An "IS THIS NORMAL...?" question:

S

Sharkmeat

Joined
Jun 22, 2006
Messages
10
Just got a new mini-manix in the mail and noticing some things that are less than perfect. I was just looking for some confirmation that it either IS, or ISN'T just me...or is "normal" stuff to be expected with factory blades.

I've never posted before so, I'll do the first pic as a test: it should be a pic of the thumb hole, showing a machining imperfection...

manixthumbholeclose.jpg


If the pic works, I'll follow up with more...

Thanks, in advance, for any replies,
-Mark
 
So, the next one is showing the area where the blade meets the choil...not sure if my terminology is correct, more machining imperfections:
manixtopofchoil2.jpg


Another pic of each:
manixtopofchoil.jpg

manixthumbhole.jpg


And, lastly, having to do with the blade alignment in the handle:
manixbladeinhandlealignment.jpg




Any comments?

-Mark
 
I would say that the blade alignment may be off a bit, but if it opens and closes ok I would not worry about it. I believe the other stuff is all normal. I see it on mine also.

Ron
 
I thought my Manix was peeerfect, until I read your post (and checked out my spydie-hole. I too have some minor imperfections. Rats! damn, now I have to throw mine away. Can't be seen with such crap in my pocket! Anyone want a almost new Manix? with some of the imperfections shown above...?

In all seriousness, I just noticed a similar imperfection to my spydie-hole (I'd consider this normal), but I lucked out with the blade alignments. I'm a picky person, but not picky enough to worry about the spydie-hole. I would be annoyed with the blade alignment, and might even send it into W&R? Sucks to have to do that...

I have noticed one other defect. It tends to cause my friends to drool and spend money... on more spydercos. :D
 
I would be really bothered with off center blade as this is imho not normal -try to contact Spyderco to see what they say.

Some machining marks (as inside the hole) are normal (again imho) - there are even on BG42 CF Military (inside the hole, two small spots in CF, lanyard hollow pin bit reccessed on one side and bit exserted on the other) - it is sad but it is not a custom or sebenza (but they don't cost that much neither)
 
Sharkmeat

Perfection isn't something you should expect in a factory production knife at the price of a "Mini-Manix"

Items such as the laser start/stop point on the inside of the opening hole could be machined smoother, but would require an additional manufacturing step which would increase the cost.

The off-center tip when closed is certainly only a cosmectic, not functional defect. I would only be concerned if the tip was significantly off-center when locked open.

If you can't accept minor machining imperfections then you need to look at knives costing considerably more - although they may not be functionally any better.

David
 
Your picture of blade alignment looks way off, most of the blade looks like it's touching the side. Send it back where it came from or to Spyderco, you will be much happier in the long run, I would not hesitate.
That's my 2 cents!
 
I'd say balde alignment is the only serious issue worth sending it back for.
 
I'd agree with others about the blade alignment and I'd think that was out of ordinary, but the other minor cosmetic imperfections are just that. I wouldn't have a problem sending it back to where I bought it or right to Spyderco, though.
 
Like 4 s ter said, nothing all that bad unless the blade is rubing against the handle when openinin and closing. The hole is laser cut and not machined, and that is quite normal, although not on every knife. It would require machining to remove it and in turn raise the ELU costs. I've gotten used to Spyderco's having an off-center blade. I'd admit that thier F&F is not the best, but then that's probably why thier able to offer a quality product with premium steels at a reasonable price point. Most of the time it's just a cosmetic effect IMHO.

If the blade is rubbine the handle then I would send it in. If not then it's a matter of how much it bothers you. There's a good possibility that your next one could have the same thing.
 
The hole and grinD imperfection are completely normal and are to be expected.

The blade, however, is very off center, and I would definitly be looking into getting that taken care of.
 
I bought a Manix last week and it also has a couple of imperfections too and I can imagine how this guy feels. Mine has slightly uneven grind (back bevel or secondary grind---is this a correct term?) and the grind on one side of the blade is significantly wider than the grind on the other. Luckily the blade is nearly straight centered (a bit off center),that one on the pic is very off center which is too much in my opinion for a knife which is not cheap by any standard.

It seem that some folks here forget that paying some 200 USD for knife is considered by common people (at least here where I live) almost a lunacy (when I tell someone how much I paid for some knife for example they almost stare in amazement) and I don't live in some poor country. So naturally when you pay that much expectations are high,maybe even too high as it seems.
 
I would expect everything but the bogus blade alignment from a production knife.There really is no excuse for that IMO.
 
Could this be something that was simply caused by improper torque on the screws? Meaning, could it be something that is an easy fix...that is, after I bought the correct torx drivers...?

A missing washer???

As I am looking at it more, you can actually see/hear the front of the choil hitting, scraping - ever so slightly - the handle liner on the one side as it blade is closing, entering the handle.

Damn... I really like this knife: it's killing me thinking about sending it back! Of course, I read all about it before hand on the internet, before buying. But, you never really know until you handle it. Turns out, it was exactly what I was hoping for.

So, has anyone experience sending something like this back? I wonder who would be more likely to send me back something more "perfect." Spyderco, or the middle-man? ( www.thebladeshop.com )


BTW, thanks for the responses so far,

-Mark
 
The only issue I see on that knife is the blade centering. It's a minor issue, provided that blade doesn't rub the liners at all.

The rest is perfectly normal.
 
I wouldn't mind the little machining marks or probably even notice them in a user, but off centered blades drive me crazy. Sold my para because of it.
 
The extra lump of steel inside the hole is common. I have carefully ground it down on some.

Some models are not 100% centered, but most are much better than yours.

In post #2, first picture, it looks like the blade is touching the liner on the left side at the top end of the handle. It's always uncertain if things are touching by looking at pictures, but the blade's shadow makes it look like it is also. Is this actually touching?

Does the blade look straight when opened, or does it still look off-center? If so, is it hanging the same direction as it did when closed, or the opposite direction?
 
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