Hard to Close Lockback

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Buzzbait

Buzzbait

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Feb 25, 2001
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I've got a small problem. I recently purchased a Queen Mountain Man lockback. It's a great knife, but the knife is wicked hard to unlock. It's not filled with crud or anything. I've flushed it out and oiled the heck out of it. The pivot glides smoothly, and the lock engages nicely. But I literally have to use both thumbs on the lock bar to disengage the lock. And I'm not wimpy either. I have stronger than average man hands.

Any ideas on what might need to be filed down, in order to lessen the lock's spring tension, when the knife is in the open position?
 
First off...I am not clear if you are having problems closing the blade or opening the blade? I have several Queen made lock backs and all of them open without having to depress the lock back.

As to closing, a couple of mine require more pressure than others. None require two thumb pressure. If this is a new knife I might be inclined to send it back. As a minimum, consider sending it to Queen. They have a good reputation regarding fixing these problems.

Mike
 
Buzzbait said:
The problem is in closing the knife. Opening is buttery smooth.
Click to expand...

That's what I thought. You've got a strong/tight back spring. I like a back spring so I can close it with one hand like this...



However my GEC 42 pictured 4th from the top (below) is really hard to close.



However over the past year I've got it acceptable. For a few months I stored it with the blade only 20% closed so the blade held the back spring slightly open. I would also work the blade open/closed 20-30 times every few days. I had to use a rag between my thumb and the lock back.

Some add oil to the process but IMO it's not a lube problem. You just need to work on the back spring.

Mike
 
Buzz,

Purely guessing, but it might be one or both of the following factor:
- Tight mating surface between lock and tang -> You'll find the unlocking a bit 'gritty' (or maybe not, if surface is smooth, but simply snug) and suddenly snapping open
- Strong spring tension -> it'll be hard all the way, but the tension is continuous, no sudden release when the lock clear the tang

Filing part of the lockface might be the solution, but disassembly is needed (not sure if you want to do that). Alternately, you simply operate it repeatedly until it breaks in. I have a CS Tri Ad Lock, when new, it's damn difficult, but now it's light enough for one hand operation. Oiling & working out is the key. You might want to try WD 40 to flush out residue and perhaps grits.

Good luck!
 
This is more than a mere tight spring. Don't take it apart as Queen may not warranty it. Send it to Queen and let them make it right.
 
EyeDog said:
That's what I thought. You've got a strong/tight back spring. I like a back spring so I can close it with one hand like this...



However my GEC 42 pictured 4th from the top (below) is really hard to close.



However over the past year I've got it acceptable. For a few months I stored it with the blade only 20% closed so the blade held the back spring slightly open. I would also work the blade open/closed 20-30 times every few days. I had to use a rag between my thumb and the lock back.

Some add oil to the process but IMO it's not a lube problem. You just need to work on the back spring.

Mike
Click to expand...
this is off subject,but this is one hell of a nice collection.
 
Interesting idea. Thanks for the link. The knife is at my father-in-law's house right now. I'll stop by this weekend and check it out.
 
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