Just got a NIB ZT 0551 in BUT a strange issue? IS It Broken?

Boss, you might want to try the leaving the knife partially open thing. I have about 6 hours doing it and the detent is a lot softer already!
I started by leaving the blade at 45* for a couple of hours then 90* until 2045hrs. I will leave the blade open at 140* or so for the rest of the night.

After 6 hours I could flick it all the way open to lock! It did it 2 out of 3 times. I will do this to help break in the action and I think it works!
 
it just needs to be broken in mine is doing the same thing, just break it in and shell be good to go
 
I think it puts some stress on the little detent ball between the frame lock slab and the back of the blade. The detent ball is a bit stiff as we all know. I suppose it is on a spring of some sort and leaving the knife open overnight or ever so often exercises that spring. All hail Bobnery for that wonderful break in idea that works!
 
It puts opening force on lock bar. Notice how the lockbar rises a bit after overcoming detent. It simply holds stress on lockbar the same as opening it over and over. Opening it completely over and over may also help with the lockbar face and blade tang meshing better, but that wasn't your problem. And the only way repeated opening would change the lockbar strength more than just leaving it partially opened and sitting would be if you could do it fast enough to build friction and actually weaken the metal like when you bend a piece of metal repeatedly to break it. I personally don't think a human could generate the speed or body mechanics to do this with a folder so leaving it cocked opened under stress is equal to basic repeated openings IMO
 
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