How do folding knives stay sharp?

StrangeDaze

StrangeDaze

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this may seem like a stupid question. But i was just looking at my cold steel ultimate hunter and noticed that the blade seems to make contact with the aluminum spacer. Is it because the aluminum is softer than the steel? Wouldnt this still dull the knife over time? I hear of fiberglass type sheaths causing dullness so why doesnt it happen in this case? Is it because the sheathed knife slides causing it to run the length of he blade? My folder snaps closed pretty hard, you would think there would be some kind of damage from metal on blade edge like that.. I only own a few folders as they arent really my thing (i prefer fixed blades), but i would really like to know how this works and maybe the science/mechanics behind this. Again, sorry if this seems like a stupid question but i honestly cant figure it out and it is bothering me!
 
Your cutting edge should ideally never touch anything but a sharpener or object to be cut. Even if the spacer is softer than the blade, it will still dull it with time. I don't have yours but I'd have a closer look to see what is causing this, that sounds bad. I guess posting pictures or video could help someone help you?
 
the blade edge is not touching the aluminum back spacer, so your not hurting the blade. if it actually was you should get it replaced cause that's not right.
 
Really? I thought it might be normal :( :oops:
I only have 3 folder all 3 coldsteel and they all do this. The models are (if it helps) talwar xl, ultimate hunter and tiger claw... ill try to get some pics up soon! The tiger claw is probably the worst offender because the tip digs in so much. I havent noticed any dullness or damage but i have noticed the aluminum has a line in it from the blade (in the talwar at least)...
 
Hmm... now im not sure, it sounds like its hitting the aluminum. And in this picture you can see a line, but it could be from when they formed the aluminum...
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hrhelz.jpg

If its not hitting the aluminum what is making the snapping sound and how does it stop before hitting the spacer?
 
The blade shall not touch the backspacer
I am surprise it does
I don't have the knives you mention but I doubt it is normal
 
Meshach said:
Hmm... now im not sure, it sounds like its hitting the aluminum. And in this picture you can see a line, but it could be from when they formed the aluminum...
%
hrhelz.jpg

If its not hitting the aluminum what is making the snapping sound and how does it stop before hitting the spacer?
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Well, i feel pretty silly now. I took some floss and closed the blade on it, ran it through to the end and it didnt catch or cut, so there is space.
 
Meshach said:
Well, i feel pretty silly now. I took some floss and closed the blade on it, ran it through to the end and it didnt catch or cut, so there is space.
Click to expand...
Don't sweat it. Also like the way you tested your theory, that was really smart.
 
My Gerber Applegate-Fairbairn does this and it's really annoying. The edge will contact an aluminum barrel spacer when the knife is closed and damage it. I thought mine was defective until I found an Apostle P video talking about it having no closed stop pin. The edge also contacts the plastic back inside the knife but of course the metal contact is more concerning.

I also tested via the string method mentioned when I noticed the issue a few years ago (which it failed) but the damaged edge was really evidence enough. I placed a strip of CAT5 cable sheath inside handle so at least the blade edge isn't hitting metal.

I've not had this issue with the few Cold Steels in my collection though.
 
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Im pretty sure the ricasso is what you here hittng the backspacer. Sometimes there is a pin that it hits.
 
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