How do you guys deal with pocket knife edges not being completely covered after sharpening and reprofiling the edge

G

goat991

Joined
May 8, 2026
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Especially in some Spyderco knives where the edge out of the box is already close to sticking out of the handle when folded.

I fear that one day my microjimbo's edge will not completely seat into the handle once the edge has been reprofiled far back enough.
 
With most folding knife blades, you can very gradually file down the 'kick' of the blade to lower the tip so that it's fully nested into the blade well of the handle. The 'kick' is the extended portion of the blade tang (specifically called the ricasso), right behind the heel of the blade's sharpened edge, that makes contact against the inside face of the backspring or lock bar when the blade is closed. File down just a tiny bit at a time and frequently check to see how much the blade lowers when closed. You don't want to take too much steel off of the kick, as there's some risk that the blade's sharpened edge will contact the inside face of the backspring or lock bar.

I attached a link to a web page and a diagram found at that linked page, illustrating specific parts of the blade, including the kick.

agrussell.com

Blade Parts for Slip Joint Folders

Ever been curious about how folding knives function? Learn about the different parts of a folding knife.
agrussell.com agrussell.com
Folding%20Knife%20Terms-min.png
 
An easy way to do it without a file is to draw the kick across some appropriate grit sandpaper to reduce it slowly and easily monitor how much steel is removed and the shape. When I've done it, I put the sandpaper on a table or elevated flat surface to be able to closely watch the progression.
 
MicroJimbo is a comp lock and there is no kick like in the slip joint or back lock. The only method is to bring the point down is by re profiling the top edge. The blade will be a little shorter when you are done. Unfortunately, blades are a wear item like tires on a car.
 
Good point, SB. I've not seen a MicroJimbo in the wild.

Most of my Spydies are compression lock, liner lock or frame lock, but I have a handful with backlocks too. This would be a point in their favor, for those with this particular concern.
 
Yeah, after looking online at images of the Microjimbo, I wondered if filing the kick was applicable or not. Unfortunately, it looks like it's not workable here.
 
SharpBits said:
You and me both. 3 Spydercos in as many days. o_O
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I misspoke. One Leaf Jumper, one Native and one PM 2 so far this week. Maybe a Delica later today when I hear back from the vendor. Getting old and forgetful. ☺️

That's too bad about this issue with the Spydercos cropping up a few times this week. Seems mostly to have arisen in the wake of a video that was posted online by a popular "influencer"...who actually seems to post some useful information from what I've seen.
 
I cannot imagine needing to sharpen any highly wear resistant steel down to that level. Over sharpening and abuse could cause it, but not regular use and edge maintenance. This isn't soft 1095 after all.
 
Obsessed with Edges said:
Yeah, after looking online at images of the Microjimbo, I wondered if filing the kick was applicable or not. Unfortunately, it looks like it's not workable here.
Click to expand...
SharpBits said:
You and me both. 3 Spydercos in as many days. o_O
Click to expand...
Blues said:
Good point, SB. I've not seen a MicroJimbo in the wild.

Most of my Spydies are compression lock, liner lock or frame lock, but I have a handful with backlocks too. This would be a point in their favor, for those with this particular concern.
Click to expand...

I see all good things must come to an end :(
 
I've had to reshape the tip on a few folders when they got worn a bit, mostly due to over-sharpening before diamond hones came along. Ruined a nice Buck Ranger in 440C a few decades ago when the only hone available was a carborundum. A few I fixed by filing down the kick.
 
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