Question about the Kershaw Vapor

Starfish

Starfish

Joined
Jun 14, 2001
Messages
1,256
Saw these at the local Walmart Supercenter last week, and was pretty impressed with the quality of the knife for a mere $20. However, I did find it quite difficult to open; I'm not sure if this is due to the fact that my thumb is currently healing a broken nail (not causing any problems with my other folders), or just that the Vapor is initially hard to open.

Comments from others who own or have tried the Vapor?

Thanks,

Matthew
 
It may be just that the pivot screw is too tight. I've tried a few myself and have noticed the same thing. That awkward little thumbstud they use may also have something to do with it.
 
Both of the Vapors I own (grabbed a second Japan model while I could!) flick open with my thumb just peachy. The China Vapor II I have does almost as well.

Tecnique may have a lot to do with it, but the blades once past the ball detent on all three are pretty free.

I haven't messed with the pivot on any of them.

Joe Shmoe
 
Are you pushing on the intergral lock on your grip? That definately has somehting to do with it.
 
My question would be is if you have any other knives with a similar thumb stud? If not it's probably technique. I really didn't get the hang of my first one right away. After a few Spyderco's it's a lot different to figure out that little stud. And yes my vapor works great. I wedge my thumb in between the stud and the handle slab in-line with the swedge in the handle and push sideways following the natural rotation with no down pressure at all (I don't know if that will make sense to anybody else, but it works very well for me). And for $20 it's a real steal.
 
The only other knives I've owned with a similar locking mechanism and thumbstud are the large and small Sebenzas. Based on the replies here, it sounds like it is not my technique, but rather the fact that my thumb is currently too sore to properly engage the thumbstud.

I'll agree, it looks like a real steal at $20, plus I've heard nothing but good things about Kershaw's heat treat of AUS-6...

Thanks,

Matthew
 
I say it on every Vapor thread.


If you don't have a Vapor yet, run don't walk to WalMart and get yourself at least one. They are devilish good for $20.
 
My china made vapor from WalMart had the same problem, but after some time and couple drops of miltec now it's operates as smooth as my CUDA EDC :)
 
I have a china and japan vapor and have had no probs. I would suggest trying to loosen the pivot or just give it time to wear in.
good luck,
Matt
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top