When you’re carrying a pocket knife, it’s important to be able to open it without trouble. This is especially true when you’re in a pinch or have limited space to work with.
If you’re having trouble opening your pocket knife, there are a few things that could be causing the problem. Learn how to fix these common issues and get your knife open again.
1. The hinge is loose
Often, the hinge of a pocket knife becomes loose due to a build-up of grime and dirt. This is especially true for knives that are used on a daily basis and for older models.
Fortunately, this problem can be easily fixed. The first step is to clean the pivot hinges thoroughly.
This can be done with a brush. The warm soapy water will help break down any stubborn dirt or rust that has built up in the hinges.
Once this has been done, you can dry the knife thoroughly. This will help keep the hinges lubricated and make it easier to open and close the blade.
The next step is to re-tighten the hinge screws. This is easy to do if the screws have only been loose for a short period of time. However, if they have been left loose for a long period of time, the hinge plate’s constant movement will cause the screw holes to widen and make it hard for the screws to stay tight.
2. The blade is bent
One of the most common issues encountered by your pocket knife users is that the blade is bent. Having a bending blade is no picnic, especially when you consider how much time and effort it takes to straighten and resharpen it.
Luckily, you can save yourself a lot of trouble by doing a little planning ahead. Knowing the difference between a blade with a curved and straight spine and how to choose the right steel for your intended use will go a long way toward making sure you get the most out of your pocket knife.
The best and most time-efficient way to straighten a bendy blade is by resting it on a couple of wooden blocks. If you don’t have access to these tools, a ball peen hammer will also do the job. It’s also worth mentioning that you will probably have to make more than one pass at straightening the blade if your goal is to get it shinier than it was before.
3. The blade is rusted
The most common reason for the blade of a knife to become hard to open is that it is rusted. Rust is a chemical reaction that occurs when iron (or other metals with iron in them) are exposed to air and water for a prolonged period of time.
To prevent rusting, avoid storing your knife in a sheath that attracts moisture such as a leather sheath. Also, be sure to wipe your knife down with soapy water and dry it well before putting it away.
If you do happen to get a rusty knife, there are plenty of easy ways to remove it and restore its functionality. A few household ingredients, such as distilled white vinegar, salt and lemon juice, are great for removing rust spots from a knife blade.
4. The blade is damaged
If your pocket knife blade is damaged, it can make opening it a challenge. This is common for new knives, but it can also happen to older ones.
The most common cause is a chip in the edge of the blade. This can occur from a variety of sources, including wear and tear, sharpening, or improper storage.
It’s important to clean your knife regularly to avoid these issues. This includes scrubbing away dirt and debris from the locking mechanism, inside the handle, and around the blade pivot.
It’s also a good idea to apply a thin coat of lubricant to the blade, pivot, and any moving parts to prevent them from rusting. This will help ensure that your pocket knife operates smoothly.