Can't open blade on my new Queen whittler

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wushuguy

Joined
Apr 28, 2007
Messages
46
I just purchased a Queen whittler from gpknives:

http://www.gpknives.com/item/queen-birdseye-maple-whittler.html

The blades on this knife are so incredibly tight. I can barely open the smaller blades, while the larger one is next to impossible. I somehow managed to open it once, but every other attempt ends before I rip my fingernail off. Is this normal in Queen blades? Is there anyway that I can loosen the blades so they open smoothly, or do I have to send it back?

Thanks for any help.
 
I got several Queen Whittlers in different handle materials and have never encountered that problem. So of them are snug, but no problem to open. They should loosen with use.
 
I have several and are stiff out of the box, but never as hard to open as you describe.

I wouldn't attempt any adjustments. Contact gpknives or Queen.
 
I had a cheap sunfish that had a blade that WOULD not come out without pulling your thumb nail off:eek:

My solution was to open the main blade then grab the stuck one with small pliers wrapping some cloth round the jaws and opening and closing it a dozen times, put some light grease in the joint and it began to be OK. this was a cheap knife, don't think a Queen should have that problem frankly.
 
wushuguy said:
I just purchased a Queen ...

The blades on this knife are so incredibly tight. I can barely open the smaller blades, while the larger one is next to impossible. I somehow managed to open it once, but every other attempt ends before I rip my fingernail off. Is this normal in Queen blades? Is there anyway that I can loosen the blades so they open smoothly, or do I have to send it back?

Thanks for any help.
Click to expand...

I have the same knife with bone scales. It does not have the same issues.
Bear in mind that the master blade (the large clip) works off the two backsprings so it will have more resistance while opening, but nowhere near nail breaking.

If you have other slipjoint knives to use as comparisons and this knife is exponentially more difficult, I'd contact the good folks at GP and I'm sure they'll take the knife back and send you another. If you can get it open again, make sure to lubricate the pivots on each end and work the blades back and forth (without fully closing for the time being). That should help.

Good luck and welcome to the forum.
 
I've got an old Case split back whittler that was a bear to open, just as you describe. With normal use, it has eased up a bit. It is still pretty tight, but no where near the impossible task opening a blade was the first time.

KS
 
My small stockman had the same issue with the spey, it was hard to open, nowhere near what you are stating, but still a PIA. After several months of carry, it works fine now. If you can get it open, clean it and lube it, and send it to Queen if need be.
 
I've got a Queen Dogleg that was near impossible to open. When I did, I wrapped that blade in duct tape, added a little graphite (available from locksmith)to the joint and worked it back and forth while reading War & Peace, adding a little oil from time to time. After cleaning it was easier to open. Mike
 
my Case/Bose Millenium Trapper is tight like that , I have a heck of a time opening it , its getting better though with use , but grinding knives tends to remove my nails. Rather have it too tight than too loose I guess :)
 
I have a Queen whittler and it is indeed difficult to open. I have left the main blade half open overnight to reduce some spring tension. It seems to work.
 
sounds like you need one of these :)

turquoisepick1.jpg
 
I'm sure a lot of Case collectors can vouch that the 6308 whittlers can be notoriously difficult to open. I had one from the early 70's, not a 10 Dot, and I literally could not open it using only my nail.
 
Thanks for the replies everyone. I did call gpknives about it, and they said I can send it back for a refund. Unfortunately, they are all out of these now, so no exchange. I've decided I'm going to hang on to it.

The small blades open just fine now. They have very nice snap. The clip point blade is still a pain though. I spent a couple of hours last night just opening it and closing it (not all the way closing it), and adding a little oil. It is still extremely tight. I can open in on occasion, but just as often as not, I have to stop before my nail breaks. I'm going to try and leave it half open tonight to see if that works. If not, then I'll just move on and try out the other suggestions posted here.

Thanks again everyone.

muskrat man, what is exactly is that? Does it work well, as in comfortable to use?
 
It's a knife pick. They are very comfortable to use and a very affective tool for opening knives with stubborn springs.
 
I received something like that (minus the stonework) when I ordered my File&Wire Gunstock from Bill at Cumberland. I had no idea what it was until I read this. How do you employ it?
 
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