Filing the kick?

Just be aware, filing the kick will drop the back spring in the closed position as well, most likely

I've dropped the point just a bit on two trappers. No where near that much.

It is less of an issue on a single blade like this, because in use, the back spring will lay as it normally does when open.
 
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Just go slow, couple swipes at a time with a file. You may reach a point you dont want to drop the back spring anymore but you will surely get it closer if not below the liners. Post some pics when done :)
 
Sounds like I should probably leave it alone. I don't want the back spring dropping that far. I think I'd rather have the tip a bit proud than the over dropped back spring. Thanks for the replies.
 
Also, be sure the rest of the blade is clearing the bottom of the blade well. The spring pin may stop the blade from going any more down and filling the kick is pointless then.
 
Sounds like I should probably leave it alone. I don't want the back spring dropping that far. I think I'd rather have the tip a bit proud than the over dropped back spring. Thanks for the replies.
Take some measurements and try just a little. You may be surprised how low you can get it without sinking it too much. I like flush springs but it's not safe to carry right now. Like mentioned above, it doesnt affect when in use and that is the most important for flush spring in my opinion. Good luck whatever you choose, nice knife!
 
I would try the "file the kick" method, as others have mentioned. With that pattern however, a little goes a long way. A few swipes with a file, check the close. Repeat as needed (while also checking the backspring in the closed position).
 
There are two ways to fix it. You can file the kick or take steel off the spine.
Ummm … perhaps I am stupid, but how is taking steel off the spine going to lower the tip, without shortening the blade significantly?

Norcaldude Norcaldude
You can file the kick to lower the blade. (Since the tang is also hardened, you will need a good file, maybe one of those small diamond file sets? to do more than have your file just skip over the kick, without taking any metal off.)

As others have said, go slow, and check your progress often.
It won't take much to lower the blade.

Also as stated, the backspring will be slightly sunken, after you're finished.
If that bothers you, you can always file the handle and liners flush with the backspring again.

Good Luck. :)

Pictures when your done, please. :)
 
Ummm … perhaps I am stupid, but how is taking steel off the spine going to lower the tip, without shortening the blade significantly?

You can grind the tip down to make it sit back in the frame. It will shorten the blade. I didn't say it was the best way but it is an option.
 
I like this analogy and have used it elsewhere, but filing the kick does not result in linear droping of the spring. The spring will drop some, but for example: recently, I dropped the kick on the secondary blade of a GEC 86. It lowered the nail nick several millimeters, so that it was just at the top of the handle. The spring dropped a fraction of a fraction of a millimeter, you could hardly see it, and just feel it. Going slow is good as it gives you an idea of the impact the kick has, but I think you'll be fine.
 
If you really mean to carry that knife in your pocket, keep in mind that many of the Pruner knives were carried in a sheath rather than a pocket. Further, many were never carried at all. Instead they remained on the pruning bench or in a wheelbarrow with the other gardening tools.

Whatever you do, as others have said: easy does it. Nice knife.
 
Your instincts are correct, that kick needs to be lowered. I'd be scared to death of that exposed tip if I was carrying it in my pocket. No way would I take that risk of just hogging myself with that exposed tip. Dropping the kick is a piece of cake - as others have said you'll be surprised how little material you'll have to remove. Just go slow and check it every few passes - it's one of the easiest knife mods a person can do. I wouldn't worry about the backspring - thats monumentally unimportant compared to the danger associated with an exposed tip like that (for pocket carry).
 
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