A "Q" about the R

[Dexter Ewing]

I noticed that the lock bar on the R was not pivoting smoothly. Sometimes when I closed the blade the lock bar would not follow the contour of the tang and as a result would stick up, not exerting any pressure on the closed blade. Breaking out the Tuf-Glide, a few drops were applied to the pivot area of the lock bar and the blade cycled vigorously to work in the lube. Now, the lock bar operates smoothly and does not stick at all.

Any other R owners out there experience this?

I presume that this sticking occurs because the insides of the aluminum scales (as well as the outsides) are also coated with Almite. The metal to metal contact of the steel lock bar against the Almite coating produced a galling effect. Of all the Spydie lock backs I have, the R is the first one that has done this to me. This notwithstanding, it's a great lightweight knife with a unique appearance.

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Dexter Ewing
Knife Reviews Moderator
AKTI Member # A000005

"Spirits fly on dangerous missions, imaginations on fire.
Focused high on soaring ambitions consumed in a single desire."

 

[lbwheat]

I noticed mine was sticking a little so I used some skate lube that I picked up at Wal Mart and it really makes it work slick.I think the kids use this on their skate board wheels. It was over in the outing equipment area next to the fishing stuff. It an't cheap. A small bottle and I mean small was 2.50, but it works really well.I just bought a BM720 axis and it wasn't working nearly as smooth as my 710 so I used the skate lube on it and it smoothed out right away.

lbwheat

 

[Haji]

I noticed the "R"s that we just got both did that-by both I mean the plain-and-Spyderedged versions. Perhaps a little Chris Reeves lube would work? I'll try that tomorrow. I really like the "R". My only beef is that it isn't big enough. Maybe we need an "S", about the size of a Police Model, or even between the PM and the Military. I've been looking for a knife to replace my Titanium Police so that I can retire it before it gets used to death.

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A flute with no holes is not a flute, but a donut with no holes, is a danish.

 

[Sal Glesser]

Dex - thanx. Good info. I agree with your analysis. The "working in" also helped the harder steel "wear" the almite coating smooth and flat to the inside of the scale.

We're thinking about the "R" with a flat ground "non cut out" blade. This would permit a greater range of usage (food), still be unique and light weight. Opinions?

Haj - You might check out the full sized Calypso?

sal

 

[Corduroy]

I see you're "making the rounds" this morning, Mr. Glesser. I'll just tag along behind and play devil's advocate, hehehe.

I think that the "R" is pretty darn cool, a big step up over the Q in both durability and class. Plus I like just about anything in aluminum (but why, oh why, is it tip-up...). But I do wonder if it isn't a partial failure in its primary design goal, namely light weight. At 2.75oz, it is barely any lighter than the Centofante C50 (2.9oz), which has similar dimensions and doesn't employ any crazy blade cutouts or preforated handle. It isn't far behind the large Calypso (3.14oz) or G-10 Police (3.4oz) either. For that reason, I think that any alteration that would increase its weight further, such as a plain, solid blade, would be a bad idea. This would offer an increase in utility with foods, but forgive me if I don't see the "R" as a utility-first design. That's my $0.02.

-Drew