Unlike Buck, Coldsteel, Queen, Benchmade and others, spyderco proudly claims that some up and down play in their lockbacks is normal. They claim that if you get one that locks like a tank, that's normal too, but a little up and down play, that's OK.
Now side to side, I've never read a spyderco prounoncement on that problem. However, side to side play is generally not acceptable in a pinned construction knife. If the pivot is adjustable, a little tightening is all it needs. This is normal maintenance. My experience with 3 spyderco linerlocks is that they all develop severe side to side play. I had this repaired once by spyderco and had the same problem a few weeks later. Since then, I adjusted it myself and anchored it with some locktight and it's been good for a few years.
I had the same experience as you "I've notice that companies like Cold Steel, Benchmade, and even CRKT seem to produce knives with less blade-play than Spyderco does. Nevertheless, I continue to purchase Spyderco more than any other knife company. "
This coupled with three other things (a) unsatisfactory warranty service (b) change in warranty policy (they no longer repair things they used and they now charge for what used to be free) plus (c) they don't stock spare parts for knives out of production, lead me to my solution to this problem. I ceased buying spyderco knives.
Guess what? I've had no problems with blade play, no floppy liner locks, no screws falling out, no postage charges to send it in, and no more arguments with Spyderco customer service. The good thing about spyderco quality and poor repair/warranty service, is I'm no longer afraid to fix my own knife and I've learned how to adjust liner locks better than the factory repair man.
Expand your horizons...buy something from a different company
