Heat question

[Firewalker 42]

Just bought my first Camillus, the Heat model and am definitely pleased with it, especially in terms of it's being a legal "switchblade" (with the assisted opening function). I do have a couple of questions. Regarding its description of having dual steel liners: is this a reference to the liner lock which seems to barely engage the blade or the lining of the knife handle?

And in terms of the liner lock, do I need to try to adjust it so that it engages more of the blade for additional strength or leave it the way that is? (I'm wary of taking it apart because I don't want to mess with the spring operation.) Thanks for any feedback!

 

[wwells20]

Firewalker42, welcome to the fourms.
The Heat's liners are "nested" into most of the handle. They are recessed into the handle materal and are a little hard to see but are there.
As far as the lock, I have never read or heard of any real problems. All of mine have been fine. (I can't say that about other lines of knives I have) They are a folded liner lock and seem very stout to me. I wouldn't worry about it.
Taking the knife apart, this is probably is simplist spring design I've ever seen. It is just a bar that is conected to the handle screws and when the blade is opened, will have no tension. You'll see how it works. I don't see any problems with disassembly. Taking it apart will be for you to deside.

*on disassembly, some of mine have had both metal washers and very, very thin plastic washers.(easy to loose) The plastic ones (if there) go between the metal washer and the handle as a spacer. Also be aware of the orintation of the metal washers. One is thinner than the other.

 

[Psychopomp]

And in terms of the liner lock, do I need to try to adjust it so that it engages more of the blade for additional strength or leave it the way that is?

No. Leave it like it is. It'll wear in. By bending it farther to the opposite handle side you'd be doing more harm than good. As long as it locks up good, it's fine. It'll move towards the other side naturally with use, it's meant to.

Let's see if I can get a picture for you of the liner in my Heat...

Here it is, and I apologize for the poor quality, it's an old scanner. This is after about eight months of hard use (EDC'd for about six months). The lock engages at right around half way.

 

[Firewalker 42]

I appreciate the feedback!

 

[Chazzy151]

I sure love mine, centered blade, VERY fast, great ergos, sharp, great lockup, tough, lots of bang for the buck... imho.

 

[Psychopomp]

I sure love mine, centered blade, VERY fast, great ergos, sharp, great lockup, tough, lots of bang for the buck... imho.

Yup. Camillus' AUS8 is good steel too and takes a great edge. The only complaint I have with the knife is the bulk and sharp edges around the blade stop area of the handle. Other than that, it's a wonderful knife and I think the best assisted opener on the market.

I've got the black coated version, and the coating isn't the most durable out there, it's worn off around the edges, but that's fine. I'm always against black blades because I couldn't care less about glare and I take care of my knives so rust isn't an issue... but just once, I wanted the most tactical, mall ninja knife I could find. So an all black Heat seemed to fit the bill nicely. And it was my main EDC for about eight months before my Endura and Native came around.