Caly 3 lockback problem?

jacobwilson99

jacobwilson99

Joined
Jan 6, 2012
Messages
445
Hey guys, maybe you can recommend a step of action.

I've got a Caly 3 ZDP, and I LOVE it. However, since I've had it, the lockback has been a little funny. When I deploy the knife, the lock clicks strongly into position, however, when I release the lock, there is also a distinct click, as the tip of the rocker rubs and releases under tension with the notch in the blade. Doesn't sound healthy.
I have other lower end lockbacks (Delica, Endura) and the lock release is smooth and silent on those models. My friends Caly 3.5 is also smooth and silent.

My question(s):
- Has anyone else had this problem?
- Is there any way I can fix this?
- Is this a big enough problem to send it in to Spyderco?
- Why, oh WHY must this knife be pin constructed? [6] :confused:

Thank you all for your comments.
 
There should not be a click when you release the lock.

I would send it in to Spyderco so they can get it right. They have great CS.
 
My Caly 3 does not do what you are describing.

I can't offer an assist with fixing the problem, unfortunately.

If it's an important enough issue for you to post about it here, I would suggest that it's important enough to send it into Spyderco to have them take a look at it.

Mike
 
My Caly3.5 does click when releasing the lock from an open position. It does not make a sound while the blade is folded though. I've been carrying and using this knife for many months with no issues.

I wouldn't worry about it. If anything, this has the tightest lockup of any backlock folder I have. :thumbup:
 
I'd give it a thorough cleaning, a bit of dish soap and a tooth brush, then rinse in nice hot tap water. Dry it real good and oil it, see if that helps any. It's probably just a tiny speck of grit in the wrong place.
 
Before washing it out I would try some compressed air applied around the contact point of lock bar and blade indent. It can't hurt.
 
You can do a pretty thorough cleaning of the lock components by holding the lockbar all the way down while flushing the knife out with dish detergent and a strong stream of hot water. Can't say whether it will help.

My Caly 3 is not like that, but I do have other Spyderco midlocks that make a slight, but audible, clicking sound when releasing the lock. As long as the lock does not require excessive pressure on the lockbar to disengage, I don't see it as an issue. As with most things, opinions will differ. Aside from what it costs for shipping, it can't hurt to send it it. Just be sure to include a note explaining the problem clearly, your contact information, and a check for $5 for return shipping in case they determine it's not a warranty issue.

As for the "why" of pinned construction, pins can be smaller in diameter than screws of equal strength. That, in turn, allows for a lockbar that's narrower, top to bottom without sacrificing strength. Which, in turn, results in a knife that's narrower, top to bottom. One of the design goals of the Caly 3 was a compact format, using pins for everything except the pivot helped accomplish that.
 
The Deacon said:
As for the "why" of pinned construction, pins can be smaller in diameter than screws of equal strength. That, in turn, allows for a lockbar that's narrower, top to bottom without sacrificing strength. Which, in turn, results in a knife that's narrower, top to bottom. One of the design goals of the Caly 3 was a compact format, using pins for everything except the pivot helped accomplish that.
Click to expand...

but then, something even more compact than the Caly, like a Dragonfly or Ladybug, can feature screws?
 
jacobwilson99 said:
but then, something even more compact than the Caly, like a Dragonfly or Ladybug, can feature screws?
Click to expand...
They're smaller, but they may not have been originally designed to be as compact as they could possibly be, so there was room to enlarge the holes without weakening them. FWIW, I'm no engineer. I was just relating the reason Sal gave for the Caly 3 being put together the way it is.
 
Pinned / screw costruction is a love/hate thing. Love the ability to take apart to clean. The older pinned Salt knives / early Delica/Endura were very solid.
Take Deacon's advise & send it in. In the long run you will be better off.
 
No offense to the OP but I think too many owners suffer from knife hypochondriac syndrome. ;)
 
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