All About Pocket Knives

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

Re heat treat the existing backspring.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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!
That's a beautiful knife you have there my friend!

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!
That's a beautiful knife you have there my friend!

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.

Yep, you got it Joe!
The Dreamer
123 Santa Claus Lane
North Pole, Planet Psycho
12345
That's a beautiful knife, and one I know I wouldn't part with!

Say Marco, we’re practically neighbors!

Parker

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

Parker

!
Good one, Parker!