Filing the kick?

[BladeCommander]

Is there anything wrong with the spring being slightly sunk besides aesthetics? I suspect not, but it appear to be a hot topic here. Is there a risk of weakening the pull or any such effects?

I have not put much effort into worrying about flush springs and centered blades. Even though those traits are certainly nice to have. I don't like to keep safe queens, so users I don't mind a little off centering as long as there's no blade play and nice action.

 

[ddavis]

I have not put much effort into worrying about flush springs and centered blades. Even though those traits are certainly nice to have. I don't like to keep safe queens, so users I don't mind a little off centering as long as there's no blade play and nice action.

I fully agree with you.
I just filed my first kick a few days ago, lowered the main clip point tip on a 66 calf roper. Not knowing better, I expected the spring to drop significantly. The tip dropped just below the liners, spring movement isn’t even noticeable but you can slightly feel it with a finger nail. Makes sense given the pivot point of the spring at the kick vs the tip (geometry and what not).
File away!
And use the knife!

 

[r8shell]

I fully agree with you.
I just filed my first kick a few days ago, lowered the main clip point tip on a 66 calf roper. Not knowing better, I expected the spring to drop significantly. The tip dropped just below the liners, spring movement isn’t even noticeable but you can slightly feel it with a finger nail. Makes sense given the pivot point of the spring at the kick vs the tip (geometry and what not).
File away!
And use the knife!

Yep. I've filed the kick on a few knives. Here's a useful tip: I put drops of oil on pieces of tissue, and stuff them in the well near the blade. Do a few strokes with the file, take the tissue out to check the blade height. Then put new oily tissue in, repeat as necessary. This helps keep metal filings out of the pivot.