Adding a detent hole to assisted knives

[d2eux]

I've seen several threads from years past of users who have de-assisted their folders like Kershaws or ZT 0301s or 0350s. For those more skilled, they actually drill a detent hole in folders without them like the ZT 0301, while others simply remove the spring bar like the ZT 350. From what I've read, it sounds like it takes a lot of skill and the right parts to achieve correctly.

From a machinist perspective, why do you think companies like ZT would leave out the detent hole on the frame? It seems like it would add an extra layer of retention in addition to the spring bar, but I could be mistaken.

 

[weech3]

I think you answered your own question: “extra layer of retention” might have been too much retention. Also, the 30x series was designed with Kershaw’s SpeedSafe in mind, the detent ball there to keep the lock bar from making direct scraping contact on the blade face.

I’m seriously contemplating sending my 0301 out to have a detent drilled and de-assisted, the flipper removed and the blade spine reduced etc. I just can’t hardly bear to f$&k up a discontinued beautiful beast.

I too wish that it were so easy to de-assist our favorites. Honestly though, I really wish ZT would still put out some Hard Users or even just a new color LE version of old designs like the 0200’s, 030x’s, etc.