Proud backsprings

[geocash]

This issue probably has been discussed here in depth & my concerns addressed, but I can't find it.

This 1970 Case #62009 1/2 has strong springs & no wobble whatsoever. When it is open, each backspring is reasonably flush with the liners & bolsters & the run up looks reasonably good. No problem that I can see. Using 10X magnification, with each blade open & closed, I couldn't see any pocket lint, corrosion or anything else in the well or anywhere on the tang that could interfere with it operating properly. Even so, I've scratched around in the well with a fine wire, applied Liquid Wrench to the pivot & used a 100 psi of compressed air to satisfy myself that it is clean. Then I re-applied Quick-Release oil in the pivot. (I know better than to open more than one blade at a time but I did it anyway & only cut myself once.) Still, when either blade is closed its backspring is a little proud at the point it meets the tang. I've considered polishing the backsprings, by hand, so they are flush when closed. I think that polishing the backsprings would have been one of the last operations in the factory so I'm puzzled how it got this way, unless this is how it left the factory. Anyway, I can leave it like it is but I have too much free time & I like to at least try to fix stuff. I'd rather not screw something up, but that happens, occasionally. I figure if I polish the backsprings flush when it's closed they will be slightly recessed when the blades are open. Insight & advice from you experts is appreciated.

[ea42]

Geez, after all the love you've shown that knife it still went and bit you, no respect lol.

Seems likely that the tangs weren't gauged properly at the factory. You could sand the springs down till they're flush when closed but they will drop that same amount in the open position. You could try going half way to at least lessen the exposure when it's open. Another option, which won't affect the spring height in the open position, would be to take a narrow jeweler's file and file a bit off the tang at the point where it contacts the spring when the blade is closed. You'll have to do this with the blade open to expose that part of the tang. It's not an easy task as the tang portion you're trying to file will be between the liners, but it can be done. Don't go crazy if you take this route, a little at a time and check the progress often is the way to go. The edge that the arrow points to is what you want to file. Keep in mind that this will raise the tip a bit as well. If it peeks over the liners you can always file the kick down. Also, I don't think you'd want to attempt this on a classic like that if you plan on selling it one day. In that case I'd keep it factory original.

Eric

[Meridian_Mike]

EWWWWWWW.... Blood....LOL
Part of owning a knife.....
BLEEDING....

[geocash]

Geez, after all the love you've shown that knife it still went and bit you, no respect lol.

Seems likely that the tangs weren't gauged properly at the factory. You could sand the springs down till they're flush when closed but they will drop that same amount in the open position. You could try going half way to at least lessen the exposure when it's open. Another option, which won't affect the spring height in the open position, would be to take a narrow jeweler's file and file a bit off the tang at the point where it contacts the spring when the blade is closed. You'll have to do this with the blade open to expose that part of the tang. It's not an easy task as the tang portion you're trying to file will be between the liners, but it can be done. Don't go crazy if you take this route, a little at a time and check the progress often is the way to go. The edge that the arrow points to is what you want to file. Keep in mind that this will raise the tip a bit as well. If it peeks over the liners you can always file the kick down. Also, I don't think you'd want to attempt this on a classic like that if you plan on selling it one day. In that case I'd keep it factory original.

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Eric

That's clear to me & makes sense. Thanks Eric.

[saltwaterebel]

Case is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're goin to get.

[ea42]

Geez, after all the love you've shown that knife it still went and bit you, no respect lol.

Seems likely that the tangs weren't gauged properly at the factory. You could sand the springs down till they're flush when closed but they will drop that same amount in the open position. You could try going half way to at least lessen the exposure when it's open. Another option, which won't affect the spring height in the open position, would be to take a narrow jeweler's file and file a bit off the tang at the point where it contacts the spring when the blade is closed. You'll have to do this with the blade open to expose that part of the tang. It's not an easy task as the tang portion you're trying to file will be between the liners, but it can be done. Don't go crazy if you take this route, a little at a time and check the progress often is the way to go. The edge that the arrow points to is what you want to file. Keep in mind that this will raise the tip a bit as well. If it peeks over the liners you can always file the kick down. Also, I don't think you'd want to attempt this on a classic like that if you plan on selling it one day. In that case I'd keep it factory original.

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.jpg




Eric

That's clear to me & makes sense. Thanks Eric.

My pleasure!

[Mr. Chips]

As soon as I saw more than one blade open, I said "that guy is going to bleed!"
One of the first things I tell my whittlin' classes is: "Do NOT OPEN MORE THAN ONE BLADE AT A TIME unless you want to bleed."

[Dinadan]

I agree with Eric about the possible remedy. Over the decades I have become more philosophical about this kind of thing. Here is my take on the knife.

(1) If it is not your EDC just leave it alone, because nothing you can do will make it perfect and there is a possibility that you will make it less perfect.

(2) If it is your EDC, then get a new EDC, because nothing you can do will make it perfect and there is a possibility that you will make it less perfect.