How to make a knife open smoother

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ridethepony14

Joined
May 26, 2013
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So I have a tenacious that I'm having a tough time adjusting. I've never abused this knife, just tried to adjust it to make it operate better. I tightened the pivot to better center the blade, but then it's too tight to open normally. Then I loosen the pivot to the point where it opens easily but then there is side-to-side wiggle. I've lubed up the bushings but that didn't help. I noticed that the bushings look "chipped" in some spots. What can I do to fix this?
 
Well, if you do not mind completely taking the knife apart, I would suggest polishing the washers. This is a pretty simple, and low risk modification that can really increase the smoothness.

Take the knife apart and remove the washers. Then take some wet/dry sandpaper (automotive) something like 1000 and 2000 grit. Polish the washers on the 1000 grit. Do not go to fast or push too much. It doesn't take much to remove metal from bronze. Then do the same with 2000. You do not want to go in to much access because it could thin the washers out too much. Then if you have a strop rub both side of the washer on your strop to finish it off. Apply a little oil (I prefer Quick Release). And then re-assemble.
 
I prefer not to polish washers. Especially if the blade has a fine finish. I have found that polished surfaces would seem to be smoother but actually create more stiction. Nearly every knife I have polished the washers on have though feel smoother actually are slower. The action seems smoother but the blade has a resistance when you first try to move it.
 
I would polish the blade where the washers rub against. Its made tremendous difference on mine.
 
Another option that requires a little more skill to accomplish is to add lubrication holes to the washers of the knife. By removing material where its not needed you dont inhibit the washers effectiveness of blade centering yet it will reduce friction as well as provide a space that you can apply oil or grease as a constant source of lubrication. Still if the blade is super polished as well as the washers I dont know how effectively the lubrication can get in between those two surfaces. I would imagine things with microscopic lubricating additives such as PTFE might still be effective. But basic oil might not be.
 
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