Problem with my new Kershaw Skyline

desmo996

desmo996

Joined
Feb 4, 2011
Messages
49
Hi all,

I'm new here although I read and search the forums regularly.

I just purchased both a Kershaw Skyline and a Chill. I have a question about the Skyline:

I am having a problem with the flipper action on this knife. When used the knife only deploys half way unless you flick your wrist. I am adept at using the flippers on these knives (the Chill snaps open every time with just the index finger for instance) so this is not the issue. Now I know there is a break in period but I've used the mechanism at least a thousand times in the past week to no avail. Loosening the pivot screw only resulted in horrible blade retention with the blade falling out with just a few brief shakes of the wrist.

I'm wondering if this might be a defective knife. I noticed the liner lock seems a bit flimsy as it doesn't engage as aggressively as the Chilll's (when the blade is open and it's locked in place there is still room for the liner to move behind the blade if you pull it with your nail). It's as if the liner lock is less "springy" and kind of flat in this knife which may have something to do with its inability to open all the way via the flipper.

Anyone have similar issues with their Skyline? I emailed Kershaw and haven't heard back yet. I am hoping they can help.
 
I would not say its defective, necessarily. I have 2 Skylines, and one (with Damascus) will flip easily and the other not so easy. And I too have adjusted the pivots to where they are as loose as possible without imparting any blade play.

If you can flip that sucker open with some wrist action, I would say that falls withing the realm of "normal". It is also helpful, I think, to position the knife so that the blade movement through the last half of its arc is assisted by gravity, i.e., downward. Hope that makes sense. But I don't think there is anything "wrong" per se with your Skyline. Maybe try a tiny amount of oil on the pivot, and keep playing with it. Good luck. Sounds like you know pretty good how to flip that puppy.
 
I had the same issue with my Chill, but I do not own a skyline. I contacted Kershaw and sent the knife in and was shipped a replacement. I tried the same thing by loosening/tightening the pivot screw, but that makes things worse as the flipper system directly uses the blade to build up pressure to "assist" in opening the knife. My replacement works fine, and I vastly prefer the Speed Safe Kershaw's, although I have to replace the torsion bar on them every few months (but Kershaw supplies new Torsion bars at no cost!).

I would contact them via phone/email and arrange to send the knife in for replacement. They are usually pretty good with their customer service.
 
Thanks for the welcome and responses.

I did read that one post already that you supplied via the link, thanks.

Ya I emailed Kershaw but maybe I should call instead. I want to make sure this isn't a faulty knife especially with regard to safety and the liner lock.

It's great to hear they replaced your knife though. I'm hoping they could do the same for me and get me one with a more solid liner lock that opens easily with a flick of the flipper just like my Chill does.
 
The washers could be dirty. I have no problem with my Skyline, yet I disassembled and polished the bronze washers with flitz anyway. After a drop or two of mineral oil, now it flies open every time.
 
Johnnymac44 has a short tutorial for loading up the Skyline's flipper. I can't locate it right now, but if followed, your Skyline will fire out like a switchblade. Trust me.
 
Pre-load it. Push on the flipper kinda like you're trying to close it then
with the same pressure, come down a little pressing straight in to the
the pivot. Don't try to pull straight down like you would with a RAM.
All flippers aren't created equal. There's a slight learning curve to each.
 
It does take a while for the bronze washers to break-in. At first, mine as well only deployed half way. After a couple of weeks I could tell a noticeable difference. I never did have to adjust the pivot screw, and eventually it was launching in full deployment. A friend liked mine so much, he bought it. I still miss it. Kershaw CS will take care of you. Give them a call.
 
This was the case with my Skyline for the first week or so. It broke in nicely though, and now flips with ease. You could always throw a little lube in there though (don't use WD-40, that stuff leaves a residue that can clog up the mechanism over time).
 
All very good pieces of advice, I appreciate it.

I did get a reply from Kershaw to the email I sent them. They said to send it in for repair. Unfortunately it says please allow up to 4-6 weeks for the process. Oh well, I'll just have to play with my Chill in the meantime then...
 
Last edited:
foldinghunter said:
Johnnymac44 has a short tutorial for loading up the Skyline's flipper. I can't locate it right now, but if followed, your Skyline will fire out like a switchblade. Trust me.
Click to expand...

I can't find this post by johnnymac44. Search results for posts from this member don't turn up anything. Is the post you're referring to posted on thus forum or another?
 
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