Up & Down Blade Play

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joeradza
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Up & Down Blade Play

Post by joeradza »

I think I know the answer, but here goes. I've posted lots of photos of this Bullard but now I have a question. It had a rather soft spring with maybe a 4 on opening with a just a little bit of up and down blade play. However, it seems to be increasing. Is there anything that can be done short of a new backspring
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Bill DeShivs
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Re: Up & Down Blade Play

Post by Bill DeShivs »

Re heat treat the existing backspring.
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joeradza
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Re: Up & Down Blade Play

Post by joeradza »

Bill DeShivs wrote: Mon Mar 20, 2023 5:51 am Re heat treat the existing backspring.
Does that mean disassembling the knife, re-heat treating the backspring and then reassembling?
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btrwtr
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Re: Up & Down Blade Play

Post by btrwtr »

Yes it does but if the issue with the knife is not simply the spring tension it may not fix the problem. the issue could actually be the knife is improperly fit or has wear on the back of the blade tang or the spring itself.
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herbva
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Re: Up & Down Blade Play

Post by herbva »

Any fix for the problem you described will involve disassembling the knife. When you open the blade halfway, does the spring protrude out as far from the back of the knife as it originally did? If the answer is no (or not at all) then your problem is due to either a worn blade tang, or a divot (depression) worn in the spring where it contacts the blade tang, or both.
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Herb
joeradza
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Re: Up & Down Blade Play

Post by joeradza »

btrwtr wrote: Mon Mar 20, 2023 12:10 pm Yes it does but if the issue with the knife is not simply the spring tension it may not fix the problem. the issue could actually be the knife is improperly fit or has wear on the back of the blade tang or the spring itself.
I don’t think it was improperly fit. Bullard was a well respected custom maker from Louisiana before his passing. That’s not to say he couldn’t make a clunker. I’m no expert, but I get the the impression it’s more of an issue with wear. Thanks Wayne

your problem is due to either a worn blade tang, or a divot (depression) worn in the spring where it contacts the blade tang, or both. Herb I checked and I think you may be on the right track. As I open the blade the backspring hardly protrudes at all, especially in comparison to any other slipjoints I own.

It looks like I’ll have to live with the problem or find someone who can basically rework the entire knife while staying true to its origins. That may be difficult and costly.
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Madmarco
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Re: Up & Down Blade Play

Post by Madmarco »

You're absolutely correct, Joe, it will probably be expensive and very difficult to repair that knife, therefore, the only solution to your problem will be to send the knife to me for immediate and proper disposal! ::paranoid::
That's a beautiful knife you have there my friend!
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joeradza
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Re: Up & Down Blade Play

Post by joeradza »

Madmarco wrote: Tue Mar 21, 2023 2:06 am You're absolutely correct, Joe, it will probably be expensive and very difficult to repair that knife, therefore, the only solution to your problem will be to send the knife to me for immediate and proper disposal! ::paranoid::
That's a beautiful knife you have there my friend!
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If you can confirm your address as:
Santa Claus
North Pole

Maybe we can work something out. Yeah, even with the blade play, it's a keeper.
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Madmarco
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Re: Up & Down Blade Play

Post by Madmarco »

Yep, you got it Joe!
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Re: Up & Down Blade Play

Post by catspa »

Say Marco, we’re practically neighbors!

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Madmarco
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Re: Up & Down Blade Play

Post by Madmarco »

catspa wrote: Fri Apr 14, 2023 5:16 am Say Marco, we’re practically neighbors!

Parker
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Good one, Parker!
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