ZT 0450 keeps cutting my thumb knuckle when closing

[extrastout]

lots of rules for this knife. It doesnt matter with the detent, blade up or down. It will snap on me every now and then. Just the gravity

 

[shinyedges]

I say continue your technique and don't listen to these naysayers. My only suggestion is apply more pressure to the spine of the knife while closing and take your thumb clean off. If you don't apply enough pressure it could take a few tries. Problem solved.

 

[extrastout]

I have average size hands. Im not used to having to pay attention to technique when one handed opening and closing with the type of folding knives I like. If I wanted to use 2 hands I would save money and carry a traditional folder like my VIC and be happy. I feel the point of these fancy folders are that you can look straight at the task at hand, snap out the blade, cut, then fold it in at different angles because of tight areas with one hand and move on....not having to think about an uncomfortable technique that wasnt needed with all other folding frame lock/liner locks I have owned. The late deep detent and small finger guard are probably the problem. I still agree with myself that I am not an idiot, but this blade is a snappy closer. Ive owned a 3" and 3.5" xm-18 for years and never had a thought of them snapping on my knuckle (they never did), always felt like I had control and I did. Ive owned a bunch of liner locks too

 

[NJBillK]

Which comes down to it being the technique for this particular knife.

Not every frame lock handles the same...
Would a 1998 Lotus Esprit handle the same as a 1998 Acura NSX?

They are both mid-engine sports cars, but they are shaped different... one more squared, one longer wheelbase...
-----
The point of my posts is just because you are used to one or forty framelocks, doesn't mean that one can't be different from another in one way or another...

Learn to close it correctly or don't.
(That being said, I would appreciate it if you let us know. This way we can buy stock in Johnson & Johnson, because bandaid sales are going to skyrocket.)

 

[extrastout]

Which comes down to it being the technique for this particular knife.

Not every frame lock handles the same...
Would a 1998 Lotus Esprit handle the same as a 1998 Acura NSX?

They are both mid-engine sports cars, but they are shaped different... one more squared, one longer wheelbase...
-----
The point of my posts is just because you are used to one or forty framelocks, doesn't mean that one can't be different from another in one way or another...

Learn to close it correctly or don't.
(That being said, I would appreciate it if you let us know. This way we can buy stock in Johnson & Johnson, because bandaid sales are going to skyrocket.)

why do people always compare knives to cars

 

[extrastout]

I guess this knife is meant for the safe and not to be a user. I use it in tight spots and sometimes balancing myself with one hand bracing me while reaching for a cut and folding the knife back in with the other hand. Im not cutting envelopes, its a valuable tool to me and thats why I dont buy cheap. I guess I just miss thumbstuds and that extra control. Dedicated flippers are not for me

 

[NJBillK]

Because the similarities lie in the fact that even though they are all cars or knives, they all handle differently, can take differing amounts of abuse, and some are more suited to some roles than others.
On top of that, some need more attention than others (this is currently where your 450 lies).

How you normally handle a frame lock doesn't work here. Due to that, either You have to adapt, or you can ask your knife to.

Somehow, I think the knife will be More stubborn when it comes to wanting to change how it acts.

 

[NJBillK]

Why don't you make a video of you closing the knife and post it for others to critique.

I am sure someone (possibly Not myself), will find some way to help you keep your fingers safe.

 

[extrastout]

Why don't you make a video of you closing the knife and post it for others to critique.

I am sure someone (possibly Not myself), will find some way to help you keep your fingers safe.

I took pictures and posted on this thread, finger choil is too small for a dedicated flipper. It keeps slipping under my thumb when closing, then snaps closed at this point. Im not trying to be on youtube. I just think this knife isnt a good utility blade for me. I will bring a SPYDERCO to work and bring the ZT for play/weekends

 

[TX180SX]

Why don't you make a video of you closing the knife and post it for others to critique.

I am sure someone (possibly Not myself), will find some way to help you keep your fingers safe.

I think he's been given enough help, he is still blaming the knife for him cutting himself. At least he will be putting it away, his thumb is safe now......

 

[extrastout]

I think he's been given enough help, he is still blaming the knife for him cutting himself. At least he will be putting it away, his thumb is safe now......

Yes, thats because the design is what is causing me to cut myself. The blade cuts me when closing not using ...your hilarious btw thanks for the input

 

[NJBillK]

You can post a private video to imgur and then link it to here.

I have handled a 450 a few times, and I haven't had the feeling that a bite was inevitable, nor likely.

Most have agreed that there is some fault with how the knife is being closed.
- Pressure on spine prior to the lockbar/detent disengagement causing it to snap shut.
- Holding the knife tip upright causing gravity to pull the knife closed.
- Using the right side of your thumb pad and thus putting your whole thumb in the way, instead of using the left edge of your thumb
-----
There have been multiple of optional changes listed to help you, but you say you don't need them. The list above states otherwise, as does the cuts on your thumb.

I suggest you try:
- holding the knife so the edge is facing the left point facing forward (90° left rotation) this will allow you to unlock th knife and have the blade not move at all.
Or
- Point the tip of your knife down 45° and disengage the lock, this will cause the knife to start to drop, but not swing back far enough to make meaningful contact with your thumb.

Once either of these two are done (I suggest the first) then you use your pointer finger, thumb, pant leg, or any other surface t close the knife.

If you do the first one, you can start to close it once the lockbar and detent is cleared of the blade tang, but not before otherwise you are doing nothing but building potential energy that will be released upon the detent being cleared. This sounds a little like what is going on now, eh?

 

[extrastout]

You can post a private video to imgur and then link it to here.

I have handled a 450 a few times, and I haven't had the feeling that a bite was inevitable, nor likely.

Most have agreed that there is some fault with how the knife is being closed.
- Pressure on spine prior to the lockbar/detent disengagement causing it to snap shut.
- Holding the knife tip upright causing gravity to pull the knife closed.
- Using the right side of your thumb pad and thus putting your whole thumb in the way, instead of using the left edge of your thumb
-----
There have been multiple of optional changes listed to help you, but you say you don't need them. The list above states otherwise, as does the cuts on your thumb.

I suggest you try:
- holding the knife so the edge is facing the left point facing forward (90° left rotation) this will allow you to unlock th knife and have the blade not move at all.
Or
- Point the tip of your knife down 45° and disengage the lock, this will cause the knife to start to drop, but not swing back far enough to make meaningful contact with your thumb.

Once either of these two are done (I suggest the first) then you use your pointer finger, thumb, pant leg, or any other surface t close the knife.

If you do the first one, you can start to close it once the lockbar and detent is cleared of the blade tang, but not before otherwise you are doing nothing but building potential energy that will be released upon the detent being cleared. This sounds a little like what is going on now, eh?

I use the knife like all other knives while working. There are too many directions on how to use this one. I am sticking with spyderco at work. Obviously I can properly close a knife without cutting myslelf. Im just not used to a blade where I have to stop, think adjust, then close. I work smarter not harder, this just is not a utility blade for me.

 

[palonej]

Been playing with my 450 since reading this thread earlier.
The only thing I can tell you is stop putting pressure on the spine when closing.
Had this knife for 2 years and carried & used it plenty. I have never bled from closing it, but I don't put much pressure on the spine either.
Is this your first frame lock??

 

[extrastout]

I use the knife like all other knives while working. There are too many directions on how to use this one. I am sticking with spyderco at work. Obviously I can properly close a knife without cutting myslelf. Im just not used to a blade where I have to stop, think adjust, then close. I work smarter not harder, this just is not a utility blade for me.

Most of the people that replied probably liked the knife since my post stated 0450. Thats a gravitational pull toward supporters, not critics

 

[NJBillK]

I am not saying that you will always have to think about it for this one knife. I am suggesting that you be safer with All of your knives.

My 562cf would swing shut under gravity and free fall closed, but my large 21 sebenza doesn't. Still I operate both knives the same. I don't want any knife closing on my fingers, so I do what I can to keep them clear.

I guess some choose to think over other not thinking, not quite the same as working smarter not harder.

I mean, I guess thinking can be considered "hard" and by comparison, not thinking would be the "easier" route.
I try to learn from my mistakes instead of compensating for them.

Best of luck, try the new maxamet manix 2, the alloy is a Beast and it had a caged ball bearing lock.

 

[extrastout]

Been playing with my 450 since reading this thread earlier.
The only thing I can tell you is stop putting pressure on the spine when closing.
Had this knife for 2 years and carried & used it plenty. I have never bled from closing it, but I don't put much pressure on the spine either.
Is this your first frame lock??

No, Ive owned a few

 

[extrastout]

I am not saying that you will always have to think about it for this one knife. I am suggesting that you be safer with All of your knives.

My 562cf would swing shut under gravity and free fall closed, but my large 21 sebenza doesn't. Still I operate both knives the same. I don't want any knife closing on my fingers, so I do what I can to keep them clear.

I guess some choose to think over other not thinking, not quite the same as working smarter not harder.

I mean, I guess thinking can be considered "hard" and by comparison, not thinking would be the "easier" route.
I try to learn from my mistakes instead of compensating for them.

Best of luck, try the new maxamet manix 2, the alloy is a Beast and it had a caged ball bearing lock.

the knife design is making work harder. Im not getting any smarter worrying about how I close it after every use. Like I said, this design is not for me, as far as utility. I need more control of the blade, not worrying about detent and grip tension. My hands do get sweaty and sometimes greasy. You know....working hands

 

[jbmonkey]

interesting problem. id have to play with one to really understand. i see pics and it appears pressure on the spine and bearings is the cause, but until i played with one i reserve comment as im specualting at best.

if i couldnt close it without slicing myself id sell it off. regardless if it was my use of it or the knife design.

 

[shinyedges]

So the point of this thread is what? To alert everyone you have a knife that cuts you on its own? If every 0450 owner was being attacked by their knife we would have heard about it on Bladeforums. Many Many 0450 owners have ZERO problems closing their knives, I hardly think it has a design flaw causing you to cut yourself. Get a grip.

When you are the only one having an issue out of tens of thousands, reexamine whether it's a design flaw or user error. Judging by your posts thus far I believe this post will fall upon deaf ears so to speak.