Sick 8OT

[mountain ron]

I have an old 8OT and the main blade has no spring at all. It doesn't wobble side to side and there is no sign of a crack in the spring. The blades are in great shape and have not been "whittled down" by too much honing. Is it worth saving this by having a new spring put in? The scales are in good shape except for some cuts in one small area. Any idea what he general costs would be? Thanks in advance.

 

[Codger_64]

I'm not a cutler so it is just my own opinion, but you would probably be better off buying a new one expense wise. I am seeing the original USA Schrade 8OT selling on eBay for a reasonable price range of $50 (NIB) to $16 (used but nice). This was from a completed listings search on eBay for the last few weeks. They aren't being made any more, but they were one of the most popular patterns and there is still a decent supply on the market, both new and lightly used. Beware of the Chinese copies now being made though. Not all sellers will tell you where they were made or show the markings.

 

[Bob W]

I have no idea though what a knife repair person would charge for replacing a spring on your knife. The problem, a new spring would either have to be custom machined from a piece of steel or taken from another 8OT. But I can guess it would be much less expensive to buy another in lightly used or even new condition. Look for USA on the tang stamp to ensure you're getting an original.

Good Luck!

Here's a motivational image.

 

[koldgold]

I have an old 8OT and the main blade has no spring at all. Any idea what he general costs would be? Thanks in advance.

To replace the spring, I would say $35 to $45. If you can find some-one to do the job, and has a spring.
Then, if you find some-one to do the job - It could take up to six months for them to get to your job.
New 8OTs do bring good money, however an almost new 8OT could be found for under $30. ... Ken

I have just looked on eBay and found many new and used 8OTs. The old 881 is about that price as the 8OTs (I like them)
Be aware of the “8OT China lookalikes” out there on eBay. Just look for the "USA" mainblade stamping

 

[ea42]

Ron, the problem with the clip blade spring is that it's not only pinned through the center but also the opposite bolster. The pins on those knives are peened over before the cover scales are put on, in other words they aren't peened through the bolster like other knives. In order to replace the spring the bolsters would have to be drilled to accept a standard pin, which is a lot more work. Better off replacing the knife if you can.
It is a bit odd that there's no walk left, is it possible that the sides of the tang (or spring) are crammed with gunk or dirt, making the blade too tight to move properly? If the spring falls well below the liners at the tang when the knife is open fully and closed fully, then it's likely spring wear.

Eric

 

[Codger_64]

Eric, can you recommend a soaking solution to try "ungunking" the joints if that is the problem? Mineral oil?

 

[mountain ron]

Thanks for all the info, folks. Mine is an old USA Schrade. I'm well aware of the Chinese stuff and the fact that it mimics the original is a shameful selling ploy IMHO. I think the spring is worn out but its odd since the clip point doesn't show that much wear. Maybe a slight miscalculation at the factory? I have blasted it out on the insides with carburetor cleaner and the blade still has no snap. However I did notice there is a slight gap between the spring and the inside divider when I hold it up to a light.