Repairing Cracked Grips on Boker A-F Smatchet

R

RIBob

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Mar 3, 2025
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Hi, new guy here, and I hope this is the right sub-forum.

I have a Boker A-F "Final Edition" Smatchet. It's NIB, but unfortunately the plastic grips have cracked in multiple areas radiating from the OEM rivets. I understand that this is a frequent occurrence, and "perversely" is almost" a sort of "guarantee" of authenticity.

After months of discussions with Bokerusa, they sent me some brown solid micarta grips, for free. Received them today. IDK if they have any other replacement grips for Smatchets.

I can drill-out old rivets and use appropriate screws to secure the new grips.

My question is: Will replacing the original cracked grips with the new Micarta grips affect whatever "collectability" this Smatchet has? I have the supporting paperwork from Boker for new grips. I have no plans for actually using this tool, but that could change.

Or am I "overthinking" this?

Not having removed the original grips, I don't know if they can be repaired, but it may be a "possibility".

TIA for responses!
 
I'd think it would depend on the buyers and what they are lookin for. someone who wants all original unused perfect etc, might not be interested in the factory mod. someone who wants one for use might like paying top dollar for better grips installed and still factory sort of......
 
Boker made a lot of Smatchets, and historically, all versions of the Smatchet move up extremely slowly in value. Years ago, commercial makers used to agree to make the Smatchet with the understanding that it was a way to get into the Col's good graces. The A-F combat knife was where the money is.

Yes, replacing the grips will effect value, but as mentioned, Smatchets are slow movers, so do what you like. The cracked grips would always put a sneer on my face if I was the owner. Also, it shouldn't be a huge drop from the original price, as there are still a decent amount of people that want user Smatchets.

I've never seen a pair of the original grips repaired where you couldn't notice it.
 
Moving to Maintenance and Tinkering Forum.
 
TYVM for both useful comments. Yes, I understand repairing OEM plastic grips may be "problematic" and unknown at present if even possible.

My "tentative" plan is to very slightly widen the inside surfaces of the cracks, and inject some blackened glue into the cracks from the inside, then using multiple clamps
to close the cracks one-by-one. Then I will use a soldering iron to "weld-in" some appropriately sized sections of stainless-steel mesh inside the grips to reinforce the cracks. Finally, I may, or may not, add some lead shot into "flowable epoxy" inside the grips, filling-in the hollow parts of the grips to flush with existing edges. Depends on desired balance point, although a blade like this is always going to be "blade-heavy".

Completely unknown if this is "do-able", but I have had some practice in repairing similar cracked plastic, to decent effects.
 
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Plastic cracks because it shrinks. Repairing it may work, but it will probably continue to shrink.
 
Agreed! But the cracks in the hollow OEM Boker grips may also be due to setting OEM rivets with too-strong pressure applied to the rivets. Hard to say.

Hopefully, at some point, the OEM hollow plastic grips may eventually reach a point where they are unlikely to shrink further. I admit that this involves some "guesswork" on my part.
 
Bill DeShivs said:
Plastic cracks because it shrinks. Repairing it may work, but it will probably continue to shrink.
Click to expand...

I have just received Factory Boker Micarta set of Smatchet Grips, after many months of back-and forth comms. Free, as replacement items under warranty. "Sand/Brown" colored.

Also received suitable screws and inner threaded "barrels" from another vendor which will do--no joy from Boker on suitable grip fasteners. I'll need to gently turn-down O.D. of screws to suit the "steps" on the grips. No big deal. Items will fit.

Now here's a "unique" question. Since the Boker A/F Smatchet is no longer made (mine is "Final Version") am I better off (collectability-wise) with retaining cracked OEM grips (almost a guarantee of originality in this case, lol) OR should I drill-out OEM rivets and install Factory-supplied Micarta grips with aftermarket fasteners?

I understand that this blade is not "highly" collectible at present, but things change over time. Since this blade will likely never be used, I'm leaning towards retaining OEM cracked grips and keeping replacement grips, hardware (and supporting paperwork) in case I sell it.

Comments requested, please.
 
RIBob said:
I have just received Factory Boker Micarta set of Smatchet Grips, after many months of back-and forth comms. Free, as replacement items under warranty. "Sand/Brown" colored.

Also received suitable screws and inner threaded "barrels" from another vendor which will do--no joy from Boker on suitable grip fasteners. I'll need to gently turn-down O.D. of screws to suit the "steps" on the grips. No big deal. Items will fit.

Now here's a "unique" question. Since the Boker A/F Smatchet is no longer made (mine is "Final Version") am I better off (collectability-wise) with retaining cracked OEM grips (almost a guarantee of originality in this case, lol) OR should I drill-out OEM rivets and install Factory-supplied Micarta grips with aftermarket fasteners?

I understand that this blade is not "highly" collectible at present, but things change over time. Since this blade will likely never be used, I'm leaning towards retaining OEM cracked grips and keeping replacement grips, hardware (and supporting paperwork) in case I sell it.

Comments requested, please.
Click to expand...

If never using it, that would be the ideal, in terms of preservation.
 
I agree, leave it alone if it is for collecting and not for use. A collector in the future will appreciate the original grips, even if cracked.
 
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