AO on the 302 Vs. 400

G

genjischi

Joined
Jan 3, 2008
Messages
12
Hello All, first post. Hi. I collected knives when I was young and living in europe. The past few months I've eyeballed knives again and saw such awesome stuff out there. I bought a ZT 302 and a 400ST. Mmmmm.
Here is my thread purpose:

The 302 assisted opens like rocket! I feel a good spingyness and the weight of the blade vibrates my hand when it locks up with its momentum. The power!

My 400ST does not do this. If i nudge the knife open softly, it springs out a little then stops halfway. Kinda like a half dead speed safe. Does this knife just not have as good of a Speedsafe as the 302? Can I tighten this up? The flipper fin always works to the get blade out. The thumstud works 100% only if I give it some power or flick my wrist a little.


Kershaw makes some great knives. I plan to do a Video review of these knifes soon. I just want to be sure to best represent the 400ST and make sure I dont have a slightly defective one.

peace!
 
Ease the pivot screw out about 1/4 turn. There is a sweet spot in there where the blade has no play and the speedsafe operates at its maximum. Also, there is a bit of a break in period some times. Finally, if all else fails send it back to Kershaw and they will get to the bottom of it.
 
The blue handled one at Lowes works really well, and I think that someone said that the one at Home Depot was pretty good too.
 
genjischi, just checking in on your progress...The 0400 should fire better with the tweak suggested, but they will never kick like the 300 series. Keep me updated.
 
Ahh.. yes. So I made an adjustment. It works a little better. Holding the knife sideways or down always pops the blade out nicely. Holding it stright up, it still doesnt have enough spring to do it on its own with the gentlest push. (thats the problem I've been looking at) If I give it a little more than a tiny push it goes completely any way I hold it. Its ok though. I'm happy.

I took both 400ST and 302 apart to "learn what they were made of" and its clear, the 302 has a thicker and bigger spring bar. That makes complete sense why it jumps out with more Pizazz :P

Still the 400 is a nice knife. I've used it to cut right through an annoying plastic blister pack holding the Torx wrenches I bought. hahah.
 
Since it is obvious that you are comfortable with the mechanics of the Speed safe, go to this link:
http://www.kershawknives.com/contactus.php
Set the subject to warranty service and select the option for speed safe and have them send you a new bar. That may be the solution to your problem. It should only take a few days to get to you and it is free.
 
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