Weak spring issue and other knife diseases.
For those who feel that a Buck knife has weak springs this is my opinion, only, on what steps you should take.
1. First, decide what the problem is. I am not being silly here, be able to state in your mind what is wrong. Check out knives, like the one with problems, to get a feeling on 'how' weak the spring is. Be able to state if you feel it is not meeting standards of Buck knives of that design and era. Be able to state you have compared it to other knives. Maybe actually make some notes, to be used next, about the knife in hand and the knives you have compared it to.
2. Then decide how much effort and time you are willing to put into this. If its a modern made Buck, maybe you would be better off spending your time and dollars going to a store you can buy a new one by sorting thru the stock on hand. As an example I went thru 20 small grey diamondwood Vantages to find the best looking scale. The counter lady at that store in southern MO was very patient. If you have a classic knife or a heirloom knife and want to try an fix it and are willing to make some effort then go to step 3.
3. Pull up the Buck website, then go to the Warranty and Repair section. Read carefully. Write down the 800 number. Also write down the email address. I myself would call the 800 number and discuss the why's you want something fixed on your knife. Be ready to use your notes on No.1 to explain. Be sure to include in conversation if this knife is "special". Also be ready to hear there is nothing they can do for you.
4. Then make another contact by writing a letter or sending a email to the said department at Buck. So, that someone has to consider your request, efforts of investigation and then think about a reply to you. At this time you can request the email address of Customer service head Joe Houser who is very experienced at considering how to help customers. You can then email him. Be sure to include in any written material, and the telephone, you are a Buck Blade Forum member and if a BCCI member mention that with you member number. This last step will take time for a reply because Joe gets lots of emails.
If you end up sending in your knife, use a postal service box or a padded envelope, wrap in bubble wrap, not foam beads.
Wadded up newspaper if you have too. Don't leave knife where a tear in shipped container will let it "escape", make it shake proof. Address the package *****exactly as the website states****. Using a address that ends in KNIVES is a bad mistake. Buck does not generally send you a postage paid label, discussion for costs should also occur during contacts.
Good luck.
Always - always before declaring a misdeed for a new knife or even an old one, clean it very, very carefully. Run under hot water with lots of dish soap, dry with hair dryer and then heavily spray with some type of lube that is also listed as a cleaner CLP or WD40 come to mind. Use a brush and get down in the crack and wash it out, dig around with a tooth pic. I have bought used knives with wad of denim lint that would choke a goat in the blade well. Then heavily lube the joint and sit an work it a spell. You would be surprised how often this has fixed a problem new knife and given an old knife some extra zing.
I have considered buying a small ultra-sonic cleaner several times but the ole hot water route has worked well so far.
The Last Resort - IF you have a heritage knife and are willing to spend the "bucks", you could buy a used knife somewhere ,of the same model and have a knife craftsman swap springs. There are a couple of experienced guys that are familiar with Buck folders that can do it, if you are willing to pay. With this effort very small effects may be noticed around the pins they have to grind out. If it comes to that contact me or one of the guys that talk about folders a lot for a list of folks. Use PM or email.
You can't be casual about this stuff, the better you deal with the contact and stating the facts, the better you ship your knife the better it will be in the end. Again never use Knife , Gun or Ammo in a address label. 'They' are always watching.
300Bucks, civilian moderator
