After over 8 years of use, Trident TF-1 assisted opening having some issues

[zeedeegood]

My first and best SOG purchase and most sentimental knife is finally starting to have some issues with the assisted opening. The knife is still very functionable and I just have to give an extra firm wrist flip to get it to fully open, but, after 8+ years of use, something is definitely wrong. I've emailed SOG and I have forced myself to not try and monkey with it and cause further damage. I thought I would post this to see what other Bladeforums members may have for advice. I have to say, this knife is what I use to compare all other daily carry knives to. I have a Benchmade Axis flipper, and most recently, a new Kershaw Clash I received from a very generous forum member so I am definitely not hurting for EDC fill-ins. I've just had this knife since 2005 and have lost it 2 times (both of which, through acts of GOD, it was found and re-united with me.) Anyway, I thought I'd post this and see what other SOG users think as far as repairing it. Whether it's something I might try to fix myself or should I try and send it in for professional examination... That is the question.

 

[Robbie Roberson]

Just a guess. Sounds like lint, dirt and debri are in pivot area. If spring still works at all it could very well be this.

I have fixed many knives doing this. My son just bought a used knife that was exactly like yours and would not open......a quick flush fixed it.

The fix is not to take apart but a good hot water flush using dish soap while working blade and unlock button.

This will not hurt anything and if hot water is used, it will dry inside and out in a few minutes.

(this method is no different than dropping knife in a sink of water or in a lake or stream.....no big deal.)

1. Open blade.
2. squirt liquid soap inside around pivot area, let it soak in for a minute.
3. Run hot water inside knife while opening and closing blade. Make sure and use the pressure of the water to get in pivot area. It's important that you work blade a lot being careful not to get cut. It might even be a good idea to put a piece of tape on blade before you start this because the soap and water is very slippery. I have cut myself a few times.
4. This will fix your problem IF the problem is crud clogging your pivot area. If it does not improve, it is problably a weak/sprung coil spring. This means a trip to SOG for a warranty repair.

Good luck.
Robbie Roberson

P.S. Oil pivot area with light oil when dry.

 

[zeedeegood]

Thank you so much for the reply Mr. Roberson! I took all the steps and actually went through everything two times. The inside seems pretty clean now, I think it may be a weakening coil spring like you were saying. It will flip to the locking position occationally now, but it's still not having that hardcore snap like it used to. I guess I'll have to contact the warranty guys. I really do appreciate the help!

 

[Spudly94]

That is actually very impressive since you hear about sog not being quality , but 8 years of use And it's just no having that Is again impressive

 

[zeedeegood]

It's been a great knife, doesn't look like it's been through as much as it has. The TINI finish has held up great, it's cut everything from baseboard to small trees and brush, old caulking and drywall, steak and chicken LOL everything. The serrations are nubbed down quite a bit from where they used to be but still work. This whole opening thing just happened. I got it October 14, 2005 and even though I've carried other knives, I always use this at work.

 

[zcd]

Love seeing a well used knife. Hope they set you straight and you're able to wrangle some more life out of that sucker

 

[Robbie Roberson]

They will fix you up. The spring could be stretched a little too...either way I would contact warranty at SOG and ask how to do it.

Or....retire this one, save it back for your kids to admire as the one you carried for 8 yrs... and then buy you a new one......

Robbie Roberson

 

[zeedeegood]

I have always wanted a revolver but in aus 8! Just afraid it might scare my customers! That is a good idea though. I did send a warrantee email, will have to see what they say.

 

[zeedeegood]

3,100 miles later, my knife has arrived at SOG warranty repair in Lynnwood, WA. A very long way from Kissimmee, FL!!!

 

[Grovie]

I would like to know if it is possible to disable the assisted opening feature on a SOG Trident and just use it
as a manual opening knife? This would be for legal reasons.

Thank you

 

[zeedeegood]

6,200 miles, all by ground travel, and my Trident is back and working like new. It was the coil spring after all. They also re-sharpened the edge back to hair poppin' scary again. The tini got a little scuffed but I'm guessing it is because the edge needed to be re-profiled after so many years of use and me sharpening like a hack. Not a problem, it's a user. Anyway, thanks to SOG's warranty department and Mr. Giovanni Guajardo for the courteous emails and updates.