problems with kershaw boa liner lock

[Manji]

The liner lock on my boa is repeatedly failing, when i lock at the liner lock it seems as if the locking bar is not moving in enough, on most liner locks it seems that the bar goes at least halfway in but on my boa it only goes in very little, is this normal?

 

[BOK]

I would contact Kershaw and explain your situation. I'm sure that they would warranty it for you without any hassle. On some of my knives the lock would catch right on the end and so I would just keep on playing with it and give the liner time to work itself in.

But if the lock actually failed on you then you should get it warrantied right away...no excuses for that under normal use...

 

[komondor]

The liner resting on the far left side of the tang is usually desirable, considering that it is assumed this contact will wear eventually with many years of use, and the liner will slip further to the right side of the tang, after awhile. Of course, if the liner just doesn't settle itself far enough on the tang, this could be a problem as well. Does the lock seem unsafe or weak to you? If so, why? Has it passed any spine-whack tests, to test it for liner locking and contact against the tang? If the lock is actually failing, the knife needs to go back.

 

[Manji]

well the lock fails the spine whack test sometimes, im not sure if im hitting it too hard or not. sometimes it doesn't fail sometimes it does

 

[JoHnYKwSt]

A well made liner lock should not fail no matter how much force is applied to the blade and lock, unless the force applied is enough to cause the lock to break. This is because a well made liner lock does not slip off the blade tang, the angles are correct to ensure this does not happen. If your kershaw's lock failure worries you, or if you think it is a problem that may cause you harm, you should definitely send the knife back. If not, then just keep it for a while and it just might wear a bit and seat itself.

 

[jayharley]

My experiences, and what I have read from others, is that Kershaw's customer service is one of the best. In my opinion, a liner lock should never fail under "nomal use". And lets not forget that "nomal use" is what 99% of us use our folders for. I would not fool with the knife (or your fingers!). Send it to Kershaw and let them fix it.

 

[Manji]

thanks for the opinions, since i got the knife not that long ago i'll wait a little while to see if the lock seats better if not i'll send it in for warranty

 

[stjames]

I would send it back if the lock is failing, can't be too careful with sharp objects.

 

[ZENGHOST]

komondor's right about the lock easing over a bit after use, but it should NEVER fail even right out of the box. A knife that you can't trust is not worth using--especially considering that it's a hundred dollar knife. I have been carrying my Boa as my primary EDC for well over a year and it has never failed me. I never even think about it failing me--and that's the way it should be. Send it back--it'll give you peace of mind (that's what the warranty is there for).

-Z

ps...just for the record, mine locks up just left of dead center which is what I consider just about perfect.