74 case splitback whittler hard to open?

[Hoho]

Bought this from a guy and one of the small blades I’d extremely hard to open.. he says they were all made this way in the 70’s and it’s normal for that model? Y’all have any knowledge of this?? Thanks guys!

[1967redrider]

Would that be an -83 pattern?

[Hoho]

Would that be an -83 pattern?

Yessir

[Sharpnshinyknives]

My experience with those is that they are extremely hard to open. I sold all mine, got tired of turning my thumbnail backwards. Couldn’t figure out why they would make them that difficult to open?

[Mumbleypeg]

They’re not all that hard to open but I’ve had a few that were. It’s not always the same blade. If I was you I’d contact Case repair and send it back to have them “tune” it. Should be a warranty (workmanship) repair IMHO.

Ken

[Old Hunter]

I own a beautiful 6380 (1972 IIRC) that has a Coping Blade that will turn your thumbnail backwards 80% of the time (occasionally it will open normally). The other two blades are normal in their W&T. I have seen this on others I have handled. Not unheard of at all. OH

[KnifeSlinger#81]

You could try leaving the blade partially open for a day and it may soften the spring a little. If that doesn't work just leave it open a little longer.

I have a 60's case jack that has really strong pull on the small blade. I have become familiar enough with it that I can open it fine but it took a little practice to get there. It's a combination of a strong spring, minimal leverage and a somewhat shallow and smooth nail nick that can make them challenging.

A good trick to open stiff blades is to pull the handle out from the blade, instead of pulling the blade out from the handle. This way you can get more leverage.

[Mumbleypeg]

I’ve kept a knife pick on my keychain for years, for opening knives having strong stubborn springs. Probably not an item for everyone but if you open a lot of knives it is handy. Saves wear and tear on fingernails. You do need to be very careful with it if opening a valuable old knife - if it slips off it can scratch the blade.

Ken

[marcellusW]

This fix isn't for everyone but I finally fixed the pen blade on the Case 6208 half whittler.

This pattern is a single spring early 70's knife.

It was so hard to open I had to use Pliers.

After trying a number of the usual suggestions I finally used a rotary tool with a cut off wheel to increase the size and depth of the nail nick.

It worked and now I can carry this knife and use pen blade without ripping my thumbnail.

I have since done this on other knives, BTW, all have been Case knives, 70's vintage.

I have a Case 70's mint Muskrat that I just live with the fact one blade is a nailbreaker


Again, this fix is not for the meek. Be careful and go slow with your cut off wheel. Use sandpaper and file to tidy up nail nick if needed.

[Hoho]

I contacted case and am awaiting a reply.. thanks for the tips guys!

[Hoho]

This fix isn't for everyone but I finally fixed the pen blade on the Case 6208 half whittler.

This pattern is a single spring early 70's knife.

It was so hard to open I had to use Pliers.

After trying a number of the usual suggestions I finally used a rotary tool with a cut off wheel to increase the size and depth of the nail nick.

It worked and now I can carry this knife and use pen blade without ripping my thumbnail.

I have since done this on other knives, BTW, all have been Case knives, 70's vintage.

I have a Case 70's mint Muskrat that I just live with the fact one blade is a nailbreaker


Again, this fix is not for the meek. Be careful and go slow with your cut off wheel. Use sandpaper and file to tidy up nail nick if needed.

I very carefully did this and it worked beautifully..I didn’t even ruin the blade! thank you for the tip!