Deassisted blur, now a couple questions.

celtic11 · Jan 27, 2013

I deassisted my blur today and just have a couple issues with blade centering. If I set the pivot to where the blade opening action is really nice, the blade rubs on the non-locking scale when closing. If I tighten the pivot a bit, I can get the blade to stop rubbing the scale but the blade still isn't centered and the knife doesn't open quite as nice.

I did try the folded paper trick but maybe I was doing it wrong? I searched through some of the other deassisted blur threads but didn't see anyone else report this issue. This is my first time disassembling a knife so go easy on me.

oregonknifenerd · Jan 27, 2013

There is usually a bit of play in how the scales line up which changes the geometry. If you loosen up the handle screws and push the handles a bit that can take care of it. I usually just completely disassemble when I have that issue though and start over. If the stop pin isn't seated correctly that will do that as well. It is usually easier to just pull it all apart and be more careful about getting everything seated properly and lined up as I tighten screws. I often get it reassembled and working without knowing what exactly was off the first time.

KnottyEagle · Jan 27, 2013

The same thing happened to me when I de-assisted my Blur. I just took it apart, and made sure everything was "sandwiched" together properly. It's been fine every since. No issues with blade centering or lock-up. Hope you get this figured out, because the Blur is a thing of beauty when de-assisted.

weech3 · Jan 27, 2013

As for centering the blade on the Blur, it's actually very easy if you're dexterous enough. Hold the knife in your weak hand with the blade closed. Then using 2 fingers on your weak hand (while still holding the knife firm and steady) center the blade in the handle. While still holding the blade centered, use your torx to tighten the pivot with your strong hand. It will take a try or two to get the tension just right, however I found it easiest to get the pivot screw flush with the scale first, and then feel for the tightness of the screw. Just adjust for ease of opening while holding the knife blade centered in the handle. Remember to use BLUE loctite on the pivot so it stays put once you find your sweet spot.

65steve65 · Jan 27, 2013

does everyone else's blur have horrible detent when the torsion bar is removed? and by horrible i mean there is no detent and you can flick your wrist and it opens

weech3 · Jan 27, 2013

To Steve- Yes, I experienced the same. It can be adjusted via the tightness of the pivot, however, I never felt comfortable with mine deassisted. Thus, I replaced my torsion bar. In spite of loving the Blur however, I didn't like the idea of the torsion bar breaking randomly, possibly when and where I wouldn't be able to replace it...so I bought a zt0550 (manual).

kreole · Jan 27, 2013

65steve65 said:
does everyone else's blur have horrible detent when the torsion bar is removed? and by horrible i mean there is no detent and you can flick your wrist and it opens

Nope, mine are actually stronger than a lot of other knives I have (that didn't come with AO). Pivot tightness will influence it some.

celtic11 · Jan 28, 2013

65steve65 said:
does everyone else's blur have horrible detent when the torsion bar is removed? and by horrible i mean there is no detent and you can flick your wrist and it opens

That's my dilemma. I've gotten the blade centering thing dealt with and am on the fence on the rest. Opening is smooth and nice, but the biggest benefit for me is not fighting the torsion bar when closing. But, like you, I can open it with a flick of the wrist but it has to be a pretty aggressive flick.

freewheeling · Jan 28, 2013

65steve65 said:
does everyone else's blur have horrible detent when the torsion bar is removed? and by horrible i mean there is no detent and you can flick your wrist and it opens

Yeah, that's a downside. I can hold the knife parallel to the ground with the blade side down and give it a vigorous shake and the knife flips open all the way. I don't know how to strengthen the detente. At least it doesn't just fall open.

Update: BTW, I think the Hinderer XM-18s used to have this problem too, until they tightened the detente.
Update 2: I should add that I can't just flick my wrist and open it though. I have to shake it with the blade side down. So perhaps it's not as loose as yours.

cncpro11 · Jan 28, 2013

I've de-assisted about 6 blurs with no issues.
One thing I always do is make sure that the standoffs go in exactly how they came out. Same side facing the same scale and same position.
Sometimes the OAL varies and it can make a difference if they are replaced out of order.

SpyKers · Jan 28, 2013

I found that if I loosen the scales and tighten the pivot some, that can correct the issue. Then I simply retighten the scales to recenter the blade. In regards to detent issues, I have none. Both of mine WILL NOT come out. However, they are smooth as silk to open.

freewheeling · Jan 29, 2013

cncpro11 said:
I've de-assisted about 6 blurs with no issues.
One thing I always do is make sure that the standoffs go in exactly how they came out. Same side facing the same scale and same position.
Sometimes the OAL varies and it can make a difference if they are replaced out of order.

Yeah, I'm not sure they're symmetrical. It looks like there's a thick side and a thin side, but it might be my imagination. Anyway, I tried to put them back the way they came out.

FCM415 · Jan 29, 2013

65steve65 said:
does everyone else's blur have horrible detent when the torsion bar is removed? and by horrible i mean there is no detent and you can flick your wrist and it opens

I can only speak for the CF 154Blur, and I find the detent to be sufficient but not quite ideal. I watched Crimsontideshooter's vid on the same knife and he demonstrates the detent on it through flicking the wrist, check it out. Im ok with it and prefer the knife deassisted... It works well enough, during regular use: no issues at all.

I have to assume that more AO Kershaws in the future will have ball detents and stronger detents as there are plenty folks still prefer manual overall.

celtic11 · Jan 29, 2013

Well guys I went ahead and reassisted it tonight. It was very smooth opening like everyone said but overall I think I just prefer the speedsafe unless I have a flipper.

I was going to leave it, but I carry tip-up RFP and twice now I have pulled it out of my pocket to find it half open already. I know you can strengthen the detent a little with the lock bar but overall I think I just feel more comfortable right now with the knife in its stock form.

Thanks for all the advice and suggestions though, as I was able to get the blade mostly centered with the pivot where I wanted it. Its just not for me right now. Still love the heck out of this knife though!