I've just bought a pair of Doug Ritter's RSK knifes. Left-handed users are advised to move the pocket clip to the other side of the knife. I'm not left-handed, but I would like to remove the clip altogether, at least on the mini. My question is, what screwdriver do I need to undo the screws?

I gather it is a star-pattern head, sometimes called "torx" in the UK. It is very small, smaller than a T10 and probably smaller than a T5. I have tried several local shops but none have something that small, so I will probably have to buy by mail. I'd like to know what size I need, so I don't get the wrong thing. (I hope to find a UK source rather than just getting the "Blue box" set from the Benchmade website.)

Incidently, when the knives arrived both were extremely stiff to open. No way could I open them one-handed. There was also a hand-written note on the invoice telling me to "Loosen pivot screw". Is this normal, or did they tighten it specially for me? Luckily that screw has a much bigger head, and I was able to find a T10 torx screwdriver to fit it. For a while I was quite peeved, though, as it seemed the knife was basically unusable without a further purchase.

Try a small Allen wrench. That's what I used. Do not remember the size of wrench.

You are correct that they are Torx head screws. The main pivot is a T10, those small screws for the clip are T6. Knives shipped out of the U.S. to certian countries such as the UK have the pivot screw tightened down so as to prevent problems with overzelous customs agents who have been known to be difficult with AXIS Lock knives, sometimes deeming them to be a "gravity knife" and illegal. I will mention to Aeromedix that they should advise customers such as yourself of this prior to consumating the purchase; it shouldn't be a surprise.

Doug,

Hi!

You may want to add California to the list of countries or areas with overzealous legal systems.

When I got my RSK, I proudly showed it to a friend who is a criminal lawyer in California. After checking its operation, he warned me that it was prohibited under California Penal Code section 653k since the blade can be opened by a flip of the wrist. He doesn't believe that the need to move the button before flipping the wrist is sufficient to avoid criminal liability.

I have taken the precaution of tightening the tension screw so that the blade can no longer be flipped open, but can still be readily opened with one hand. I am afraid that Californians probably should be warned of the legal hazard and the need to keep the blade release mechanism tight.

Incidentally, I want to take this opportunity to thank you giving us an excellent knife at a very reasonable price. I love mine.

Merry Christmas,

John

Legal Disclaimer: Obviously this post is not meant to provide legal advice, legal representation or relationship, and none exists or is provided. I am not admitted to practice law in any state other than California and am neither doing nor intending to do so. I limit my practice to civil law, and do not practice criminal law. Anyone wanting legal advice or representation should seek his own lawyer admitted to practice law in the prospective client's jurisdiction.

Pete:

Although an allen wrench may work, it is not recommended by mechanics like me. If it does not work, you take a chance of rounding the shoulders on the screw head. Likewise, phillips head, spline drive, or star drive (These are rare, but do exist here in the USA.) should not be used on torx head screws.

Of course, if you are out in the "boonies" and you have to improvise, give it your best shot.

Bountyhunter

Pete,

In anticipation of such a contingency, I added the appropriate Torx bit (T-10) for the Leatherman tool adapter which I keep in my fanny bag kit. I'm happy with the placement of the clip on the knife so I hadn't even considered a bit to move it.

Good luck,

John

Just curious but the exact wording of the law where I live states the following is illegal:

"any knife which has a blade which is released from the handle or sheath thereof by the force of gravity or the application of centrifugal force and which, when released, is locked in place by means of a button, spring, lever, or other device, sometimes known as a “gravity knife”;"

Would the RSK comply with the above or would it be considered illegal? (I've been thinking of buying one)

I am not a lawyer so it would be perhaps better for me to keep my mouth shut, but obviously I can not. <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> So at least take this with a grain of salt.

In terms of physics it is not the centrifugal force that opens the knife but angular momentum. Centrifugal force is present only during rotation of the wrist while the knife flicks open after (and because of) the wrist comes to an abrupt stop.

Amazing. A combination of lawerly nitpicking and physics nitpicking.

Bounty & John:
As is often the case, I offered advice without mentioning the caveats. When I could not locate my torx set, I dug out the Allen wrenches and fortunately the clip screws easily came out.
Brangdon:
My cavalier suggestion could have caused you to screw up your knive. Please accept my appologies.

Best wishes,
Pete