Ever break a spring?

[cbl51]

I'm no longer a knife nut like I used to be, and don't even own any other pocket knives than SAK's. But, out of habit and curiosity, I still stop by a large knife forum time to time. Mostly the people that I was friends with for years, but also plain old liking to look at what I'm nit missing.

Over the last few years, I've noticed a good number of people complaining of broken springs in relatively expensive boutique knives. Names like G.E.C. and Northfield, and Queen. Some even handmade customs that have seen light use and carry.

But...thinkng black all the way to 1969, and my very first DAK, I've never had a broken spring on any of them. I've used and sometimes abused the less costly SAK's like recruits and classics because they are so easy and low cost to replace. But none have ever broke on me.

Any of you other long term SAKists have one break on you??

[Don Pablo]

I know mechanickal bought an old 84mm SAK that had a broken spring.
Beyond that? 

I know that Leatherman Style PS owners suffer from broken springs. 

[Mechanickal]

The scissors spring on 84mm SAKs seem to be more sensitive to abuse compared to their 91mm counterparts.

There are multiple cases known of 84mm scissors backsprings being broken.

Maybe that's why they were discontinued??!

[gustophersmob]

I've never personally had any knife with a broken spring. I've heard a lot of stories about the US demo style knife being prone to broken springs.

I think I've read of at least one or two broken SAK springs on here and if I remember correctly they were older models. 

[gustophersmob]

The scissors spring on 84mm SAKs seem to be more sensitive to abuse compared to their 91mm counterparts.

There are multiple cases known of 84mm scissors backsprings being broken.

Maybe that's why they were discontinued??!

If we're talking scissor springs, I've seen several of those. At least they are user repairable

[Mechanickal]

Scissors BACKSPRINGS, Gustopher, not leaf springs

[cbl51]

No, not the scissors springs. They are a very minor issue and owner replaceable. I'm talking about the main back spring that holds the blades open or closed. It seems like the more expensive the pocket knife, at least the boutique brands, the more I see and hear of broken back springs. But I've never had a Victorinox with a broken back spring. Even on some very abused pioneer/soldier models.

[Aloha]

Its not something that we read a lot about thats for sure.  I have never seen one myself even among the beat to within inches of their lives SAK at the flea market. 

[Mechanickal]

[pfrsantos]

I got a BAK with a broken backspring. I believe I got it from kirky. He asked if anyone would want it, I said yes. I thought about trying to repair it but still haven't got around to do it.

One like this:

[cody6268]

How do you do it with normal use? I'd think it's nearly impossible. The worst I've ever done to an SAK is breaking a saw when I tried to straighten it after my weight shifted while cutting a limb, resulting in a bent saw. I have a Canadian Navy Knife (Metal Stampings/Case Nova Scotia)with one near the spike, but I think the high number of those with broken springs is attributed to sailors whacking on the back of the blade with a hammer to cut through heavy rope more than it is bad temper.   

[MacGyver]

(Image removed from quote.)

Aaaaahhhhh  a 84mm Climber with a broken back spring... Oh the horror.... 

Could only get worse if it was  Salesman... 

Now i can't unsee this... I think I'll have nightmares, thanks a lot... 

[gustophersmob]

How do you do it with normal use? I'd think it's nearly impossible. The worst I've ever done to an SAK is breaking a saw when I tried to straighten it after my weight shifted while cutting a limb, resulting in a bent saw. I have a Canadian Navy Knife (Metal Stampings/Case Nova Scotia)with one near the spike, but I think the high number of those with broken springs is attributed to sailors whacking on the back of the blade with a hammer to cut through heavy rope more than it is bad temper.

I doubt it is a case of user abuse, but of the wrong kind or hardness of steel being used for a spring. I believe that's what the main issue with the US demo style knives are: the tools and back springs are the same hardened steel which can't withstand the flexing that the backspring needs to endure.

[Mechanickal]

(Image removed from quote.)

Aaaaahhhhh  a 84mm Climber with a broken back spring... Oh the horror.... 

Could only get worse if it was  Salesman... 

Now i can't unsee this... I think I'll have nightmares, thanks a lot... 

It's not a salesman, but an Alumnus

[Mechanickal]

So not a Climber either

[gustophersmob]

Scissors BACKSPRINGS, Gustopher, not leaf springs

  missed that 

[Mechanickal]

But Vic took care of it.

[GoatDragon]

I know mechanickal bought an old 84mm SAK that had a broken spring.
Beyond that? 

I know that Leatherman Style PS owners suffer from broken springs. 

That's funny, the only SAK or multitool in my collection to ever break a spring is a Leatherman Style PS. 

[Ron Who]

I once saw a video on spring hardening. It seems an art in itself. Can´t find the link right now, but it appears springs are hardened differently (differentially?) from end to end to ensure smooth operation and no breakage. My guess is springs with two tools, or back tools, are even trickier.