Buck/Mayo TNT What now??

Joined
Dec 24, 2006
Messages
48
I recently returned a Buck Mayo TNT knife that had several functional and cosmetic issues. Buck very quickly sent a replacement that also has some issues. The frame lock is very weak. When closed the blade has so little pressure from the frame lock that you can lift the knife by the blade and the handle falls open. Too dangerous to use as a pocket carry. I have a Waimea that locks firm and the blade has a nice bump as it closes into the handle. The blade on the TNT also has lots of sideplay when opened. The Waimea locks very firm. I bought the original knife from Ira Woods and they told me to return it to Buck. I've bought well over $1000 worth of Buck knives this past year and all have been dang near perfect in every way. These two TNTs have been very surprising to me. Does anyone else have a TNT that falls open when you pick it up by the blade? Is that just a design feature? My 271 Alpha Dorado is very tight in the handle. I got the TNT to carry. I was expecting it to be similar to my Waimea in function. But I can't carry a knife like this. If this is the way the TNTs are made I'll sell it on ebay and take my lumps but I need to know before I do that so I don't sell a dangerous or flawed knife on ebay. If TNT owners could chime in I would appreciate it. Thanks! Bilrus61
 
My TNT was fine outta the box Bilrus61.
BUT, I used a T-9 torx to adjust the pivot to my my liking.
It was too tight for "me".
So, I backed it out just a bit. Didn't take the head out all the way...if I did I would've put some LocTite Blue on it...but I didn't and it doesn't seem to have moved.
And, I have "0" wobble.

There is a detent ball built into the frame that should lock it up when closed.
Try working the torx pivot just a bit. Maybe that will help the wobble too...seems like your's is just too loose.

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My 172 is about the opposite of what you describe. I second the advice from Goose. Try adjusting the pivot first, that could solve all your problems. Failing that, contact Joe Houser (Buck Customer Relations guru and forum moderator). If anyone can take care of it he can.
 
Bil, thanks for the second report. I think an adjustment should solve it.

In the worst case scenario, after all else fails (which it won't,) I'll buy it from you. It's not a real valid offer tho, because of all the good customer service that will get in the way!

It's funny how I thought, I'll get one of these just as soon as work schedules another 58 hour week, and now we're hand to mouth marking time and making busy work.

Can't really complain, tho.
 
A follow up: The knife in question seems to not close the blade far enough to drop the detent into the blade hole. It is loose. The blade play is enough to visibly estimate about 1/8" at the tip - at least.

Does the stop pin adjust the barrel enough to drop the blade fully, or will it take filing the pin stop choil?

Where's my Torx drivers? . . .
 
Send it back with to buck and give them a chance to correct the problem. they will. ahgar
 
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