probably paid a price appropriate to the new maker struggling for early sales.

Of course, none of this may apply in your situation - but it warrants consideration.
 
bought it second hand, at least, but it is unused as new, but when I look at the guard I see some epoxy and a fairly large gap between the guard and the blade. I'm not sure but I think this knife may be seven to ten years old.

I don't even know if this kind of thing is even possible to fix. Is it possible to remove some of the epoxy, re-solder the gap and buff it again without damaging the heat-treat or the micarta slabs? Or am I SOL and will have to live with it? The gap is just on one side and a bit on the bottom, other side is good.
Click to expand...

If that is epoxy oozed out of the front of the guard, or even solder, you can remove it with a brass chisel, so to speak. You can make that on your own, and just carefully carve that flush with the guard, trying not to scuff anything.
But like the others said, resoldering would necessitate dismantling the knife completely.

Or, like was mentioned above, check with the maker and see what he says. If the knife means a lot to you, it may be worth the price he may quote to do this work. Then again, he may do it for nothing. You just can't tell without asking.
He really doesn't have to destroy the current handle to get it off, just put it in boiling water for 1/2 an hour or so, that should break the epoxy bond, and it can then be disassembled. There will, of course, be some refinishing when it's put back together, but nothing major. :eek: :D




Thanks for your thoughts guys and for your patience with an "intruder" her in the makers forum
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Everybody is welcome here, who come in peace.;) :D
 
Thanks for the advice guys. Now I just need to decide which avenue to attempt. I'm pretty sure that he doesn't make anything like this anymore and his focus is on period pieces and such. Maybe I'll try that brass chisel thing, I just have to find one.

Thanks again guys! Lurk ya later!
Dale.
 
wyrm said:
...Maybe I'll try that brass chisel thing,....

Thanks again guys! Lurk ya later!
Dale.
Click to expand...

Bruce Evans has this
tutorial about soldering guards that shows the clean up being done like Mike mentioned.
Regards,
Greg
 
if you even think you may want the maker to look at it.

Let him look at it before you touch. S'only fair.
 
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