All About Pocket Knives

What are some of the reasons a knife has a lazy snap on close, but snaps just fine on open? I have a Ka-Bar Barlow that snaps quite good on opening, but when closing, it is limp and the tip of the blade shows above the liner. If I push it down into the well, it will stay there. I've tried cleaning out the pivot and then oiling, but no joy.

I have a knife like that too. After thorough cleaning and careful oiling
it closes with slightly better snap but still not perfect.

Looking forward to the answer(s).

Bob

Several things could cause this. Wear to the back spring and or blade tang are often the problem. The blade could also be too tight in the frame and pressure from the liners could be pinching the tang as the blade closes. Sounds to me like the problem with your knife is blade tang and back spring wear. If the back spring does not continue to move as the blade closes wear of the metal is the problem.

Thanks Wayne - that is certainly possible - this is a very well-worn Barlow.

Here's a good tutorial on a possible cause. viewtopic.php?f=2&t=45848&start=15#p494860

Ken

Liner locks can cause a pinch that cause friction and take snap away. The most common problems I see is with worn tangs. For every 1 worn back spring I probably see 30 to 40 worn tangs.

I am a big fan of Quick Release Oil. I have had knives with no snap even after cleaning them, but when I apply some QR oil they end up with a decent amount of snap.
It surprised me the first time or two that I observed this, but that is my go-to knife oil now!

Dale, you've sold me - I've got to find some! I did a search and found a surprising variety of products claiming to be the best oil for knives. Is your the Latama product? Best regards. Herb

herbva wrote: ↑Mon Oct 14, 2019 11:13 am Dale, you've sold me - I've got to find some! I did a search and found a surprising variety of products claiming to be the best oil for knives. Is your the Latama product? Best regards. Herb

Yes, it is from Latama. I am sure you will like it.

+1 on Quick Release oil. "Latama's Quick Release" is the brand name. You can find it on Amazon. There was some for sale in AAPK stores a while back and may still be. A bottle will last a long time - a single drop is usually all that's needed.

Ken