CQC14 possible lock issue?

Splat

Splat

Joined
Nov 19, 2006
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I've had my CQC14 for only a few weeks now, bought new from Knifeworks. I've just discovered that with the blade deployed some pressure upon the spine allows me to close the blade. The Titanium liner lock simply.... well, unlocks. Not good. :( I honestly don't remember if I tried that test when I got the knife, though I usually do with new knives. I do simple cutting chores with my folders. No spine whacking, batoning, or anything else crazy so it's not from that. Tightening up the pivot screw doesn't help and it's not from any type of lubrication getting onto the lockface. The liner sits with the left shoulder of the tang just a bit more than halfway of the liner lock's face, if you understand me. I can take a picture later of it after work. I really don't want to have to send this into EKI but I don't know any other option. Any opinions?
 
Definately should not be unlocking with moderate pressure applied to the blade. From your description you are saying that the lock bar is riding on the blade tang by only half the thickness of the lock bar? If that is the case send it in something was not setup right. It may eventually break in but will take some time. The lock bar should be riding about 1/2 way across the blade tang when properly broken in.
 
I've had other folders with the same amount of lock engaging the tang and not close.

Sorry for the fuzzy pic but too much coffee'll do that. I drew a green line where the side of the tang is so you can see it's right down the middle of the lock.

6779756-1d2.JPG


A new knife should not, IMO, need breaking in to work properly. I love the ergos of this knife and would really like to use it with a helluvalot more confidence than I have right now.
 
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Maybe in an ideal world but unfortunately in reality most folding knives with new parts need a break in period. Consider that the washers are new. Typically the surface of the liners is new and finished out either from belt sanding to a satin type finish or bead blasted. Either way the washers move over a rougher surface when new so they need to polish that surface they connect to on both liners and the blade is black or satin finished and the washers need to polish over that also, and the detent balls need to groove the blade better making their path that also smooths out over time and then of course the lock needs to work in better during all this other wear in of new parts and once that happens with 500 or more openings and closings you notice the blade is rolling out there a lot easier. Its the same with a lock. Many makers build them the way they are in your picture so they have longer life and wear longer. Its very common. Emerson knives are well known for needing a break in.

STR

Splat said:
I've had other folders with the same amount of lock engaging the tang and not close.

Sorry for the fuzzy pic but too much coffee'll do that. I drew a green line where the side of the tang is so you can see it's right down the middle of the lock.

6779756-1d2.JPG


A new knife should not, IMO, need breaking in to work properly. I love the ergos of this knife and would really like to use it with a helluvalot more confidence than I have right now.
Click to expand...
 
I hear ya, STR. I, ever so slightly, pushed the lockbar over using a flathead screwdriver just enough to get it full onto the tang. She's no longer closing with pressure to the spine. I really, really like this knife and it -is- my first Emerson so I'll give it a chance. I'm going to tear her down and do a good cleaning for the hellluvit. Thanks.
 
She got a good field cleaning. A tiny drop of Militec-1 on each washer and the pivot, some blue Loctite on the screws and she's good to go now. The liner lock actually fully engages the tang now and she's not closing with good force on the spine. :thumbup::thumbup: I don't know why the big difference in lockup but I'll take it. Now I let the Loctite dry for 24hours(cuz I'm crazy like that) and she'll be my EDC again. Thanks guys. :)
 
have you had good luck with militec on EKI's?

i have not, it seems to gum mine up for some reason, my luck with militec on any knives has been spotty, good on some/bad on others, it seems to me its kinda thick and doesnt work as well on knives with tight tolerances, YMMV though a lotta folks like it, i much prefer tuffglide it works on everything.

i do like militec on guns though.
 
Well, to be brutally honest I'm finishing out the bottle of Militec1 I have and then going to Eezox. When I run outta the Militec I'll give the knives that have had it a good cleaning and then use Eezox onward. The Militec's been fine for me but I like the anti-rust performance of Eezox a helluvalot more and it lubricates just as good. I use a knife year round in all types of weather in my business and the Eezox gives me more peace of mind.
 
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