New SAK Pioneer is a fingernail killer

I

Idlewild294

Joined
Feb 20, 2013
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Just bought a new Victorinox Pioneer, and the back spring on the cap lifter is so tight that I've destroyed my thumb nails. I've trimmed my nails shorter, but it actually bends my nail back. All of the tools have fantastic snap, but I have to open the knife blade first to get the cap lifter out. I added some synthetic gun lube to it, and it helped, but it's still brutal. Will it get better over time, or are there any tips? Thanks guys!
 
It will wear in some, but generally if they are that tight, they will only loosen up so much. My Farmer's knife blade is a thumbnail killer. Keeping it oiled lightly helps a lot and it has loosened up some over time, but it settled at still tight as crap.
 
I have several Alox Vics, and while stiffer than most slip joints, they come no where near what you describe. Are you new to slip joints? I've heard this complaint from people that are used to OHO "tactical" folders.
 
My Alox models are stiffer than a regular SAK but they will ease up some over time.
 
I've a few that are stiffer than others and it's quite frustrating at times since that particular knife either stays in tbe drawer or is moved along. Happens though with slippies from all makers.

It'd be nice to be able to pick out your own, but lacking that, you can always politely ask the seller to test it for you. If you're set with that knife, a modder may be able to help perhaps. If you want to spend the money.

Sorry I wasn't more help. My carry 93mm models are older ones that have been modded. But on the newer ones I have, they do feel a little stiffer, but I always attribute that to not being broken in.

I've seen on the forums that leaving the blade open at 45 degrees for a few days can help loosen up the spring but I haven't tried that myself. Others have said this has potential to damage the spring so I dunno.
 
Joe58 said:
I've seen on the forums that leaving the blade open at 45 degrees for a few days can help loosen up the spring but I haven't tried that myself. Others have said this has potential to damage the spring so I dunno.
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FWIW, I doubt that leaving the blade open at 45° would either loosen or damage a spring. The theory behind that belief is that a tensioned spring can take a set, but usually, what weakens a spring is repeated flexing, not constant tension. That's something I learned from a camera repairman when discussing whether or not to leave a Rolleiflex film camera with the shutter cocked or released before storage, and I assume the principle applies to any spring. Since my information is second hand, I can't verify it, but in many decades of photography, I never had problems with any camera with the shutter spring tensioned for long periods of time. In re slip joint knives, I have one dating from the 1950s that was always a fingernail buster and still is, despite many years of opening and closing. Oil helps, but only in eliminating one cause of stiffness. Further comment is invited.
 
I had a pioneer like that. Extremely difficult, tried leaving tools open, but I think the rivets were also too tight. It wore in a bit over time, but I also adopted different tricks for opening the drivers which were the hardest. Would open them a tad with the nail nick, the press or friction pull or push the implements open.(sometimes in combo)
 
Idlewild294 said:
Just bought a new Victorinox Pioneer, and the back spring on the cap lifter is so tight that I've destroyed my thumb nails. I've trimmed my nails shorter, but it actually bends my nail back. All of the tools have fantastic snap, but I have to open the knife blade first to get the cap lifter out. I added some synthetic gun lube to it, and it helped, but it's still brutal. Will it get better over time, or are there any tips? Thanks guys!
Click to expand...

I've never encountered a nail breaker with a Victorinox. The alox models do have a slightly stronger spring, but it shouldn't be a nail breaker or even a bender. Something is wrong from the factory, and you need to send it in to the facility they have in Shelton Connecticut. This sounds like a warrantee issue. I'd send it in.
 
jackknife said:
I've never encountered a nail breaker with a Victorinox. The alox models do have a slightly stronger spring, but it shouldn't be a nail breaker or even a bender. Something is wrong from the factory, and you need to send it in to the facility they have in Shelton Connecticut. This sounds like a warrantee issue. I'd send it in.
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This has been my experience unless they were neglected/abused.
 
Got my first silver alox Pioneer today, and everything checks out okay with mine, it's got the same blade retention as my Farmer. When opening a knife with a nail nick, it really helps to keep you're nails short, but I'm sure you already know that.

I use mineral oil U.S.P. for all my knives.
 
We need some Biotin Supplements here :D
I had my nails break on some GEC models but so far none by SAK.

Goodluck :thumbup:
 
Jokes aside, did you send your Pioneer in for repair Idlewild294?. How's it opening for you now, has it gotten any better?.
 
My pioneer is fine. But my climber and OH trekker ... The backside awls are both nail breakers! I need a coin.
 
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