Zt 0200. Is This "Play" Normal?

Joined
Oct 28, 2007
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Hello! Well I got my new ZT 0200 today! Its fit and finish is incredible, and its the sharpest knife I got from a factory, BUT there's a very tiny bit of play in the closing, and opening way (not side to side...) Very small, but if you shake it back and forth it will "click" because of the play. I don't know if its because of the lock style or what.

so I have a couple questions. Why at the junction of the lock and blade, the bottom of the blade is at an angle? Shouldn't it be flat? It looks on purpose though.

And, Will this get worst as the lock wares out? (loses its tension.)

And, if this bugs me enough is this cover in the warrenty?

Thanks in advance? :)

I AM NOT BASHING KERSHAW!!! Just want so questions answered
 
The lock "wearing out" would take a VERY long time.

The angle of the lock is intentional.

The best thing about Kershaw's warranty, is if you have a reasonable warranty issue it will definitely be covered. So if it "bugs you" then they will fix it if at all possible. They dont have the best warranty and service in the cutlery business without just cause.
 
What you are hearing and feeling is the ball detent part of the liner lock passing over the end of the blade tang. This is completely normal. The 0200 has a slightly larger ball detent because there is no SpeedSafe torsion bar to help keep the blade closed. It won't get worse with time. Mine has been doing it since July 07, when it was brand new. After a little over a year, I hardly notice it any more unless I slowly open and close the blade, letting the tang "catch" on the ball as I close it. If you shine a bright light into the pivot area from underneath, you can see the ball roll off the tang when opening, and bump the tang when closing.

The blade tang is cut at an angle on purpose. It's like wedging a piece of wood under a door. The door won't open, but over a long period of time, the wedge (liner lock) will begin to wear. Having the interface of the liner and tang cut at matching angles ensures the lockup will remain solid as the metal wears down.

I hope this helps!
 
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What you are hearing and feeling is the ball detent part of the liner lock passing over the end of the blade tang. This is completely normal. The 0200 has a slightly larger ball detent because there is no SpeedSafe torsion bar to help keep the blade closed. It won't get worse with time. Mine has been doing it since July 07, when it was brand new. After a little over a year, I hardly notice it any more unless I slowly open and close the blade, letting the tang "catch" on the ball as I close it. If you shine a bright light into the pivot area from underneath, you can see the ball roll off the tang when opening, and bump the tang when closing.

The blade tang is cut at an angle on purpose. It's like wedging a piece of wood under a door. The door won't open, but over a long period of time, the wedge (liner lock) will begin to wear. Having the interface of the liner and tang cut at matching angles ensures the lockup will remain solid as the metal wears down.

I hope this helps!


I am not talking about the ball detente. The clicking is because of the play making the blade hit the liner lock and the bar that stops the blade from opening to far.

I am going to ignore IF/when it get worst, IF it get worst fast.
 
What you are describing is a real problem. There should not be play between the lock surface of the blade and the liner. Send the knife back to Kershaw to be fixed. They will pay the return shipping and they turn it around fast. If you need instructions on where to send it, look at the stickies at the top of this forum.
 
Oh I thought you were talking about lateral play. You're having play on the pivot range of motion once locked! Big problem. Get that fixed asap.
 
The clicking is because of the play making the blade hit the liner lock and the bar that stops the blade from opening to far.

BG, my apologies. I thought you were talking about the clicks you get when opening and closing the knife. If you are getting slap between the liner lock face and the blade stop pin while the blade is open, this is a problem. Do not ignore this problem!

Call Kershaw (800) 325-2891 and ask for Morgan. Tell her what's going on, and she will make arrangements to fix this right away.
 
BG, my apologies. I thought you were talking about the clicks you get when opening and closing the knife. If you are getting slap between the liner lock face and the blade stop pin while the blade is open, this is a problem. Do not ignore this problem!

Call Kershaw (800) 325-2891 and ask for Morgan. Tell her what's going on, and she will make arrangements to fix this right away.

OK thank you guys! This want effect my views on Kershaw though. :)
 
Just called kershaw! Love there service. Now I just need to ship it to hem and problem solved! :thumbup:

I cant see how that can fix the original knife though...? I get it if there's to much liner lock, but if there's not enough, How is that fixable?
 
most of the time, they will replace the affected part. in case of the 200 they will either replace the liner or the blade depending on where the wear took place the most.

hope this helps :)
 
From what I gather, they will most likely replace the liners, or just ship you a new knife. I'd bet on the latter!
 
MY KNIFE CAME!!!! :eek:

In less than a week to! And guess what?! No play! And its freaking awesome! :thumbup: :D

They just gave me a whole new knife.
 
Kershaw is great. I called and asked if I could get a pocket clip for a ZT 0300 because I lost it. I asked how much to get a new one. The very nice woman took my address and sent 2 clips for free. That creates customer loyalty and i have purchased several more ZT & Kershaw knives as a result.
 
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