Can't open my Kershaw Vapor

V

vsanks

Joined
Jan 8, 2007
Messages
37
STR,
I recently purchased a Kershaw Vapor. It’s a very nice knife…expect for one problem. I can’t open the knife with the thumb studs! The studs are very small and pointy, making it difficult for me to get any leverage. It probably doesn’t help that I’m a lefty. The small size of the stud seems to bring my thumb to bear on the frame lock…exerting downward pressure…making it difficult to dislodge the ball from the detent. I also notice, unlike some other thumb stud knives I own, there is no chamfer on the detent. I’ve loosened the pivot, but that doesn’t help. I know it can’t all be me, as I own some other frame locks with thumb studs that offer no problem. I notice you referred to the vapor in another thread as an easy knife to take apart and put back together. When I saw your comment in that thread, I thought there might be a quick and easy fix…besides depositing it in the sock drawer. What do you think?
 
Did you buy it at Wal Mart? If so return it and try a new one out of the display.

If not the detent can be tapped in a little further for you so it does not grab as hard.

For that matter I could also flat grind the existing studs down and or remove them and put something in its place easier for your thumb to purchase.

However, before going there I'd recommend talking it over with Thomas Welk first and see what he recommends.

He is easy to reach and very good about helping out with their products.

But seriously even if you did not get your knife at Wal-Mart they do sell it there for a very good price and it may be worth a stop by there at the sporting goods dept. just to see if the problem you are experiencing is due to something about the model itself or just yours.

I really think the Vapor model is one of the better values in inexpensive quality made frame locks personally but I realize not all knives fit all users. You might find that a different folder of the same model works better for you though.

Thanks for asking
STR
 
Thanks for the advice. I'll talk to Tomas and see what he recommends. By the way, I bought it off ebay...so an exchange is out of the question.
Thanks,

Van
 
I bought a Vapor II about 6 years ago and I had the same problem with mine, vsanks. I emailed Kershaw requesting to purchase a replacement thumb stud that wasn't so pointy. They mailed me a wider, knurled replacement thumb stud at no charge. That solved the problem. Shoot Kershaw an email and ask them.

The Vapor II is the best $20 knife I've ever owned, it was my EDC for years.
 
It's a right-handed stud, attached with a small screw which was included with the new stud. I had to drill out the existing screw to remove the original stud. The new stud & screw fit the existing blade perfectly. I added a bit of Permatex threadlocker and the stud has never come loose or developed any play.

It's still not as easy to open as a Sebenza, but it will now open one-handed without hurting my thumb. I'm not sure how it will work out for a southpaw.

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Hey! Thanks for the pics. Mine may be a little different. I have ambidextrous thumb studs. They must be either pressed in or screwed on. Any way, I'll see if they'll send me one like yours!

Van
 
vsanks said:
Hey! Thanks for the pics. Mine may be a little different. I have ambidextrous thumb studs. They must be either pressed in or screwed on. Any way, I'll see if they'll send me one like yours!

Van
Click to expand...

they are pressed in, hope this helps.
 
Raghorn has one of the older ones--made in japan (newer ones made in china). The newer ones must have this odd design.
 
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