Problems with 560 deployment

46Alpha

46Alpha

Joined
Oct 28, 2011
Messages
225
Just received my 560, and I'm having some problems. When actuating the flipper, the blade will not fully deploy. On top of that, the detent is so strong the blade will not deploy at all when trying to use the thumb studs. When working the blade open/closed, the detent squeaks. I've loosened the pivot, cleaned and lubed with Militec, and tried to flip it out many times to get it to break in. At this point the only way to deploy the blade is to hit the flipper and give it a good wrist flick. When it does deploy fully (20% of the time) it does so very slowly and barely locks up unless I add a backwards motion to it.

Can anyone offer any help with this?

TIA for you help.

Edit to add: The detent is making a clicking sound as the blade is opened. Normal?
 
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Rather than pulling backwards on the flipper, imaging that you are trying to push it straight through the handle. It shouldn't take much to get used to doing it this way, and it will open much faster.

- Jim
 
Won't even deploy that way.

jimmer_5 said:
Rather than pulling backwards on the flipper, imaging that you are trying to push it straight through the handle. It shouldn't take much to get used to doing it this way, and it will open much faster.

- Jim
Click to expand...
 
my 561 has a VERY strong detent, but i like em that way.and there is also a click sound from the detent when i open it.But when it gets past the detent it Flies open.You might want to send it in doesnt sound right
 
I just grabbed mine out of the mailbox 5 minutes ago. I also experienced a tough time getting it to open. What I found was that my fingers were wrapping around and pressing the lockbar firmly into the blade, making the detent extremely tight. I found by bringing my fingertips off the lock bar it flips open with no problem.
 
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Try gripping it differently also so you have different leverage and aren't applying pressure to the lock bar. I find if I blindly grab my 0300 I grip it high and the flipper sticks along the inside of my pointer finger if I try to use the thumbstuds. But I rarely use the studs on this knife. When I think about it and don't grab it like an inept simian handling a pointed stick for the first time I have no issues opening it with either the studs or the flipper. I find each knife has a slightly different technique, pushing up/in/through parallel/perpendicular/at an angle, that is optimal. I like to sit and flip my knives over and over.. nervous habit.. last night I was told "Which you stop it with the knife already. I don't need to look for you I just have to listen for that thwacking".. My point being if you handle it a bit you'll get comfortable with the way that works best for you to open it... and that the KVT is so smooth that it will be so much fun you'll drive everyone crazy opening it again and again.
 
I've made sure I'm not applying any pressure to the lock bar. Everyone keeps talking about how smooth this knife is. Mine sounds like an old screen door when it's opened and it's anything but smooth.

I can sympathize with the "nervous habit" however. I do the same and it drives my wife bat#$%.

One of my main reasons for concern is I own a 550, 300 and 350. All are glass smooth and crisp. The 560 is not even close. Isn't the KVT on the 560 supposed to be an improvement over the PB washers on the 550?
 
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46Alpha said:
I've made sure I'm not applying any pressure to the lock bar. Everyone keeps talking about how smooth this knife is. Mine sounds like an old screen door when it's opened and it's anything but smooth.

I can sympathize with the "nervous habit" however. I do the same and it drives my wife bat#$%.

One of my main reasons for concern is I own a 550, 300 and 350. All are glass smooth and crisp. The 560 is not even close. Isn't the KVT on the 560 supposed to be an improvement over the PB washers on the 550?
Click to expand...

It is, unless there is some debris or something in the bearings. If it were me, I'd take it apart and examine closer, but you can always send it in and KAI will take care of you.
 
EZ Bake said:
It is, unless there is some debris or something in the bearings. If it were me, I'd take it apart and examine closer, but you can always send it in and KAI will take care of you.
Click to expand...

I'm the same way. If there is an issue, I will attempt to research and correct it myself before spending the time and money to ship it to the manufacturer. I would first try to adjust the pivot screw. Then I might take it apart and clean it. If none of that works I would consider sending it out.
 
Will taking it apart void the warranty? I'm happy to take it apart and see what's what, but if it's something wrong I want to make sure I can still send it to KAI if needed.
 
Call KAI, and make arrangements to send it in. No need to try and fix it yourself. If there is something off with the KVT system, they should be the ones to look it over.
 
I've sent an email to KAI. As much as I'd hate to send it out after finally getting one, I'd rather have it fixed properly. I've dealt with KAI's CS before and they've never failed to impress. Thanks for all the input. If this thread isn't ten pages deep, I'll be sure to post a follow-up for anyone else dealing with this issue.
 
46Alpha said:
Will taking it apart void the warranty? I'm happy to take it apart and see what's what, but if it's something wrong I want to make sure I can still send it to KAI if needed.
Click to expand...

No, taking it apart will not void the warranty (unlike several other knife companies), so long as you don't damage the parts. Otherwise, sending out torsion bars (for 0350's and such) wouldn't be done. But I'm not sure on how complicated the KVT system is to put back together, so sending it in might be best.
 
Curious, when using both hands, how does the "walk" feel when starting just past the detent, and prior to the blade being fully engaged? Smooth?
 
After an audible click of the detent releasing, there is still quite a bit of restiance. Not gritty, but you can hear and feel the detent ball moving along the blade tang. From what I can see without pulling it apart, there is already quite a divot along the tang where the detent has bit in. It's almost like the detent doesn't have enough give? Hope that's descriptive enough.

EDIT to add: It's NOWHERE near as smooth as my 550. Night and day would not even come close to describing the difference. It's not gritty, but there is alot of restiance. More friction based than gritty. Almost like the pivot was over tight. Does that make a bit of sense?

Thomas W said:
Curious, when using both hands, how does the "walk" feel when starting just past the detent, and prior to the blade being fully engaged? Smooth?
Click to expand...
 
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One other thing I've noticed after carefully looking at it. When the blade is fully closed the lockbar comes to rest against the blade. Is that normal?

IMG_4825.jpg


IMG_4824.jpg
 
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That's not right. Here's mine, close but not quite touching.
 

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It kinda sound to me like the detent should have a little ball bearing that rides along the blade tang and maybe that ball is gone, so its Ti on steel and scraping along? Is there marks on the blade tang that show more than a little line of wear where the lock bar touches the blade?

Mine create a little etched circle concentric with the blade pivot. Something to check.

I don't have a 560 but have other Kershaws.

If you want you can sell me yours and buy a new one? :)
 
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