Military washers?

[SammyB]

I took a chance and bought a used old style 440V Military. It showed up in great shape

but the action was a bit gritty

. So, I did what any self respecting bladeophile would and disassembled it. When I got it apart I will have to say I was really amazed by the washers that the blade pivots against. These things are see-through, kinda like a double thickness mylar or something. Despite my best efforts to oil/or lube the action the opening remains gritty.

Has anyone replaced these washers with another style to improve the feel of the action? If so, what with? If that isn't the answer, how do I go about smoothing this out.

I am not comparing the action to that of the WH Spearpoint I carry daily, but instead to the CRKT carson I bought for around 35 bucks. The carson is much much cleaner throughout the motion of the blade.

Please note so as to not offent the masses of Military fans out there:

1. Very useful blade shape and blade to handle ratio.
2. With very little work the 440V became scary sharp. (Will push cut cigarette papers.)
3. Very solid lockup.

Other than that would someone please tell me how to smooth out the action.

TIA.

-Sam.

 

[Scarman]

I didn't disassemble mine but I did remove the clip in order to get some lube in there.
I use White Lightning "Raceday" and I love it. I use to have the same problem but now mine is smooooooooooooth.
YMMV

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It is no sin to doubt some things but it may be fatal to believe everything.
*A.W. Tozer

2 Tim 4:3-4

 

[Paul Davidson]

I have also used a White Lightening product on my Military with great success. I used the regular formula though. It stays effective for quite a long time also. If you can't find it in your area, then try local bike stores. White Lightening tends to work grit and dirt out of the mechanisms of knives. I have an ancient and well used SAK that was getting quite sticky and no amount of washing or oiling was helping. A couple of applications of WL and you wouldn't believe the crud that came out of the pivots. Good as new now.

------------------
Paul Davidson

Them:"What's that clipped to your pocket, a beeper?"
Me:"Uuh....yeah, something like that."




[This message has been edited by Paul Davidson (edited 04 November 1999).]

 

[SammyB]

I guess i will run by the Bike mart and get some of this stuff..

Thanks for the advice guys.

-Sam.

 

[Corduroy]

I haven't taken apart a Military since the very first run, but I have taken apart Starmates. Starmates use a pair of those super-thin Spydie washers on each side of the blade (total 4)- I don't recall the Military having them in pairs, but as I said it was some time ago. Each *pair* of washers on the Starmate mesured exactly 0.005" thick - I replaced mine with 0.005" brass washers (total 2). I must therefor believe that a Spydie *single* washer is an amazing 0.0025" thick. You'll have a hard time finding any material in a suitable size to replace that, but if you do I'd go with brass, bronze, or copper. The soft metal will polish itself against the blade as it wears, and the action should get very smooth over time.

-Drew