Liner lock

[Vlade]

I noticed on one of my knives that I really like, the liner is not indexing fully. It does engage but not quite far enough. I have given it some spine wacks, and the lock up seems good. Would it be a mistake to file down the liner lock just a little bit? I would feel a little more confident with just a little more engagement. I'm only looking for a couple of thousands of an inch. Should I file it just a little bit or should I leave it alone? Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you

 

[kobold]

A photo would be useful, but I would leave it.

 

[killgar]

When you say "not indexing fully" are you saying the full width of the liner does not pass under the tang? As though the liner is just barely catching on the edge of the tang?

If it's locking up securely I would be inclined to leave it alone. The lock will wear over time and move further across the tang.

Altering the lock is a gamble. It might produce a result you like, or a result that fills you with regret. Removing just a fraction of a millimeter can drastically alter the lockup.

 

[jbmonkey]

When you say "not indexing fully" are you saying the full width of the liner does not pass under the tang? As though the liner is just barely catching on the edge of the tang?

If it's locking up securely I would be inclined to leave it alone. The lock will wear over time and move further across the tang.

Altering the lock is a gamble. It might produce a result you like, or a result that fills you with regret. Removing just a fraction of a millimeter can drastically alter the lockup.

^ this.

if ya do some harder cutting with it.....it will seat further. I learned that on an early, barely seated liner lock folder I used to cut up some sugarcane. it's what I had on me, not the best or even a good choice for the task. afterwards the liner lockbar had seated deeply on the tang permanently.

 

[Vlade]

I tried to take a picture of it but it's too hard. I can't get it to focus for that little area. I was figuring that it would eventually wear in as well. And I don't want to screw the knife up. All of your advice has cemented what I was thinking. I'm just going to leave it alone. Thanks fellas

 

[old4570]

Make a mistake with the file and .........................
The other option is to dimensionally shorten the liner lock !
The easy way is to put a curve in the liner lock ..
This will
A) Dimensionally shorten the liner lock
B) Allow for more blade engagement
C) Increase tension
All good things if you want a stronger locking knife .. Maybe ?

 

[DavidABQ]

I suggest leaving it alone and just use the knife. If it really bothers you then contact the manufacturer about it.

 

[JC972]

I have an old cheap liner lock, got it used for less than $6 iirc, and the lock barely engaged the tang. So one day I took a very fine needle file and made maybe 2-3 light passes across the lock surface and tried it. After that the lock would go all the way to the opposite end of the tang! I’d be surprised if I removed .0015” from the surface of the lock. It went from being able to apply pressure on the spine of the locked blade to make it unlock to the exact opposite end of the spectrum that quick. I suspect the angles from the factory were a bit off to begin with, given how little steel removal had such an effect. Faced with the same situation again, I’ll just use the knife until it wears in on its own.
That particular knife now lives in a shadow box because it was used in a fast-breaking life-changing situation one day, so its lock engagement is really a moot point these days.