A harsh review and questions on the ocelot

[A druid]

first off there are a few things I like about the ocelot its general appearance is nice, the blade is very utilitarian I Stout which I like. The ergonomics are great. However blade has stiffest opening and closing even with a little play in it out any Spydey I have by far. Also when they drilled the clip screws they went all the way through so you have to be very careful if you use lock tight on your screws not to get any flowing through and into the washers if you carry tip down. Also if you remove the screws at all on the clip they are lock tighted in and some glue dust will almost certainly get into the washers, in addition to screws used for the clip are the old Phillips head variety, which I find for screws this small strip out very easily. Also partially due to the paw prints this knife will be the hardest on the pocket of any knife I have I'm sure.lastly The clip itself as a cut out to accommodate the adjustable pivit which I did not think is necessary in this case. On one last thing the gold paint on the spyder on the blade wore off on my initial wiped down of the blade.

Solutions

Does anyone know what washers are used on this model. And if I can find different higher-quality washers preferably phosphor bronze if they would fit.

Does anyone know where I could find aftermarket clip screws preferably torque but Allen would be fine.

Does anyone know the best way to get the residual gold leaf out of the spiders legs so the least it is uniform.

Does anyone know a good source for aftermarket clips..

 

[STR]

I've had two of those apart to cut off the paw prints because the handles weren't liked. They don't have washers in them. And if you put washers in there it will throw off the dynamics of how the knife goes together because it will be wider by the thickness of the two washer in the front vs the back where the spacer/spring holder is.

The Ocelot I owned and put green canvas micarta scales on was a very smooth opening and closing knife. The one I did in black canvas micarta for a forum member was also very easy and smooth to open. I'd suggest giving it a good cleaning and reset the pivot screw to where you like it and try it then. You might also clean and lube the top of the lock with just a spot of miltec for smooth operation where the tang rubs the lock as you close the knife.

Other than the paw prints collecting gunk and blood and anything else you happened to get around them I really liked the knife. Once the handles were solid it was a perfect little folder. I still sold it though. Go figure.


STR

 

[The Deacon]

For the record, your observation regarding the holes for the clip screws is common to every Spyderco model with liners that is drilled for tip down carry. At least all that I have ever encoutered. The holes always go completely through the liner. In fact, on all stainless knives, the holes always go completely through the handle.

Call the gold-filled bug on the blade a learning experience for Spyderco, don't think any future knives will have them considering the well deserved chilly reception they have received due to the fragile nature of the "paint". On a positive note, the gold fill is fairly easy to get off completely, a stiff brush and a bit of rubbing should do the trick. If not, a Q-Tip dipped in nail polish remover should get all of it. The bug is, at least to my eyes, more attractive without the gold.

Custom clips, STR is your man. If you want to retain the original clip, but change the screws, your best bet is to call Spyderco Warranty and Repair. I have a hunch that Torx head clip screws from one of the other Seki built models would fit it, but W&R would know for sure.

 

[STR]

Actually those clip screws are an odd ball size on the Oceolot. They are bigger than a 2-56 screw and smaller than a 4-40 so whatever lies between. I couldn't find them anywhere when I modified my own Ocelot. You are probably stuck with those unfortunately. Best thing to do when they strip is cut a flat head screw driver slot in them using a small thin kerf cut off disc like those you can buy at Sears, Wal-Mart, or Lowes in the dremmel section.

STR

 

[dano]

Actually those clip screws are an odd ball size on the Oceolot. They are bigger than a 2-56 screw and smaller than a 4-40 so whatever lies between. I couldn't find them anywhere when I modified my own Ocelot. You are probably stuck with those unfortunately. Best thing to do when they strip is cut a flat head screw driver slot in them using a small thin kerf cut off disc like those you can buy at Sears, Wal-Mart, or Lowes in the dremmel section.

STR

Maybe they're metric threads?

I've had good luck in finding small screws at hobby shops that stock high-end R/C stuff...

--dan

 

[STR]

I am sure they are Japanese metric sizes. You might be able to find them in a computer store if you are lucky. But I didn't have luck there with the limited supply of those type stores here where I am in a small town. Sometimes the screws used to hold the computer cabinets and components together are the same size as some Japanese, Taiwan and China made knives but you'll just have to try them to see if they screw down or not. Most of those are phillips head type too though.

STR