are bobc mechanisms difficult
- Pile Driver
- Posts: 350
- Joined: Mon May 15, 2017 5:18 pm
- Location: North Shore MA
are bobc mechanisms difficult
I have this recent find, the button close mechanism won't retain the blade. Its in nice shape overall despite the bug bite, the pin is very stable at that location.
- Killgar
- Posts: 146
- Joined: Mon May 23, 2022 6:28 am
Re: are bobc mechanisms difficult
Does the sear hold the blade securely in the open/locked position?
If the sear holds the blade securely open, but won't hold the blade closed, that would lead me to believe the closed catch hole in the blade is worn.
If the sear won't hold the blade securely in either the open or closed position that would lead me to believe that the sear is worn down. But the closed hole could also be worn as well.
If the pivot is sloppy loose that could also affect how well the knife stays closed. A sloppy loose pivot could cause the sear to not fully engage the blade catch hole, and any wear would only make this worse.
If the cause of the problem is a worn blade catch hole, I believe the only fix is to have some micro laser welding done to add steel to the hole.
If the sear is worn, it may need to be replaced.
I would inquire with Bill DeShivs about a fix as he is the expert on such things.
If the sear holds the blade securely open, but won't hold the blade closed, that would lead me to believe the closed catch hole in the blade is worn.
If the sear won't hold the blade securely in either the open or closed position that would lead me to believe that the sear is worn down. But the closed hole could also be worn as well.
If the pivot is sloppy loose that could also affect how well the knife stays closed. A sloppy loose pivot could cause the sear to not fully engage the blade catch hole, and any wear would only make this worse.
If the cause of the problem is a worn blade catch hole, I believe the only fix is to have some micro laser welding done to add steel to the hole.
If the sear is worn, it may need to be replaced.
I would inquire with Bill DeShivs about a fix as he is the expert on such things.
Avatar- Ti-lite auto conversion. Video- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q79nia-_DzU
My Youtube knife channel- https://www.youtube.com/@killgar2621/videos
My Youtube knife channel- https://www.youtube.com/@killgar2621/videos
- Pile Driver
- Posts: 350
- Joined: Mon May 15, 2017 5:18 pm
- Location: North Shore MA
Re: are bobc mechanisms difficult
Doesnt keep it open either, I can fold it closed without pushing the button in
- jw517
- Posts: 387
- Joined: Sat Nov 01, 2008 9:23 pm
Re: are bobc mechanisms difficult
I’m with Killgar. It’s worn out.
- jw517
- Posts: 387
- Joined: Sat Nov 01, 2008 9:23 pm
Re: are bobc mechanisms difficult
Is the back spring normal? It looks odd,too high at the blade. Maybe it’s broke? Pin broke?
-
- Posts: 1081
- Joined: Sun Jul 22, 2012 4:46 pm
Re: are bobc mechanisms difficult
If you rotate the blade closed, can you see the lock slot on the butt of the blade-tang ? If so, are the edges crisp ? Or chipped out/worn
- Pile Driver
- Posts: 350
- Joined: Mon May 15, 2017 5:18 pm
- Location: North Shore MA
Re: are bobc mechanisms difficult
Yes I know its worn out, it is a button open button close mechanism, it doesn't have a lock plate - the rocker goes all the way up and meets the tang. Without seeing the inner workings, I believe it is like a key/keyway
- Pile Driver
- Posts: 350
- Joined: Mon May 15, 2017 5:18 pm
- Location: North Shore MA
- jw517
- Posts: 387
- Joined: Sat Nov 01, 2008 9:23 pm
Re: are bobc mechanisms difficult
That’s why I asked about the back spring. Is it strong enough to hold the tang down? Maybe ya got more than one prob.
- jw517
- Posts: 387
- Joined: Sat Nov 01, 2008 9:23 pm
Re: are bobc mechanisms difficult
Kind of like a lever lock or Rizzy without the round holes. 

-
- Posts: 1081
- Joined: Sun Jul 22, 2012 4:46 pm
Re: are bobc mechanisms difficult
Well…. It might be a good time to start getting familiar with the inner workings of what you’re collecting…. Of most vintage autos ( for me) the Italian are the easiest to work on .
- jw517
- Posts: 387
- Joined: Sat Nov 01, 2008 9:23 pm
Re: are bobc mechanisms difficult
Actually I’ve never worked on one of these but they look pretty straight forward. Lever lock in disguise! One has holes,one slots.
-
- Posts: 63
- Joined: Sun Sep 10, 2023 11:57 pm
Re: are bobc mechanisms difficult
I know this is an old post but,,,every one of these that I've worked on the corners were worn off the sear. The blades tend to hold their shape as they are harder metal. Remove switch,weld up and re-shape the sear,or just fabricate a new one. If you're a capable welder the total cost is maybe two dollars including the cost of new pins for re-assembly.