Slip joint maintenance question.

[undara12]

I bought a Schrade slip joint at Wal-Mart about five years ago. It is displayed inside a tin box with a recess to fit the knife which has the three blades about one third open. I have never opened the blister pack that contains it all. I put it aside thinking I may sell or use it someday in the future.

The question is: Are the partially open blades reducing the strength of the back springs over time?

Thanks.

 

[Josh K]

If it's static probably not. The springs should be tempered and sized so that the load of opening and closing (or keeping partially open) the blades won't cause them to weaken.