33OT - blade doesn't open 100%

wintermute · Oct 10, 2008

I purchased a 33OT off e-bay two months ago. Seems to be American made. Tang stamp reads "Schrade U.S.A. 33OT".

When I open the clip blade, it doesn't open so that the spine is 180degrees from the spring, more like 175 degrees. That I'm not too concerned about. The pen blade only opens to about 160 degrees and the spring is not flush to the liners when it's open (the spring sticks out a bit).

Now the only thing I have to compare this to is the 33OT I received as a kid (it's my daughter's now) - the blades open a full 180 degrees on that knife and both springs are flush to the liners when open.

Should I be concerned that this new knife not be entirely safe and might close on me when in use (the springs seem to be doing a good job)?

Is there anything I can do to fix this - lacking power tools? (I know this probably should go in the maintenance thread, but I figured I'd post it here first)

6.0stroker · Oct 10, 2008

Would need to see pics to really help here. But if this is a used knife make sure there is no pocket fodder IE grime, dirt, fuzz,ETC. in the (rolling tang to spring juncture?)

not sure of the correct wording but hopefully you get the drift?

orvet · Oct 10, 2008

As stoker said, pictures would help.
Also as he mentioned, look for any "stuff" (pocket lint, gum wrapper, stick, pebble, dirt, etc) inside the knife.
It is possible that the spring is defective & it slipped through QC, especially if it was made close to the end-of-days.

It sounds like it might be fixable if it is just a long spring, but a person will have to take it apart & put it back together with a pin through the bolsters.
I probably have a used spring to fit it (no charge for it). I can walk you through the process if you want to do it yourself.

Show us a pic or two & see if we can figure out the problem from the pics, but first check inside for any obstructions.

Good luck,
Dale

know what i mean · Oct 11, 2008

I use a product called "Break Free" on the pivot pins, allow to sit for a day or so, then use canned air and dental pick. Amazing how much pocket crud will come out of there. Try it and good luck, Dale H.

wintermute · Oct 14, 2008

Wow,thanks for the help everyone. Big thanks to Orvet for the offer - which I may take you up on!! The knife is in as-new condition, with no gunk, so I suspect it is a long spring. Before I put the car before the horse, I'll try to get some pics up. Thanks everyone.

wintermute · Oct 20, 2008

Okay, got to take some photos (sorry for my pathetic macro skills). There's no sludge stuck in there.

Here's the main blade fully extended (older Old Timer on the bottom) - not too concerned about this...

And here's a bad photo of the backspring with the main blade open...

Here's the problem: pen blade opened...

Bad photo of the backspring, but it's definitely sticking up...

6.0stroker · Oct 20, 2008

Yup looks like Dale nailed it proud spring(long). If it is to be a user you could (w/a steady hand) and a dremel carefully remove (grind) the long spring. Wrap in old piece of leather (glove ETC) and lightly clamp in vise or other stablizer and do the deed taking a LITTLE at a time and check, also keep H2O handy to dribble and keep cool so as not to affect the temper (spring steel) in the back spring OR the other option has been offered.:thumbup:

wintermute · Oct 21, 2008

Thanks Stroker - now the decision - to use your method and try not to gouge up the bolsters and liners or pull the thing apart, if I can actually do that - my only power tools are a dremel and a hand drill. But if I pull it apart, I can probably go at the spring with a bastard file to minimize the risk of messing up the temper.

mwochna · Oct 23, 2008

You can also get some jeweler's files that are smooth on the sides so that they don't gouge the liners and carefully file the end of the spring. Slow work - but I've done it. Beats taking the knife apart.