No really, how important is it for the blade to be centered when the knife is closed?

S

silver_bullet

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May 30, 2008
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Hello, please forgive the virginity of this question, but I bought a high-end knife recently, which I really love (it's an Al Mar Shrike, if that matters). But when I close the knife, the blade does not sit completely centered in the handle (laterally between the scales). In fact, the blade comes pretty close to touching the non-clip side of the scales. Now, is this a non-issue? Is it just a cosmetic flaw (and nothing else)? Or is it a little more serious? Is there any way to correct the alignment, so that the blade rests in the exact center of the handle when closed? Thanks for any input.
 
silver_bullet said:
Hello, please forgive the virginity of this question, but I bought a high-end knife recently, which I really love (it's an Al Mar Shrike, if that matters). But when I close the knife, the blade does not sit completely centered in the handle (laterally between the scales). In fact, the blade comes pretty close to touching the non-clip side of the scales. Now, is this a non-issue? Is it just a cosmetic flaw (and nothing else)? Or is it a little more serious? Is there any way to correct the alignment, so that the blade rests in the exact center of the handle when closed? Thanks for any input.
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It won't hurt anything if the blade is slightly off center. I have an Al Mar SERE 2000 and the blade is just slightly off center. I love that knife. I wouldn't consider that and your Shrike "high end" but still a very nice knife all the same.
 
It is as important as you want it to be. If the blade rubs against the liner and scratches the blade, then it may be a big problem, maybe not. It won't effect the performance unless the edge is craping against the handle (nto likely). Some people here are absolutely not satisfied unless the blade is perectly centered. Others are less concerned. So, how big of a deal is it to you?
 
It doesn't hurt a thing and is fine with me,BUT it is a sign of high quality to follow through perfectly centered at rest.Part of a fine fit and finish.
 
Depends on the quality, price tag of the knife! On a 50-60$ knife its acceptable, on a custom, or high-end production I would find it unnaceptable!
 
Aesthetics. Once you dissemble a folder and put it back together the blade will likely be off center unless you are trying to center the blade.
 
I personally consider it important. I feel it is an overall measure of how well a knife is made. But I also agree, as previously stated, that it may not affect the functioning of the knife as long as the blade does not rub the liners.
 
As long as the blade is not rubbing the inside of the knife when opening or closing I don't worry about it. ;)
 
Thanks for all the input! The general consensus seems to be that it's not a very big deal since it doesn't affect the performance of the knife--and that's fine with me. I can live with the slightly-off-centered-ness of the blade, but I'll keep an eye on it to see if the blade ever begins to rub against the liners in the scales. I really love the knife--it opens very smoothly, locks up tight, and embodies the kind of sleek elegance I like in a larger folder. Thanks again!
 
I suppose it would matter to me only if I paid several hundred dollars for the knife. I would expect such a blade to be bloody perfect. For anything under a hundred, I would only be worried if I felt there was a functional problem with the knife, which to me a slightly offcenter when closed blade is not.
 
being off center due to a bit of warp during HT or not symmetrical grinds , that doesn't bother me , but if it is due to the pivot hole not being drilled square , that can effect lock up and to me is not acceptable on knife over $100.
 
A blade not centered is no big deal to me. However, if that blade starts to rub either side to the handle when closed, then I'm:mad: that's just me, though.
 
RONIN21 said:
I personally consider it important. I feel it is an overall measure of how well a knife is made. But I also agree, as previously stated, that it may not affect the functioning of the knife as long as the blade does not rub the liners.
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:thumbup: Same opinion here. It really doesn't matter, it doesn't effect the function of the knife, but it irks me.

It's one of the things that OUGHT to be right, on any decent quality folder.
 
It is no big deal, unless it scratches the blade or edge, in which case it should be corrected. For "art" knives, of course, the blade should be perfectly centered - for users, who cares.
 
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