How strong is the liner lock on the Blur suppose to be

[Cyblade]

I needed to cut some zip ties that were holding down a tarp so I pulled out my blur stuck it between the zip tie and the table leg it was fastened to and when I pulled down to cut the tie it folded up on me. I thought maybe I hadnt opened it hard enough to fully engage the lock so I opened it as hard as I could and then to make sure I wasnt shifting the lock to the side with my hand I gripped it by the back half of the handle and pulled gently and it still folded. I grabbed the byrd cara cara I have in my glove compartment and cut them using the same technique and had no problems. Am I expecting to much or is this a QC problem and I need to send my knife in.

 

[nygiantsfan3342]

If you are absolutely sure you weren't disengaging the lock, then I would send it in to Kershaw. The liner lock on the Blurs are usually solid and shouldn't be doing that. Kershaw's number is 800-325-2891.

 

[spiralarchitect]

Am I expecting to much or is this a QC problem and I need to send my knife in.

You mean your knives aren't supposed to fold up on you and nearly remove your fingers every time you try to cut something?

Dude, of course it is an isolated problem. Send it it.

 

[jonnymac44]

Not to cast any doubt, but if I see the situation correctly, why would the knife even have a chance to fold? If you were push cutting, the blade would be pushed more towards the open position, and if you were holding the knife with the blade edge facing up toward you, cutting by pulling the knife toward yourself, it would still be putting pressure in the opposite direction of a fold. I guess I'm confused as to how you were using the knife. I guess when you said "cutting zip ties" I just pictured the way I cut them and that may be different than the way you do.

That being said, I have a number of blurs and they have a very solid, beefy linerlock. If yours isn't working, it's definitely isolated and I'd send it in for a tune up. Good luck and keep us updated on it.

Cheers,
Jon

 

[SPXTrader]

Cyblade, something doesn't sound right. It shouldn't have failed. All of my Blurs lock up perfectly. I've beat on 2 of them, and no problems. I would contact Kershaw. They'll make it right.

In the meantime, I test all my folders frequently using STR's two handed method. You can find a bunch of good stuff about this here

 

[Cyblade]

This table is made out of angle iron the zip tie was threaded threw the grommet of the tarp and then around the iron leg and tightened. Instead of just slicing the zip tie and possibly hitting the metal leg with the edge I stuck it inside between the leg and the zip tie with the edge faceing toward the tie and pulled on it thinking the edge would slice it instead it just folded on me. It was scary and now it makes me question if my blackout will fold on me too I got enough problems without looseing a finger or two. I'm gonna send it back to Kershaw and see what they say.

 

[reholli]

No offense Cyblade, but I'm also having trouble picturing how the knife would fold up if you were pulling (or pushing) in a cutting direction against the sharp edge of the blade...as has already been pointed out, a normal cutting motion forces any knife open, even a slip joint. Perhaps we don't understand...?

I have 7 Blurs, and every single one locks up tight...I've tried to fail them all using STR's method and really pushing along with some (admittedly gentle) spine whacks, and they just don't budge. The one in my EDC rotation that I've used on an almost daily basis for over a year is as solid as the day it was purchased.

I haven't found a stronger liner-lock than the Blur's on any folder, and I have quite a few to compare it to...(the lock on the ZT0200 might be stronger, but it's really a frame lock in disguise).

In any event, send it in to Kershaw for inspection/repair.

Ray


Edit: Ooops...we posted at pretty much the same time...I still don't understand how it could have folded, but again, send it in. Just an FYI...the Blackout I carried for years before my currently EDC'd Blur also still locks up rock-solid.

 

[kneedeep]

I think I understand what he is saying, the blade is being held against the leg by the zip tie. When he pulls the handle toward himself, the spine of the blade is acting as the fulcrum, actually rocking toward the tip. This actually will apply force the same way as STR's test.

Cyblade, I agree with everyone else, to be safe have Kershaw check the knife out. The Blur is generally known to have a very strong and well engineered liner lock.

If you are concerned about the Blackout try STR's test on it.

 

[topspeclt]

Can you check if there is any blade play?

It might be slipping off the liner lock.

 

[kneedeep]

topspeclt has a good point. If there is blade play, your pivot might be too loose. Tightening the pivot a bit might save it a trip to Kershaw.

 

[Elarski]

Can you check if there is any blade play?

It might be slipping off the liner lock.

+2

Another thing to consider, is how you open the knife. For example, my Needs Work folded on me the other day because I was messin' around, and opened it against my leg, not fully opening. I proceeded to fully open the blade by hand, and use the knife. That's when it folded. If I let it open as designed, it locks up firmly with no problems.

I would address what topseclt suggested, and if the problem persists after that, I'd send it in to Kershaw. Gook luck, and let us know how things work out.

 

[nygiantsfan3342]

topspeclt has a good point. If there is blade play, your pivot might be too loose. Tightening the pivot a bit might save it a trip to Kershaw.

+2

Another thing to consider, is how you open the knife. . If I let it open as designed, it locks up firmly with no problems.

Can you check if there is any blade play?

It might be slipping off the liner lock.

All great points! The knife must be opened fully to ensure a good lockup, and make sure the pivot screw is tightened adequately to ensure no blade play.

Between the Kershaw Mafia and Kershaw Customer Service, I think we should have you covered!

 

[OregonEdge]

My SG2 has a soft feeling lock, but it locks up with no blade play or sticking at all. Only knife I've had with its feel. I always open full throttle, like intended.