- Joined
- Jan 1, 2001
- Messages
- 293
I recently acquired an unused '99 Commander BTS. I was hoping it was an earlier spec piece, but couldn't know for sure til I received the knife.
Turns out, she's a beaut. Scales are thick like '98 (though the screws aren't counter-sunk or recessed like the '98s), liners are laser cut with thumb grooves, but seem to be just about as thick as '98 (they appear more different in thickness than they are, I attribute this to the different edge left by laser versus water cutting...kinda like an illusion). The water causes a very rounded and flowing edge, the laser makes a sharp and more "bright" edge with right angles.
Blade is also laser cut, as the thumb ramp grooves will attest to. They are precise and perfectly cut, not the rounded flowing look of the '98s. The grind or angle(where it drops off towards the point) that can be seen when looking straight down on the spine is closer to the tip than that on the '98. However, I have no 2000 to compare it to.
The serrations on the blade are also real "crazy" looking.....nothing like those on my '98 Specwar A-BTS. The spec's are micro little thingies, compared to the nasty ones on the '99 Commander.
Oh, also just one detent, not two like the 2000's.
Okay, now for the reason of this posting:
There is no bearing/or ball in the liner lock for the blade detent. I think it's ceramic or something.
The circular cut (with concave inside edge) is there, and there is also a relief cut. I'm not sure if it was ever there, or if it "fell out", though I'd opt for the first reason, as these things don't really fall out.
Anyone know if Emerson just sent a "hand full" if I could just press one into the cut-out? Or, will I need to send it in, and perhaps risk having a new skinny liner put in it's place? I'm gonna call EKI tomorrow, just wondered if anyone had any thoughts?
With out, the liner rubs the blade (and coating), eventually something which would lead to premature wear is some areas. Besides, action will be much smoother with, and the blade will also seat better closed.
I had previously posted interest in trading this knife (FT forum), then later realized this little problem. Now, on top of all that, I find myself succumbing to the dastardly spell these commies place on those who handle them.
Turns out, she's a beaut. Scales are thick like '98 (though the screws aren't counter-sunk or recessed like the '98s), liners are laser cut with thumb grooves, but seem to be just about as thick as '98 (they appear more different in thickness than they are, I attribute this to the different edge left by laser versus water cutting...kinda like an illusion). The water causes a very rounded and flowing edge, the laser makes a sharp and more "bright" edge with right angles.
Blade is also laser cut, as the thumb ramp grooves will attest to. They are precise and perfectly cut, not the rounded flowing look of the '98s. The grind or angle(where it drops off towards the point) that can be seen when looking straight down on the spine is closer to the tip than that on the '98. However, I have no 2000 to compare it to.
The serrations on the blade are also real "crazy" looking.....nothing like those on my '98 Specwar A-BTS. The spec's are micro little thingies, compared to the nasty ones on the '99 Commander.
Oh, also just one detent, not two like the 2000's.
Okay, now for the reason of this posting:
There is no bearing/or ball in the liner lock for the blade detent. I think it's ceramic or something.
The circular cut (with concave inside edge) is there, and there is also a relief cut. I'm not sure if it was ever there, or if it "fell out", though I'd opt for the first reason, as these things don't really fall out.
Anyone know if Emerson just sent a "hand full" if I could just press one into the cut-out? Or, will I need to send it in, and perhaps risk having a new skinny liner put in it's place? I'm gonna call EKI tomorrow, just wondered if anyone had any thoughts?
With out, the liner rubs the blade (and coating), eventually something which would lead to premature wear is some areas. Besides, action will be much smoother with, and the blade will also seat better closed.
I had previously posted interest in trading this knife (FT forum), then later realized this little problem. Now, on top of all that, I find myself succumbing to the dastardly spell these commies place on those who handle them.
