Kershaw vapor-fails spinewhack test

timdennis

timdennis

Joined
Sep 4, 1999
Messages
591
I've been carrying one for about a month. I read some earlier threads about the Walmart price of $19.99. I was mildly disappointed that the store near me didn't have the Japanese made ones but settled for the Chinese version. Its nice for the price, flat,carrys well and excellent fit and finish. Las night I spine whack tested it and it folded right up. I was somewhat suprised. Now I realize it is only a 20.00 knife but I thought the framelocks by design were much stronger. I don't kill the knives when I do this using only moderate force. The odd thing was I recently bought a Gerber Harsey liner lock which I assumed would fold up but it didn't. So in this case the cheap liner lock beat the cheap framelock.
 
Sounds like there was something wrong with the cut angles of the 2 mating/locking surfaces, and that the blade pushed the frame lock aside when forced because of it. Even a cheap liner/frame lock should be able to withstand a minor whack, otherwise its a dangerous knife i would think. Funny, my little Kershaw Chive i got for $30, ive tried to force the blade closed, cant do it, too strong. Like i said, i think you got a lemon, incorrect angles ground into the 2 locking surfaces.
 
Gotta be a lemon. I have 2 vapors...one Japan, one China, neither fold on a medium spine whack.
Matt
 
I carry a Vapor and keep a Vapor II in my desk, one is marked Japan and the other China. Neither folded up when whacked several times on the spine so I suspect yours may be defective.
 
Send it back to Kershaw or return to Wal-Mart.
You have a defective lock. Own several -- very fine knife for the dollars. Never had a problem with the vapor. KO design - well made and -- works very well.
 
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