A really really really stiff spring...!

ohski said:
I would rather not say the knife maker... It is a custom 4" single blade sliplie... It is even stiff from half way open to full, then back again. I can honestly say I would not let anybody else open/ close it.

So no real options other than
1. return it (not doing).
2. pull tool (no good there either)
3. Live with it..???

Ski
Click to expand...

Why won't you return it? Hell, if it is a custom, you probably paid a decent penny for it. If you did, get it the way you want. I don't think the maker would think twice about tweeking it for ya. I vote for you sending it back.
 
ohski said:
Knife is pinned... can't really be adjusted without being destroyed right?

Ski
Click to expand...

Actually, its quite doable.

Most custom folder makers can(should be able to at any rate) open a folder easily, especially if they build it and 'know' it well. I used to do a lot of them in my customizing services, blade removal etc. Its actually quite easy to do; open a pinned knife for modification, if you know what to do and with practice and the right cutlers tools.


If your knife is a custom; As others have said, I am sure the maker would rather have the chance to make it better for you, than have you not like it...

G.
 
If the handle material is cheap, sure it can be taken apart and "adjusted". Not so easy if it is covered with premium, expensive stuff.

The back spring MAY be ground down sufficiently to remove enough material to relieve some of the spring load and do it without spoiling the profile. It doesn't take much spring grinding to effect a change. Id try that first before taking the knife apart. Nobody wants to take a finished knife apart unless of couse they are a masochist :D

You need to contact the maker and give him/her(hehehe) the opportunity to make you happy.
 
does it have liners? If its a more basic slippie, the pins can be drilled out the spring ground some more to reduce pull... I would contact the maker, I am sure they would want to make you happy...
 
I don't know if you want to do this to a custom - I've done it to prods.... Locksmiths (even at Depot) sell powdered graphite in small little squeeze bottles... wrap the blade (or wear gloves), squeeze some graphite in the joint and "work it" if you know what I mean. It can be a little messy so put a towel in your lap. You'll then need to "flush" it when you arrive at the proper tension.

Mike
 
I think this is a good opportunity to mention an often overlooked point when ordering a custom knife....tell the maker if you want a stiff or easy pull :)
 
I have a production barlow just like this. I'm going to try the 3/4 open thing and see what that does. As for you, you need to contact the maker and see what they want to do. Best of luck!
 
cnas122 said:
I think this is a good opportunity to mention an often overlooked point when ordering a custom knife....tell the maker if you want a stiff or easy pull :)
Click to expand...

Great point.


This is a sore subject with me(pun intended). I hate to whine about my thumb, but messed up my tendon(at MCP joint) in right thumb 4 weeks ago opening a VERY stiff slipjoint.
Yeah, it sounds wierd, but true. Have to wear this spica cast for 4 more weeks, and then go back to Dr to see if Surgery will be required.

Have a KHnutbuster on order with Kerry Hampton, so I called him and asked if he could make the spring as light as possible, since I have to hold knife between finger knuckles(on right hand) and open with left hand.
He said no problem, and he would make it light as he could.



Good luck with your knife, and I would take the advise already given and contact the maker.


edit- My thumb is what led me to buy these two this past weekend at the NKCA show. I can't open any of my slipjoints right now.
 
Last edited:
The knife wasn't ordered... it was pure luck I came about it. Maybe handmade would have been the correct term not custom. It was going to be a user... not a safe queen.

Thanks for all the ideas....

Ski
 
Ken44 said:
Great point.


This is a sore subject with me(pun intended). I hate to whine about my thumb, but messed up my tendon(at MCP joint) in right thumb 4 weeks ago opening a VERY stiff slipjoint.
Yeah, it sounds wierd, but true. Have to wear this spica cast for 4 more weeks, and then go back to Dr to see if Surgery will be required.

Have a KHnutbuster on order with Kerry Hampton, so I called him and asked if he could make the spring as light as possible, since I have to hold knife between finger knuckles(on right hand) and open with left hand.
He said no problem, and he would make it light as he could.



Good luck with your knife, and I would take the advise already given and contact the maker.


edit- My thumb is what led me to buy these two this past weekend at the NKCA show. I can't open any of my slipjoints right now.
Click to expand...


This is something I think a lot of people don't think about. It's one thing to open a knife at a knife show when everthing is okay, and your in good shape. But if you plan to keep this knife, then give a thought to someday way down the road when you may have a problem be it from age or a injury. You may not always have two good hands to wrestle with your knife when you want to cut something.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top