Blade on a new Delica 4 FFG typically stiffer compared to the Manx, PM2, etc. ?

H

HorseloverFat

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Apr 11, 2014
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I've owned this Delica 4 FFG for (blue) almost 10 days now. The blade is stiff to open and close. Also, there is a gritty feel and sound while just opening the blade from the handle and just before it closes into the handle. Are these typical characteristics of a new Delica 4 FFG (blue) ? Your thoughts would be appreciated ...
 
It will never slide open as easily as a compression lock, liner lock, or frame lock because the lockbar has more surface area contact with the blade tang and tend to be stiffer as well. If it feels gritty it probably needs a cleaning, but don't expect it to be as free swinging as some of the other lock types.
 
Lockback is never going to open as smooth as a folder with a cbbl or compression lock. It should not be gritty though. That is probably a bit of debris left from manufacturing or assembly. Try rinsing it with warm soapy water. Repeat if needed. I'd give that a try first. If it works then just re-oil and you're good to go.
 
3rdGenRigger said:
It will never slide open as easily as a compression lock, liner lock, or frame lock because the lockbar has more surface area contact with the blade tang and tend to be stiffer as well. If it feels gritty it probably needs a cleaning, but don't expect it to be as free swinging as some of the other lock types.
Click to expand...

I'm still learning the ins and outs of different locks. Thanks.
 
Some people like the resistance because it can allow for a more "Controlled" feeling, but it has some other inherently good qualities like simplicity, strength, and reliability. There's a reason the lock style has been around for so long.
 
Surfingringo said:
Lockback is never going to open as smooth as a folder with a cbbl or compression lock. It should not be gritty though. That is probably a bit of debris left from manufacturing or assembly. Try rinsing it with warm soapy water. Repeat if needed. I'd give that a try first. If it works then just re-oil and you're good to go.
Click to expand...

Isn't it best to keep it away from water (and soap) ? It ain't a Salt after all. And good job on the piece in Blade. Be safe on the water , man. :thumbup: :) (This from a man that has spent some time on the water in the Coast Guard and recreationally.)
 
3rdGenRigger said:
Some people like the resistance because it can allow for a more "Controlled" feeling, but it has some other inherently good qualities like simplicity, strength, and reliability. There's a reason the lock style has been around for so long.
Click to expand...

These are all good qualities. The only thing about this knife is that while gripping the handle and closing the blade with one hand is that it flips from side to side in the hand on occasion. I guess that the solution would be to hold it with a tighter grip. I have large hands that I tend to grip with by just using the fingertips.
 
HorseloverFat said:
These are all good qualities. The only thing about this knife is that while gripping the handle and closing the blade with one hand is that it flips from side to side in the hand on occasion. I guess that the solution would be to hold it with a tighter grip. I have large hands that I tend to grip with by just using the fingertips.
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How are you closing the knife?

This is how I close my lock backs. Safe and easy.
[video=youtube;aa2fItisnfs]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aa2fItisnfs[/video]
 
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It shouldn't be gritty. The FFG Delica has a light blade that swings less easily than the saber ground version. This vid of the stainless Delica shows how I close it if you want to jump ahead to the 4 minute mark.
[youtube]q8xHnwOlK3U[/youtube]
 
Spyderco lockbacks take a bit to break in. Over time they'll eventually get to the point where pressing the lockbar while open will let the blade swing closed by gravity alone, though it may take a few years depending on how tight it was from the factory.
 
Surfingringo said:
How are you closing the knife?

This is how I close my lock backs. Safe and easy.
[video=youtube;aa2fItisnfs]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aa2fItisnfs[/video]
Click to expand...

Thanks for the video. However, I do think that this method is not the safest as the finger could slip and be cut. :eek:
 
AF said:
It shouldn't be gritty. The FFG Delica has a light blade that swings less easily than the saber ground version. This vid of the stainless Delica shows how I close it if you want to jump ahead to the 4 minute mark.
[youtube]q8xHnwOlK3U[/youtube]
Click to expand...

The lock will not drop the blade on my knife - yet. Thanks for bringing the issue of the grind to my attention. And thanks for the video.
 
It is possible to close a lock back Spyderco with one hand by putting your index finger into the hole and depressing the lock with your thumb. Then, move your finger downward to about 1/3 closed, shift your hand slightly and press on the back of the blade with your finger to finish closing. This can be fast once you get used to it. I simply prefer to 1] press the lock 2] brush the back side of the blade against my leg or something with fingers well out of the way.
 
You could try to back off the pivot screw a hair or so. I like to tinker with my knives and I usually take my Delicas apart and polish the insides etc. I can get them very, very smooth.

But I would definitely try loosening the pivot a little.
 
HorseloverFat said:
^

You should shoot a video of the first method , that is if you are able to. Thanks.
Click to expand...

The method he is talking about, IMO, requires more dexterity and is more likely to end in a nicked finger than just dropping the tang of the blade onto your index finger. As long as the finger is even moderately high on the handle there is no way to be cut. Also, since you are firmly gripping the knife with all five fingers there's really no way to "slip" either. Know it might appear dodgy but it's not at all. Try holding the knife like that and slowly close the knife with two hands so you can see the physics of it. Do that a few times until you are confident and then just have at it.

Sorry, not trying to coerce you into closing the knife as "I see fit". Hehe. It's just that that's by far the safest way I have found to close a back lock one handed. Give it a try with two hands and see what you think.
 
HorseloverFat said:
Thanks for the video. However, I do think that this method is not the safest as the finger could slip and be cut. :eek:
Click to expand...


Very safe with most spyderco lockbacks, and some of their other locks too. The large choil makes it nearly impossible to cut yourself, and the tension from the lockbar prevents the blade from slipping when you're manipulating it closed. I've been closing spyderco lockbacks like that since the 90's and haven't cut myself using that method.
 
Surfingringo said:
The method he is talking about, IMO, requires more dexterity and is more likely to end in a nicked finger than just dropping the tang of the blade onto your index finger. As long as the finger is even moderately high on the handle there is no way to be cut. Also, since you are firmly gripping the knife with all five fingers there's really no way to "slip" either. Know it might appear dodgy but it's not at all. Try holding the knife like that and slowly close the knife with two hands so you can see the physics of it. Do that a few times until you are confident and then just have at it.

Sorry, not trying to coerce you into closing the knife as "I see fit". Hehe. It's just that that's by far the safest way I have found to close a back lock one handed. Give it a try with two hands and see what you think.
Click to expand...

This exactly. Even easier on knives with choils, but all of my choil-less Spydies can be closed like this...even the Ladybugs.
 
Lockbacks will offer a better detent than other lock types but with that comes more resistance when opening. That said, I have multiple lockbacks that are as smooth as any of my knives are. My Sage4, Delica SB, both Native 5s and my R Nishijin will all allow the blade to fall closed due to gravity when depressing the lock and they flick very easily. Tweak the pivot and add a few drops of oil and then just let it break in. If that doesn't work there may be another issue. :)
 
My native 5 LW and blue Delica 4 both came with stiff blades. I adjusted the pivot screw, lubed it, played with it while watching tv...
now both opens smoothly like my other spydies.
 
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