Kershaw "speed Assist" Copied in Flea Market Knives

[Slick]

I have a Kershaw "chive" with the "speed assist" and one of my friends has the full sized assist model that I've played with a bit. These have become some of my recent favorites. I have also read that the courts have ruled that these "torsion bar" powered knives are not "automatic" because they don't have "springs". Like any ruling, I'm sure this can change so check your local laws on this...

Anyways, today at the local flea market (MUCH to my surprise) I already saw knives that incorporate the "torsion bar" speed assist (copied from the Kershaw).. I picked up a full sized one for $11....that's right ELEVEN bucks! And it works just as smooth as the Kershaw.

Obviously the quality (rockwell hardness, etc.) of imported blades and materials are not on par with the US made Kershaw counterparts, but for someone who likes to play with their knives and not be choosey about abusing them from time to time on destuctive jobs, these are great deals.. love 'em & leave 'em

 

[Wingerr]

Isn't a torsion bar essentially a spring in a different configuration? How does the Chive work? Push button and it springs open?

 

[Slick]

pretty much, but the "load" is more like the older style "lockback" knives had that held them (or made them spring) shut - but going the other way.

On the Chive, instead of a button, a portion of the forward side of the blade protrudes through a slot in the back of the knife handle. Pushing on the protrusion moves the blade out from the handle slightly where the assist really kicks in. The knife completes opening on it's own from there. Once open the blade protrusion serves as a finger gaurd to keep it from slipping up onto the blade during use.

Check one out! they're a good buy for the money. I've seen 'em at Wal-mart for $30 and they're first-rate quality.

 

[Wingerr]

Sounds interesting- I suppose it's set up so there's little chance of the blade making it past the closed position on its own and springing open in your pocket- oops, just read your post in the other thread; positive locking..
I've seen it in the showcase at Wal-Mart, but haven't handled one; I'll take a look next time I pass by..

 

[Slick]

One thing I found out about the safety that I actually like is that when using the pocket clip, inserting it activates the safety and removing it AUTOMATICALLY releases the safety, so be careful of this if you get one... I almost got bit yesterday when I discovered this undisclosed feature. This is nothing more than a result of the "drag" caused by the clip on the pocket.

Let us know what ya think after checking it out!

 

[Wingerr]

The Walmart I checked didn't have the Chive, just the Blackout or something, for $55-

Just wondering about the Chive; how easy is it to close up, since you're basically going against the torsion bar to close it?
Is it still an easy one hand operation?

The quick open/close of the Benchmade 710S Axis lock I have is why I like it; being able to open and close it back in under a second is handy. The Chive seems nice, being so tiny in comparison, but I was wondering if it's at all difficult to close up and stow after you're done with it, using one hand.

 

[sotto]

The Chive is very easy to close. You slide the blade lock over with your thumb, and push the blade closed with your index finger.

 

[Slick]

It closes up easily with one hand like sotto says.

I only have one negative remark on this knife. One day I carried it in my thigh pocket and over the course of working in the sun all day I got very sweatty and this in turn caused some very small rust spots to appear on the blade. The spots came off after wiping it down with some gun oil, but there are slightly visible permanant marks as a result. I suppose that this must be due to the formulation of stainles steel Kershaw uses in their blades. I have found the chive to be very sharp for an off the shelf knife.

 

[Wingerr]

Where does the spring action start up while you're closing it? I guess it must be fairly close to the closed position, so you can get a grip on it.
I'll just have to head to some of the other Walmarts around here and check it out- sounds like a neat design.

 

[mikep]

I like Kershaw knives -I have a chive, blackout and vapor(which is not 'assisted'). I am sure they are higher quality than the knock-offs, but I do not believe any of the Kershaws are made in the US.

 

[mikep]

Here is the IL law regarding switchblades:

"720 ILCS 5/24-1. Unlawful Use of Weapons. (a) A person commits the offense of unlawful use of weapons when he knowingly: (1) Sells, manufactures, purchases, possesses or carries any... knife commonly referred to as a switchblade knife, which has a blade that opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button, spring or other device in the handle of the knife..."

In this case, it is the 'button..in the handle' that the kershaw knives lack. It's an interesting way around a stupid law. Switchblades aren't any more 'dangerous' or 'evil' than other knives, they just have a bad image (probably from movies like 'rebel without a cause', etc.)

 

[Slick]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Wingerr:
Where does the spring action start up while you're closing it?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

It closes about to about 90 degrees before the spring kicks in.

Switchblade laws are about the most stupid of all weapons laws. But the Kershaw has no switch... Besides, there are many legitimate "emergency" uses where you need a knife to open using only one hand.

Indeed, the quality of the knock-offs is not up to Kershaw's level. But, considering that I can buy 5 or 6 knockoffs for the same price as 1 Kershaw (blackout), I'll choose the knock-off every time for those jobs that tend to be "unkind" to the knife.

 

[Wingerr]

Found one in the third Walmart I checked, and picked up the Chive- it's a cute little knife, nice looking with the silver finish.
My particular one may be either adjusted too tight or maybe just too new, though, because it oddly started hanging up, and wouldn't open all the way, or wouldn't even get out of the gate at all, if I slowly actuated it rather than giving it a flick. Odd because it seemed to work fine at first, then I was playing with it an hour later, and it was hanging up, leading me to think I would have to return it- but then later on, it seemed to be working again.
I still do notice it has a lot of friction in the action though; if I open it beyond the spring point, 90 deg., I can hold the blade at any angle, and the weight of the knife won't move it. Is this how they all are, or is this expected to loosen up as it breaks in? Or is this adjustable from the pivot screw?

Closing it isn't as fast and easy as the axis lock mechanism; I have to take more care to do it because of the force needed to overcome the spring, and it's a two step process. Have to be conscious of keeping your fingers out of the path of the blade when closing because you have to put added pressure on the blade when closing, so it could be more serious if an errant fingertip is in the way when closing it. Because of the tiny size of the knife, it's a bit harder to shuffle the fingers around when closing. I keep my finger on the other side of the clip when closing it to make sure it's out of the way. It might be nicer if there were a bit of a friction surface on the side to keep it from slipping, but then it would detract from the cool look of the knife.
The other thing I have to watch out for is the locking mechanism; if it slides to the closed position when you use the knife, then try to close it, it'll likely put a good nick in the blade. I'll have to try to make sure it's retracted before closing.

Probably just need a bit of practice to get used to the size; coming from one that feels about 3 times larger-
Very nice item for show 'n tell though-

 

[Slick]

I never had any "friction" related issues with my chive.. Maybe there was piece cardboard dust in the hinge? I'd check it's adjustment and make sure there's no crud hanging it up.

I'd have to agree that the Chive's small size makes it more of a challange to use than a larger knife. However the small size makes it a great knife for working around office type workers who might otherwise be intimidated by my usual method of opening boxes..

 

[Wingerr]

I don't think there was any dust or debris in the hinge, but I suppose that could have been it. Just seems like it's quite a bit tighter than it would need to be- If you hold the knife by the blade while partially open, does it hold the position against the weight of the knife?
I definitely like the innocuousness of the small size (maybe until someone sees it opening

)- I may still keep on the lookout for the BM 705S to see how that handles.

 

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I have the Kershaw Boa http://www.agrussell.com/kershaw/ke-1580.html and I really like the "speed assist" feature on it. Seems like a high quality knife.

Clint

 

[Slick]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Wingerr:
If you hold the knife by the blade while partially open, does it hold the position against the weight of the knife?
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Yes, but I can also hold the knife by the blade and when I push the handle towards it, then release it (befor the spring lets off) - it locks with open with authority. Wal-mart has an excellent return policy, so exchange that sucker if it's acting up..

BTW - I tried just this with both of the Chives that I own - One of which I removed from the wrapper for the first time.. they both have very strong spring action which is more that sufficient to open the knife to a fully locked position.

 

[Slick]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by ccrowder:
I have the Kershaw Boa http://www.agrussell.com/kershaw/ke-1580.html and I really like the "speed assist" feature on it. Seems like a high quality knife.

Clint<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

A really nice knife indeed.. I'm still lusting after one, and may drop the cash just because I like the abmidexterous (sp?) opening nature of the Onion designs..

 

[Wingerr]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Slick:
[qb]Yes, but I can also hold the knife by the blade and when I push the handle towards it, then release it (before the spring lets off) - it locks with open with authority. qb]<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I don't know what was hanging it up, but whatever it was, it seems to be gone, because it opens up fine now. Could have been something like debris or something in the side between the frame lock and blade, causing added friction.
With a little practice, I find no difficulty in closing it, but it still takes a bit longer than my Axis lock, since it requires a bit of shifting to first release the lock, then position your grip to close it.
Reading on Bladeforums, there seems to be some ambiguity as to how this design might be viewed by a LEO, as to its legality; actuating method and torsion bar notwithstanding. Might be something to take extra precaution to avoid..

 

[Slick]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Wingerr:
Reading on Bladeforums, there seems to be some ambiguity as to how this design might be viewed by a LEO, as to its legality; actuating method and torsion bar notwithstanding. Might be something to take extra precaution to avoid..<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I have heard of cases where people have been charged with carrying an "automatic" because of the torsion bar assist. From what I understand, the knife has been approved as a non-automatic by the courts.

For that very reason I don't carry my copy in public - only on my ranch.. Why? well if I get charged, I figure that Kershaw has a whole lot of business to potentially lose. I have heard that their attorneys have assisted people who have landed in this predicament with their knives. I'll support a company like that by buying their products for sure.