Kershaw OD-2 opening mechanism..

jac_solar · Jan 5, 2014

I just got a Kershaw OD-2, and wow, the opening mechanism is totally awesome! Extremely comfortable and fun. How come more knives don't use this mechanism, though? Is it not as functional on heavier/bigger blades? (The OD-2 is really small.)

This is apparently the actual mechanism: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cam (Was mentioned by a review of the knife that I read.)

The mechanism seems like it's basically as effective as an assisted opener, but with total control over opening - you can stop pushing the lever at any point, and the blade will stop. I suppose I'd define it as an extremely smooth flipper with complete control over the opening, or a flipper that feels semi-assisted or assisted and has complete control over opening. But is there any value in an opening mechanism that doesn't just slam the blade open? I'm not sure.

chester22 · Jan 5, 2014

The OD-1 is the bigger version of that knife. And is a framelock. Very cool knife.

flarp · Jan 5, 2014

Here's a pic of an OD-1 opened up. To my knowledge, the OD-2 is the same design, but in a smaller knife.

jac_solar · Jan 5, 2014

flarp said:
Here's a pic of an OD-1 opened up. To my knowledge, the OD-2 is the same design, but in a smaller knife.

Yeah, I'd read that the OD-1 has the same design, but that's still not a lot of knives with that design. The mechanism is really comfortable, and seems relatively simple, so I found it strange that almost no other knives employ this mechanism.

chester22 · Jan 5, 2014

It may be patented by the designer so only his knives can use it. Sort of like G&G Hawk knives.

bpeezer · Jan 5, 2014

I believe it is patented by Lee Williams, as his kick stop system. Also, it's not the strongest mechanism (on the OD series, I don't know anything about his customs). The tab bends easily, and that can make it impossible for the knife to be opened. Complex mechanisms just don't sell as well as their simpler counterparts.

bladeboss · Jan 5, 2014

I have an OD-2. I wonder why you never see these knives on here often?

jac_solar · Jan 5, 2014

bpeezer said:
I believe it is patented by Lee Williams, as his kick stop system. Also, it's not the strongest mechanism (on the OD series, I don't know anything about his customs). The tab bends easily, and that can make it impossible for the knife to be opened. Complex mechanisms just don't sell as well as their simpler counterparts.

Really? I wouldn't have thought that something that is heavily based on the CAM concept could even be patented. But I suppose there are some unique solutions in the mechanism.

bpeezer · Jan 5, 2014

jac_solar said:
Really? I wouldn't have thought that something that is heavily based on the CAM concept could even be patented. But I suppose there are some unique solutions in the mechanism.

If I remember correctly it's not a cam, it's a pin in slot. And you'd be surprised the things that can be patented