RR Standard lock bar insert help
Folks, I need some help. ==> TL;DR anyone know someone that can fab a lock bar insert
I picked up a Knife Standards RR Standard off the secondary. The knife looked ok from the outside, the action was ok, but felt a bit gritty. I knew the knife needed work, but I thought it was limited to a bad ano job. I took it apart like I do all knives from the secondary. The show side looked ok, but when I turned the blade over, I found the bearing on that side full of rust mud. The insert was also covered in the rust as well.
Yes, I know, I should have packed it up and sent it back to the seller, but I didn't. Decided to clean it up. Looking at it, you could see the corrosion on the insert. What I think happened is whomever ano'd the lock side scale did not remove the insert and put it in the Whink or whatever they used to surface prep and it corroded the insert. I tried to take screw out of the insert and when it broke free, I could tell something happened. The screw just pulled free and there was dust on my mat. The thread were completely gone.
I decide to remove the insert to see if maybe I can tap it out to an M3. I put it in some evaporust to remove the corrosion. It's does it's job and I can see the edge of the insert. I try to pry it out with a plastic pry and the insert snaps in half at the detent ball. Now I'm really screwed.
I reach out to Knife Standards to see if they have an insert they will sell me. It's Thanksgiving week so I cut them a break when they don't answer me. I reach out again this week. They do answer me but tell me they can't help. I reach out to Bestech, who is the OEM. They are more helpful, responding the same day I reach out. They let me know they are looking through their parts bins. They get back with and tell me they sent all the parts to Knife Standards, so I'm now screwed.
So here's the question, does anyone Know if someone that can fab a new lock bar insert? I realize it's unlikely but nothing ventured nothing gained.