Ken Coats Spring failure (Broken again...)

Ryan Sumner

Ryan Sumner

Joined
Mar 17, 2013
Messages
377
Earlier tonight I experienced something we all fear, catastrophic backspring failure!
I had just sharpened up my Ken Coats easy open jack I got for my 21st birthday a few years ago, and as I was oiling the pivot up, the spring gave way while opening!

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I have actually had this happen to me before on the same knife several years ago and Ken was prompt in replacing the spring, but it having happened a second time makes me wonder if it is a design flaw in the geometry of the blade spring and tang?

Unfortunately it's a very sentimental knife, but I hate the idea of having it fixed, and carrying it around worrying that it is a ticking time bomb, waiting for the day for it to break yet again.

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Am I out of line in either posting this, in asking for Ken to fix it again, or to change the design?
I tried private messaging, but I can't seem to. Has this been changed to a gold only feature?
I haven't been gold in a while, and haven't come on here often enough recently to need to PM.

I'm really curious to see your thoughts on this, and to see peoples suggestions.
Shame it took this happening for me to come back on to the traditional forum again (I love the community here!)​
 
Ryan, you need at least a Basic Membership to have PM privileges. I believe the cost is $10 per year for Basic and $30 per year for Gold.

I'm sorry but I don't have Ken's email address anymore. Wish I would have saved it as this is the second time in a few weeks that someone has needed it.:oops:
 
Thanks for the responses guys, I'll chuck him an email.

I'll do what Waynorth suggested, and give it one more chance
 
That's a terrible feeling I'm sorry that happened...I've had two custom springs break on me now in 3 months..I dont know why...I'm by the book with cleaning and keeping joints oiled. I'm pretty respectful of these expensive knives.... Both makers were quick to respond through email and want to make it right....one maker opted to replace the original and unfortunately the replacement is one of the worst in terms of fit and finish and blade rattle in my collection at the highest price point. Maker hasn't responded to two inquiries about that so I have a $750 paper weight looks like...still stings. The other one was an Ohta LC and he's been soooo cool about helping and I should get it back sometime next month.

It's nice to know when makers will have your back with this kinda thing...it's a terrible feeling to have to write someone about a problem especially when you have tons of respect for their work.....Not fun for anyone.

Hoping you get it resolved!
 
Pogonasong said:
The other one was an Ohta LC and he's been soooo cool about helping and I should get it back sometime next month.
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I had a backspring break on an Ohta knife of mine, just a few months ago. I contacted Hiro via email, got a send it back response the same day. In 17 days it went from Syracuse, N.Y. to Japan and back. It's as good as new. Exemplary service from a great maker.
I hope you get satisfaction from the other maker.
 
Peregrin said:
I had a backspring break on an Ohta knife of mine, just a few months ago. I contacted Hiro via email, got a send it back response the same day. In 17 days it went from Syracuse, N.Y. to Japan and back. It's as good as new. Exemplary service from a great maker.
I hope you get satisfaction from the other maker.
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Yeah crazy good service from Hiroaki!! I'm planning to post a follow when it's back... I'm pretty excited.

As for the other one I have no clue.. Pretty sure maker either thinks I'm trying to take advantage of him or it's impossible that he'd put out two knives with issues and that it's my fault...Im definitely in the smallest minority having even one issue I'm pretty sure. Is what it is. Appreciate it!
 
The last 2 emails I got were about orders, After responding I received nothing back. Its beginning to make me
think people aren't getting the emails though my computer says they were sent.
Ken
 
Sucks to hear of the problems you guys have faced in the past, but good to Hiroaki made it right! I've always heard good things.

Hey Ken, good to see that you read the thread, I sent you an email yesterday, did you get it? Hopefully it's not in junk.
I sent it from my old email 'xXSpartan029Xx@hotmail.com' as that is the one I used to correspond with you in the past.
 
That's an unusual place for a break. At the pin hole is much more common. I wouldn't worry about that happening again if fixed.
 
Hey guys, I'm just back to ask how long you think it should take to fix the spring?

I sent it off on the 28th of August 2019, and followed up with Ken on both the 24th of October 2019, and the 6th of January 2020, but I haven't received any reply's from Ken.
I'm beginning to worry that I have lost my 21st birthday knife..... :(
 
Ryan Sumner said:
Hey guys, I'm just back to ask how long you think it should take to fix the spring?

I sent it off on the 28th of August 2019, and followed up with Ken on both the 24th of October 2019, and the 6th of January 2020, but I haven't received any reply's from Ken.
I'm beginning to worry that I have lost my 21st birthday knife..... :(
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Did you have confirmation that Ken received the knife? Did he give you an estimate on when he could get it done? Depending on what orders he already has commitments to deliver, he might not be able to get to yours right away. That would impact how long this is going to take than how long the actual process is to replace the spring.
 
LastRodeo said:
Did you have confirmation that Ken received the knife? Did he give you an estimate on when he could get it done? Depending on what orders he already has commitments to deliver, he might not be able to get to yours right away. That would impact how long this is going to take than how long the actual process is to replace the spring.
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That's the thing, he hasn't responded to my last three emails. I don't mind waiting at all, but I feel left in the lurch and I'm worrying whether he even received the knife in the first place.
 
Ryan Sumner said:
That's the thing, he hasn't responded to my last three emails. I don't mind waiting at all, but I feel left in the lurch and I'm worrying whether he even received the knife in the first place.
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I it will end up good and you'll get the knife back and fixed, maybe try and phone him?

My first custom by Mike Alsdorf had broken spring, the breaking sound was so ugly and surprising. Anyway since he does not have an email, I sent him a letter but never heard from him.
Mike
 
mike Berkovitch said:
I it will end up good and you'll get the knife back and fixed, maybe try and phone him?

My first custom by Mike Alsdorf had broken spring, the breaking sound was so ugly and surprising. Anyway since he does not have an email, I sent him a letter but never heard from him.
Mike
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I remember that, Mike. Sorry to hear that he never got back to you. There might be something I can do to help but it's a long shot. I'll send you a PM.
 
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