I got this knife as a gift several years ago, I don't really use it a whole lot but I do like to take it camping and such. However, on a camping trip a year or so ago, it got stuck open.
There is some little wire loop looking thing that seems to pop out of wherever it's supposed to be and blocks the thumb unlocker from working. I can take a tiny screwdriver or Allen wrench and poke around in there and pop the thing back into place, and then it works and closes just fine. And it'll be fine for a few times, opens and closes correctly, but after a handful of times that piece inevitably pops back out again and locks it open.
I've tried to use a tiny torx bit to remove the sides to see if I can figure out what's going on, but the screws just spin. The big screw at the hinge unscrews as expected but all the little ones all act like they're stripped.
What else can I do? Is there some trick to removing the sides? Any help would be appreciated.
Here's what it looks like opened correctly with the little piece still wherever it's supposed to be:
And when the piece pops out and gets stuck:
Somewhat useful red circle if you couldn't see the problem:
Thanks much, to you and @cetan@piefed.world both! I think I've pretty much decided to go with the Kershaw Iridium, even though it's a bit more than I was really wanting to spend. Seems like the right move.
Kinda figured as much about the S&W. I guess I'm glad I didn't spend my own money on it. At this point, unfortunately, whenever I see something like this, branded with a known company logo but outside that company's wheelhouse, I just assume it's probably made out of chinesium and should be considered more like promotional swag than an actual company-made product.
As is often the case! Let us not forget the fate that befell Polaroid in that regard. Or Kodak, for that matter...
I've seen the Iridium highly recommended. Someone here has one, it might be @cetan@piefeed.world himself; I forget. Believe it or not, I still haven't gotten around to buying one despite my predilection for A) Axis lockers, and B) Kershaws. Go figure.
Post it when you get it!
One thing to note about the Iridium: it is not an assisted open knife. However, as mentioned, the crossbar lock is very fidget friendly and you can very easily get a hang of pulling back on the lock and flicking the knife blade open to deploy the blade and having it lock in place at the end of your hand movement. Same to close it. You can also open and close it a variety of ways with the thumbstuds. A bit of practice and you'll get the hang of it.