to clip or not to clip...

[blade_420]

Hey there, I purchased the "sock drawer" bali find that rawhide_clyde had posted...
http://www.bladeforums.com/ubb/Forum47/HTML/001210.html

But the latch is loose both open and closed.
It also has some damage from the blade.

So I was wondering just how much it would drop the value if I were to remove it.

This knife looks stealthy, and removing the latch would make it quieter, and I wouldn't be worried about damaging the blade any more.

Who likes latchless designs and why?
Who knows how I could remove it without damaging the handle? Diamond cutting wire?

Did I pay too much for this knife? ($350.00)

Please, I need your input on this....

 

[Dawkind]

Sounds like a fair price to me. If you're looking to collect it, leave it alone! If you're going to use it and manipulate it, do what you so desire. You'll have to drive the pin out of the handle; some were TIG welded in place though...............IMHO I'd leave it alone.

 

[Gollnick]

Regardless of if the knife is a 402 or a custom, it's a rare bird, highly collectible. To remove the latch as you suggest would ruin the knife as a collectible. The value would plumet.

Now, on the other hand, if you intend the knife as a user, then make it comfortable for you.

The handles on that knife were milled out of solid stock. But solid stock began life as a casting. Instead of being cast into the final shape directly, it was cast into a bar and then milled to the final shape. Anytime you have a casting, there is a possibility of voids, air bubbles, in it. You can see an example of the possibilities at

http://www.balisongcollector.com/mainGallery/latchless42.html

It'll be less likely with this piece you're contemplating chopping, but could still happen.

There are three key disadvantages of a latchless balisongs: First, you can't latch it shut. Keep in mind that without a latch, there is no spring or anything that keeps a balisong closed. So, you'll need a sheath to carry the thing. Second: There's no way to latch it open. A balisong achieves its strength when open (unparalleled in folding knifes) only when latched open. And, third, you loose a key way to "index" the knife, to figure out which handle you have in your hand or how the blade is oriented without looking.

On the other hand, latchless balisongs are generally faster, they're certainly faster to draw, they are quieter, and they don't suffer any latch damage. I think they look better, cleaner, too.



------------------
Chuck
Balisongs -- because it don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing!
http://www.balisongcollector.com