Opinions on folding knife blades being centered.

EChoil said:
From the pics, yours is still worse. The other one is offset at the pivot but the tip is centered down the line. That would be a better situation for me. I tend to want the tip centered more than the pivot end, although all of mine are centered there too.

I guess the question would be, are all of their line like that.
Click to expand...

All of my Medfords are centered from pivot to tip.
 
$0 to $3.97 - I just hope it closes without anyone losing a finger.
$3.98 to $9.97 - If it rubs a side, I return it and add the model to my "Knives to Avoid" Tumblr feed.
$9.98 to $42.47 - Anything over 2mm is getting the boot. I automatically badmouth the company in 2.5 BFC posts.
$42.48 to $106.64 - 1mm of tolerance. Otherwise, somebody's getting a sternly worded email.
$106.65 to $203.14 - .05 mm is acceptable. Beyond that, I'm posting a 4,000 word rant on BFC.
$203.15 and up - I farm out calibration checks to a nearby laser lab. Their readings determine whether or not I conduct a multiple-forum assault on the company under scrutiny.
 
Elite_KG said:
I'm not sure about the full size, but I know 90% of all mini's can be centered with some tuning. Keyman has a thread out with instruction. Basically you loosen all te screws including the pivot and the clip. If it is to tr left then push th right scale up while pulling the left scale down. Systematically tighten the screws snug. You may find when you tighten one, the blade moves left. This is usually indicative the scale hole is off. Bore it out a bit (thousands of an inch) with a round file and repeat.
In most cases you can just tighten as prescribed with tension on the scales and it will remain centered. The only way it will not center is if the actual metal liners have a tap off or the pivot hole on one liner is off. I have had very few that would not center and all have been tuned to an acceptable level. Maybe 3-5 thousands off at the tip.
Click to expand...

I have kinda tried that. I'll take a little more time and see what I can come up with. Thanks for the advice!
 
Guyon said:
$0 to $3.97 - I just hope it closes without anyone losing a finger.
$3.98 to $9.97 - If it rubs a side, I return it and add the model to my "Knives to Avoid" Tumblr feed.
$9.98 to $42.47 - Anything over 2mm is getting the boot. I automatically badmouth the company in 2.5 BFC posts.
$42.48 to $106.64 - 1mm of tolerance. Otherwise, somebody's getting a sternly worded email.
$106.65 to $203.14 - .05 mm is acceptable. Beyond that, I'm posting a 4,000 word rant on BFC.
$203.15 and up - I farm out calibration checks to a nearby laser lab. Their readings determine whether or not I conduct a multiple-forum assault on the company under scrutiny.
Click to expand...

Probably the most logical post here. Makes me laugh tho because every Kershaw excluding mine in my house is dead center but a benchmade 910 Stryker I have is slightly off.
 
guyon said:
$0 to $3.97 - i just hope it closes without anyone losing a finger.
$3.98 to $9.97 - if it rubs a side, i return it and add the model to my "knives to avoid" tumblr feed.
$9.98 to $42.47 - anything over 2mm is getting the boot. I automatically badmouth the company in 2.5 bfc posts.
$42.48 to $106.64 - 1mm of tolerance. Otherwise, somebody's getting a sternly worded email.
$106.65 to $203.14 - .05 mm is acceptable. Beyond that, i'm posting a 4,000 word rant on bfc.
$203.15 and up - i farm out calibration checks to a nearby laser lab. Their readings determine whether or not i conduct a multiple-forum assault on the company under scrutiny.
Click to expand...

bravo.
 
EChoil said:
I wasn't clear. Don't get me wrong, that wasn't an ideal setup either, just a little less offside than his. I prefer my stuff centered too, like you said.

I'm only interested in how the knife got that way; it's kind of an interesting story this guy has told. I sure can't knock Medford because I'm under the impression they're damn good knives. So I'm just waiting to see what happens.

Tighes are cool knives. One is on my list somewhere.
Click to expand...

Ah, I see. It seems like we have the same perspective then :thumbup:

And yeah, I would definitely recommend a Tighe. I researched his knives heavily before buying one of his, and his knives are insanely well made, but beautiful at the same time. He also shares the same view with me that frame/liner locks are an inferior design. His knife ended my WTB knife list, but best of luck with yours man


Guyon said:
$0 to $3.97 - I just hope it closes without anyone losing a finger.
$3.98 to $9.97 - If it rubs a side, I return it and add the model to my "Knives to Avoid" Tumblr feed.
$9.98 to $42.47 - Anything over 2mm is getting the boot. I automatically badmouth the company in 2.5 BFC posts.
$42.48 to $106.64 - 1mm of tolerance. Otherwise, somebody's getting a sternly worded email.
$106.65 to $203.14 - .05 mm is acceptable. Beyond that, I'm posting a 4,000 word rant on BFC.
$203.15 and up - I farm out calibration checks to a nearby laser lab. Their readings determine whether or not I conduct a multiple-forum assault on the company under scrutiny.
Click to expand...

Brilliant
 
Guyon said:
$0 to $3.97 - I just hope it closes without anyone losing a finger.
$3.98 to $9.97 - If it rubs a side, I return it and add the model to my "Knives to Avoid" Tumblr feed.
$9.98 to $42.47 - Anything over 2mm is getting the boot. I automatically badmouth the company in 2.5 BFC posts.
$42.48 to $106.64 - 1mm of tolerance. Otherwise, somebody's getting a sternly worded email.
$106.65 to $203.14 - .05 mm is acceptable. Beyond that, I'm posting a 4,000 word rant on BFC.
$203.15 and up - I farm out calibration checks to a nearby laser lab. Their readings determine whether or not I conduct a multiple-forum assault on the company under scrutiny.
Click to expand...

Oh to dream that people actually get that.

best

mqqn
 
EChoil said:
DangCat-- Frankly, the knife pictured is a piece of crap if that's how you received it new. I think I know whose knife it is but not certain so I won't post it. But, please, post in THIS thread the company and knife model shown, as well as in GB&U (GBU gets far less viewers). Tell us what it is--they're jacking with you. My guess is you paid well over $200 for it and that it's at least a semi-custom.

You do realize they're attempting to screw you after you attempted to handle this privately, right?

As to your story about being patronized into acceptance by the manufacturer's "anal" jibe, if you don't raise holy hell and send it back to be made perfect or a refund, you're a wuss. :) Provided you have been accurate, the story you have told here is absolutely unacceptable and I'd publicize what happened everywhere, including the side of the GoodYear blimp. A maker attempting to manipulate you like this privately should be exposed for the benefit of everyone here. No way that should be tolerated.

If nothing else, I want to know who is doing this to you just so *I* can stay away from them. Do us all a favor and post HERE who made it and is behind this nonsense.​

As to the subject, it's amazing to me the rationalizations I see some have posted for accepting a costly off center blade--"Wayel, if it dudn't rub thuh sides, so whuutt?" Sheesh, they're either too lazy to do the return or can't bear the thought of having to be without their new knife for a few weeks so they keep a dud forever.

All of you rationalizers spent good money on a flawed knife...and others who own the same thing are likely walking around with a perfect piece. What amazes me even more is that all of you who accept such shoddy, mediocre work are only increasing the likelihood that some maker is going to attempt to foist the same thing on ME. Acceptance of such P'sOS is what allows such practices to continue and expand. To be cowered into acceptance because you fear someone might think you anal is, to me, the height of poltroonery.

I'd love to get some of you rationalizers across a negotiating table. With the lackadaisical, please-don't-whip-me, "I dun' wanna make no truhhble" attitudes some of you seem to have, I'd take your freakin' panties.
Click to expand...

Agree with you EChoil. I wanted to avoid this maker myself. There are so many makers in the market. I do not have that kind of time to test their f&f and their attitude to the customer.

EChoil said:
Perfect outside of centering, huh? :triumphant: That reminds me of a phrase posted earlier herein: "Otherwise superb." Still chuckling over that one.....and now yours.

Maybe centering's not important to you, but it is to me. First, they're all trads. Had you asked, I may have a different opinion on those. But....

....only says to me your Mastersmith (should I preface that with "alleged"?) didn't get it centered. Neither did your Notquitemastersmiths either, huh? Maybe it IS harder to do on trads. I don't know because I'm not into 'em. I bet a lot of good trads ARE centered.

I only see an off-center in the middle one. If, in person, I'd noticed the same flaw in the others, so be it. Can't tell from the pics.

Re-evaluate what? My "standards" on the topic originally under discussion are unflinching and re-eval isn't necessary. This thread involved a modern folder, not a pinned trad. Good modern folders have centered blades.

You paid over a grand for THOSE?? I wouldn't; esp. with cocked blades. If you want to have what you consider high-dollar knives with cocked blades have at it. If your Mastersmith can't center a blade when new on a pinned knife, keep buying from him if you want.

I say again...I expect a centered blade on a high quality knife from a high quality craftsman to whom I paid high quality dollars. Funny how people have differing tastes and quality criteria, isn't it?

But thanks for your input....I guess. Not sure what it was all about.
Click to expand...

It's annoying that maker tried to diverse this quality problem to DangCat personal judgment problem. I totally agree with you. Blade centering is just so essential, absolute necessity to a high priced production knife and all custom knives, it represents the maker can make the parts in micro levels and knows how to fit them nicely. I can not tolerate this kind of quality happen on the $200 dollar knife as I like it, carry and use it every day, trusted it can work no problem and safely. Lock fail does not have direct connection with blade centering but many of members trust the liner or frame affected the blade centering. Dare you think of lock fail on the knife in your hand? Do not worship Master Smith, if blade off centered or lock fail, they may give you loads of excuses!


Cutlover said:
Dead pixels don't really obscure the screen that much, they only make it look like the screen has a mark on it that can't be scratched off.

The point was, why accept a flawed product? If people become too complacent with low quality products, quality as a whole will suffer. You are absolutely correct that a non centered blade will cut the same as a centered one. However, a pickup truck that veers to the right will last just as long as a truck that drives straight. No functional difference, but it speaks to the quality of the knife, and how much effort was put into making it to ensure that last bit of perfection, and that in my book is very respectable.

It is like comparing the person who says "good enough" to the person who puts in the extra effort to make their product perfect. Laziness vs Productivity.

Now, I would consider myself to be slightly insane (or anal retentive, that's actually a somewhat hilarious jibe) if it weren't for the fact that other people in the thread agree. My apologies for the long winded post, but that's just my perspective.

Maybe we centered blade lovers have OCD? Who knows...
Click to expand...

Dead pixels even only few if happen to appear on a figure of your TT transfer on your computer, it can be very deadly. I'm considering myself insane. And thought that I would get a near perfect knife on one grand. But it seemed like that there are many makers are charging over the knives they make.

DangCat said:
Good post! I am usually on top of things like this, but I am trying to reduce the amount of time I spend trying to convince others to provide excellent service or a product. The seller was small time, selling tactical gear, knives etc and bought some Medfords, Maxpeditions , whatnot, from his distributor. So, I got a really good price on the knife and the knife was brand new, no question. The guy sold out and I just figured I got an excellent deal on a good knife. He suggested that Medford look at it. I thought , well, ok.. I watched the videos. I have seen him reworking knives on video. I have seen him run his big mouth about his work ethic, so what the hell, I will ask him about it! Did I call him direct? No, he was doing the SHOT show, I knew that, so I went through the standard channel of his website.

To re-iterate, I wasn't talking to Medford to get a WARRANTY on this lack of fitment. I just wanted them to give me an opinion. That's when Amy Medford speaks the truth about how the knife got that way and I find out kind of guy Greg really is.

So is the knife friggin awesome? No , it's not awesome. My other 187 DPT is awesome. This Black G10 187 coming back to me, is awesome, til you open it, feel the slight grittiness and less friction. If you had a ZT in your other hand, you wouldn't know this.

So, I go around the DFW MetroPlex everyday, for 20 years. I provide warranty and service for commercial building automation systems. I pride myself on delivering great service. I apologize for warranty issues and tell the customer that the problem will be solved, period. If I get called back on my mistake, I stand in front of the customer and tell them what I did not do correctly . Then I fix it, for free. My company bills me out at $150.00 an hour for service. Plus trip charge, plus laptop fee, plus parts mark-up. My word and actions better be gospel or I will get an ass-eating from five different people.

So when I get somebody on the phone with a big mouth and poor people skills these days, I just move on. I don't have the time to try and educate a guy who is my age on how to run his business. I got bigger things to worry about. Now... does that mean I won't tell other people about what happened and cost the guy some sales?
Click to expand...

DangCat, you made good point here. I know what annoying you most is they wanted to get away from the dis-qualified products they made. I'm a salesman myself. I manufacture and sell gifts and collectible gifts to my customers. No matter how my clients had our products with any quality issues, we say sorry to the customers first, no excuses. Then we work out solution with the customers. I do not know Mr. Medford myself, he might be a good man. but this has nothing to do with this dis-qualified products. You made dis-qualified products you gotta to apologize to your customer.

sutherland said:
All of my Medfords are centered from pivot to tip.
Click to expand...

All you knive blades are centered make me think Dangcat's knife is a defect. Why not apology to customer? Calling your customer anal retentive can be viewed as personal abuse??

DangCat is asking why a $200 knife does not have the customer service it should have. And the bad service make the customer suspect himself to be anal retentive?? What a company is this??

Somebody here may say I'm anal retentive as I filed claim on a slipjoint bought from forum maker here. I paid $800 previously plus shipping. But the knife is not perfect. The blade is centered but the back spring is having a hair line gap to the back liner. I chased maker for a long time but with no explanation. Then finally many forum member joined the discussion, then the maker's friend explained that's the scales pulled the liner away the spring. Funny explanation. Then the maker said to me that he never said he will make a perfect knife. Yes. I did not expect a perfect knife. But all the other knives he made look good on the back. But he would never admit it's a F&F problem.

The maker's friend said to others that he worried I would not buy from all these good makers anymore. He is wrong. I just would never buy from this maker and his friend. And they teached me a good lesson. Knife maker is a man. they have short comings. They may have no idea of business. And they may only want to make money or living. This makes me think that why the greater name knife maker more successful, they humble, communicate and share with other makers or customers their skills and experiences. Don't misunderstand about "humble". Humble I mean here is humble in knife making. Even you know every details of the knife making, you still willing to listen to your customer about how to make his knife.
 
Guyon said:
$0 to $3.97 - I just hope it closes without anyone losing a finger.
$3.98 to $9.97 - If it rubs a side, I return it and add the model to my "Knives to Avoid" Tumblr feed.
$9.98 to $42.47 - Anything over 2mm is getting the boot. I automatically badmouth the company in 2.5 BFC posts.
$42.48 to $106.64 - 1mm of tolerance. Otherwise, somebody's getting a sternly worded email.
$106.65 to $203.14 - .05 mm is acceptable. Beyond that, I'm posting a 4,000 word rant on BFC.
$203.15 and up - I farm out calibration checks to a nearby laser lab. Their readings determine whether or not I conduct a multiple-forum assault on the company under scrutiny.
Click to expand...

Thank you for the tolerances. You too generous?

Tut to the fact, these tolerance will be irrelevant on outside of the frame. But critical to inside of the fame or blade, even 0.05mm inside of the frame can cause blade rubbing the the other size of the frame.
 
Last edited:
Guyon said:
$0 to $3.97 - I just hope it closes without anyone losing a finger.
$3.98 to $9.97 - If it rubs a side, I return it and add the model to my "Knives to Avoid" Tumblr feed.
$9.98 to $42.47 - Anything over 2mm is getting the boot. I automatically badmouth the company in 2.5 BFC posts.
$42.48 to $106.64 - 1mm of tolerance. Otherwise, somebody's getting a sternly worded email.
$106.65 to $203.14 - .05 mm is acceptable. Beyond that, I'm posting a 4,000 word rant on BFC.
$203.15 and up - I farm out calibration checks to a nearby laser lab. Their readings determine whether or not I conduct a multiple-forum assault on the company under scrutiny.
Click to expand...

Hahahaha
 
It's probably about dead last in my list of concerns. If it doesn't rub I don't care. If it's centered that's nice, but unless I'm spending well over $100 or buying something custom I'll probably forget to even check.
 
I'm just glad if the blade's straight, sharp and doesn't rub the liners.....Then again, I'm never bothered if the pictures are straight in my house either, so your mileage may vary and all that ;)
 
See I buy knives as tools and never pay over $100 do it doesn't matter. According to why buy $600 knife thread it's for better tolerances. Got near perfect tolerances on my delica. So I do understand not being happy with a $200+ knife not being centered because that shows bad tolerances
 
I personally fall into the AR group here.

I realize that Medford's knives have a very strict set of rules that must be followed, & if you violate any of these rules, it terminates the warranty. With that said, I came across a thread with a post dated about 3 years ago, by RevDevil (in the tinkering & embellishment sub-forum). It had to do with re-centering an off centered blade (here's what RD posted- copied & pasted):


Have you tried:
Adjusting the tension on the pivot?
Making sure all the handle screws are tight?
Centering the blade on your own?

It's hardly a defect, especially on a budget knife. It can be fixed in a matter of minutes. With the knife closed:
1- Loosen all the handle screws (don't remove them, just loosen them)
2- Loosen the Pivot screw, again don't remove it
3- Get a small piece of paper and fold it a couple times. Wedge it in between the blade and handle until the blade is centered.
4- Tighten the pivot screw all the way.
5- tighten handle screws from the furthest away the pivot, alternating sides if needed.
6- Remove the paper, and slowly loosen the pivot screw just enough so that the blade can be flipped open.

Better the Devil You Know, Than the Devil You Don't...


FWIW- I've used RD method on a couple of knives, & it helped significantly. :thumbup:
 
Last edited:
Under $50, I don't expect perfection, and minor blade centering issues don't bother me much if they don't affect the knife's function.

Over $50, I expect a bit better attention to detail, but blade centering I can let slide if it's just an easy turn of the pivot screw to correct without affecting the action of the knife,
(ie. too tight or loose)

Over $100 the blade should be spot on! Paying that much for better materials and design, an extra second during assembly and inspection to ensure a minor detail like blade position is not asking too much. To charge over $100 for a knife, and not get the blade centering right before selling, is just plain lazy! And the higher the price, the more upset I'd be...
(over $200 and a blade off center, that would burn the entire brand for me, and I would never consider them again. To me, $200+ and an off center blade, is equivalent to mystery steel. Deal breaker.).
 
If a knife company can't make centered blades, they should stick to making fixed blades.

I agree with echoil, buyers are negligent on the issue so knife maker's aren't paying attention to it like they should.

My chris reeves are all perfectly centered, but I was upset they don't know how to grind/sharpen at the company.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top