@@omarrojo1216 check if you installed the stop levers correctly and one of the tiny springs didn’t turn sideways. Make sure the aluminum coating isnt shaved off, springs aren’t catching on anything etc. LMK how it goes!
Totally agree. I just bought the tanto bladed version, haven’t done anything with it, but the action is significantly harder on that one. I’ll try to figure out why soon
This is actually the best OTF in this price range for disassembly! The only other good one that I took apart is Microtech Cypher II because they are screw-less but it’s twice the price!
I'm so glad the majority of OTF knives are easy to work on after making the mistake of disassembling a Benchmade Mini Infidel. What a nightmare that was. Looking forward to receiving my Livewire soon. It would be cool to see a nicely detailed disassembly of a Mini Infidel and how to deal with the tiny leaf springs inside.
This is great! Thanks. Mine had gotten really dirty just from daily use and being in a pocket. Started to feel sluggish…found out why when I got in there. Used Lucas gun oil very lightly and wiped it all down.
I just bought a carbon fiber livewire with magnacut. I was really hoping someone had posted a video with some hard use as I work in Emergency management and though I normally will grab my cobratec otf, I don't have that luxury and usually have to use what is on me. Hence why I can never really care a really nice knife. Awesome to know this will work well and though functions as an amazing EDC, it will be able to withstand the rigors or field work. Just need to get my sharpening skills honed so I don't muck this knife up haha
I got you! Here are couple of videos tailor- made for you! Hard use: Torture Testing Kershaw Livewire Tanto th-cam.com/users/shortsFGDexKhVoEk?feature=share Pocket sharpeners: how to get good result th-cam.com/video/0GVnYm-qTSE/w-d-xo.html
Thanks for the information, I hope I don't have to do this all though it wouldn't be the first time I took apart a otf not something I enjoy . Great instructions and video!
A friend of mine bought this OTF knife, and after a few months of use, the spring broke at the hook part. We live in Brazil, and there is only one authorized dealer here. The store had to send the entire product back, and only now, after 9 months, is the product returning. I intend to buy one of these, but I plan to design and machine a different way to fix the spring, similar to the method used in the Deadlock, where the end of the spring is fixed by a screw. I consider it a design flaw to secure the spring with a hook at the end, as it always breaks. I will test this idea on my friend's OTF, and if it works well, I will buy one for myself.
I picked the tanto version of this knife up on a work trip when I passed by SMKW. It was around the release of the knife, and I actually happened to get one of the first 100 made. I've carried it a bit but the lightness and just the general nature of OTFs made it seem like more of a pricey box cutter and fidget toy. Seeing the tests you've done on this knife, it has emerged from the knife drawer and I'm planning on carrying it more to see how I like it. If it holds up, I'm planning to get the ultem version from bladehq because being able to see the mechanism is just too cool for a knife like this.
I think you're not going to get the same reliability from the Ultem version! There were a lot of returns due to cracking near the screw holes in BHQ Bargain Bin where they sell as-is returned knives.
@@CuttingBoardRx I appreciate the response! I guess I know why they are bundling it with a free keychain now, they want to get rid of them! It's a shame they didn't make it a window of ultem in an aluminum frame, I imagine that would solve the issues with cracking.
I took a flat screwdriver and slightly bent the clip up. Took a lot of tension off of the clip. I also got in the habit of putting my finger at the bottom of it to remove from my pocket. That was a hard habit to break since I carried a launch 1 for years.
Most of these are too big in my experience. I wouldn’t mind knowing what pen you find appropriate spring in? Next time I lose one, that knowledge could come in handy!
@@CuttingBoardRx i think i used two needle nose to stretch it out then kind of wind it tighter on one end, it was just a cheap clicky like those you get free
In the Microtech video that was released 1 month after this one, you said that you always have to disengage the blade, but in that one, you did it with the blade activated and extended. Which one is correct? I believe people usually disengage the blade just to avoid the chance of a spring flying out, and not because it would cause any issue for the OTF.
friend. is there pull out play once the blade is out? once the blade is shot out and locked and you try to pull the blade outward more, pinching the blade with your fingers, is there extra travel outwards until it stops? mine can be pulled about an eighth of an inch outward, and then it truly stops. then when you let go, it springs back to its resting position. i dont know if this makes sense...thankyou. in other words, is there a bit of outward travel blade play when the blade is out?
@@standown7738 the spacing is necessary for the main spring to stay in tension to pull the blade backwards onto the locking bar… the blade must overshoot the locking bar in order for it to spring out and position itself in the way of the returning blade. Think of it a sear disconnect on a semiautomatic firearm. An yeah, mechanical questions always get priority, love ‘em!!!
Love the content question I have is. I'm looking to buy a OTF and I see some of internals have one spring and this has two springs. Is it better to have just one or two does it really matter. I am on the fence for Kershaw Livewire with a Spear Point or Tanto. Can you please give me your opinion on the springs and blade. Thank you
Number of springs should not matter in a quality name. But currently Livewire is the the best toughest US made OTF anyway. It’s better than some of the $500+ OTFs. The blade choice is based on what you want to use it for. Hard work- go tanto. Self defense- pointier is better
Anyone know if the blades can be swapped between the Tanto and Spear Point models? I just got a bladehq exclusive ultem livewire and would love to swap the Spear Point for a Tanto blade from another livewire.
I dropped mine, and it didn’t want to fire, so I disassembled it, and I couldn’t find anything wrong, when i put it back together, i did as you did, and my trigger/button wont work/activate the knife When i take off the button knife functions fine, once i put it back on it wont eject the knife anyone have the same issue
I would make sure that the blade is neither fully forward nor fully retracted before closing the knife. Also, check the slots that retain the button to make sure they are clear of any debris.
Yeah. I’ll just buy a new one after watching this. And just lube up my old blue one and polish it up nice and sell it for like 180. Pay 50 bucks more and get a brand new knife. Sucks for whoever buys it from me hahaha
Will never buy an otf knife, shark/superlock, frame lock, liner lock, compression lock, axis lock, triad lock or even back lock is way easier to maintain. Otf knives is a toy and bare marketing. Great video though , you explained everything perfectly by showing the internals in detail. Good job! 🇺🇦
I find it convenient to pull it out of pocket, click, use, click, put back into pocket. Much quicker than any other lock and doesn’t require watching the tip like when sheaving a fixed blade.
As always, lmk if you have any questions. Is there another knife you’d like me to provide disassembly instructions for?
I disassembled mine and put it back together and it works for about a few opens until the blade misfires maybe a bad spring ?
@@omarrojo1216 check if you installed the stop levers correctly and one of the tiny springs didn’t turn sideways. Make sure the aluminum coating isnt shaved off, springs aren’t catching on anything etc.
LMK how it goes!
Kershaw did a hell of a job on the live wire! Extremely high quality internally!
Totally agree. I just bought the tanto bladed version, haven’t done anything with it, but the action is significantly harder on that one. I’ll try to figure out why soon
Need your advice: Jared’s karambit is about to arrive from T.Kell
What should I do test-wise?
I didn’t know I needed an OTF auto knife until I found your channel. 10 of your videos later and now I’m shopping for a livewire. New sub!!
I really enjoy watching knife disassembly and reassembly. Thanks for a great video..!
I appreciate the compliment! Please share this video with your friends to help me grow my channel!
Thank you for patiently demonstrating this disassembling of the livewire otf knife. You made life easier for this Kershaw owner🙏.
This is a fantastic tutorial on the assembly/dis-assembly of the Kershaw Livewire. Thank you for such a thorough teardown.
My Livewire was acting up. Followed the disassenbly/reassembly instructions, and now the knife is working right again. Thank you.
I usually disassemble/reassemble tiny spring containing items inside a gallon ziploc bag.
I wish I could fit into a gallon ziplock bag! But based on my weight, I would need at least a 50 gallon drum!
Just kidding! Great tip! Thanks!
My palms were sweating just watching this. Those itty bitty springs! I’m not looking forward to having to disassemble mine. Very nice work!
This is actually the best OTF in this price range for disassembly! The only other good one that I took apart is Microtech Cypher II because they are screw-less but it’s twice the price!
I'm so glad the majority of OTF knives are easy to work on after making the mistake of disassembling a Benchmade Mini Infidel. What a nightmare that was. Looking forward to receiving my Livewire soon. It would be cool to see a nicely detailed disassembly of a Mini Infidel and how to deal with the tiny leaf springs inside.
this sold this knife for me. Thank you. Have a sub!
Thanks for subbing! Enjoy the new knife!
This is great! Thanks. Mine had gotten really dirty just from daily use and being in a pocket. Started to feel sluggish…found out why when I got in there. Used Lucas gun oil very lightly and wiped it all down.
@@daveevans7151 Glad I could help! Thanks for subscribing!
Thanks for the great video…as always. Looks like a quality knife…makes me want one (dang it 😂)
I just bought a carbon fiber livewire with magnacut. I was really hoping someone had posted a video with some hard use as I work in Emergency management and though I normally will grab my cobratec otf, I don't have that luxury and usually have to use what is on me. Hence why I can never really care a really nice knife. Awesome to know this will work well and though functions as an amazing EDC, it will be able to withstand the rigors or field work. Just need to get my sharpening skills honed so I don't muck this knife up haha
I got you! Here are couple of videos tailor- made for you!
Hard use:
Torture Testing Kershaw Livewire Tanto
th-cam.com/users/shortsFGDexKhVoEk?feature=share
Pocket sharpeners: how to get good result
th-cam.com/video/0GVnYm-qTSE/w-d-xo.html
Thanks for the information, I hope I don't have to do this all though it wouldn't be the first time I took apart a otf not something I enjoy . Great instructions and video!
Thanks! I enjoyed figuring it out!
Very helpful video and this gave me a lot of confidence in my recently purchased MagnaCut Livewire!
A friend of mine bought this OTF knife, and after a few months of use, the spring broke at the hook part. We live in Brazil, and there is only one authorized dealer here. The store had to send the entire product back, and only now, after 9 months, is the product returning. I intend to buy one of these, but I plan to design and machine a different way to fix the spring, similar to the method used in the Deadlock, where the end of the spring is fixed by a screw. I consider it a design flaw to secure the spring with a hook at the end, as it always breaks. I will test this idea on my friend's OTF, and if it works well, I will buy one for myself.
I would guess that the ease of assembly would also lower manufacturing/assembly costs. Hence the competitive pricing.
I picked the tanto version of this knife up on a work trip when I passed by SMKW. It was around the release of the knife, and I actually happened to get one of the first 100 made. I've carried it a bit but the lightness and just the general nature of OTFs made it seem like more of a pricey box cutter and fidget toy. Seeing the tests you've done on this knife, it has emerged from the knife drawer and I'm planning on carrying it more to see how I like it. If it holds up, I'm planning to get the ultem version from bladehq because being able to see the mechanism is just too cool for a knife like this.
I think you're not going to get the same reliability from the Ultem version! There were a lot of returns due to cracking near the screw holes in BHQ Bargain Bin where they sell as-is returned knives.
@@CuttingBoardRx I appreciate the response! I guess I know why they are bundling it with a free keychain now, they want to get rid of them!
It's a shame they didn't make it a window of ultem in an aluminum frame, I imagine that would solve the issues with cracking.
I took a flat screwdriver and slightly bent the clip up. Took a lot of tension off of the clip. I also got in the habit of putting my finger at the bottom of it to remove from my pocket. That was a hard habit to break since I carried a launch 1 for years.
Ive used clicky pen springs for the locking latches
Most of these are too big in my experience. I wouldn’t mind knowing what pen you find appropriate spring in? Next time I lose one, that knowledge could come in handy!
@@CuttingBoardRx i think i used two needle nose to stretch it out then kind of wind it tighter on one end, it was just a cheap clicky like those you get free
@@thaknobodi haha! Been there! I used a 1/32 drill bit to rewind the spring 👍 great minds think alike!
Good idea! I just lost one on mine
6:07 you bent the spring. You need special thin flat tweezers to compress it and install it. 👍🏼
Aha! You got me! Thin flat tweezers… how did I not think about it?!
Thanks for watching!
@@CuttingBoardRx I saw them on a Microtech video. I’ll see if I can find the title. Edit: “Combat Troodon and Hera II Disassembly/Reassembly”
@@GlennInLaguna great, thanks for subscribing!
In the Microtech video that was released 1 month after this one, you said that you always have to disengage the blade, but in that one, you did it with the blade activated and extended. Which one is correct? I believe people usually disengage the blade just to avoid the chance of a spring flying out, and not because it would cause any issue for the OTF.
Took mine apart today, fortunately inside of a plastic container, cause that trigger plunger and spring fell out and confused me.
Like I said, it’s not trivial but in case of Livewire it is doable.
friend. is there pull out play once the blade is out? once the blade is shot out and locked and you try to pull the blade outward more, pinching the blade with your fingers, is there extra travel outwards until it stops? mine can be pulled about an eighth of an inch outward, and then it truly stops. then when you let go, it springs back to its resting position. i dont know if this makes sense...thankyou. in other words, is there a bit of outward travel blade play when the blade is out?
This is absolutely normal on all double action OTFs
PS I appreciate your subscription! Trying to get to 10K here, friend!
@@CuttingBoardRx thankyou for the swift response. i thought mine was defective
@@standown7738 the spacing is necessary for the main spring to stay in tension to pull the blade backwards onto the locking bar… the blade must overshoot the locking bar in order for it to spring out and position itself in the way of the returning blade. Think of it a sear disconnect on a semiautomatic firearm.
An yeah, mechanical questions always get priority, love ‘em!!!
Great resource!
Glad you think so!
Hey didn't you mention the tanto wad harder to fire?
It’s just not being used as much. Still seems lighter than most
@@CuttingBoardRx Do you think its a different set of springs for the heavier blade or just the knife itself
Thanks for the video.
Love the content question I have is. I'm looking to buy a OTF and I see some of internals have one spring and this has two springs. Is it better to have just one or two does it really matter. I am on the fence for Kershaw Livewire with a Spear Point or Tanto. Can you please give me your opinion on the springs and blade. Thank you
Number of springs should not matter in a quality name. But currently Livewire is the the best toughest US made OTF anyway. It’s better than some of the $500+ OTFs. The blade choice is based on what you want to use it for. Hard work- go tanto. Self defense- pointier is better
@@CuttingBoardRx Thank you so much for helping me and love your channel. I am ordering Kershaw Live wire right now!!!
I think two springs are better anyway. If one of them fails, the second will be able to provide at least some action.
Anyone know if the blades can be swapped between the Tanto and Spear Point models? I just got a bladehq exclusive ultem livewire and would love to swap the Spear Point for a Tanto blade from another livewire.
Yes, you should be able to. I would advise you against using an ultem OTF too hard.
I hope I never have to take mine apart
It says it will void my lifetime warranty if i disassemble.
This looks a LOT like the Phaeton at a much more affordable price.
Better than phaeton: designed for ease of maintenance! Lots of good engineering went into this one.
I dropped mine, and it didn’t want to fire, so I disassembled it, and I couldn’t find anything wrong, when i put it back together, i did as you did, and my trigger/button wont work/activate the knife
When i take off the button knife functions fine, once i put it back on it wont eject the knife anyone have the same issue
I would make sure that the blade is neither fully forward nor fully retracted before closing the knife. Also, check the slots that retain the button to make sure they are clear of any debris.
Yeah. I’ll just buy a new one after watching this. And just lube up my old blue one and polish it up nice and sell it for like 180. Pay 50 bucks more and get a brand new knife. Sucks for whoever buys it from me hahaha
Jk I wouldn’t do that.
You're wrong.
Will never buy an otf knife, shark/superlock, frame lock, liner lock, compression lock, axis lock, triad lock or even back lock is way easier to maintain. Otf knives is a toy and bare marketing. Great video though , you explained everything perfectly by showing the internals in detail. Good job! 🇺🇦
I find it convenient to pull it out of pocket, click, use, click, put back into pocket. Much quicker than any other lock and doesn’t require watching the tip like when sheaving a fixed blade.
Characterizing a tool that can take a person's life as a toy, I think, is not the best definition.
You really should try a modern OTF, they are seriously good