Off Center Blade

U.C.O.K.

U.C.O.K.

Joined
Dec 6, 2004
Messages
656
I have a nice Dan Burke Rancher in BG-42. Is there any chance to fix an off center blade? Whose can do such job? Is it will getting worse with use?
 
If the knife is for using and not hitting the liner while closing, it will never affect the function of the knife. Although that is a somewhat expensive model, it would probably cost more to fix than to replace.

So, I would just use and enjoy. If it is for collecting then you might consider sending it back to the factory. Although you might get some input from them upfront as to whether they consider a blade not falling dead center is a defect. The definition of defective has really expanded the last 10 years.
 
I wouldn't worry about it. I have a DB Rancher too, and my knife also has an off-center blade. I was a bit disappointed at first, but the blade doesn't touch the liners so there isn't any problem other than aesthetics in the closed position. If it's a user you shouldn't worry about it, the off-centeredness won't harm anything.
 
I agree with kamagong. If you look at production pocket knives manufactured over the decades there is a small precentage of knives that are perfectly centered. The majority are not centered.
 
Here's a picture of my DB Rancher in the closed position.

dsc0826q.jpg
 
If our two knives are representative of this model from Queen I think I have an explanation for the off-centered blades. Queen had another Dan Burke limited edition model called the Cattle King. It was a large cattleman with three blades and IIRC the CK was the same size as the Rancher. Queen probably used the same frame and clip point blade in the Rancher that it used in the CK, in which case we should think of the Rancher's blade as crinked, not off-centered.
 
kamagong said:
Here's a picture of my DB Rancher in the closed position.

dsc0826q.jpg
Click to expand...

I have a few knives like this, and I often wonder if this wasn't done on purpose. If you look at it, it is leaning towards the nail nick side of the blade. Often times, when we go to open a blade, the pressure we apply pushes the blade over and makes it scrape the opposite liner, thus scratching the blade. The way your blade is sitting, that won't happen unless you apply a lot of pressure. Opening it normally, it'll probably get pushed slightly, towards the middle of the handle, and thus, won't get scratched.
I wouldn't worry about it myself. Seems like a practical and purposeful design quirk.
 
Voltron you probably right. I also saw some Mcusta that a bit off center toward the thumbstud.
 
kamagong said:
If our two knives are representative of this model from Queen I think I have an explanation for the off-centered blades. Queen had another Dan Burke limited edition model called the Cattle King. It was a large cattleman with three blades and IIRC the CK was the same size as the Rancher. Queen probably used the same frame and clip point. . . .
Click to expand...

Exactly. All the CK frames are identical in size and Queen, Case, ext.,ext. are all known for this practice. Not saying that there is anything wrong with this, quite the contrary.

Now, the fix if you prefer a blade that is centered or at least is not completely off centered whereby the blade is currently and literally touching the liner.. The process is called "crinking" or "re-crinking".. (1) You take the knife in your hand with the knife completely in the open position. And (2) with your opposite hand gently pushing with your thumb about a little past mid-way down the blade--in small gentle motions. (3) Closing the blade every so often until the blade tip is in the desired position. :)

Best,
Anthony
 
sunnyd said:
Now, the fix if you prefer a blade that is centered or at least is not completely off centered whereby the blade is currently and literally touching the liner.. The process is called "crinking" or "re-crinking".. (1) You take the knife in your hand with the knife completely in the open position. And (2) with your opposite hand gently pushing with your thumb about a little past mid-way down the blade--in small gentle motions. (3) Closing the blade every so often until the blade tip is in the desired position. :)
Click to expand...

Anthony, this totally blows me away that something this simple will work. I don't happen to have any knives on hand that need this, but I'm going to remember it. I guess in the past the thought of doing something like this has crossed my mind (briefly), but I quickly ruled it out - mostly for fear that I would permanently damage the knife, or it would cause side to side blade play when open. Does it? Does it only "work" on certain knives, or knives with certain blade configurations?
 
U.C.O.K. said:
English is not my language so I have to read carefuly before I try. Thanks Sunnyd.
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Your english is absolutely perfect. :) And you're welcome.

coyote711 said:
Anthony, this totally blows me away that something this simple will work. I don't happen to have any knives on hand that need this, but I'm going to remember it. I guess in the past the thought of doing something like this has crossed my mind (briefly), but I quickly ruled it out - mostly for fear that I would permanently damage the knife, or it would cause side to side blade play when open. Does it? Does it only "work" on certain knives, or knives with certain blade configurations?
Click to expand...

Crinking or re-crincking is typically done by hand on a new condition knife. And yes, it'll work on any slipjoint on any blade from my experience. The trick is to engage in the process with 'small gentle pushes', as previously stated. You'd be surprised how quickly this procedure works. If done in this fashion you will not get any blade wobble whatsoever. I preformed this on my Dan Burke single blade CK and can snap a photo of the result a little later today here if anyone would care to see it?..



Anthony
 
sunnyd said:
Crinking or re-crincking is typically done by hand on a new condition knife. And yes, it'll work on any slipjoint on any blade from my experience. The trick is to engage in the process with 'small gentle pushes', as previously stated. You'd be surprised how quickly this procedure works. If done in this fashion you will not get any blade wobble whatsoever. I preformed this on my Dan Burke single blade CK and can snap a photo of the result a little later today here if anyone would care to see it?..
Click to expand...

Thanks again Anthony. If I didn't know you were a stand up kind of guy, I'd almost think you were pulling our legs and seeing how many guys you could trick into trying this! But I believe ya, I believe ya! :D

Love to see some pics, too! :thumbup:
 
FYI...crinking is done on pre-heat treated blades. Be careful. ;)
 
Oh man...Charlie won't like you for reminding him about that one. :D
 
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