Kershaw Random Task w/ weak lockup

[Brett]

I bought a factory-second Random Task off ebay. The knife is in great shape, except for one thing that annoys me: the lockup is a little weak. Basically, it feels as if the liner just barely has enough spring to move it into position, making it relatively easy to release the lock accidentally. The seller has another similar Random Task that he's willing to swap with me, but this whole thing leads me to a few questions I wonder if someone here could answer:

1. What is Kershaw's (and other mfg's) policies towards repairing factor second knives? Are they sold "as-is" or is there a warranty on functional issues such as the lock? Would a weak lockup be a reason to sell a knife as a second, or is that category purely for cosmetic problems?

2. It *seems* like fixing the knife would be as easy as disassembling it and slightly bending the liner lock so it will contact the blade ramp with more force. Would it be a bad idea for me to attempt this?

3. Does anyone else think Ken Onion designs some of the most wonderful knives on the market, or is it just me?

-Brett

 

[UW Mitch]

Brett,

I was under the impression that the factory seconds really don't have any warranty, becasue they are sold VERY cheap at the Kershaw factory sale.

Having taken apart my Random Task, I would agree that that bending the liner a little more would fix your problem...but I'm not a knifemaker or anything. (You'd probably want to wait for a more informed opinion)

I love Ken's designs. "Imp" just took some pics of the knives Ken will be taking to Vegas...wish I could be there. Ken's Website

~Mitch


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[Andrew McLurkin]

If you decide to take your knife apart and bend the liner for increased spring, a tip is to lay the liner on a flat surface and move it until the split part of the liner is just over the edge and parallel. Hold the backside of the liner down on the table while you pull the split liner up toward you. This will reduce the risk putting a bend in the liner where you don't want it. You will find that it takes a good deal of bending to change the amount of spring. If you end up with too much spring just push down using the above technique.