Does anyone add a detent ramp on liner locks?

L

Leo3an

Joined
Dec 21, 2017
Messages
183
I was wondering if anyone tried to grind a little detent ramp on the blade tang with a dremel.

If you have, please let me know how it went. Was the result satisfactory?

Im unsure if I should try it on one of my knives.

Thanks
 
I don't think I'd dremel it, but but it shouldn't be hard to notch the tang with a small file. If the knife is broken in, it will be easy to see where the detent bearing falls off the blade - that is the spot where a small ramp would go. I have some folders that the detent "climb" during closing is far enough away from the lock disengagement point that it is tempting to alleviate this somewhat annoying "step" during closing - Hinderer XM's come to mind. The Olamic 24-7 is so much nicer in this respect thanks to the ramp they use; otherwise very similar in the unlock "timing".
 
Doesn't take much, just knock the sharp edge off the tang right where the ball hits. Don't use a dremel, just a small file. Takes about five minutes, and be sure to take off as little as possible. I used to do it more often, but now more knifemakers are doing it themselves.
 
If I didn't trust the lock or didn't like how it was designed or constructed, I would not buy the knife. I definitely would not modify any part of the locking mechanism.
 
I picked up an ESEE Zancudo a few years ago for $20 and when I got it, it was almost impossible to open with the thumb stud. I would sit at night working it, trying to loosen it up, I backed off the pivot all with little success. So finally, after all its a 20 buck knife, I took it apart and yes I used a Dremel with a pointed grinding tip to grind the wear line in the detent hole. Now it opens like butter.
 
shinyedges said:
Because metal is easy to remove, but not put back on. It's easy to take of to much and be beyond the point of no return.
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At least not without welding some new steel on and then filing, grinding and in general reconstructing your tang. But wouldn't matter too much since the welding would almost certainly destroy the manufacturers heat treating. lol
 
Dan of Bazz Clazz said:
At least not without welding some new steel on and then filing, grinding and in general reconstructing your tang. But wouldn't matter too much since the welding would almost certainly destroy the manufacturers heat treating. lol
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We weld up certain accidents at our machine shop, you can get away with it in some instances. A liner lock doesn't seem like a good instance for weld repair, maybe tig very carefully but still... not a good situation.
 
So.... why people freak out about using Dremel??? Cant you change the rotation setting to the lowest and grind very slowly & carefully. like a file??

I do not understand.

jakemex said:
Always making mountains out of molehills here. File or dremel makes little difference. It's the skill of the user.
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Yes... but why so many people freak out tho?
 
Leo3an said:
So.... why people freak out about using Dremel??? Cant you change the rotation setting to the lowest and grind very slowly & carefully. like a file?? QUOTE]

It is just too easy to make a mistake with the Dremel. Many factors are working against you.
Many people are inexperienced and don't understand what it takes and what can go wrong.
They may forget to mask off areas that should not get touched to protect them.
The dremel is essentially a gyroscope in your hand and it will fight you at times depending on the speed you are running. Faster it is more stable, but also with speed comes the ability to get into trouble faster. Your bit grabs a bit and the force sends it off into pristine material.
Probably the biggest factor is because it is a powertool, people think they can rush it. Hand tools helps force you to take your time. At least in theory. lol
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Everyone is an expert. Knives are just knives. Not jewelry unless someone wants it for jewelry. Just a tool. Got a box or two of tools, horror of horror, dey gotz grease on 'em! Nothing made by man or maintained by man is perfect. Freaks just freak out, Mon!

Nope, not everyone can use a dremel, but some can. Yes, Dan. You are correct!

What about a bench grinder?

Depends on the job.
 
Leo3an said:
So.... why people freak out about using Dremel??? Cant you change the rotation setting to the lowest and grind very slowly & carefully. like a file??

I do not understand.



Yes... but why so many people freak out tho?
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It's mostly because no one knows anyone's skill level and recommending the use of a dremel tool in general knife discussion might not be the best advise. If you are confident in your skills, then go for it!
 
jakemex said:
Everyone is an expert. Knives are just knives. Not jewelry unless someone wants it for jewelry. Just a tool. Got a box or two of tools, horror of horror, dey gotz grease on 'em! Nothing made by man or maintained by man is perfect. Freaks just freak out, Mon!
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Not starting anything here. Just saying that to you they are just tools. To others they may be investments, and others pieces of art. Certainly not condoning anyone freaking out, just trying to understand or appreciate it from their point of view. We are all in the game for our own reasons.
 
its your knife. do what ya want to it. solid advice was given to help ya. take it or ignore it......youre choice.

id leave it alone but i go by the saying if it aint broke dont fix it.
 
I kinda like the little “stop” the detent makes hitting the tang shoulder. I unlock the knife and lean it down so the detent is sitting against the tang shoulder. Then i push against the spine slightly with my finger and the blade flies shut.
 
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