Edge Company auto kit

[prober996]

Is there any value to this kit? I have it forever, and I can't assemble it. It seems to me that the spring is malformed. Is it even worth trying to repair it?

stiletto_kit.jpg (289.61 KiB) Viewed 2687 times

[Twobit]

I can't tell much about the spring for the glare on the bag.

[prober996]

Sorry, I didn't think that anyone would try to actually analyze the mechanical problem from my photo! Here is a photo of the parts. The spring LOOKS like it is the correct shape and that it should fit, but it doesn't. I have been pretty aggressive in trying to fit it, but nada.

IMG_6826.jpeg (210.16 KiB) Viewed 2663 times

[Mario]

How exactly is the spring not fitting? Is it too big for this particular model of knife? Have you tried inserting it and finding something to hold it in place while you hammer the pin down? Maybe you could demonstrate to us what it’s getting hung up on.

[whippersnapper]

I think the kit is actually more valuable unassembled but with the directions it probably doesn't matter. Some guys collect unassembled kits. The directions are a little bit crappy because it makes it look like the spring has to be bent behind the button and safety. The spring looks right to me.

imo unless you find a collector who is nostalgic about the edgeco catalog and knives it's probably isn't worth a hundred bucks put together or in parts. Just not that sought after imo.

[Twobit]

Prober have you tried pushing down on the spring near the pinning point with, say, a flathead screwdriver while inserting the pin? Maybe employing a second pair of hands might be in order. It's difficult to diagnose without hands on but that's what occurs to me to try.

[prober996]

Yeah, the issue is that the bend in the spring is not "deep" enough and the pin can't be pushed by it. I've tried pushing it down with a flathead screwdriver, as well as other tools, but I think that the spring is just not bent enough. Oh well...

[Bill DeShivs]

The kit is worth more as a curiosity, than the assembled knife would be.
The assembled knives are easy to find. How many unassembled kits have you seen?

[prober996]

Thanks all, for your insights. Since I don't have a choice in any case, I won't assemble it!

[Mario]

I just thought of something. Have you tried pinning the blade and bolsters in place? Maybe that’s a step that needs done first in order for the spring to work. I know the directions say to insert the spring first, but to me it seems like that step should come last. I’m just thinking maybe there’s not enough of the knife pinned together to make everything snug and tight. I guess it’s also possible that the spring could be re-bent.

[Bill DeShivs]

Putting the blade and bolsters in/on won't make any difference.

[jerryk25]

DO NOT BUILD IT . . . . .

It's a $60 - $70 knife . . .I am not an authorized value assessor.
But it's a $150 unassembled Kit.
Maybe more to a fanatical collector.
It would be even more if it was an early kit
with wood scales and brass bolsters.

I think I have two unassembled Edge Co NATO OTF kits.
And maybe a Silk Ripper gravity OTF.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
I can say for sure I have assembled around 30 model #120 kits.

If you have opend the platic bag. . . too bad. . .
Still DO NOT BUILD IT..

But if you hold the knife up to a light, to see the pin hole thru.
and you move the spring about, and can get in a toothpick
or skinny non-permanent temporary pin.
This means the spring is bent correct, but just a little overbent.

IF YOU ARE DOING THIS, THE TEMPTTION TO FIX THE SPRING WILL BE TOO GREAT
. . . . . .STOP . . . STOP . . .STOP . . . .

The next step would be to put the spring in place,
then lay a metal/soft brass block on the spring near the pin area.
Or place the unassembled blade heel into the well so the blade
heel with pivot hole sets on the spring at the pin,

If you pinch the backwards blade closed, the pin hole
MAY show daylight thru. . . . maybe enought to press the pin thru,

[jerryk25]

How's that for a crappy 15 minute drawing . . . .
I'm not THAT stoned. . . .

[Bill DeShivs]

At least you're drawing!

[sammy the blade]

How's that for a crappy 15 minute drawing . . . .
I'm not THAT stoned. . . .

You should smoke another one, or get some better weed! Get tore up from the floor up, only way to fly.