Let it snap closed or ease it closed?

ringzero · **on:** December 14, 2009, 07:51:05 PM

Seem to be differing opinions on this question.

Looks to me like any well designed slippie or lockback should have a big enough 'kick' at the base of the blade to prevent the edge from overtravelling into the backspring.

Some people say that any decent slipjoint or lockback should snap closed without any issue.

Some people say its OK to snap slipjoints, but that certain lockbacks shouldn't be snap closed.

Some people will avoid snapping any knife closed, supposedly to save wear and tear.

So, what do ya'll think about snapping?

.

Gareth · **Reply #1 on:** December 14, 2009, 07:59:08 PM

I have to admit that I snap them closed but I realise that's not always good for the edge. $:-\$

AddictedToTools · **Reply #2 on:** December 14, 2009, 08:01:05 PM

As I have said in another post, there is a dent in the blade of my LM Juice XE6 that seems to have been caused by snapping it closed.

Smitty44 · **Reply #3 on:** December 14, 2009, 08:17:18 PM

I never snap any of mine close,spend to much time getting a good edge on them to ruin it.

&

nuphoria · **Reply #4 on:** December 14, 2009, 08:55:06 PM

I'm a snapper myself, but I know it's bad and wrong

Swiss Man · **Reply #5 on:** December 14, 2009, 09:07:08 PM

I have heard that before I consider it a "wives tales" I never had any trouble with my "Snapping" the blades close.

Except one time I did it on the bail of a S.I. (that hurt)

jzmtl · **Reply #6 on:** December 14, 2009, 09:25:57 PM

If it can be snap closed without damaging the edge I'll do it, but generally on SAK that's a no.

Mike, Lord of the Spammers! · **Reply #7 on:** December 14, 2009, 09:56:41 PM

It depends if I in a hurry or not

2xTap · **Reply #8 on:** December 14, 2009, 10:03:09 PM

All slippies aren't created equal, and all blade kicks ain't either. Depending on the manufacturer and design of the pattern some blades might have short kicks that could cause blades to bottom out against the backspring internally if allowed to slam shut under spring pressure.......it all just depends.

But this is not the biggest problem that occurs to slippies when blades are continuously allowed to snap closed. An issue that comes up, particularly with slips as they age and those with stout backsprings.......center pin cracks! This is more common with those that use natural handle materials but I have seen it with celluloid and delrin scaled slips.

The center pin is the highest stress point of s slippie, it holds the backsprings in place and is the flex point for the backsprings, as well as the pin that takes the brunt of the shock when a blade snaps closed......this is also the point where the thinnest section of handle material is located on slips with exposed pins. Constantly allowing blades to snap closed will eventually crack the handle material in this location just above the center pin closest to the backsprings. It varies from knife to knife but doing this will eventually cause a problem here. On tougher handle materials or on designs that allow thicker sections of scale material here it might not develope at all. But it is something to keep in mind.

2xTap

Mr. Whippy · **Reply #9 on:** December 14, 2009, 10:14:44 PM

Generally, no snapping. I prefer to close them by hand. HOWEVER, if I'm busy doing something and the blade needs to be closed, I have been known to close blades against a leg, tree etc and let it snap shut.

...But, I don't like doing it...

Benner · **Reply #10 on:** December 14, 2009, 11:43:51 PM

I don't snap them closed more for a wear issue rather than to protect the edge.

P35 · **Reply #11 on:** December 15, 2009, 12:00:02 AM

ease it closed camp here

Pacu · **Reply #12 on:** December 15, 2009, 12:26:17 AM

Ease it closed here too. Paranoid of slammin flesh somewhere in it.

DaveK · **Reply #13 on:** December 15, 2009, 12:41:31 AM

The care I take closing blades on SAKs, knives and multis tends to be directly proportional to the cost of said SAK, knife or multi

I've been a little tender with the UKPK so far, but I'm sure that'll wear off.

Freudian Frog · **Reply #14 on:** December 15, 2009, 05:14:47 PM

I'm a snapper myself. Only appropriate as some people seem to believe me to be a whippersnapper.

GraysonK · **Reply #15 on:** December 15, 2009, 05:20:25 PM

After discovering some "dents" or chips on the edges of a couple of my SAK's and on my Salt 1, I try not to snap anymore. Some of them can take it, but i don't do it often after 2xTap (I think) informed me that snapping was causing the prob on the blade edge. Sometimes it can't be avoided, like if my hands are wet and something slips or if I don't have enough hands to do close it properly (I'm still working on how to grow that second set of hands)

ringzero · **Reply #16 on:** December 16, 2009, 06:58:17 AM

Glad to read everyone's opinions on snapping.

When my Grandfather gave me my first pocket knife at age five, he taught me to close it gently and not let it snap.

But somewhere along the line, I picked up the habit of letting my slipjoints snap closed. I've snapped SAKs closed for many years and never noticed any bad effects.

With true backlocks, Buck 110 and similar, I've always tried not to snap them closed to avoid edge damage.

Mid lockbacks, most Spydercos and similar, are supposedly not subject to edge damage from snapping.

Often snap my Spydercos, and similar mid lockbacks, because I often close them one-handed.

.

Zack · **Reply #17 on:** December 16, 2009, 07:07:01 PM

I let most of mine snap and have never noticed any ill effects from it.

AHB · **Reply #18 on:** December 16, 2009, 08:09:09 PM

If It can snap, It wil be snapped...

Freudian Frog · **Reply #19 on:** December 16, 2009, 08:45:22 PM

Okay, so I didn't clarify. Usually I'll look to see if the tang will hit a stopper before the blade does. In my opinion if the blade can't be snapped it's a design flaw!

TangoDown · **Reply #20 on:** December 16, 2009, 09:12:58 PM

I just looked at all my knives. They all have some room before the hit a stand-off or backspacer. There is either a stud that limits travel or there enough "kick" at the base of the blade. The only slip-joints I have are SAK's though. All my locking folders don't come close to hitting the edge on anything upon closing. S I guess I snap 'em closed.

texasflyfisher · **Reply #21 on:** December 16, 2009, 09:33:51 PM

I snap close my Alox SAKs because they like it and it feels good.

Now, my vintage Case knives have a gator like snap to them and those I will ease the blades closed.

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Let it snap closed or ease it closed?

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