Why Off-Center Blades?

44Magpie

44Magpie

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Oct 29, 2004
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I've had quite a few higher end production knives over the years that have had slightly off-center blades. None of them were so bad that they rubbed on the frame or liner but it's just a little annoying. Does anyone know why some of these blades are like that? Is it a liner or frame mis-alignment or washer issue in the manufacturing process? Is there any way to correct the problem without sending the knife back in?
 
I've heard of a way of fixing blade alignment by tightening up the handles differently, but I don't remember who said that/how to really fix it. Maybe he'll see this thread and chime in.

All of my Kershaw's have good enough alignment for me--most are perfectly centered.
 
Are you referring to single blade or multi-blade knives? And is there a specific knife model? You can get a lot of help here.
 
Sometimes you can correct the blade by tighting the handles/pivot,or taking it apart,i hate it cheap or high end......
 
In most cases unless the blade has play locked up it is considered normal. Handle stiffness as well as lock type and lock bar stiffness can push a blade off center. Unless there is something else wrong say with the lockup or the blade hits the handles it is considered totally fine.
 
Normal and innocuous or not, it bugs me if it is more off center than a smidgeon. I obess over it sometimes when I just paid $100-$200 for a knife that is off a good amount. I have resolved many by reassembling or retightening all screws. Some are more predictable where as you tighten the pivot the blade will work its way one way and go the other as you loosen the pivot. Where you can get stuck is when the absolute center point is either too tight or too loose. I tend to treat those knives with a small degree of disrespect compared to my "right on" knives. Like they just became my beater or something. Weird I know and I know it's over-reacting but it's how I react anyway. In fact, I believe the blade orientation from the factory is a very valid rating or review highlight amongst all the other standard review points and should weigh in the fit and finish rating any knife might be given.
 
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I have C.Reeve knife that is a smaller version of the 7" made for Green Beret. I suspect that 7" would be balanced. When they made the 5.5 blade they maynot have checked the balance.
 
We're talking folding knives side to side blade alignment not weight balance of fixed blades.
 
As a maker I find that misaligned blades are usually related to a sloppey pivot.
Tightening it makes the problem go away in most cases.

George
 
A trick I have used with success for the past couple of years is to open the knife and then apply lateral pressure on the blade and push the blade towards the liner, or side, it is the closest to hitting. Seems contrary that you would push the blade towards the off centered side, but it has worked remarkably well. Btw, I always untighten the pivot just slightly before doing this and then tighten it back up after.

I agree with Reeek also. A complete takedown and reassemble can result in the blade becoming straight.
 
Which side is it going towards, non lock side would be the most common and is generally a result of a loose pivot, misaligned holes for the spacer/standoffs, or using nylon washers for a thicker blade. Nylon washers give, but are still commonly used, replace them with phosphor bronze if you can, they don't give much if any... Even nylatron is better than standard nylon...



MT
 
I just got a Spyderco Paramilitary with an off center blade. It almost touches the liner opposite the compression lock. I'm a little disappointed as this is my first Spydie. I've got several Benchmades and a couple Striders (sng and smf) that are perfectly centered.
Spyderco says I can send it in and they'll look at it.
Any ideas on how I might correct it (I tried Cutter17s suggestion with no luck)?
 
I used Reeek's idea of disassembling one of my problem knives and when I put it back together the blade was aligned perfectly! :thumbup:
 
I don't REALLY mind an off centered, closed blade... unless its a $200+ knife... I have not had any trouble with it, really... The last two off centered blades I had were an SnG... which, for some reason did not bother me, and a BM 940... The SnG was hopeless... either the pivot holes in the handle were not aligned, or the hole in the blade was crooked... The 940 straightened out if tightened... to the point ot being VERY stiff to open... so I just preferred to let it be a tad off center. I don't see why, since the axis presses perpendicular to the tang, and not on the side... but still, it was because there was a little space between the blade/washers and the handle slabs. Neither rubbed the scales, so I did not *really* find it to be a problem...just a slight annoyance. The liner lock on my CF/S90V Millie will push the blade off center if the pivot loosens, but I keep it tight. The only time I noticed it was when new, and I suspected the problem, and was correct. Every Spyderco I've bought (all "Golden") has had perfect alignment. Every Sebenza/Mnandi I've had was perfect. An "elf" told me that I may have a Delica in my stocking... which goes against my "USA only" policy... COULD have been a RAT Izula if they were released a bit sooner...but it'll be interesting to see a Japanese Spydie for a bit before I sell/trade it toward an Izula.
 
My S90V Millie was off centered quite a bit when I got it but I removed the blade and reassembled it (did a Mili-Tec 1 job on it while in there) and it came back perfect - dead center. My BG-42 and S30V were dead center from day one. The most consistent out of the box assembly I have experienced with blade centering and no blade play or being too stiff to open is my Mcustas. I have not had one Mcusta out of 8 that wasn't dead center and the action being very good out of the box. I've had centering issues with more than one Spyderco, Benchmade and Kershaw.
 
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