Kershaw Lockup

[mlanghornes]

A few years back I got a wally world Kershaw storm II, but haven't carried it (despite its reputation as a decent edc) because of a framelock that barely gets itself under the blade, holding on by maybe a millimeter. I thought this was an anomaly until I bought a Kershaw Oso Sweet, and again, the lock barely seems to hold the blade. Maybe I'm just being paranoid, but I simply don't trust these locks based on the appearance. Has anyone else experienced this? Has anyone ever had a Kershaw lock failure, from use or a spine-whack test?

 

[Peter Parker]

Yes, and I had the exact same knife. The only reason I gave it to my brogher-inlaw is that I don't like non-assist frame locks do to my fingers getting in the way. My frame lock Leek and Chive are the same as described and I fully trust them!

 

[knivesandguns]

I personally like mine at least halfway. I resprung/bent a couple locks to where it would be about halfway. I've only done this with frame locks.

 

[rmfnla]

I think the intent is it will engage more fully as it wears in.

 

[ROBB]

If a framelock or a linerlock barely engages I wouldnt think its safe. I've seen some linerlocks made by custom makers that had this problem. Sometimes it may "wear" in. If it does'nt within a few days of opening & closing then I would return it.

 

[Reeek]

That's called "early lockup" and is what most knife people expect from a good frame lock or liner lock. This is intended to allow for wear and give the knife a longer life. The locking scale or liner will work it's way toward the opposite side as it wears out. Once it gets all the way over the knife can and probably will develop blade play and many consider this the knife's life is over unless you try to peen it for a little more lifespan. Personally, I return them if they don't have early lock up.