Cryo - Replace or rebuild?

S

Steve6387

Joined
Jul 1, 2013
Messages
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So my Cryo arrived not well aligned. Had it for about 8 months or so and after a few times of taking it apart to replace tweaked washers and to realign the blade and adjust tension, the torx screws are getting strippy. I love the blade size, weight, and profile but am sick of dealing with the hardware. Should I look for maybe SS replacement parts or just upgrade?

I paid the same amount for my Rat1, and it's been rock solid and needed nothing but sharpening. But it's too big for my edc.

Thoughts on a quality edc in the same range? $30-40? The assisted opening is OK, but nothing I'd pay extra for. No serrations. Don't need exotic steel, just a decent steel that holds an OK edge and is easy to maintain.
 
Contact Kershaw, they will send out new hardware for free. Use blue Loctite to keep the screws from backing out, especially the pivot screw. Kershaw's speedsafe has a tendency to rattle screws loose in my experience.
 
I guess you just have to decide what features you want if you go with something other than another Cryo. I have one myself and carry it maybe once a week, but I have other EDC knives that see a lot more pocket time and actual use, none costing over $35 or so. I suggested Kershaw to a co-worker who had been a Gerber guy up to that point, and he bought a Kershaw Scrambler that he's very happy with. I don't own one myself, but his is a great knife. I also gave a friend of mine a Clash as a gift, and he's thrilled with it.

Personally, I think the coolest inexpensive Kershaw is the Burst, but it's quite a different beast from a Cryo.
 
Cold Steel Tuff Lite if you prefer small blades, Voyager if you want something bigger. Both are lighter, tougher and have better cutting geometry than the Cryo.
 
Thanks for the suggestions. I think I'll contact Kershaw to get new parts, but I'm also going to be looking for a replacement.
 
If you like that knife, I would get a zt 0566....since the cryo is not made in the USA, I bet if you return it to kershaw they might send you a brand new one...
 
Try some blue Loctite/Permatex on the screws. That should help keep things together. Also, if you haven't invested in quality torx drivers, you should do so. I'm a big fan of Wiha tools.
 
Have you considered maybe looking at the Rat 2? If you like the Rat 1 and just need something a bit smaller, you might look into that option to replace the Cryo as an EDC. If you still like the Cryo, definitely contact Kershaw and see what they can do to help you.
 
If you're like most of us buying another knife is compulsive and you have a Good reason to up grade. For just a little more $, get a mini griptilian, excellent quality. I bought 4 of the in different colors for xmas gifts.
 
How about a Spydero Dragonfly 2?

I've owned just about every variation of Cryo and Cryo 2. They're awesome knives for the money.

Speaking of bang for your buck, have you looked into the Kershaw/Emerson collabs? Some of those are around the same size and weight as the Cryo. No Speedsafe, but you do get the Wave.
 
Great suggestions all. Thanks. I already emailed Kershaw about the parts. For some reason I didn't realize the rat 2 was a smaller version of the one. I'll probably get one of those or maybe the spyderco. Then I'll upgrade and adjust the washers on the Cryo. That will give me two good edc options.

The real problem I had with the cryo was the washers / spacers got all hacked up making the movement grindey.
 
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