Kershaw Shallot (1840) A/O weak deployment.

Cereal_killer

Cereal_killer

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Apr 4, 2013
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I have a shallot 1840 and I'm wondering if I'm having an issue with weak deployment, its not able to fully deploy the blade without my flicking my wrist. Is that normal for the shallot? With my blur the blade would fly open all the way just pushing a little on the thumb studs so I figured that's how the shallot would be.
 
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I have not had issues like that but my shallot does deploy slightly slower than my other kershaws. I think this has to do with the length and mass of the blade. If yours is not opening fully I would wonder if maybe the pivot is a bit too tight.
 
Is it new? If so it may just need to break in a bit. Try loosening the pivot a 1/16th of a turn. Or you could try taking it apart and cleaning it really good. Make sure you put it back together EXACTLY the same way with a little synthetic bearing oil. Make sure you don't flip the washers over. That matters sometimes with Kershaws A/O knives. Adjust the pivot tension so the blade has minimal blade play and still flips out smooth and quick.
 
Its new to me but used, I tried everything including taking it apart, sanding the inside of the handles and the tang and the washers and totally cleaning and re greasing the bar, oiled the blade and the pivot is more than loose enough (as in not at all tightened down) also I sanded the pivot its self. Nothing I do helps, I actually have started to wonder if the torsin bar could be cracked/bent/stretched. It only opens it between 1/2 and 3/4. It is marked blem, could that be the issue? Would it be worth it to try a new bar?

Oh I also reduced the tension from the lock and that didnt help so I bent it back.
 
There are a few possible culprits. The pivot could be too tight. The torsion bar could need to be replaced because it is losing tension (I have to replace almost every torsion bar, but Kershaw gives them away if you ask). The washers could be messed up, either not smooth and need to be polished or one is missing (Kershaw also sends out washers). Lastly the washers could just need some oil, and a little petroleum jelly on the torsion bar helps (kills the rattle, and also slows wear on the torsion bar).

Definitely contact Kershaw and get some spare parts sent out. If nothing else make sure to get some spare torsion bars.
 
Yeah just email KAI and ask for new hardware for the knife. They'll send you all the goodies, screws, washers, torsion bar, even a new clip if you want one.
 
I polished the washers when I had it apart and they're for sure in there and in the correct orientation. I'm thinking it has to be a weak torsion bar. Thanks for confirming that for me guys! New one ordered.
 
You might take a closer look at the torsion bar to see if it is cracked. It could just be a hairline crack, but that makes a big difference. I just replaced the one in my Cryo recently (same issue - would only open about half way). If you contact Kershaw's warranty department, they will send those out at no charge.

New torsion bar on top, cracked one on bottom.


Close-up of the crack.
 
Today I got the rebuild kit from kershaw and just like in flarp's pic the old torsion bar was bent way out of shape, I couldn't detect any cracks but that's not to say they're not there.

The A/O is working perfectly now, it also has a stronger "detent" holdin the blade closed.
 
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Glad to hear it's back to normal. The Shallot is a nice knife. That entire Onion series ... all winners.
 
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