Loose swing guards on CASE 11-1/2L

[zp4ja]

I have 2 CASE 6111-1/2L knives with loose swing guards. Oddly, both are USA era. I have about 25 or so other knives of the same pattern with no issue. Needless to say, it is irritating (to me at least).

Both blades lock but the lock does not go flush with the backspring when opened. So there is some up and down play. If you push the blade up, the lock goes flush with the backspring. At that point there is still major slop/ up and down movement to the swing guard, as seen in the pics below. Both knives also have some side to side blade play. You may also be able to see the locks not flush in the pics.

Anyone seen this before and know the cause? What would it take to fix it? Anyone fixed this before even if on another makers swing guard?

The strawberry red knife in the pic is a rare USA factory error with no model stamp. Would love to get her fixed assuming that beautiful red bone stays intact during the process.

Sorry about the pics but I think you can see what I am talking about from them.

Thanks for the help. Regards, Jerry

[muskrat man]

it can be fixed, i've done it before

[zp4ja]

Thanks MM!

Curious as to what the cause is? Worn parts?

Even if it was gunk stuck in there, that won't fix the side to side blade play. Anyway, sending you a PM. I am sure you can fix em up!!!

Appreciate the help!

Regards, Jerry

[muskrat man]

yup usually worn or damaged parts

[Elvis]

The pins that hold the swing guard come in two pieces. One is hollow and the other is a pin that fits into it. If that's the only problem you're worried about just put something soft against the heads of both pins to protect them and press them together lightly until you have the desired fit.

[muskrat man]

All due respect, I'm not sure cheetahs this old utilized the compression rivet you describe. Besides that, tightening the guards isn't going to make them seat tight against the bolster like they should, nor will it cure the other mechanical ailments these two particular knives have.

[zp4ja]

I received the knives back today and I could not be happier. When my turn on the list came up, I had some family issues and Kaleb was gracious enough to hold my spot after I explained the situation. Good man!

Not to sound like a broken record but anyone who knows me knows this is my favorite CASE pattern and the only frame I am still collecting.

Both had annoying blade play and swing guard slop which I cannot stand at all. I am very pleased to say that muskrat man/Kaleb repaired and sent the knives and they arrived today.

I could not be more pleased with the work and craftsmanship. He had to have the blades laser welded, at an extremely reasonable cost I might add, as too much metal on the pivot points was missing to fix the issue. He was even nice enough to do some pics and a hand sketch drawing just to satisfy my curiosity as to what the issue was.

So now, both knives have excellent blade action, no blade wobble and tight guards with no slop. Both are tight but not too tight if you know what I mean. Just perfect. Lock up nice and tight and no slop. The lock is completely flush with the backspring on the knife when opened and closed also, which also irritates me when it is raised up as I mentioned in the OP. The beautiful bone and the rest of the knife, just as I sent it to him, no damage in the repair process.

I scrutinize knifes very closely and grade them pretty hard. It is completely obvious to me after handling the knives today that he is a true craftsman and cares about his results. To get the knives as they are now, I assume it took some fine tuning to get the fit and action as it is now.

Sorry for the ramble, pretty excited with the knives and results.

As I mentioned, the strawberry bone is a rare factory error.

The other knife belonged to fallen member Johnnie Samples.

Glad to have these old friends back as they mean a lot. Great work Kaleb. Thanks so much.

Regards, Jerry

[glennbad]

Nice to see a good outcome on that knife. I wasn't sure you would be able to get all that fixed, but if anyone could, I knew it would be Kaleb.

Outstanding work as usual!

[muskrat man]

Glad i could be of service and the work was satisfactory!

[zp4ja]

More than satisfied Kaleb! Great work.

Have you ever tried a Cheetah switch conversion project? Sounds like fun if it is doable. Would love to own one if it is possible. I have some spare years/era examples to try on. Maybe the shield as the button?

Is it doable? I saw the great work you did on that Sharktooth.

Let me know by reply or PM please. Be awesome to have one.

Regards, Jerry

[muskrat man]

yep, doable they have been done before with the shield as the button on non-pinned shield models