Bugout omega springs replacement

[krick]

Just a quick report on my experience replacing omega springs on my 535BK-4. Although I've read here and elsewhere that many people have had good results using aftermarket stainless steel springs that are bit thicker than stock, I found a set of SS 304 springs that match the stock wire gauge that I went with instead.

I installed the springs today, replacing both stock springs even though only one was broken. The new springs are slightly stiffer than stock despite the wire gauge being the same, which I’m guessing is due to a different metal composition. Not sure what the stock springs are made of, but they are greyer and duller than the shiny stainless springs I installed. Fit was perfect and the lock now feels and sounds more solid. Honestly, it’s enough (though not by much) of an improvement over stock that I’m glad I broke a stock spring because otherwise I would be none the wiser. Can’t speak to durability of the new springs, but given that my bugout was less than a month old when the spring broke, the bar for durability is not very high.

 

[nevertakeadayoff]

How did the spring break?

Good to hear you improved the knife. TBH, I can't think of a benefit of having tougher springs. Even a stronger coil spring doesn't seem beneficial to me because I wouldn't want it more difficult to close.

 

[krick]

How did the spring break?

Good to hear you improved the knife. TBH, I can't think of a benefit of having tougher springs. Even a stronger coil spring doesn't seem beneficial to me because I wouldn't want it more difficult to close.

I spydieflicked it open one time too many I guess. All of sudden the lock bar tension was really light, and on inspection I noticed that one of the springs was broken. In terms of the benefits of the stiffer spring, it's the feel and acoustics. The lock feels more substantial when disengaging, and engages with a more authoritative thwack, both of which contribute to making it seem more solid. I'm not saying it is actually any more solid, it just feels and sounds that way. And it's by no means difficult to close, although the additional stiffness does encourage a 2 finger (thumb and index) unlock, which I believe is better from a wear/tear standpoint anyway.