Question about handle scale cracks

J

jbrew2007

Joined
Sep 27, 2007
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101
I just received a new GEC #72 lockback in ebony that I think is just phenomenal. It has great look, balance and feel, and I was excited to put it to work as a user. Unfortunately, I noticed that there is a very small hairline crack from the forward pin extending along the wood grain to the bolster.

I am hopeful that those with vintage ebony blades and others with experience with scale cracks might chime in: What is the natural history of a crack like this? The presence of this doesn't bother me in and of itself, I just don't want the scale falling apart a few years down the road.

I'd appreciate any thoughts.

-JB
 
If the crack goes to the center of the pin and stops at the pin and doesn't extend beyond it in any way, then it's probably stable. That's how you stop a stress crack in many materials - you find the propagating end of the crack and drill a hole there. Although the process is opposite in the case of knife scales (since the crack is generally due to the stress applied by the pin at the hole (or often by heating up the pins too much during grinding and finishing the scales, which heats the scales too much)), the effect is the same.
 
mate if its NEW send it back for one that isn't cracked . who pays for new stuff thats cracked ?? not me.
 
meako said:
mate if its NEW send it back for one that isn't cracked . who pays for new stuff thats cracked ?? not me.
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I agree, it's a production knife so replacing it shouldn't be a big deal. You should contact the dealer you got it from.

Ebony is a very stable wood, it shouldn't be a problem to find a good one.
 
Ebony is stable if properly dried, and this takes a long time. If the wood wasn't fully dried, you could get even more cracking. I have some old Gerbers with ebony inlay that has been fine for more than 35 years. But much of the ebony that comes into the U.S. comes in green and wet, and needs to dry out thoroughly.
 
+1 mate if its NEW send it back for one that isn't cracked . who pays for new stuff thats cracked ?? not me.

I'd make them eat the postage too.
 
Meh, I can see where he's coming from - when I get a knife that's absolutely mechanically perfect, I'd be very reluctant to return it for a minor cosmetic issue. The odds of getting another that's just as perfect mechanically are not good for production knives.
 
I very much appreciate all the responses. Honestly, this crack is quite subtle and looks like it is within the grain line. I doubt that anyone except a knife nut would notice. I'll try to get a pic up if I can find my camera. The knife is wonderful besides this small issue.
 
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