Can checking for blade play cause blade play?

S

Strong-Dog

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Mar 1, 2014
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Not that I do this often, but if you check for both lateral or vertical blade play too hard or too often, can it actually cause blade play in the first place?
 
If you're OCD about it then yes I imagine. Wiggling it all day long...

I have gotten knives that had play...Proceeded to adjust it out, and for the next few days check if there is any wiggle. I stop though for fear of re-developing it lol. I dislike blade play so thats why I spend the energy to care.
 
I would assume yes. I was just thinking to start a thread regarding it. I've had no issues with CRK and ZT's because I think they have low tolerances on their manufacturing process. Although it might still be possible to happen.
 
I doubt vertically...maybe horizontally but you'd really have to push on it. Blue loctite on the pivot screw(s) is never a bad idea either.
 
I'm with wiggling it all day long, as this could cause damage to your "blade".:eek:;)

I do think that if all you do is open your knife and wiggle it everytime that it could contribute to blade play. When you check for horizontal play you should place your fingers down at the base of the blade and not at the tip of the blade.
 
Maybe it's like Nocebo medicine. You only experience side effects of drowsiness and fever because the box said you would. You assume there is blade-play therefore even a slight amount of movement will cause you to be anxious and sleepless?
 
I kinda do the same thing.. Check my blades for blade play ever since I got my para2. It came very stiff and adjusted the screws to lossen it up but had a little play. After adjusting several times I finally got it smooth and tight. weird how the other screws in the knife can affect it. but to answer your question... No never had it happen. I've pry checked my para2 10 times since I've owned it.. And that's only been a few months. Nothing has moved since I adjusted it. My advice would be to just use the knife as usual. You'll notice once any play happens.
 
Same as testing sharpness by cutting will dull the apex. Apex will be pristine if never used to cut anything. ;)

Seriously, depends on how hard you wiggle it.
 
I'm sure any lateral pressure will add to blade play but, wouldn't sharpening be even more of an issue?

I like my slipjoints mostly these days but one of the advantages of modern folders is being able to just tighten the pivot. They are also more robust in not developing lateral play at all.
 
I check any new knife for blade-wiggle and lock-rock when it comes in. If none then, I don't worry about it until/unless it shows up later. Not very likely unless abused.
 
Stays Sharp said:
If you're OCD about it then yes I imagine. Wiggling it all day long...

I have gotten knives that had play...Proceeded to adjust it out, and for the next few days check if there is any wiggle. I stop though for fear of re-developing it lol. I dislike blade play so thats why I spend the energy to care.
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I've been told this can affect ones vision too.
 
I have become a blade play/rock snob I guess. If it's there and I cannot fix it, it's not a knife for me.

But if after inspection and adjustment it's gone, I'm just fine.

I know for a fact, a solid knife, if really tested pressed hard for play can induce it.
 
A little blade play is fine by my, I just thought it was kind of ironic that checking for blade play may cause blade play.
 
Sonnydaze said:
I check any new knife for blade-wiggle and lock-rock when it comes in. If none then, I don't worry about it until/unless it shows up later. Not very likely unless abused.
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I agree with this, when side to side play appears it's because of use and flipping action on deployment, just tighten the pivot.
 
Don't check so hard. I can feel a blade and tell if it's loose or not, without cranking on it full force. I would think if you go all out and just try full force you'd cause blade play, eventually. To me it's like a mechanics touch, where you tighten a nut just right, without stripping it.
 
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