Repair or not to repair...That is the question??

[buddha19601]

This still attaches 50%. Should I have it repaired or leave it alone? It broke on a camping trip sometime in the mid-70's.

Thanks,
Bill

[jerryd6818]

Most definitely get it repaired. By Case if at all possible. As I see it, it's a defect in materials & should be covered by warranty.

[olderdogs1]

Get it repaired. It will positively affect the value for sure.

Tom

[peanut740]

I would not send that knife to Case for repairs.They wouldn't have anything to fix a 100 year old knife.

[jerryd6818]

Roger, I didn't realize. I thought it looked a lot like Owd Wullie's knife but it looked too good to be a contempory. I'm removing Case from my suggestion.

[XX Case XX]

Here's my take on it:

Send it to Case and see what they say. Most likely they will not be able to fix it but at least you tried, and now, you have a "definitive answer". If they can't fix it, it now becomes a judgement call. You could contact one of the 'Knife Mechanics" on this site and see what they say. Either way, collectability is compromised, so now it's a matter of what you want more:

1. A very old broken knife.
2. A very old knife that's been repaired but functions properly.

You have a 50% chance of being right either way...

____________
Mike

[buddha19601]

Mike,

Thanks, but I'm still like your cat. The knife has no monetary value for me just sentimental value. It will soon be one of my grandson's, so what is your opinion of which is best from a monetary point of view? I do not want to make a WAG (wild a#% guess) but rather a EWAG (educated wild a#% guess).

Thanks,
Bill

[buddha19601]

I did contact Case on their web site and should receive a email from them Monday.

Bill

[jerryd6818]

I suppose you don't want to make a SWAG either (scientific wild a%$ guess).

[stockman]

If you have the piece that broke off, maybe solder it back. I don't know about heat on the bone. One of the knife
mechanics on AAPK could do it. I would not send "THAT" knife to Case.

Harold

[RalphAlsip]

If this were my knife and if I decided to repair it, an option I would consider is a fine jewelry maker. They would demonstrate attention to detail, have patience for tedious work, experience working on small things, have micro tools, access to magnification accessories, etc. They might not have experience with the type of metal in the liners.

[ea42]

Keep an eye on Ebay, if you're patient one might come up with broken bone on the opposite side that you could purchase at a reasonable price.

Eric

[Blade Runner]

I am still puzzling as to why this fine old piece was on a camping trip, even in the 1970s. I don't think I'd put that 'ol girl in the mail to nobody! If it gets lost, it's just gone! JMO
Gary

[XX Case XX]

Keep an eye on Ebay, if you're patient one might come up with broken bone on the opposite side that you could purchase at a reasonable price.

Eric

Eric:

That's an excellent idea. I never thought of that. I also like the idea from Ralph Alsip about possibly using a Jeweler. This is why it's good to get ideas from multiple sources.

_____________
Mike

[buddha19601]

Gary,

I have decided to get it repaired. When it comes back it will again start doing what it was built for. I have posted pictures of my grandfather's knives in general discussion "My Paw's Knives". Please take a look.

[peanut740]

Your knife,but you may want to think about taking a close to a hundred year old knife worth many hundreds of dollars camping. It would be great to use my dad's or grandpa's knife that he used every day.But that knife hasn't been used much and using it could adversely affect it.They don't make them like that anymore.

[Blade Runner]

Gary,

I have decided to get it repaired. When it comes back it will again start doing what it was built for. I have posted pictures of my grandfather's knives in general discussion "My Paw's Knives". Please take a look.

Your Call of course my friend. As you can tell, my concern is not monetary value, but preserving history. If you can repair it without compromising the integrity of the knife hats off to you. I own many very old case knives that are presently under my care, hopefully these old relics will someday enlighten some young persons life. God knows it's a tonic we all desperately need. Good luck with it.
Gary

[PCwizard]

I would get it repaired, I've had many restored by Case, they do a great job. I just sent them a Case fishtail last week for new handles and polishing, the original handles are starting to gas out. the links below are for a 1960's toothpick they repaired, they only charged me $31.

Would love to see the knife after its repaired, that's a great knife.

http://allaboutpocketknives.com/knife_f ... =2&t=43730

http://imgur.com/a/kSjWP

[rea1eye]

Let us know what the result was with Case factory.

They did a re-handle on a 3185 Doctors yellow knife about 18 months ago and did a great job.

Bob