Blade Play on 110's

Lenny

Lenny

Gold Member
Joined
Oct 15, 1998
Messages
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I posted a while back that I've gone through maybe 4 Custom Shop 110's throughout the years.
I'm batting a perfect .500 with the blade play issue.
2 of the 4 locked up like vaults.
The other 2 had varying degrees of both horiz and vert play.
Both of these were returned to Buck, and came back to me basically the same.
Now, I know lock-backs can be made to lock up with no blade play.
Take Spyderco for instance.
Every Spyderco lock back I've ever owned has locked up like a fixed blade!
What is Buck not getting?
You'd think that the knives coming out of the Custom Shop would be perfect because they can spend more time on them
getting them just right.
But I know most of Spyderco's knives are made on automated lines.
What gives?
Lenny
 
I dunno the answer,I've had a few in a row that all had blade play,lots of it,then i've bought 14 new recently that have all been perfect,lock up is perfect,no play.Its either good or bad,I wish i knew the answer..
 
Im having the same discussion with another fellow on a british forum. He has a ag 110 that is apparently terrible play and grind, the lock up also failed on him.
 
Lenny said:
I posted a while back that I've gone through maybe 4 Custom Shop 110's throughout the years.
I'm batting a perfect .500 with the blade play issue.
2 of the 4 locked up like vaults.
The other 2 had varying degrees of both horiz and vert play.
Click to expand...

That's a bummer.

Both of these were returned to Buck, and came back to me basically the same.
Click to expand...

That's an even bigger bummer. And really surprising to me. I've had great luck with their warranty work.

Now, I know lock-backs can be made to lock up with no blade play.
Take Spyderco for instance.
Every Spyderco lock back I've ever owned has locked up like a fixed blade!
What is Buck not getting?
You'd think that the knives coming out of the Custom Shop would be perfect because they can spend more time on them
getting them just right.
But I know most of Spyderco's knives are made on automated lines.
What gives?
Click to expand...


I think you're right to mention good automation as necessary these days. I also think you're right in expecting solid lock-up.

Last fall, RAZORBLADES posted about some blade play problems he had some 110s. In the ensuing discussion, I noted that several of my Bucks has developed play under fairly heavy use. Several things came out of that discussion.

First, the director of customer relations (Joe Houser) suggested that they don't see that many problems but it may be the case that people just aren't sending in the knives.

As a follow-up to that and in the hopes of helping, I sent 2 of my Bucklite Max lockers for inspection. Their head of QC (Jeff Hubbard) reported that Bucklites have some inherent slop due to the plastic but that further investigation would be needed to address the issue. I've not heard back from Jeff in several months, so I have no idea where that stands. Still, they promised to let us know when they had any updates, which is hopeful.

Third, there was quite a bit of discussion about bushing materials, the pin peening/riveting process used and pin materials. My take away is that Buck may be wrestling with both material selection issues and manufacturing process issues.

Fourth and most importantly, both Joe and Jeff have been directly involved. They follow this forum, at least sporadically. That's hopeful for Buck too.

As annoying as it is, my suggestion is that the best thing you can do to help Joe and Jeff is to work the system by sending the knives back again. If it were me, I would call the warranty dept directly and ask/demand they pick up the postage. I mean, it's the second go'round.

I would be curious if your knives were loose from the get go or if they developed play over time.

Please keep us posted.
 
I just lately acquired a custom shop canoe.
The main blade back spring is flush when blade is open, but is raised when blade is closed.
 
This is not something limited to Buck. I have had play in lockbacks from Buck, Spyderco, Queen, S&M and GEC. Very rare to get one that has none in my experience. I don't know why it is so hard to make them tight, but it must be so since so many different makers have the same problem. I can tolerate some play, but that doesn't mean I like it.
 
I hate to even say this but I received another Custom Shop 110 today, exactly like the last one.
This brand new one has horiz. blade play, and the blade isn't even centered when closed.
It's going right back to Buck for a refund.
All I want is a tight, well made 110, nickle silver bolsters, oak scales, 420 steel, that's it!!!
Doesn't seem to be in the cards for me though.
I'm really disappointed in Buck.
Lenny
 
Lenny,
I am sorry to hear aobut your experience with us. I will be sending this thread to our area supervisor and also meet with the crew today on the CKS items to ensure they are aware of the issue and the importance of resolving.

If I can help you in any way let me know. If you send the knives directly to Joe or I attention, we will ensure they come back right.

Jeff
Qa Manager
jhubbard@buckknives.com
 
Thanks Jeff.
I'll be sending both knives back tomorrow.
Lenny
 
C Ben Susrool said:
I just lately acquired a custom shop canoe.
The main blade back spring is flush when blade is open, but is raised when blade is closed.
Click to expand...

I didn't know Buck did customs of that model? All I see on the custom site is the 110, Alpha Hunter and the 500 series? The only Canoe I see is made overseas.
 
Badhammer said:
I didn't know Buck did customs of that model? All I see on the custom site is the 110, Alpha Hunter and the 500 series? The only Canoe I see is made overseas.
Click to expand...

The only canoe that I know of that could be called a "custom" is the one made exclusively for A.G. Russell and it's different than the other canoes. It's actually a special projects knife and was even offered once on the web specials page.
 

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C Ben Susrool said:
Then why have custom on the tang? It is a build out, nothing about AGR on this knife. I have a "china" canoe, fit and finish better on it at back spring.
Click to expand...

I suppose that it's a semantics thing. A "custom" to me is one that comes from the "Custom Shop". Nearly all Limited Editions and some Special Projects knives have the same tang stamp as those coming from the "Custom Shop".

The 308 in the picture originally was an exclusive (and still is) for AGR. There was a problem with cracking in the ivory around the pins, so a bunch of them were labeled as BO's and sold either on the web specials page or through a list sent out to BCCI members.
 
Plumberdv said:
You're welcome. They currently offer the same knife but now it has "India Stag" scales. Spendy suckers though.
Click to expand...

Boy, you can say that again! Was just looking at them and that is a big chunk of change. Kind of odd that they used a different "premium" steel for each blade.
 
I've got a custom 110 coming in on Monday. I really hope it's up to par. I've been like a little kid waiting on Christmas. I'd hate to have to send it back and wait some more.
 
I just mailed both 110's off to Joe Houser.
So this will be the 2nd time back for a fix for the first knife.
I made sure Joe knows that I want no blade play and perfect centering when closed.
It just bothers me that I've been so unlucky with 110's lately.
Let's see if they can get them right this time.
I'll even be happy if one of them comes backl good.
Lenny
 
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