Blade protrusion

[tallguy606]

Just acquired an old Queen jack, about 4.5 inches long with a long spear blade and a smaller pen blade. Both blades have nice snap. BUT the tip of the spear blade, when close, is protruding just above the liner. And the tip of the pen blade has been sharpened quite a bit, and protrudes about halfway up the side of the spear blade when both are closed. Is there a way to file or grind part of the tang to make these seat deeper when closed? If so, how to do it and where on the tang should be worked on?

[Doc B]

First, really clean out the bottom of the knife well thoroughly. I've had very hard packed lint, that was keeping the blade from closing completely. I almost ground on a tang, that didn't need it. Once you've checked that...it may be possible to adjust the tang, to get it to seat further. Many times the blade is "proud" because the tip got broken and the blade was reprofiled. This may transport the tip, to a "higher" position. Sometimes it occurs from a blade that has been sharpened extensively. Grind on the part of the tang, that touches the backspring. If the tip was transported too much...it may not be possible to completely eliminate. Make very small adjustments and keep checking...you can overdo it.

[Dinadan]

Tallguy - I agree with Doc's suggestions about the causes and remedies. Unfortunately, sometimes the problem is that the spring is worn down. If the springs sit below the liners, that may be the problem. Fixing it is not easy, though grinding the tangs may work. Here is an example of what I am talking about: notice how the secondary spring sits lower than the main spring.

[herbva]

Per Doc B's post above eliminate the other possibilities first, then, if necessary, you can file the end of the kick to adjust the blade position in the frame. Go slow! Because of the angle, a little bit changes it a lot. One or two file strokes, then check the blade position. From you pictures, the culprit is almost certainly tang and/or spring wear, which in not easily restored. Good luck!

[tallguy606]

Thanks. My springs are flush with one another. Will try reducing the tang "point" little by little. I just realized that my old Queen is identical in size and dimensions to an old Robeson I bought a while back. Maybe there was a connection there.

[Mumbleypeg]

If you decide to alter the kick the “go slow, check often” advice can’t be over-emphasized. If too much is removed from the kick, the blade can sit too low, preventing access to the nail nick. Then you’ve really got a mess. Whatever you remove can’t be replaced (there are ways, but you really don’t want to go there).

Ken

[btrwtr]

There is an ideal balance in well made slip joint knives when new. Lack of lubrication and wear and tear on moving parts can compromise this ideal balanc. This is likely what has happened to your knife. If you do decide to remove metal from the tang kick be advised that this will result in loss of spring tension and may cause the springs to sit too low inside the liners of the knife. As suggested if you do this take it slow.