Adjusting a backspring on an old slip joint?

[clich]

Can it be done? i picked up an old Kabar electricians knife but the back spring pushes the tip of the main blade out and gets snagged on things. Can I fix this somehow since I'd like to carry it? Or is it shot and now a drawer piece?

 

[Phil Gibbs]

Looks like the spring has worn away significant amounts of the round end of the tang.
(Shows the value of"Oil the joint!")

Because the spring is now sitting lower into the knife, the point of the blade is higher in the closed position.

Easiest solution would be to lower the point by taking material of the kick of the blade.
I would check that there is sufficient clearance between blade edge and spring before attempting this.

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

That blade tang really is worn. All the more interesting to me, the inside edge of the tang, closest to the center liner, appears to still be in it's original condition (spring hasn't been abrading on it). I'd do as Phil Gibbs mentioned above. File down the kick on the blade (assuming it's not already filed away), to lower the resting position of the blade in the handle. Check that there's sufficient free clearance inside, as he mentioned.