Question about switchblades
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Question about switchblades
I'm sure this topic has been covered many times, and is probably even common knowledge, but what I want to know is this: When storing a side-opening switchblade, should I keep the blade in the open position to relieve pressure on the spring? Thanks for any help.
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Re: Question about switchblades
It has been determined that it doesn't matter. Whichever makes you feel better.
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Re: Question about switchblades
The common conclusion is the rapid opening and closing of the knife does the most damage as it heats up the spring. Storing it closed or opened should not matter.
Re: Question about switchblades
According to many respected collectors of rare vintage switchblade knives it really doesn’t matter if the knife is stored open or closed. And, I do believe they right, however, I store 99% of my Italian switchblades open and few closed.
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Re: Question about switchblades
If the kick spring has been properly heat treated, there should be no problem keeping the knife closed. That will, however, put strain on the sear and the sear hole in the liner. These can deform and cause blade peak.
I once owned a 1939 Packard Twelve with a custom body that weighed about 6300 lbs. The springs needed to be refurbished and re-tempered as the high weight of the vehicle had over-stressed the original springs. The body builder had not taken that into account or may have reasoned that the springs would likely last the life of the car as back then no one really thought of cars as collectible. So there are instances where springs can lose some of their springiness.
In any case, I subscribe to the approach john has outlined and keep the vast majority of my knives in the open position.
I once owned a 1939 Packard Twelve with a custom body that weighed about 6300 lbs. The springs needed to be refurbished and re-tempered as the high weight of the vehicle had over-stressed the original springs. The body builder had not taken that into account or may have reasoned that the springs would likely last the life of the car as back then no one really thought of cars as collectible. So there are instances where springs can lose some of their springiness.
In any case, I subscribe to the approach john has outlined and keep the vast majority of my knives in the open position.
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Re: Question about switchblades
Thanks for the advise everyone. Most helpful. BTW, I do not own a "vast majority" of switchblades... Four, to be exact. And only one Frank B that might be considered of any worth. Thanks again, though.
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Re: Question about switchblades
Great advice just the same. The collective knowledge here would make a great book!
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Re: Question about switchblades
I store mine closed but only because I haven’t built a display yet, I do flick them once or twice but always close with the button pushed in and when opening sometimes, don’t want to be the one breaking the spring after nearly 70 years
Joe
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Re: Question about switchblades
I vote for open,but that's just me,I have been collecting for 42 year's,and never have had a spring break.
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Re: Question about switchblades
I emailed Frank about this, got a reply from his daughter, Sara. She said that Frank's recommendation is that the knife is stored open, but seemed more concerned in her letter that I have a safe place to keep all these open knives. I too have yet to build a proper display. They're in a steamer trunk.
The weak point is definitely the sear, which will more than likely give out before the spring does. Sara did not mention anything about the sear, only talking about keeping the spring's strength. I say both of them will benefit from being left open. Just keep it somewhere safe!
The weak point is definitely the sear, which will more than likely give out before the spring does. Sara did not mention anything about the sear, only talking about keeping the spring's strength. I say both of them will benefit from being left open. Just keep it somewhere safe!
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Re: Question about switchblades
Sears and springs don't wear from being in a static position-either open or closed. Movement causes wear.
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Factory authorized repairs for:
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Re: Question about switchblades
The difference is that when closed it's stressed while open it's relaxed. If properly made stress wouldn't matter in this case.Bill DeShivs wrote: ↑Tue Jan 21, 2020 7:29 am Sears and springs don't wear from being in a static position-either open or closed. Movement causes wear.