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Carbide breaker

strigamort

February 27, 2013 14:38

I posted this in another subforum and just realized that it fits better here.

Benchmade, can you tell me how the carbide breaker is attached to the backspacer on the Contego? Cement? Mechanical fastener (what kind)? Other?

Thanks!

Comments

11 comments

bmkjason

February 27, 2013 16:39
The carbide in the 810 is assembled with a very strong adhesive glue, which crystallizes in the bottom of the receiving hole on the backspacer around the insert. When you use the glass breaker for the first time, the glue crystals shatter and expand around the insert, effectively binding the carbide inside the backspacer.

That's the very basic concept for carbide retention in the 810.
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strigamort

February 27, 2013 16:44
Very good. So if the assembly was dunked in a solution of 50/50 ferric chloride and water would it dissolve the bonding agent?
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bmkjason

February 27, 2013 17:30
Hmm.. that is an interesting question. I certainly would advise against doing that for several reasons.

The first would be that ferric chloride is considered to be an oxidizing agent, and this particular adhesive is not designed to interact with such a compound. In addition, I would be pretty worried about the solution corroding your blade and hardware as well.

Second, those backspacers are created through a powdered metal process, and will not respond kindly to corrosive acid, as the acid will penetrate the entire part, not just the surface.

In summation, I'm not sure what the exact results would be, but I'd be very cautious. That being said, if this has already happened, please let us know how it turned out.
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strigamort

February 27, 2013 17:54
Hmm... I didn't realize that the backspacer was powder metallurgy. Sounds like there not only the chance of damage to the carbide breaker bonding via capillary draw but yeah... I'm thinking that it may not be a good idea for that part altogether.

The idea was to take the liners and backspacer (only no other hardware) and etch it to a dark "patina". I'm not thrilled about all the bright work on an otherwise lovely knife. Of course the other option is to just buy the black model Contego, but I like the "clear" Cerakote.

Well rats. I guess I could just do the liners but I'll probably leave it be.

Thanks for your help. It could have gotten ugly and that would have been a big bummer!
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bmkjason

February 27, 2013 18:58
No problem. I'm glad I could help.
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skimo

March 05, 2013 04:01
Standard vinegar wash followed by a soda wash and rinse could probably do the trick.

I'd recommend protecting the tang area where mechanical contact is necessary for operation, steaming vinegar acts much faster.
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skimo

March 05, 2013 04:03
I'd add that I think a 1:1 ratio for etchant is pretty high.
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dj

March 05, 2013 04:15
Just get a small bowl and pour in some of my wifes chicken soup , soak it for ten minutes and that should do the trick.
Works great for removeing paint .........LOL
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skimo

March 05, 2013 04:32
She use limes in her chicken soup too?
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raisa

March 05, 2013 04:56
quote:

Originally posted by dj:
Just get a small bowl and pour in some of my wifes chicken soup , soak it for ten minutes and that should do the trick.
Works great for removeing paint .........LOL
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geocyclist

March 12, 2013 02:17
Don't let the term "carbide" fool you. These things are a lot less durable than think. Bust out about 50 car windows and it will probably be worn down to your liking.

The videos here are great. But after seeing the 916SBKORG I was really pumped. Forget hammering the blade into wood. I could break glass all day long. It's actually a good thing I don't have the Contego or I would have gotten in trouble by now for breaking some glass I shouldn't have.
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