got my kershaw skyline. I got a ? help

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klhayes77

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Nov 28, 2008
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I got my kershaw skyline in the mail today.The flipper is a little stiff. I have to flick my wrist in order for the flipper to deploy the knife.My ram is not like that. Just a little effort on the flipper it comes right out,no flicking of the wrist.What i want to know is there something i can do or loosen to make my skyline deploy faster without having to flick my wrist.:confused:
 
I had that problem.
I had to take it apart, clean off the washers and lube them. I tightened the pivot just enough to kill the play. Locktited it with blue and let it sit overnight.
After that, it was still a little stiff. I had to play with it for a few days and finally it started to open better. Best tip I have is to push in and down to flip it. I wasn't impressed with the knife as a whole at all, but its a good little knife I guess. My handle screws stripped out, twice. the last set I put on got a small dot of blue loctite and haven't touched them since.
 
Great knife for the money but it is a 30 dollar knife, that will losen up somewhat over time. There is not enough weight in the blade to open as easily as others with more substance.
 
You have to use the pressure build-up method, plus break it in a little. What you do is push the flipper forwards to build up pressure, then quickly push down and let the blade fly out. Polishing all contact points and washers would work as well.

It's an excellent deal for 25-30$, just have fun with it.
 
The RAM and Skyline are 2 different animals, constructed 2 different ways. The Skyline requires more flipping technique. Speaking of which, how's your technique klhalves77?
 
This is only my second flipper.So i haven't put a whole lot of thought in my technique,because my other flipper is a ram and it just jumps right out. So any advice on technique would be appreciated.I think the knife is great and i love the ways it feels in my hand.I am a huge kershaw fan.
 
I have 2 Skylines (regular and damascus) and both require a good wrist flick.
 
That is good to know that is normal and not something abnormal with my skyline.Thanks powernoodle.I hope to get the damascus version next.:thumbup::D
 
The RAM is engineered so the lock provides a higher resistance before you overcome the lock. That being said, the RAM is going to give you a completely unrealistic comparison to a Skyline. I personally have poor "flipper technique" due to a finger injury, and even a well used Skyline needs a bit of flick to get it to open for me.

The RAM I can open left handed upside down with my ring finger while talking about guns with Supernoodle. :D
 
klhayes77 said:
This is only my second flipper.So i haven't put a whole lot of thought in my technique,because my other flipper is a ram and it just jumps right out. So any advice on technique would be appreciated.I think the knife is great and i love the ways it feels in my hand.I am a huge kershaw fan.
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The Skyline will take a bit of practice, especially since it's a smaller knife and doesn't have as much blade weight as some other models to help thrust it open. While the RAM doesn't really require it, the Skyline is going to demand that you get your technique down pretty good in order to give you a perfect flip with no help from the wrist, but it certainly can be done, without ever having to take the knife apart and give it a good polishing or anything(although that never hurt anything;)).

Basically hold the knife in your hand with the tip of your index finger pushed into the backside of the flipper protruding from the back of the knife. Now, build up pressure by pushing your finger pretty firmly into the back of the flipper, as if you are actually trying to push the blade farther into the closed position and keep it from opening.(I know, sounds weird, but trust me) Next, with a quick flick of your fingertip, reverse the direction of pressure on the flipper, snapping it back toward you and the end of the knife handle. Also, remember to follow through with your flip making sure your index finger ends up flat against the spine of the knife handle. When done properly, and with practice, you will see that little Skyline blade snap open and lock fully without ever moving your wrist. Once you understand the mechanics of it, you can successfully flip most non assisted flippers on the first time, every time!:thumbup:

Good luck, and enjoy.

Jon
 
Mine was a little stiff too. I backed the pivot screw off a bit, lube it up, worked the blade open a few time and then snugged the screw back down to get rid of any blade play. It open in a flash now.
 
From what I've heard, the Skyline has a bit of a break-in period.

The most simple explanation for flipper technique is: "push, not pull."
 
jonnymac44 said:
The Skyline will take a bit of practice, especially since it's a smaller knife and doesn't have as much blade weight as some other models to help thrust it open. While the RAM doesn't really require it, the Skyline is going to demand that you get your technique down pretty good in order to give you a perfect flip with no help from the wrist, but it certainly can be done, without ever having to take the knife apart and give it a good polishing or anything(although that never hurt anything;)).

Basically hold the knife in your hand with the tip of your index finger pushed into the backside of the flipper protruding from the back of the knife. Now, build up pressure by pushing your finger pretty firmly into the back of the flipper, as if you are actually trying to push the blade farther into the closed position and keep it from opening.(I know, sounds weird, but trust me) Next, with a quick flick of your fingertip, reverse the direction of pressure on the flipper, snapping it back toward you and the end of the knife handle. Also, remember to follow through with your flip making sure your index finger ends up flat against the spine of the knife handle. When done properly, and with practice, you will see that little Skyline blade snap open and lock fully without ever moving your wrist. Once you understand the mechanics of it, you can successfully flip most non assisted flippers on the first time, every time!:thumbup:

Good luck, and enjoy.

Jon
Click to expand...

I agree with Jon.

I made the mistake of not having a good technique when I first tried out the Skyline. It's a neat little knife and after I did what is suggested by Jon, I could flip it open with no wrist action.

I do think it's a good knife for $30. I just wish it had another liner and was a tiny bit larger. :)

Do what Jon says, it will work.
 
I am gonna try backing out the pivot screw and putting some lube on it in the morning like flashpoint suggested.:thumbup:
 
David Lowry said:
I agree with Jon.

I made the mistake of not having a good technique when I first tried out the Skyline. It's a neat little knife and after I did what is suggested by Jon, I could flip it open with no wrist action.

I do think it's a good knife for $30. I just wish it had another liner and was a tiny bit larger. :)

Do what Jon says, it will work.
Click to expand...

Thank you very much, David!:thumbup:
 
I got the knife out this morning and got the right wrench backed the pivot screw out. I barely even moved the screw between moving the screw and working on my technique some the blade comes out everytime now.Thanks to everybody for your advice.Kershaw knives are awesome. I am already looking for my next one to buy.
 
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