Does anyone find liner slip acceptable?

J

Jamesh Bond

Joined
Jan 14, 2007
Messages
1,760
Hey friends.

So here I am again still having the same issues with my absolute favorite knife, my 7A.

Some may recall I sent it to EKI due to lock slip.
It came back with a new liner and early lockup, but STILL has the same problem.

I hold the knife and apply decent hand pressure to the blade to do this. No spine wacking or anything retarded, so please no "of course forcing something will make it fail" or "I cut with the sharp side" crap. Forgive me if I like to double check the lock on my "Hard Use" primary carry. Considering the price and marketing strategy, it's reasonable to expect an Emerson to pass the same tests as my 20 dollar Kershaws and chinese crap.

My knife exhibits an audible click and feel as the liner shifts, sometimes even visually noticable. It never fails, but the movement makes me nervous. And causes overthinking lol. It has done this since I bought it.

Having the knife come back the same way gives me some options to consider:

- EKI considers this acceptable, so I am being too picky. I actually want this to be true.

- EKI was sloppy with the service, and didn't actually make sure the problem was gone (I know my liner locks, and I swear to god the ramp on mine is too steep) once the knife was "fixed."

Yes, I did speak to EKI, and was told it shouldn't do that, and they would take care of me. I understand this implies my problem is solved, but please read through and understand why this still vexes me. The track record I have with this re-enforces the bad crap we hear all the time. Doesn't instill the confidence the name is supposed to invoke. Having trouble keeping the faith.

Thanks to you guys (or maybe nothanks? Lol), I am still a fan. But I honestly don't have the justification to explain why Right now the Emerson bashers could have a field day with me!

You all know me by now, and hopefully it's clear I am not bashing EKI. But it's very frustrating to have to force myself to overlook this stuff.

Like I said, I am an Emerson fan, and my 7 is my top favorite knife I own. Period.

I just wish that I
1. Could have full confidence in my knife, and the company who made it.
2. Didn't have to be without it again to do so, especially with the added negativity of my shaken confidence that the issue will be even be resolved. First world problems, right?

So yeah I know I am grasping at straws here, looking for justification. But is it possible that the general consensus, including my own, could be nitpicking too much on linerlocks?

I mean if it doesn't fail, then why worry, right?

Or . . . ?

I'm sure I will end up sending it in, so no need to parrot the warranty. I just want to know some other perceptions outside my box.

Can you understand my confused frustration ?

Is liner slip ok if the knife doesnt fail ?
What say you?

PS.
I realize I've posted this dead horse before. However, the focus here is a little different, since it came back the same after supposedly being fixed. Just wanted a fresh view based on the new situation.

Thx.
 
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Confidence is important rather justified or not. I would sell it off or trade it.
 
Let me say this again, as I have said it before & sometime I think people forget. When I first got my very first look at a REAL EMERSON knife I noticed it was not finished like a new Ferrari, Lamborgina, or Rolls Royce. The finish was more like a good old reliable Willie's Jeep that were a stapel in the Marine Corps.

I understood Emerson were not what I like to call safe queen knives, they are tool for war, for hard use, to be used. So little things like a tool mark here or there was just part of the Emerson experence.

Honestly if Emerson says the knife is OK, than use it, and if it fail send it back under warranty for repair.

If it just keep you awake at night because in your mind it is not right in your mind. Sell it off, sleep at night, little stuff you have way of dealing with like dumping it or selling. Need not create so much stress in your life you need to go see a shrink.
 
Hey man, I get your concern, and it would likely be mine too. I don't like early lock-up on Emersons; about 40% is best, with the liner fully engaging the tang. Even a little lock stick is fine by me. If a blade is off center a bit, I can live with that, as long as there is no rubbing. A questionable lock is just that--questionable; best to be satisfied. Either send it in, sell it and replace it, or sell it and try a different model. For folders, I am sold on Emersons; they can be "not perfect"--but they are what I like. That being said, they can have thier issues... Some can be lived with, some not. When it's "not"... it's a pita. Sorry to hear of your frustrations. I've had many Emersons that were just perfect too. I hope you find one just like that.
 
I have a 7V that if I put considerable pressure on will slip a bit but never unlocks. I carry the knife at times but wouldn't expect anyone else too if they weren't comfortable with it. I also have a 15 that slips and will unlock that I refuse to carry, I only keep this one because it was the first Emerson knife that I owned. If you don't feel comfortable with the lock slipping either sell it or send it in again until it is up to your standards. I wouldn't expect anyone to use a knife they were not comfortable with but if it doesn't unlock I would trust it. Everyone has their own idea of what makes a knife a good user and it is up to you if you are willing to 'settle' for one that you don't trust.
 
Maybe I wasn't clear. The new early lockup doesn't bother me. The lock slipping under pressure does.

AKAPennyPincher: As I specifically stated, EKI. did NOT say it was OK. I also specifically DID NOT state anything about the fit and finish. Let it fail, THEN send it in? Serously? You don't see the inherent problem in that statement???? No need for the stock answers here.

As for selling, I was hoping I made it clear that I LIKE the knife, and am desperately trying to keep it that way. In fact, that is pretty much the entire point of my thread.

I posted because I am fully aware I'm prone to OCD and overthinking. Needed to double check my clarity of thought.

I would even be willing to let it go if someone said minor slip is OK as long as it doesn't fail, even though I know better. That's how desperate I am to get this behind me.

SteelyDorn:
I agree with everything you said. Ultimately it is up to me. But referring back to the overthinking, it actually makes me feel better that someone else carries one like I do. That is exactly what I needed, even tho it is stupid. Honestly the thing seems solid, and I do use it without problems. I just can't get rid of that nagging feeling that the lockup may be compromised.

To clarify why lock stability is so important I also carry for the secondary possibility of defense, so a compromise nags me a bit. I'm not going to war, so I don't need fixed blade strength. Linerlocks are plenty strong for what I do, since the focus is mostly on cutting. But in certain techniques that do require stabs, like the comma cut to a knee, a compromised lock is less than ideal.

You guys nailed it tho. I need my confidence back. So I'm trying to convince myself however I can to accept the crappy function and crappy repair job.

To be completely honest, if this was any other company I would cease to deal with them. But Emerson was the first brand I lusted after as a youth. Stubbornness is the only reason I am searching for an excuse not to write off the company. When my experience directly matches all the cliche bad press, could you really blame me? It is extremely frustrating to repeatedly try to justify a grail when it doesn't come close to expectations. Yes I get lemons happen. But twice? Even after Expert Repair?

Like I said I'm still a fan of the knife, and you guys are a huge chunk of why I haven't walked away, but my faith in the company as a whole has really suffered.

Despite my best efforts to give the benefit of a doubt.

Regardless, I plan on sticking it out. Was just searching for any excuse to cool off and to stop being obsessed with the irony that my earliest grail matched the Emerson Bashing Sterotype. I realize it's retarded, but in my head I'm taking it personally.

Thx guys.
 
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Clean the tang of the blade with some qtips. Make sure some oil residue isn't doing it. If that doesn't fix it, return it. I have about 20 emersons and only have 1 that has lock slip.
 
Been there, done that. Obsessively.

What's really strange is that the problem actually goes away when there is lube on the tang. Comes back when clean and dry.

Thx.
 
Here's what I would do. I would send it back with a very detailed letter describing the issue. State that the issue is not with the liner as it has already been replaced by them and the issue still exists therefore it is the geometry of the interface on the blade tang. You are no longer confident in it's ability to function as a safe to use knife in both utility and self defense. & ETC......
 
Here's a question for you Jamesh. Has the new liner had time to break in meaning the contact point wearing to match that of the blade?
 
Yes. With additional help from me.

Truth be told, waiting for that to happen is why I waited so long to ask about it. Had hoped it would correct itself.

Thx Rayster.
 
greetings all,
I too have had lock-slip on my emersons. ironically, not the cqc7's. I think I have found my problem, though. depending how I grip the knife, my index finger somehow disengages a lot of liner locks, not only emersons. kinda depends on the ergos. I do have 2 emersons, commander and cqc8 that will slip with no pressure at all. wondering if the nature of titanium liners have something to do with it. more flex? back to my grip though, I have slip on my zt350, and blur also. also, could be how much of the liner is exposed to your finger that allows it to disengage. just my two-cents worth. HAPPY THANKSGIVING to all the forum family.
mike
 
I have a 2011 CQC-8 that has really early lockup.....when I got it, 30% of the lock was not engaged. Through use and wear it now seats 100% engaged (just).

I went to Emersons shop one day and showed it to the guy in the showroom, and was told that he hates them this early. Said that EK started doing them because of complaints of late lockup.

Well, I dig my 8, but it took forever opening and closing and daily use to get it right. Also, except for a regular WD-40 flush, I keep the lock oil free and there is a very slight stick that I like. Never had an issue with slip.
 
rayster357 said:
Here's what I would do. I would send it back with a very detailed letter describing the issue. State that the issue is not with the liner as it has already been replaced by them and the issue still exists therefore it is the geometry of the interface on the blade tang. You are no longer confident in it's ability to function as a safe to use knife in both utility and self defense. & ETC......
Click to expand...

Sorry didn't see this one Ray.
Already planned to do this. I just really didn't want to, hence my desperate post.

Really appreciate the patience and input, guys.
Sending it back is obviously a no brainer. I think having that reinforced, as well as some other advice, was what I needed out of this post. To put things into a clear perspective.

So its just a matter of being ready to actually part with it for repairs. Again. Possibly at cost to me. Once I'm ready, back it will go.

Many thx.
 
Jamesh Bond said:
Hey friends.

So here I am again still having the same issues with my absolute favorite knife, my 7A.

Some may recall I sent it to EKI due to lock slip.
It came back with a new liner and early lockup, but STILL has the same problem.

I hold the knife and apply decent hand pressure to the blade to do this. No spine wacking or anything retarded, so please no "of course forcing something will make it fail" or "I cut with the sharp side" crap. Forgive me if I like to double check the lock on my "Hard Use" primary carry. Considering the price and marketing strategy, it's reasonable to expect an Emerson to pass the same tests as my 20 dollar Kershaws and chinese crap.

My knife exhibits an audible click and feel as the liner shifts, sometimes even visually noticable. It never fails, but the movement makes me nervous. And causes overthinking lol. It has done this since I bought it.

Having the knife come back the same way gives me some options to consider:

- EKI considers this acceptable, so I am being too picky. I actually want this to be true.

- EKI was sloppy with the service, and didn't actually make sure the problem was gone (I know my liner locks, and I swear to god the ramp on mine is too steep) once the knife was "fixed."

Yes, I did speak to EKI, and was told it shouldn't do that, and they would take care of me. I understand this implies my problem is solved, but please read through and understand why this still vexes me. The track record I have with this re-enforces the bad crap we hear all the time. Doesn't instill the confidence the name is supposed to invoke. Having trouble keeping the faith.

Thanks to you guys (or maybe nothanks? Lol), I am still a fan. But I honestly don't have the justification to explain why Right now the Emerson bashers could have a field day with me!

You all know me by now, and hopefully it's clear I am not bashing EKI. But it's very frustrating to have to force myself to overlook this stuff.

Like I said, I am an Emerson fan, and my 7 is my top favorite knife I own. Period.

I just wish that I
1. Could have full confidence in my knife, and the company who made it.
2. Didn't have to be without it again to do so, especially with the added negativity of my shaken confidence that the issue will be even be resolved. First world problems, right?

So yeah I know I am grasping at straws here, looking for justification. But is it possible that the general consensus, including my own, could be nitpicking too much on linerlocks?

I mean if it doesn't fail, then why worry, right?

Or . . . ?

I'm sure I will end up sending it in, so no need to parrot the warranty. I just want to know some other perceptions outside my box.

Can you understand my confused frustration ?

Is liner slip ok if the knife doesnt fail ?
What say you?

PS.
I realize I've posted this dead horse before. However, the focus here is a little different, since it came back the same after supposedly being fixed. Just wanted a fresh view based on the new situation.

Thx.
Click to expand...






I will stand by my earlier comments as I read you post verbatim, and you seem more unhappy than happy.

First when I replied to you it was to make an observation, and not quote or use the same words you did verbatim.

I was giving you my two cents worth on you problem, or as some people same my opinion on your frustration.

Like I said if EKI has given you their opinion that the knife works “acceptable”, EKI had the knife in for warranty service, and you are still not happy, or disappointed it does not meet your expectations.

Do as I suggested, sell the knife, move on, get over it, and don’t let this problem ruin your life, sleep, or mental state.

I have had products I bought, paid good money for, they did not meet my expectation, I got rid of them or in the case of LL Bean returned the item for a refund user their very unique life time warranty policy.
 
They fixed my 8 that had the same problem. It didn't slip anymore. Yours may need to break in though. Try waving it or flicking it open with force a bunch of times and see what happens. Or just sell it like others said. Lock slip sucks.
 
First and most importantly in my mind is, why would you sell or trade a knife to someone that you feel has a safety issue? I have taken note as to who NOT to buy a knife from. It's very unsettling to even think that someone would do such a thing.

Now here is what I would do. Send it back to Emerson once again and provide in detail the problem, and concern you have with this particular knife. Once you get it back make darn sure it functions as it should and use it, or sell it. But absolutely do not use or worst, sell or trade it to someone. JMHO.
 
knifehunt said:
First and most importantly in my mind is, why would you sell or trade a knife to someone that you feel has a safety issue? I have taken note as to who NOT to buy a knife from. It's very unsettling to even think that someone would do such a thing.
Click to expand...

The knife has been back to Emerson, and that said it was, "EKI considers this acceptable, so I am being too picky. I actually want this to be true."

Now here is what I would do. Send it back to Emerson once again and provide in detail the problem, and concern you have with this particular knife. Once you get it back make darn sure it functions as it should and use it, or sell it. But absolutely do not use or worst, sell or trade it to someone. JMHO.
Click to expand...

That is an option, but I have more faith in the people working at Emerson do the after sale warranty work. Than some of the people I see complaining about nit pick things.

But than as I said before I actually order my first Emerson I went over to a local knife shop that stocks 12-15 Emerson's all the time. Plus looked at more Emerson’s at a Knife Merchant that does most of our gun show. This was my research, plus reading this forum, and other articles about EKI Knives on the net.

I pulled the trigger by call EKI and order the Left Handed Model I wanted, it arrive, and yes I had to work the action open & closed many times until it became smooth as silk. This was expected. My Emerson knife in my mind works per design.

That Emerson became my EDC and I even order another Emerson Model in Left Handed. I can be a picky consumer, but like I said I did my hands on research, and am a happy customer.

Many moon ago I lusted for a Chevrolet El Camino, in 1978 I bought a BRAND NEW ONE. It was the true definition of a “LEMON”. My State had a Lemon Law, and I battled with Chevrolet Division over 6 months to get them to buy it back.

The computer kept shorting out that controlled the engine, windshield wiper work intermittently when I need them to work, block had a oil leak, plus the vehicle just quit running and stranded me until it could be towed to a GM dealer 10-12 times.

The problems were many, but the Zone Manager for Chevrolet attitude was give us enough time, and we can fix anything. While i drove rental I paid for?

My attitude was had the El Camino been built right the day it left the assembly plant with quality parts I would be a happy owner. Not a owner looking for a lemon law buy back.

When I finally got my Lemon Law buy back, I went over and purchased a NEW Bronco II, it never failed. Drove most Ford over the NEW 20 years. They all were great vehicles.
 
No matter how hard core the company or maker is, no matter how many times die hard fans say that the finish isn't supposed to be well done, no matter how many people claim their knife has gone through hell and back, a liner lock shouldn't slip under hand pressure. That is dangerous, no matter what anyone says. Like you say, with the marketing strategy they use of extreme hard use and the inflated price, you should be confident in the knife and not second guessing your safety. Especially if it's a favorite.
 
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