Can't center this ¢|&#$_&# blade! Kizer Momo

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DELUXX13

Joined
Mar 25, 2026
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6
I have a Kizer Momo that I can't center the blade on to save my life. I've tried every YouTube trick that works on other blades that are slightly off. The only thing I can think of is that, when I received the knife the blade was so heavy it fell like a guillotine so I tightened the pivot to make it drop like a soft close drawer. Could I have damaged the caged bearings inside? I've even completely disassembled the knife cleaned switched sides on the bearings put it back together and it's still off center in the very same direction. Any ideas? Has anyone ever replaced caged bearings with phosphor bronze washers and had any good results?
Yes, newbie here. I will be grateful for any tips or tricks.
 
I assume that you already tried very very slight adjustments of loosening pivot screw on the side the blade is closest to and tightening the opposite side? This assumes it’s not a one-sided pivot. You can also used card stock or folder paper to keep the blade centered while you carefully tighten the pivot screw.
 
I know that we all want our knives to be perfect in every last detail, but as long as it functions properly, does an off-centered blade really matter that much?

It seems like a lot of effort to try and achieve a level of perfection that simply might not be there.

Of course slightly off-centered is one thing, rubbing against a liner/handle is something else.

.
 
This is counterintuitive, but keep track of which side is off center (closest to the scale).

Open the knife. With the flat side of the blade down on a table (the side of the blade that was closest to the scale) and the handle slightly lifted. Put pressure on the pivot, like you're trying to bend the knife into a Vee. Start with light but firm pressure and work up, but nothing damaging, like standing on it or using your full weight.

Most knives will center this way.
 
SharpBits said:
I assume that you already tried very very slight adjustments of loosening pivot screw on the side the blade is closest to and tightening the opposite side? This assumes it’s not a one-sided pivot. You can also used card stock or folder paper to keep the blade centered while you carefully tighten the pivot screw.
Click to expand...
Yes, unfortunately it's a one-sided pivot. Also tried loosening the handle screws before trying to dial in the pivot.
 
killgar said:
I know that we all want our knives to be perfect in every last detail, but as long as it functions properly, does an off-centered blade really matter that much?

It seems like a lot of effort to try and achieve a level of perfection that simply might not be there.

Of course slightly off-centered is one thing, rubbing against a liner/handle is something else.

.
Click to expand...
I use my knives, and I like to fiddle with them - cleaning, stropping etc. This is not rubbing the blade or causing any damage. This is a wonderful and fun knife, it's just my OCD...
 
Danke42 said:
Was it centered before you started fixing it?
Click to expand...
Yes it was centered before and after I adjusted the pivot initially, then one day I saw it was way off. No hard use but I probably messed something up when I was fiddling with it
 
That's a linerlock right? I find they can be more finicky on assembly.

It takes a bit to crush bearings. I would put it 100% back to the way it was when you got it. Get the blade centered, use the business card method if you're not sure what's best. Don't fully crank all the bolts tight. Just get them secure and check the centering open and closed.

When you're happy with the centering slowly tighten the bolts in a pattern. Think like when you change a tire.
 
I will generally take a knife apart and reassemble when I run into a situation like the OP mentions. It seems something did not go back exactly like it should have.
 
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