So I recently got this knife from SMKW a few days ago. When closing it bounces once or twice before closing all the way. I can also open it if I flick my wrist hard. Earlier I stood up quickly when I forgot the knife was still on my lap, it fell about 2 feet and fully opened itself. Is this normal behavior for a cross bar lock? I’m new to this type of lock.
by daudlurk
10 Comments
Well sometimes cross bar knives do not have a lot of tension holding the blade closed because unlike a frame lock or liner lock there is no detent holding the blade closed.
Some companies do the liner lock better than others and have stronger tension, I’m not familiar with the particular knife you have.
Maybe adjust the spring to a stiffer position, there should be some videos to help if you haven’t done it before.
Typical crossbar lock stuff. Stronger springs will make it “less easy” to swing out by whipping your wrist but thats just how the lock works. Some people even consider it a feature.
It should be strong enough to stay closed in a normal situation anyway but to be extra sure its always good practice to keep the knife up against your pocket seam. So if its clipped to your right pocket push it allll the way to the right. The pocket being in the way will serve as an extra measure of safety.
You can tighten down the pivot until it slows the swing to gentle speed. The bounce is really a timing thing where you will eventually figure it out. Release the lock sooner.
I think all Kershaws are like that. My Bel Air doubles as a fidget spinner.
I’m new to this lock too. I got a Hogue Mysto and the blade won’t close on its own if I hold the lock open, but I can still flick open. I also have two Ozarks and the blades will move/close and even bounce if I hold the lock open.
I’d imagine you can probably find a way to reduce how easily the blade moves, closing or opening. Maybe tightening the pivot pin and/or the tension on the lock. Not sure though if you drop it.
Try asking Kershaw if you don’t get a solid answer here.
That’s totally on you, especially the part about the bounce.
Crossbar locks have no detent to stay closed, so they can all be flicked out with a wrist flick. Lighter blades with washers are harder to do (eg Benchmade mini Bugout). Heavy broad blades are easier to wrist flick open, sometimes to a fault. Same with it dropping open when it falls.
As for the bounce when it drops shut, almost all crossbar locks do that, but the user learns exactly when to let the lockbar go so the blade doesn’t bounce. If you let go late, the blade bounces. Especially a broader blade with more mass.
Easy fix for you is to tighten the pivot screw about 12° at a time until you get the blade to do what you prefer.
This is THE issue with crossbar locks and the reason why I’m avoiding them from now on. Liner and frame locks have a detent ball that keeps them closed
This is pretty funny. All these years Benchmade has had this type lock and does the same stuff but nobody said anything. LOL
Poor Kershaw makes some knives with it and people start getting the pitchforks out. I have quite a few knives that if they hit a carpeted floor they will open up. Including Benchmade, Spyderco, Kizer, and I could go on. If you put a nice spin on a slip joint it will open up when it hits the floor too. Solution: Don’t drop em.
Now about your blade bounce- That is not just a crossbar lock problem. Crossbar, top liner locks, and button lock knives will do that if you keep the lock fully disengaged with your finger (This isn’t possible with a liner lock because your finger will stop it). Like someone else here said, it is a timing thing. You let off that lock after it begins to fall at just the right time and it won’t bounce. Or if you want to, like someone else said tighten the pivot screw a wee bit, and I mean a little bit at a time. This stuff about changing springs *could* be a solution if you had access to slightly heavier springs. Main thing though is be careful with your knife, and learn it’s strengths and weaknesses. It will all work out.
This is a big reason a lot of folks don’t prefer crossbar locks. No detent.
You can stop the bounce by getting a feel for your close and you can prevent it from opening in pocket by carrying against your seam.
All crossbar, axis and clutch lock knives do that. Most folder can be opened just by whipping them while holding the butt end of the handle.