Kershaw Ken Onion Avalanche

WadeF

WadeF

Joined
Apr 12, 2000
Messages
2,116
Just got this knife today after reading a lot of positive posts about it. It's a very nice little knife. Razor sharp blade out of the box, fits my hand well. However, after opening it a few times it doesn't want to spring open all the way any more. I'll open it part way, the spring kicks in, but it stops short of locking the blade up. When I first got it it snapped into position with authority. What happend? Can I adjust this?

Thanks,
Wade
 
You might want to adjust the tension of the blade. Ifthat does not work, you should send it to Kershaw. They are good about fixing their products or replacing them.
 
What you experienced sounds normal. The torsion bar assist is just that, an assist. You need to flick the blade vigorously (with the thumb, not the wrist) to get things working. If you ease it open and hope the torsion bar will snap the blade to locked open position, I think you'll be disappointed. Like any opening mechanism, it takes a little practice. It isn't a switchblade. Take care.

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Fred
Knife Outlet
http://www.knifeoutlet.com
 
You could try a drop of lube on each pivot and work the blade several times. They are nice knives! If any of your friends are impressed and want one, let me know. I have an extra one, new in box, that I have for sale.
Regards!
Barry H.
 
Also, if you've carried it in your pocket, check the pivot area for any pocket lint or debris. That stuff can gum up a folder's mechanism real quick. If that's not the case, adjust the tension of the pivot.
An unusual problem. I have a couple of the Speedsafes and that is something I haven't seen on them. Hope the problem clears up for you, it really is a standout little knife.

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The individualist without strategy who takes opponents lightly will inevitably become the captive of others.
Sun Tzu

[This message has been edited by misque (edited 06-04-2000).]
 
I took Fred's advice, from the knifeoutlet, and give it a little harder flick and it works pretty good that way. I tried adjusting the torx screw at the pivot point, but when I turn it, the other side turns too. I'm assuming I'll need 2 torxes the same size? One to hold on side, while turning the other? Is this the right adjustment?

Thanks,
Wade
 
If both are moving when you try to adjust it, you may have a problem. An early Random task of mine had to be returned because of similar difficulties, however, you can adjust it with two screws with one on each side.
 
You shouldn't need to flick your wrist at all to get a good snap opening. Just a nudge w/your thumb should be more than enough to snap that blade open. Some are sluggish and have a little bit of a lag but you should be able to work the pivot enough to break it in. I know Ken spends hours sitting in front of the TV cycling his customs so that they are broken in just right when he sends them out. Just work that sucker and it should be ok. The Avalanche that Ken gave me had a little lag but has broken in very well.
 
Normally, new knives need a break-in period. Just put some drops of lubricant, and work the action..
 
So what lubricants would you all recommend, and where can I get them?

Thanks,
Wade
 
Just wanted to let everyone know, that I worked the action of the knife for awhile, and it now snaps into place very nicely. Thanks for the advice. Just wanted to make sure what I was experiencing was normal. Two thumbs up to Ken Onion on the design!
 
Fred, I couldn't agree with you. Two my Speed Safes (Ricochet and Avalanche) are popping completely open and are locking up without any flick, thumb or wrist. I described it particularly here: http://www.bladeforums.com/ubb/Forum3/HTML/001664.html

WadeF, if your knife first worked properly and when didn't - it could mean one of two things:
1. Mechanism "caught" some obstruction (for ex. metal or sand grains) or
2. Something was broken
First try to follow Misques advice and check your knife pivot area for obstructions, maybe even wash it in running hot water and when lubricate. MILITECH Weapon Grade Synthetic Based Metal Conditioner works well for me, but in fact you can use any gun oil.

Also try to adjust pivot tension. Yes, there are the same headers on both sides
frown.gif
but you can really hold the opposite side with suitable allen driver. The screw tension is not large.
Do not take your knife to pieces, it could void your warranty!

If it will not help - send your knife back to KERSHAW. I'm sure you will have no problems with their Customer Service.
For more info on Avalanche please visit: http://www.bladeforums.com/ubb/Forum3/HTML/001656.html and http://www.bladeforums.com/ubb/Forum3/HTML/001777.html

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Sergiusz Mitin
gunwriter
Lodz, Poland
 
Thanks for the advice Sergiusz. It is working better now. When I was playing with it, a thread like peice of g-10 I believe worked it's way out. This may have been what was causing it not to snap all the way open.

Thanks again,
Wade
 
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