Old timey switchblade knives.

[Forty Rod SASS 3935]

I have finally found a side lever lock knife to replace one that I'm afraid I threw away by accident.

 

It has one problem: the blade doesn't present very fast,  The spring is a wire-like piece and I am wondering if anyone can put a bit more bend in it make it open faster.

 

Suggestions?

Edited August 10 by Forty Rod SASS 3935

[No Horse Hair, SASS #77464]

On some of the Italian and Mexican switches you can work that spring out of it's slot. That would give you a better chance of "arcing" it. But if it breaks.....parts aren't readily available. Most all modern switch blades use a coil spring nestled in the handle.

[Forty Rod SASS 3935]

2 hours ago, No Horse Hair, SASS #77464 said:

On some of the Italian and Mexican switches you can work that spring out of it's slot. That would give you a better chance of "arcing" it. But if it breaks.....parts aren't readily available. Most all modern switch blades use a coil spring nestled in the handle.

As the title line above says, this is an old timey style knife.  The spring is a piece of round spring steel wire some 2 3/4" long.  The end of the wire (butt end) is held in place by a brass "rivet" that goes though the scales and body from side to side.

 

I can see what needs to be done, but haven't the tools or skills to get it done.

[Utah Bob #35998]

2 hours ago, No Horse Hair, SASS #77464 said:

On some of the Italian and Mexican switches you can work that spring out of it's slot. That would give you a better chance of "arcing" it. But if it breaks.....parts aren't readily available. Most all modern switch blades use a coil spring nestled in the handle.

I have a number of auto knives. Both frame and a is locks. Bokers, Bucks, Kershaws, Benchmade, Gerbers, etc. only the OTF models like the John Wick Microtech have coil springs.

 

[Utah Bob #35998]

5 minutes ago, Forty Rod SASS 3935 said:

As the title line above says, this is an old timey style knife.  The spring is a piece of round spring steel wire some 2 3/4" long.  The end of the wire (butt end) is held in place by a brass "rivet" that goes though the scales and body from side to side.

 

I can see what needs to be done, but haven't the tools or skills to get it done.

I used to have a few vintage German made wire spring models yeas ago. Same problem. Try to email Blade HQ in Salt Lake city. They might be able to help. 
https://www.bladehq.com

[Forty Rod SASS 3935]

Thanks.  I'll give them a try.

 

I just bought this knife at a gun show for $60.00.  Not expensive but stag scale side lever locks are as scarce anymore as eyebrows on eggs.  I have two others that are okay but only have 2 3/4" blades....and I have a bunch of stilettos with sliding safeties (which is like not having a safety at all.)

[watab kid]

i have a nice kershaw with spring assist that opens very quickly with moderate effort , i didnt pay for it as it was a gift , but i suspect it would fall in that $60 category , i really like it 

[Doc Shapiro]

40, hope you find a good solution.  

 

If you are in the market for a new one, I can recommend Benchmade.  They ain't cheap, but really good knives.  We have 2 now.  I bought one and wife took it, so I had to get another.

[Alpo]

I have a Hubertus lever lock with stag handles. Three and a half, maybe 4 inches.

 

 

I was opening it one day and I heard PING!! clatter clatter, as the spring broke and went bouncing off across the floor somewhere.

 

 

 

One of these days I plan to get it fixed. One of these days.

 

[Forty Rod SASS 3935]

23 hours ago, Doc Shapiro said:

40, hope you find a good solution.  

 

If you are in the market for a new one, I can recommend Benchmade.  They ain't cheap, but really good knives.  We have 2 now.  I bought one and wife took it, so I had to get another.

Doc, I love you like a brother, and I have a couple of Benchmade knives, but there ain't a stag handle lever lock pocket knife in their entire inventory.

 

Thanks anyhow.

Edited August 12 by Forty Rod SASS 3935

[Doc Shapiro]

10 hours ago, Forty Rod SASS 3935 said:

Doc, I love you like a brother, and I have a couple of Benchmade knives, but there ain't a stag handle lever lock pocket knife in their entire inventory.

 

Thanks anyhow.

Nope, that there ain't.  Wonder if anyone makes such a thing anymore?

[Irish Pat]

I have an old paratrooper pocket knife.  It is a good knife in good condition but the blade doesn't spring out anymore.  Any idea how to fix it?

[Rip Snorter]

Haven't been in one since I relocated West, but was in a knife club for years where I lived before.  There were a couple of knife makers and "fixers".  Got an antique German folding hunter with stag repaired perfectly and inexpensively. Might be worthwhile to track down a club if there is one in your area.  Nice folks, similar to SASS or Gun Clubs.

[Forty Rod SASS 3935]

2 hours ago, Doc Shapiro said:

Nope, that there ain't.  Wonder if anyone makes such a thing anymore?

Probably went the way of fountain phosphates, Ovaltine crystals, gasoline "service" stations, Stevens shotguns, and Nash Ramblers.     :(

 

Edited August 12 by Forty Rod SASS 3935

[Doc Shapiro]

6 minutes ago, Forty Rod SASS 3935 said:

Probably went the way of fountain phosphates, Ovaltine crystals, gasoline "service" stations, Stevens shotguns, and Nash Ramblers.     :(

 

Ain't cheap, but a quick google search pulled up this: https://www.perryknifeworks.com/item--hubertus-springer-shell-puller-7-75-leverlock-automatic-knife-stag-3-2-polish/

[Forty Rod SASS 3935]

Only two that aren't OUT OF STOCK and both are too short to suit me.

 

I have a shorter Hubertus that is a complete piece of junk.  Not up to their past quality

[Sawhorse Kid]

One thing to inspect, Were the pins holding the top together peened to tight?

I too have a switchblade with a slow release and it appears to me the the top pins are too tight.