How to adjust speedsafe

Fish30114

Fish30114

Joined
Jan 5, 2014
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I have several speedsafe AO knives. I have noticed there is a big discrepancy in how they open. I am trying to learn how you can make one of these knives open more powerfully, I have several that I would describe as 'on the slow side' :(
 
Just wondering if this question is better off posted somewhere else--surprised no intel yet.
 
As neverdie suggested, adjust the pivot tension. Then if it's not to your liking, there a couple more advanced options that require taking the knife apart. The speedsafe "spring" has grease on it. A little bit of fresh grease in the pocket it sits in might help. You can also try polishing up the washers used on the pivot and adding a bit of grease/oil to them. Most (maybe all) of my speedsafe knives have copper washers that I polish with the 1800grit stones from my wicked edge.
 
Which specific knives are you have trouble with? Do they open fully and lock? Most of the time all that's needed to get a Speedsafe working like new again is a good cleaning, some fresh grease/oil, and a pivot adjustment. If that doesn't work you probably should send it in to Kai.
 
Neverdie, that's what I would like to do, just not sure how. Rubicon, did you put new (copper) washers in your knives? That's an interesting option, where's a source for such washers? Fsatsil, specifically the knives are 3 of the 7 leeks I own, 2 of several chives, and one shallot. I will try and give the ones in question a good cleaning and re-lube them, but for the record I keep my knives very clean and don't feel like that is the issue, again I am seeking info on the adjustment part of the puzzle.

Thanks for the feedback folks, Don
 
I agree with the above posts the only thing you can do is adjust the pivot. If the action is slow it's most likely because the pivot is too tight.
 
I definitely am with the recommendations on adjusting the pivot, how do you do that?
 
Take out the pivot screw, apply some loctite to it, and put it back in at a tightness that gives you what you want. Should take a minute or less.
 
Fish30114 said:
I definitely am with the recommendations on adjusting the pivot, how do you do that?
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What model is it that you're having trouble with? Most Kershaws and ZT's take a size 8 torx bit in order to adjust the pivot. Like caldwelr said go to walmart and get the blue 242 loctite, apply a drop to the threading of the screw once taken out, screw it back in, adjust it so the the action is nice and fast, and let it sit over night.
 
Adjusting the pivot is extremely simple just tighten it all the way down then gradually loosen it until the knife opens correctly. It probably makes sense to clean and lube while your at it, dirt and lint always manage to get into a knife even if you keep the outside clean and also the factory grease tends to dry out over time so you'll need to replace it eventually anyways.
 
Benlong and fsatsil, thanks for the feedback. I've definitely got the correct torx drivers, and happen to have some Loctite 242 as well, so I will do some tinkering around tonight.

Thanks again for the intel, Don
 
Fish30114 said:
Benlong and fsatsil, thanks for the feedback. I've definitely got the correct torx drivers, and happen to have some Loctite 242 as well, so I will do some tinkering around tonight.

Thanks again for the intel, Don
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Don't mention it.
 
Another thing to note is that if you have it too loose, you may introduce side-to-side play. When I replace a pivot, I go for a balance between speed and side-to-side security
 
If it's a knife you've had and used for a while... the spring can weaken over time. You can go to Kershaw's website and have them send you replacements. It's an easy fix.... I've done a few and it makes a big difference.
 
Fish30114 said:
Neverdie, that's what I would like to do, just not sure how. Rubicon, did you put new (copper) washers in your knives? That's an interesting option, where's a source for such washers? Fsatsil, specifically the knives are 3 of the 7 leeks I own, 2 of several chives, and one shallot. I will try and give the ones in question a good cleaning and re-lube them, but for the record I keep my knives very clean and don't feel like that is the issue, again I am seeking info on the adjustment part of the puzzle.

Thanks for the feedback folks, Don
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No, I just polish/sand the old ones. KAI may send you some new ones if you ask nicely, but it's really not necessary. Adjusting the pivot, a good cleaning, some fresh grease and polishing/sanding the washers should do the trick. Just don't remove too much material from the washers, all you need to do is smooth out the surface of them if they need it.
 
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