Author Topic: Knobby Knife  (Read 500 times)

truck11

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Knobby Knife
« on: April 06, 2015, 10:15:18 pm »
Wanted to share my experience with the Knobby Knife http://www.knobbyknife.com/   a tool to help 'freshen up' worn tires by putting a sharp leading edge on the knobbies.
First, I would like to say that I got one a while back and it didn't really work, got frustrated with it and just put it away to collect dust.  Last week I was talking to a riding buddy and the topic of tires came up.  Hmmm, I remember I have this thing called a Knobby Knife!  I knew mine didn't work (didn't get hot enough), so I called the company to see what they suggested or could do for me.  This is a small family owned business and the next thing I know, a new one was in the mail, gratis.  2 days later, I'm cutting tires!
This is my first real attempt and I don't think I did too badly - didn't take long either.   Going trail riding this weekend so I will see how well they do and hold up!
YES - it does cut some of the knobby off, but you gain the sharp biting edge.
Tire is a Michelin M12 - see my original post about the tire here http://690enduro.createaforum.com/tires/120100x18-tire/?message=1539;PHPSESSID=c9f7a3debb81915c461c854fa46e2af3
 
(pictures are not great, sorry)

Rounded edge


First few attempts at cutting a sharp leading edge



100w soldering iron type tool with a sharp blade that gets hot enough to cut knobbies
2014 690 Enduro R

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Guymcfly

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Re: Knobby Knife
« Reply #1 on: April 07, 2015, 06:27:06 am »
I bought 1 a couple of years back. My riding area is hard on tires, lots of rocks and gravel. Main thing is to give the knife plenty of time to heat up. A good 20 minutes is what I do. Makes cutting the rubber very easy.
Also the more you use it the better you get. I now find I cut away very little rubber to sharpen the knobs up.

rastawheel

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Re: Knobby Knife
« Reply #2 on: June 10, 2016, 10:55:01 am »
I have been using one for years now. You can only cut a tire once or twice and then the knob is too weak and they start ripping off. I have found that cutting a small layer off the top helps give all four side a sharper edge.