Caly 3.5/ZDP 189 Question

[Evany]

Mine has near perfect lock up and is very smooth, but I recently noticed that even though there is zero side to side play when the knife is open, there is quite a bit of side to side movement when the knife is closed. It's not really a problem, but the blade does feel loose when it's closed. Is this typical of these knives? I hesitate to tighten the pivot because the lock up is nice and tight yet the knife drops closed (if you can get your finger out of the way) and flicks open very nicely.

 

[Jastab]

I can say that mine does not rattle when closed.

 

[K.O.D.]

Mine can be pushed, but doesn't rattle.

 

[3rdGenRigger]

Mine can be pushed, but doesn't rattle.

Mine's the same...if I push it sideways when closed it will move, but it doesn't move at all by itself when shaken.

 

[JarrodS]

Just got one of these and mine is super loose when closed. Also the action is stiff. And the scales looked terrible, with scratches running through them lengthwise.. Really unhappy with it. I guess I need to quit buying knives off the Internet, sight unseen.

 

[JarrodS]

I sent the Caly 3.5 zdp-189 back for an exchange. Just received the replacement. The action on this one is perfect. The blade doesn't move side to side when closed (unless I push it sideways, at which point it barely moves). Much, much better.

 

[Tommythewho]

Mine flips open easily, will fall closed but is tight sided to side when closed.

 

[Evany]

I think it should be tight side to side when closed. I have not tried tightening the pivot yet, but if I squeeze the pivot area the looseness goes away.

 

[Sonnydaze]

Just tighten the pivot a tiny bit...perhaps 1/8th of a turn. You can't hurt it, and can always back off if you wish. You will likely be able to remove the blade wiggle just by a small turn of the pivot, and the action will still be perfect.

 

[JarrodS]

You will likely be able to remove the blade wiggle just by a small turn of the pivot, and the action will still be perfect.

Definitely something to try, but this was not the case with my first one. Tightening the pivot to where the folded blade was not loose caused the action to be so stiff that it was difficult to open with one hand. And then the blade was not centered.

 

[The Deacon]

I think it should be tight side to side when closed. I have not tried tightening the pivot yet, but if I squeeze the pivot area the looseness goes away.

While you're entitled to think anything you want, the simple fact is that many Spyderco midlocks which have no side to side play at all when open will exhibit some when closed. All locks have quirks and, as quirks go, this one is harmless. However, if it bothers you that much, you may need to find a lock with quirks you can tolerate.

 

[Sonnydaze]

I just tried my Caly 3.5 ZDP, and compared it to several other NIB Spydercos of various models: Sage 2, PM2.

All are rock-solid when open, nice action, no wiggle closed or open, and centered blade. This is exactly what I am used to, and expect, from Spyderco. I've gifted four NIB Calys (3 ZDP's, 1 SB) and one Techno to relatives in the last two weeks.
Heck, yes, I'm a fanboy. (Proud fanboy)

 

[Evany]

I've owned quite a few Spyderco back locks over the years. This is the first one to exhibit this looseness. It's not a big deal, I just would prefer if it was a little tighter when closed. While it's not my favorite lock, there's a lot to be said for it, especially int he Caly 3.5. I have a feeling I'll be able to eliminate the wiggle with just a slight adjustment of the pivot. I just have not had a free moment to do it yet. Maybe later tonight. I love the knife, it just fits my hand perfectly and it's great to have that much blade in such a small discrete package, also it's the best slicer I've found so far.