Leek - minus the AO - perfect!

R

RLR

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Jan 10, 2000
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Here is a quick tip for some of us who don't really dig the AO that much but LOVE some of the knives that come with it. I LOVE the Leek, but don't dig the Assisted Opening. So, I took out the spring and added a recess for the detente ball. It's easy to do, take about 10 minutes, and makes the Leek perfect (for me). All you have to do is get the small diamond-coated ball grinder bit for a dremel that's a bit bigger than the detente ball on the Leek (or any knife that fits this category); then take out the blade, follow the arc that's been warn away by the detente ball and CAREFULLY grind down a hole at the very end of the arc where the ball will sit. Don't slip (I did a bit) and go slow. Low speed, low pressure to start. Then speed up a bit and add pressure.

The bit - you get the idea:

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Here's the look - not perfect I know, but this is my beater Leek. Hope one or two folks find this interesting or useful:

P1030688.jpg
 
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I won't even wait for an answer - yes, I'm sure it does. But for a relatively inexpensive and widely available knife, what the heck :D
 
And you did it on a composite-bladed Leek too :grumpy: It sounds like a good idea for those of us who don't like the assisted opening feature, but I've found that the pressure from the frame lock is more than enough to keep my Leek closed when the torsion bar is removed.

Thanks for the tip. :thumbup:
 
J_Curd said:
Who doesnt like assisted opening?!?
Click to expand...

actually and I might be in the minority here but I don't like AO at all.

To the OP:
I like the idea a lot actually though for me I would be worried about over hardening that spot and causing a weak spot in the blade.
 
Legal issues.

But back to the OP. Hows the tension? I figured I could just grind a detent for the ball but never did. It didnt seem like the ball was as big as on other folders i've seen. Looked like it was mainly to decrease friction from the lock to the side of the blade.
 
In that case, why not just have a full automatic? If the "cant have" is a isn't an issue, I think I'd like a full auto over an AO.
 
On the automatic issue...

Automatic knives have way more moving parts - and thus more things to go wrong - than a manual knife or an assited opener. I can carry an automatic anywhere I can carry any other knife, but I don't due to the failures I've seen. I'm not talking $12 Pakistani knives; I'm talking about Benchmade and Spyderco autos I've used. The more parts it has, the more likely it is to malfunction.
 
J curd,

I live in Oregon I can have AO and full auto knives. I dislike both. I prefer the reliability, controllable nature, and lack of sheeple reaction. I can open ever knife i own just as easily and reliably as any AO I have ever handled (which is quite a few mind you I sell knives a lot of them Kershaw AOs). It is simply a personal preference some like it some don't.
 
1) pressure/friction with the detente "hole" - near perfect, because I did some trial and error until I got it just right. Without the "hole" I didn't find enough pressure at all on the blade from the frame. Without the hole, you'd have to use the safety as the detente. Defeats the purpose of converting.
2) AO - some like, some don't, some can, some can't. It is NOT a natural feel for me. I've always used pocket knives with nail nicks, holes or studs; you can open them fast, slow, partially, whatever you need. There is no thought involved. For me, the AO adds a little "lack of control" I don't really need. It's got high "cool" factor, but for me low "useful" factor.
3) to the posters who continue to ask "why don't you like it?" I say, don't do this mod and we're all happy campers.:D

I just love the Leek feel, design and ergos. So, I removed the one thing that held it back - in my view - from near perfection.
 
Excellent Thread!! Did you ever consider putting the dremel bit in a drill press? That should help avoid the wandering.

I have been considiering doing this to a Tyrade for some time now! I may have to try it...
 
If I had a drill press... but I don't. The slip wasn't even with the bit, but a scribe to mark the spot! That really irked me. Just a stupid mistake, but oh well. I do find that "fine tuning" the hole with some wrist action does make a difference though. Tyrade is a little pricey I think... be careful man :eek:
 
jimmer_5 said:
I have been considiering doing this to a Tyrade for some time now! I may have to try it...
Click to expand...

You're smarter than I am then...I can't figure out how to get a Tyrade apart (it's going back to Kershaw for a tune up soon).
 
AO is the only way a frame lock can be user friendly to me due to my clumsy fingers and or grip getting in the way. The Leek is the first frame lock I have really taken a shine to and the AO with index opener is the most important reason. Now I have added a Chive and would like some more Leeks and perhaps a Shallot.
 
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