Doctor's Discussion -- As Smooth As a Norseman?

[@BigShaneGillis]

The Norseman pivot needs a very slight clockwise tweak. Many norsemans don’t bounce out, and if you tighten that pivot ever so slightly, it will be more tailored to your preference. Blade weight and shape has more significance to detent than people give it credit for, which is why the shamwari with the similar detent style actually works well with the lighter blade

[@Brad-vs1lk]

I have a Norseman and a Holt Haptic. Haptic wins in my case. Better ergos. Stronger detent which I can personally adjust. Holt’s provide a super small Allen key to do so! The knife is a linerlock that has a wide flatened nub for a detent which is what’s adjustable by the use of an Allen screw right beside it. Guillotine action is adjustment of the pivot for both with no blade rock for either!! Excellent video! Thanks for showing!!

[@micgalovic]

I'm kind of late, but I have one point to make: The flat ball influences the detent of the knife. The flatter the ball, the harder it is to flip the knife.. the angle between the blade and the detent ball is the main thing in the calculation. So when you have flat detent ball, you can have waaay weaker liner/frame lock, so there is less friction between the lock and the blade. The main problem with this video is the thing, that there are liner locks only. There will always be some pressure on the blade during the movement, so you need precise machining and flattened detent ball and bla bla bla to make a linerlock smooth/fallshuty.. axis lock will beat liner lock in smoothness/fall shutiness when you invest half the time, money and attention in it. The second problem is that you always have to put you finger in the way of the blade, when you wanna disengage the lock.. and then you are happy that the blade moves soo freely in the direction of your fingers? Makes little sense to me. It would make sense in case of the compression lock or some other lock, where your fingers are save while disengaging the lock. Linerlocks are everywhere and customers are expecting it to perform great in every situation, so manufacturers are going a long way to find the bizarre solutions to fulfill the wishes, even when the wishes are not good ideas. Smh.

[@everydaygear3730]

Excellent insight, thank you for the info!

[@BirdShotIV]

The Skaha is the closest thing we've seen to the Norseman action. Funny enough, also from Canada. The Shiro's we have handled have been pretty damn smooth action but like you say, more resistance. Thanks for the vid Doc!

[@DoctorFrunkey]

Thanks guys! I have a dedicated Skaha video coming up soon!

[@trainingwolves7]

Doctor Frunkey is one intelligent, tactful, and interesting gentleman. Thanks for what you do Doc.

[@PlankGFX]

I love the action of the Arius. It's my favorite knife.

[@joshzinn3538]

Brilliant review, Dr F. I think that the flattened detent ball is indeed the wave of the future, but there is something more to the Norseman that makes it so smooth. I’m not sure what it is exactly, but i am sure it has to do with the OAW, the blade thickness and weight, and the handle thickness and weight. Personally, the concept of how smooth a knife is has always eluded me a bit. Does it refer just to the Fall Shutty? If so, then the analysis is relatively simple. However, if it also refers to how quickly or smoothly a knife deploys, it becomes more complicate, at least to some degree. While I agree about the issue of the “Bounce Back” off the stop pin when the blade drops, i do not personally think a knife can be too smooth. Most people who are handling a Norseman are using it very conscientiously, is the “Real” risk of injury is minimal at most. In terms of knives that rival the Norseman, I think your comparison w the Arius is right on point. Mega smooth, but too different to be put in the same category as the Norseman. I was surprise to hear how strong the feeling was regarding Shiros. I find them very comparable. While the fall shutty may be just a tad behind the Norseman, the speed of deployment is a little better, creating a neutralizing effect. As such, i think it is fair to say the the Shiros are as smooth as the Norseman. And that includes the 95 on washers. I have had too many Shiros to count, and i find that the use of SRBS, MRBS, washers does not have a significant effect on the action. Sure everyone likes to hear MRBS, including me, but i find the one on washers to be every bit as smooth. The only knife that is widely claimed to have smoother action than the Norseman are Cultrotechs. While the one I had did fall shut faster, the deployment was far inferior. I do believe the newer modes will really push the Norseman. In my personal experience, Lozada makes a similarly smooth knife, maybe not quite there but close. The Mongoose, by Dan Galloway, certainly matches or beats the Norseman, and it does so w a 4 inch blade no less. (Ol’ Sluggy) Great review, as always!

[@DoctorFrunkey]

Excellent analysis. Smoothness is a vague term when it comes to knives. I really mean it in the sense of the speed of deployment and speed of closure combined with the overall feeling of resistance or friction. The Norseman is truly unlike other knives in this regard, and deserves its praises. But I wasn't sure I liked the zero-resistance feeling. It was almost too smooth! Mostly I was hoping to stir thought and discussion on this topic. Appreciate your words.

[@joshzinn3538]

Doctor Frunkey Yeah, I think you actually nailed it spot on there. “Smoothness” can only be somewhat accurately defined as a combination of the 3 elements you mentioned. Speed and friction feel upon deployment. Speed and friction feel on drop. And the big one u hit on, which i haven’t heard before, is the overall idea of “friction” or “weightlessness”. If we use these parameters to discuss how smooth a knife is, and these are the best parameters i have seen yet, then we can draw the conclusion that the Norseman is in fact the smoothest knife of all time (I suppose that maker that basically tried to make a Norseman at half the price .... what was it called, i had one....... it will come to me - that one is almost identical in smoothness, but not as good overall). And the question still remains, “Is it too smooth?” I had not thoroughly considered this until you brought it up. I don’t mind the pop back. However, you are right about the feel. That frictionless feel is odd. Not good or bad, just different. If i had to keep my Norseman or my Arius, I would be very hard pressed. I think judging on this new idea of smoothness, I’d have to pick the Arius. And the Shiro (i don’t mention that one bc it’s my all time #1) and ELB, for that matter. Even so, while i would pick the Arius, i would keep the Norseman simply on principle. It is one of only two knives i legitimately missed when I didn’t have one. My knife life feels incomplete without it. I’d keep my Shiro F95T and Norseman above all others.

[@chrisrock4428]

I have one of Sharp by Designs first knives and wow is it super smooth.

[@magicdave93]

My Benchmade 940 and WE 603 are very smooth free droppers. Great video!

[@DoctorFrunkey]

Yes! Bencmade axis locks are also very smooth like this! I think the blade profile here makes a big difference.

[@slidetek]

Yes, the Brown is _more linear_ with just the right amount of resistance when closing. The Norseman has zero resistance. My #003 Brown has the flattened detent, don't know why he changed it. You're right, that blade on the Norseman has _so much_ to do with its action. From what little I've handled, the Servo and the Norseman are in a class of their own. The Reate Torrent _emulates_ this behavior, but there's something that's slightly off in the actual feel. Strangely (or sadly) one of the smoothest knives I have is still a crappy $60 CH knife. Again, a huge front-heavy blade probably has a lot to do with that. _Russell has it right now for his anodizing pleasure!_ I think the Shiros live in the world of _snappy,_ I think that's another comparison all its own!

[@DoctorFrunkey]

slidetek these variables are difficult to verbalize well, but Tony the Knife Poet does it well. Agreed on all points sir.

[@BParker55]

Doctor Frunkey I might've missed the comment in the vid but Brown stopped using a flat detent ball? Maybe he did to prevent the "Grimsmo Bounce" haha 😂

[@Wzrd100]

Haven't heard of CH before. What model was so smooth?

[@perrytrucker]

So many variables to consider.... they are all smooth yes, but then we must dive deeper...

[@hyssean12]

Blade style has nothing to do with how smooth a knife is. It does effect the drop shit action though due to more weight at the front of the blade. Free and smooth aren't the same thing.

[@BParker55]

The ZT0462 action is incredible and can compare with most of these. Especially after it is broken in a bit

[@DoctorFrunkey]

Bryce Parker agreed. I believe that has a flattened detent ball too.

[@DoctorFrunkey]

Bryce Parker I meant on the 0452

[@BParker55]

Doctor Frunkey the 452 is awesome action wise as well.. but I really think the 462 is ZTs best offering for a "drop shut" smooth action. I haven't taken mine apart yet or looked at the detent ball I wonder if it's flat as well

[@CheatcodeGlitch]

Not even close man. The 0452 is smooth for a production knife but if you’ve ever fondled one of these knives you would know this statement is false.

[@BParker55]

GreeennMan have you tried the 462?

[@Mr_Tovarish]

Smooth does not equal fast. Smoothness does not describe a closing action imo. Calling a knife "smooth" is like shorthand for a bunch of different things. Smooth vs Fast vs Free vs Hydraulic vs Clean. Like I think a Thorburn is smoother than a Norseman, but a Norseman is much freer and much faster. Hell a Sebenza is "smoother" than a Norseman. I think the community needs to expand it's vocabulary. With the action being such a big part of how some people collect now, I think we do ourselves an injustice by using the word Smooth so much. It's just not telling of how it actually feels.

[@DoctorFrunkey]

Smooth is defined as "having an even and regular surface or consistency; free from perceptible projections, lumps, or indentations." Smoothness is essentially a lack of friction due to surface irregularities. Lack of friction, in the case of knives, increases speed of deployment and closure. I disagree with your argument that a Thorburn of Sebenza is smoother than the Norseman, as the friction and irregularity of action is higher on both of those examples. Smoothness to me is a feeling of the entire action, from deployment to closure. If there is no friction, this is my idea of smooth. This is what I mean by the Norseman being "Smooth." It has the absolute least amount of action irregularity or perceptible friction. We should do a KnifeCast about this...

[@Mr_Tovarish]

Right, "smooth" is not *inaccurate*, generally speaking. But, for example, my Gavko drops freely but is not smooth, you can feel the hammered finish through the bearings. The average knife person would probably tell you it's "smooth" because it drops freely, but that's simply incorrect. The point I was hoping to make was that calling a knife "smooth" is like calling a car "fast" - you'll get the gist, but it fails to tell the whole story. Is it quick in acceleration? Fast as in high top speed? How about around corners vs in a straight line. Is the power delivery linear like a naturally aspirated V12 or is it punchy like a turbocharged inline 6? You've got me on the definition, but I stand by my overarching insinuation, which is that "smooth" doesn't do anything for someone trying to get an in depth sense of how a knife is.

[@DoctorFrunkey]

I think we are both agreeing here. We, as knife enthusiats, should be more clear in our word choice. Smooth does not mean fast. I did not have a better way to describe my idea than to say "smooth". Hence, this video. But it is not a word that is easily translated into a tactile sense that a viewer might understand. This knife simply has to be held to be understood! Thanks Tov for keeping me honest!!

[@Mr_Tovarish]

This will be something we have to tackle in the action episode

[@DoctorFrunkey]

Agreed sir!

[@nickkazarian3334]

Very cool video! I agree Doc., I think the Norseman is too much. I prefer the Shiro or Shamwari’s action far more. Sweet collection, thank you!

[@DoctorFrunkey]

Thanks!!

[@everydaygear3730]

My Polutchotky is guillotine, zero blade play which is incredibly nice, but that's what you get for $2k. I wish the Norseman was milled, otherwise I'm finally warming up to getting one down the road. Thanks for the video, love your Shirogorov F3's.

[@stoutdog56]

While I don't have your fantastic collection or a Norseman, I do own a couple of them. The Brown Exponent is my smoothest and the "Top Dog" in my extensive collection. It's fast, smooth and dangerous closing has earned it "The Guillotine" moniker. It requires a blade up release and roll over to close.

[@Rivy_ID]

I think it almost begs that we define "smooth." It seems, in the way you discuss it, that smoothness = free falling and opening/closing speed. I would define smoothness as the relative consistency in opening/closing throughout the entire action. On cheaper knives you can easily see that they do not maintain the same "smoothness" or speed throughout their opening or closing, many get stopped up somewhere on the close or don't deploy entirely each time. The better the knife, the less perceptible this is. It's much easier to see when closing on most knives. I agree with you that a completely free falling knife, especially one that bounces off the stop pin, is actually not very desirable. I want some level of resistance so that the close is controlled (as you mentioned on some of these). I do need to handle a grimsmo one of these days, but I've owned just about every recent ZT, an Arius, a JG Scout, and I have a Skaha v2 on the way. To me, the scout is every bit as smooth as anything else I've handled, but it may not be as "fast" or "free falling." I know Gareth Bull has done some Shamwari's on washers and on bearings, it would be really interesting to handle both types side by side (probably not a reality for me, haha). Anyway, wrapping up this long-ass comment; the more knives I handle the more I realize that the detent may actually be the most important part of a good action. Also, you should add a Holt Bladeworks Specter to this mix for comparison! :) Keep up the good work, Doc!

[@DoctorFrunkey]

You are right, the term "smooth" is not the clearest. I will be delving into this with my buddy @tovarishworks on an upcoming KnifeCast episode!

[@blitzbbffl]

I prefer "single shake shuttee" action over the guillotine action. Many of my knives have single shake shuttee action, including some expensive (Spyderco Rubicon) and some inexpensive (CRKT Windage).

[@DoctorFrunkey]

I like that closure as well!!

[@D4nkknives]

I'm just going to throw Andre Thorburn's L51 (Or any of his knives) in the mix. I have never held a Norseman. But please hold an L51. It is unreal... Beautiful knives Frunk!

[@DoctorFrunkey]

I really need to get one in hand. Love the look of the L51

[@D4nkknives]

Well let me know if you want me to send mine to you for a review

[@skycorrigan6511]

My Norseman used to jump out when closing, but I just tightened up the pivot and that cleared it up

[@Brad-vs1lk]

Isn’t there a Sky working for Grimsmo now???

[@bronsoncashiola1426]

The Koenig is my favorite knife of all so far. Ever. Just bad ass.

[@Toki52]

My 20cv zt0920, 204p zt0804cf, m390 pm2, s90v 940-1, cruwear manix 2, have no blade play and fall shut with zero resistance. I recommend them all.

[@kerryrwac]

A large Curtis F3 . I handled one the same night i handled a Norseman and a Rask for the first time and it's in the same ball park .

[@DoctorFrunkey]

Yes! Iwould agree, also very smooth. But the F3 has juuuuust enough friction to be safer and steadier.

[@kerryrwac]

I'd go with that . The Skaha costs a fraction of what those other knives do so it may be the best free dropper for the buck .

[@DoctorFrunkey]

Video this week :)

[@kerryrwac]

Cool , I think I'd like version 2 more . Maybe Nick will lend you his when he gets it .

[@93tedd]

The sharper edges of the flat detent "hooks" into the detent hole without the need of as much tension from the lockbar. Less force pushing against the blade means it can fall more easily, while the sharper angle makes sure the detent remains there... it's amazingly simple, and yet so few are doing it.

[@DoctorFrunkey]

Agree with all of this!

[@neroknives1828]

But more lock bar tension, allows the lock to be stronger. Little conflict of interest.

[@93tedd]

neroknives The stop pin handles the strength with use, and the lockbar against abuse (spine whack and pressure in that direction). Not that much strength is needed in that direction, typically.

[@neroknives1828]

Ted Dahlqvist that’s completely true, pivot, washers, pin, and lock all work together. ( if properly fit) But week lock bar tension, definitely adds a point of potential failure in the system. Since the System, is only as strong as the weakest link.

[@neroknives1828]

Ted Dahlqvist but generally knives that drop shut, are generally much more expensive, and aren’t used that hard. So it’ll probably never be an issue.

[@Keith_the_knife_freak]

I have a skaha on order... will be the smoothest knife i own. Probably.. i do have a 0450 that is really good..

[@DoctorFrunkey]

Just wait :)

[@Keith_the_knife_freak]

Doctor Frunkey im excited. 👍👍

[@Rivy_ID]

My 0450 had impressively good action, arguably better than most of the other ZTs I've owned (which has been most of them, over time). Almost free fall shut and a perfect detent to rocket it open without fail each and every time.

[@natehenneman6766]

When you drop the blade down in the Norseman, you are moving the handle towards the blade, which is causing the blade to bounce out. To better control for this, hold the handle completely still, then let the blade drop down. This will prevent the blade from "bouncing out."

[@DoctorFrunkey]

Nate Henneman The bounce out happens even when keeping the handle still. At least on this particular model. The only way I could prevent it was to not rotate the knife completely vertical and make it close more slowly.

[@Mr_Tovarish]

Not necessarily. You really have to tilt it at an angle where the pivot is further out than the butt of the knife to truly guarantee no bounce.

[@natehenneman6766]

I don't seem to get the bounce out on mine using this method :) Mine is one from the past few months so perhaps they've addressed this a bit, or more logically speaking, there are slight variances in terms of "fall-shutiness" between Norsemans. The servo does seem to have the perfect amount of smoothness though.

[@DoctorFrunkey]

Nate Henneman maybe I'm doing it wrong but my standard closing motion seems ti elicit this bouncing each time. Servo is purrrrrfect!

[@ericmack8021]

Whats up Dr Frunky? A lot of collectors claim that the RJ Martin Q36 has the smoothest action. If would be great if you check one of them out before you say that a Norseman might have the smoothest action.

[@ryancurry5284]

That blade bounce would drive me absolutely insane.

[@ryancurry5284]

Wayyy worse than the double clutching closed from a detent ball

[@brianfollett687]

You guys will probably laugh, but I have a couple of Benchmades that will absolutely take your finger off , they just drop , and the blades are rock solid when open ,I don't like any wiggle in my blades , they are smoother than all my ZT's, and there is no detent to over come, just pull back the Axis lock and wham , they drop. Its awesome, especially because they're on washers . I know , I know , it probably doesn't compare to a Norseman , but its what I have ...

[@DoctorFrunkey]

I agree man, a well tuned Benchmade is super smooth.

[@frankbutta9344]

I was flicking a Benchmade open and closed holding the Axis lock back, and my thumb made its way into the blade’s path!!! Of course there was flowing blood, and my wife yelled, “You’re getting blood on the carpet!” She’s a knife person as well, but moments like that reveal a person’s true priorities...lol!

[@DoctorFrunkey]

Frank Butta hahaha

[@DoctorFrunkey]

Frank Butta hope you are ok!

[@convex7456]

Frank Butta thats funny i was shown the same concern lolol

[@frankbutta9344]

Doctor Frunkey I used super glue to close the gash, but had to apply it a few times over the course of a few days. My father used to suture me, but he had passed away a year before that happened. 2016 was a year in which I had some pretty bad luck with sharp knives, and ran a PM2 deep in webbing between my thumb and index finger. I was using the tip of the blade to push into something, and it slipped...HARD! I been cut free for the past 15 months, and the carpet has been replaced...lol!

[@frankbutta9344]

convex LOL! My wife didn’t get up to help, and I had to cross the living room to get to the kitchen.

[@trentonmay182]

I notice with my sigma vs Norseman the sigma will fall shut at a. Less steep angle but the Norseman falls shut quicker when both are held vertically

[@captainsewerrat]

I think you should have mentioned the Reate K-Series knives, since I feel like they are among the best in terms of smoothness, they lack a bit of the crisp deployment but make up for it on the closure. And I agree, completely fall shut isn't all what it's cracked up to be, way to easy to guillotine your thumb if you're just a little careless.

[@DoctorFrunkey]

I have only handled a K1, but It did have excellent action. I would not put it in the same category as the Norseman, from my limited experience. Perhaps with knives like the Arius or the ZT 0920. Free falling, but in a safe way.

[@chrisw3249]

Agree, my K2 is the smoothest knife I own, I put grease on the bearings to slow the action down! rather than 10w nano oil.

[@eplane]

Not sure if I like carrying a finger guillotine, but I do like a free dropper. Knife nut paradox....

[@DoctorFrunkey]

This was the first time where I had to consider, "Is there such a thing as too smooth?"

[@jerryhague6861]

That Keith Krueger knife is pretty neat looking. Even amoung some more costly knives it stands out. Have you done a consult on it?

[@DoctorFrunkey]

Jerry Hague not yet. Pending.

[@christamu2]

Cool video. Only my Servo, Chad Nell Templar, and, oddly enough, a WE 702 can hang with the action of my Norseman. The Shiro NeOn, Arius, and a few others come close but that doesn't make them bad by any means as you said. I wouldn't hand a Norseman to a NKP as they would likely cut themselves while closing it.

[@DoctorFrunkey]

This is my point exactly. Maybe "too smooth" is a thing sometimes!

[@lanehoward8816]

Good video Bro 👍

[@DoctorFrunkey]

Thanks man!!

[@f22shift]

Good vid. Lots of variables to consider to tune the action. Breaking in a knife is rewarding when it improves the action. Maybe the Norseman needs oiling to slow down the blade ?

[@DoctorFrunkey]

Lots of variables which I could not fully discuss here. I am not an engineer or materials scientist, just talking about my perception of the actions here.

[@cameronutt6383]

Time for another one of my kinda lengthy lists. *My smoothest knife overall is probably my Arius. *Though my Degnan custom Kane is really close. *My only two knives that bounce back or have the rare tendency are my benchmade 940 on occasion and my ZT 0452. Which has happened twice, and when it did it bounced to near fully open and both times it somehow managed to cut me pretty good (my theory is that Elmax is somehow magical or something). So I'm a little more careful with that knife now and it hasn't happened since. I still love it though, it's the knife that kick-started me into more high end knife collecting (though sometimes I hate it for that same reason too. Lol.) *My Kizer Critical is slightly more Hydraulic in feel but nearly as smooth as both of my two best, too bad its not a very good cutter. That's my only real complaint Im not even bothered by that much hated backspacer (doesn't dig in or feel sharp when I use it, don't know what I'm doing different, but everyone seems to dislike it for that reason). I know you didn't dig that knife at all. *My District knives Apollo has an action very similar to the critical on closing, but has a much stiffer detent, so it's a bit harder to flip and doesn't rank as high in overall smoothness. *And finally an honorable mention to my Olamic 247. It has probably the smoothest opening action I have. The closing action doesn't really drop at all though. It just wasn't designed to, so therefore an honorable mention. Great video as usual and if you read that whole list then that's extra points. Though much like "Who's line is it Anyway" the points don't really matter.

[@DoctorFrunkey]

I read every word man. Good breakdown. I think it is important to differentiate speed form smoothness. But they go hand in hand. The Arius' action is ideal IMHO.

[@cameronutt6383]

Doctor Frunkey Agreed, they often go hand in hand, but aren't the same. I consider a smooth opening flip to open quickly but with little resistance and without seeming jumpy (for lack of a better way to put it). I should specify that I think the 0452 closes very smooth, but the detent is fairly stiff and does kind of act like it wants to jump out of your hands at times, it's a very powerful flip. I think my Olamic does the smooth flip well, the detent is crisp, but not stiff and the knife doesn't feel "jumpy" in the slightest, in fact you barely "feel the flip" at all. I was actually going to suggest an eventual video on knives that flip with serious authority (alternatively knife actions that scare people lol). My knives that fall into that category include my 0452 and my Reate Hills, nothing in my collection flips as hard or as fast as those two.

[@totschopper]

Great video! I have a skaha and neon.i have to say I don't love the bouncing detent on the north arm. I prefer the shiro

[@DoctorFrunkey]

There will be a Skaha compare this week :)

[@totschopper]

Doctor Frunkey oh kewl,I just got my neon yesterday😍

[@totschopper]

Doctor Frunkey hey doc,I'm going to have my neon professionally sharpened. What should I ask for?

[@perrytrucker]

I don’t have any drop shut folders. Smooth, yes, hydraulic feel when closing, yes. But not drop shut. But I don’t think Grimms should be called “smooth”, we have to differentiate between free falling and smooth, there is lots to consider there... besides that, all great folders on that table⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@DoctorFrunkey]

It's hard to find the right word. I think my point is carried across, even if my words are suboptimal. I would say 0055 is pretty free-falling!

[@perrytrucker]

Doctor Frunkey your point definitely came across👍 great discussion!!

[@M0ovPalh]

I think your trasher may have a flattenned detent too, mine has. I agree that the flattened detent has lot to do with closing smoothness of the blade, I think it may even influence the closing action much more than the pivot system of a knife

[@DoctorFrunkey]

My Trasher did not, but I found out my BBM does!!

[@M0ovPalh]

Nice, glad to see Gavko makes constant change to his knives. Do you know where I could get a BBM? Always been in love since I saw yours, but on NCC website I don't see it anywhere

[@DoctorFrunkey]

Jniwx BBM is only available on secondary market as of now.

[@M0ovPalh]

Damn, the search continues

[@Ikaros131]

I would love to hear your thoughts on the Protech Cambria, its one of the slickest closing knives I own

[@DoctorFrunkey]

Will need to try one.

[@Ikaros131]

Doctor Frunkey it's a really nice piece, it's definitely smoother than my Skaha

[@EDCwithAaron]

Pretty sure that ZT actually uses a flattened detent ball as well, at least on some of their knives. They've got decently smooth actions for production knives.

[@DoctorFrunkey]

On some of the knives they do! It is a very helpful measure in getting that drop shut smoothness!

[@marrenmiller]

I've never seen one come with a flattened detent ball, but they do develop a flat spot after a lot of use. None of mine came with a flat spot but they're all flat now.

[@persistentprecision7922]

The flat detent doesn't have much to do with closing. It definitely makes the opening different. The biggest reason grimsmos are so "smooth" is his lock arm is very weak and close to the pivot and has very little preload. That's why it bounces out on close.

[@DoctorFrunkey]

The flat detent does indeed have a considerable effect on closure. But you bring up important points about lock bar tensions and placement.

[@Pew7070]

In my opinion the Norseman has no merit holding the status of the best closing action. None should anyhow. I think the best one is the kind that fits each individual’s reflexive capability. What is best for me it will not necessarily be the best for you and vice-versa. I recently had a big surprise when I bought a Viper Knives Italo. The closing action on that thing out of the box was unbelievable for a sub $200 knife. M390/CF linerlock. Similar to the Brown, Konig or the Bulls. I like surprises more than grails 😆😉🙃

[@DoctorFrunkey]

I agree, but the argument is so pervasive. I attempted to open this discussion to the community here. Looks like it worked!!

[@OnTheEdge5950]

I think Brian Nadau (sharp by design) was the first maker to use the flattened detent? That’s what he claims anyway. Holt Knives also uses this type of detent.

[@DoctorFrunkey]

Brian is the first to use an integral detent, where the detent "nub" is directly milled into the lobkbad insert. Holt copied this detent mechanism.

[@OnTheEdge5950]

Doctor Frunkey Yes. I didn’t know the difference. Thank you doc👍🙏🏻.

[@andrewkelley6039]

My Kizer Intrepid has the nicest fall shut action of my knives

[@ChristopherFinancial]

Great video!

[@DoctorFrunkey]

Thank you!!

[@joeyz989]

Shouldn't a round detent ball be smoother in general cause of less contact area with the blade?

[@Pew7070]

joeyz989 Not really. A nominal pressure exerted on a small area will cause more friction then when exerted on a larger area, given that the pressure is the same. Also material surface type (ranging from rough to molecularly flat) plays a crucial role.

[@DoctorFrunkey]

This

[@neroknives1828]

Mark Tudor well said.

[@junkunpan5012]

Friction does not depend on contact area; it depend on the applied pressure to the surface and the surface roughness and the surface material. This is a well experimented physics phenomenon

[@25LQW]

And then add some lube into the equation.

[@nosaj666]

Jesus. That is like nearly 10k in knives 😲

[@Stevieray55]

the Maxace Sandstorm has great action at least mine does an one more the new socom bravo anyway those two could run close to it

[@bjdunne5113]

What about a Tighe button lock? There is no friction at all on the drop.

[@DoctorFrunkey]

bj dunne didn't have one to compare. Lots of knives are comparable.

[@justifiedneeds8718]

What number noresman? I've had 2 and my second, #992 doesn't bounce off the stop pin like my first one did. The action on the whole is better actually. My first one was between 100 and 200 and they've come a long way since it seems.

[@DoctorFrunkey]

This is 889 i think

[@ozean1749]

I sold my norseman because of the way it would bounce out when closing.

[@DoctorFrunkey]

Vindication is mine! Thank you for sharing that. It is annoying and honestly scary to me!!

[@CalebMcFadden]

Kizer has some good actions

[@stark_syndrome7857]

Have you tried a rockstead

[@seaferg5072]

Have you heard of any knives with a detent ball that rolls like a ball bearing? It would probably have to be a pretty strong detent so it didn’t just roll open...

[@DoctorFrunkey]

I'm not sure if the Hoback Rolling Detent does this...I think it does.

[@seaferg5072]

Doctor Frunkey I actually looked in to that one after commenting. It seems like a good idea, especially because he doesn’t seem to want any kick backs for using it. I wonder how it would do with a big blade like the Norseman or ZT 0920..... 🤔

[@joshmoman8326]

Hoback Rolling Detent does in fact roll. Think of it like the end of a roller ball pen.

[@kristophermeek8689]

Just when I thought I was over my "Sigma Envy" it shows up again. 🤣

[@DoctorFrunkey]

Will star in at least one more video :) Sorry haha

[@kristophermeek8689]

🤣 That's ok, I'll watch it as many times as you show it.

[@Vextos]

The Rowdy HiTech might be in the same class as the Norseman and Servo.

[@DoctorFrunkey]

Very similar to the action on the servo. I loved the action of the Rowdy!

[@iodip5634]

The holt Spector has a flat detent bump

[@skycorrigan6511]

Reate New Torrent. Imo it has a slightly more satisfying action

[@canadianhangover]

Wouldn't "bouncing off the detent" translate to "loose"? Instead of smooth?

[@ToddGajewski]

My Norseman is by far the most free falling action on any knife I own...takes some time to get used to it, but she hasn’t bit me yet?😀

[@DoctorFrunkey]

Interested to know if anyone has had a safety issue with the Norseman and this free falling feel.

[@ToddGajewski]

Doctor Frunkey I would call it more of an adjustment period. I don’t carry mine as often because I prefer a smaller size for edc. As much as I love it, I’m not handing it over to my young teenager to play with! See you at blade!

[@DoctorFrunkey]

See you there my friend!

[@powerfulk9790]

Do you refer to the Servo as Thoracic Park?

[@DoctorFrunkey]

No but I think I should hahaha

[@TheFiendRacer]

The norseman probably is so drop shutty because of that nose heavy blade.

[@richard4135]

SIMPLE SOLUTION FOR THE NORSEMAN SHUTTING TO QUICKLY. 1. PAY ATTENTION 2. WEAR PROTECTIVE HAND GEAR, OR JUST CARRY SOMETHING ELSE!!

[@neroknives1828]

I’m kinda getting away from knives that drop shut. It has no advantages, besides being fun. but most of the time has multiple disadvantages. I like it, but I like other aspects of a knife that I prefer over a drop shut, That the drop shut interferes with.

[@DoctorFrunkey]

Agreed. Thanks man!!

[@ryanguldbrandsen7672]

I probably am not adding to anything said. But i find the norseman action too drop shutty. I even find browns too drop shut. The Koenig arius has a great controlled fall shut action. Same with my Shiro's, my F3ns and F95t fully drop shut, but in a hydraulic way. My smaller bladed Thorburn's arent fully drop shut, but are smooth as silk. Having polished flats, means the detent ball is just running over polished metal. I just think drop shut is overrated. I like my fingers. I will use 85w or grease in knives to slow the action down on my larger blade knives. Like my thorburn L51. It will drop just as the norseman. But actually closes. I did a mix between 85w and nanogrease to slow the action. 🤷 I dont have a norseman due to that action...that and the blade looks like a horse penis...

[@hyssean12]

There is a difference between smooth and free.

[@DoctorFrunkey]

I agree. But the Norseman is both. A complete lack of friction resulting in a fast action.

[@Suki_yuki]

Believe it or not the crkt fossil is jus as smooth..

[@Dontslaythybroski]

this probably gets asked often but.. DOES THIS GUY EVEN USE A KNIFE?

[@spiritedwhiskey4640]

My Koenig Mini Goblin is more "smooth" than my Norseman with a much smaller, lighter blade and does not have a flat detent ball.

[@ctheo13]

WARNING! This video could induce OCD tendencies. 😂

[@DoctorFrunkey]

How so lol

[@TriumphParadox]

I'm not a fan of the bounce back

[@DoctorFrunkey]

Neither am I

[@johnnymnemonic6986]

I hate folders, they look like gas station knives, I hate this color, shiny trend. Love my full tangs, nothing comes close to a solid piece of steel

[@stoutdog56]

There's no fidget factor or joy to a fixed blade and it makes me wonder why you watched this video and posted a comment.

[@mikeparker1164]

dude you can't talk about the norseman like that