FFG Delica Issue, Need Some Input

TTTis

TTTis

Joined
Mar 8, 2010
Messages
856
Hey Guys,

I just bought a Blue FFG Delica 4, I really like it. However when the lock is almost engaged and as I bring it closer to engaging it seems like it hits bumps. That is really the best way to describe it. It is not smooth like my FFG Endura, that thing is like butter. I'd say when the delica gets to about 75% open, it seems to hit a spot and then a few more spots until it is 100% open. Almost as if that piece of steel is warped that .

I'm not sure if it just needs oil or what, but it is very odd. Has anyone else experienced this with the new delica? Every lockback I've ever held from spyderco was been amazingly smooth except for this one. Is there a break in period? Just seems a little odd.

Any input is greatly appreciated. If you need more info I could make a video or something to help describe what I'm experiencing.
 
Have you added any lubricant to the pivot area? It's possible that you just have some grit in there near the washers. If so, you might be able to disassemble it and clean out any dirt that may be caught.

Keep in mind that if you do disassemble the knife, you void the warranty.
 
Nope, haven't added any lubricant to it yet. It is just straight from the factory.

Just feels as though the circular piece that glides around the lockback is warped or something. Not saying it is, but that is how it feels as the blade is swung open to engage.

You only add the lubrication to the two pieces of steel that rub together correct? Sounds like a retarded question, but frankly I've never had to add any oil to a lockback I've owned.
 
It's always a good idea to use some kind of lube on a knife. I had a similar issue with a far more expensive knife.

I washed the knife with Dawn dish soap. I opened and closed the blade under the soapy water and I washed it off with some high pressure water. I then used some compressed air to clear out the remaining water and I reoiled it. The knife is as smooth as a custom now. Give it a try. It's not like the VG-10 will rust.
 
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Hi SMI,

Sorry for your issue. You can oil it, but if it's a new knife, I'm sure it has oil.

You can send it back to us. It's not a common problem, but it is possible that it's in the tang.

sal
 
Hey Sal,

Thanks for the reply, I think this one will have to go in. I tried cleaning it out and re-oiling it up, same result. I'm not about to take it apart to inspect it as I don't want to void the warranty. Probably the best idea just to send it in.

Thanks again.
 
Is it that bad? Mine is a little bit rough, but I think it's just breaking in. I remember my ZDP Delica was a bit rocky when I got it, but 3 months later, it is smooth as butter. I also have another Delica that used to kind of make a scratching sound when I opened it, but it doesn't do that anymore.

I just got a FFG Brown Delica 8 days ago. It was pretty rough to open and close, but it has smoothed out a little bit. I imagine that in a few months, it will be smooth like my ZDP Delica after it breaks in.
 
THG said:
Is it that bad? Mine is a little bit rough, but I think it's just breaking in. I remember my ZDP Delica was a bit rocky when I got it, but 3 months later, it is smooth as butter. I also have another Delica that used to kind of make a scratching sound when I opened it, but it doesn't do that anymore.

I just got a FFG Brown Delica 8 days ago. It was pretty rough to open and close, but it has smoothed out a little bit. I imagine that in a few months, it will be smooth like my ZDP Delica after it breaks in.
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Hmm, now you are making me think. Well frankly I don't know if it is that bad because I've never had one that wasn't silky smooth out of the box. I just figured there was a problem. However if you are experiencing the same type of thing, maybe it does just need to be worked in.

I'd much rather just give it some time than send it in, but frankly I just didn't know if it was normal or not. I'll try working it in for a month or so and see if things smooth out.

Thanks for all the help guys.
 
SMI said:
Hmm, now you are making me think. Well frankly I don't know if it is that bad because I've never had one that wasn't silky smooth out of the box. I just figured there was a problem. However if you are experiencing the same type of thing, maybe it does just need to be worked in.

I'd much rather just give it some time than send it in, but frankly I just didn't know if it was normal or not. I'll try working it in for a month or so and see if things smooth out.

Thanks for all the help guys.
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Yeah, I just kinda open and close mine repeatedly while watching TV or reading something. Don't let your thumb get too sore, though, or else you can get mild tendinitis.
 
D1omedes said:
Have you added any lubricant to the pivot area? It's possible that you just have some grit in there near the washers. If so, you might be able to disassemble it and clean out any dirt that may be caught.

Keep in mind that if you do disassemble the knife, you void the warranty.
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No it won't. Nowhere in the warranty does it state that disassembly voids the warranty.
 
I would suggest using a Zip-tie to tie down the lock, and rotate the blade in and out to break it in. It could just be parts not getting the oil or not being "polished" enough. Anyhow, that's what I would do


Best of luck :thumbup:
 
Wow, you guys sure are spoiled. I wouldn't be bothered by anything like that at all. It's not as if the knife is extra hard to open. Or that it affects the function of the locking mechanism.
 
xtestifyx said:
I would suggest using a Zip-tie to tie down the lock, and rotate the blade in and out to break it in. It could just be parts not getting the oil or not being "polished" enough. Anyhow, that's what I would do


Best of luck :thumbup:
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I don't think that will help because the rockiness is caused by the contact between the lock bar and the blade tang.

singularity35 said:
Wow, you guys sure are spoiled. I wouldn't be bothered by anything like that at all. It's not as if the knife is extra hard to open. Or that it affects the function of the locking mechanism.
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It's not a problem; it's part of the journey of the knife's lifetime. It's like watching it grow from a child to an adult :D
 
THG said:
Yeah, I just kinda open and close mine repeatedly while watching TV or reading something. Don't let your thumb get too sore, though, or else you can get mild tendinitis.
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Ha yah I've been driving my gf crazy, all she hears is click click. My thumb is definitely feeling it!


singularity35 said:
Wow, you guys sure are spoiled. I wouldn't be bothered by anything like that at all. It's not as if the knife is extra hard to open. Or that it affects the function of the locking mechanism.
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I don't believe it is being spoiled to have the exact same consistency in your locks for the past seven years. As long as I've had lockbacks they have all opened the exact same. This one didn't... so I figured I'd ask for some input. Don't see anything wrong in that. If THG hadn't spoken up being in a similar boat I never whould've known that it just needs to be broken in! I'm no knife expert, often I need to rely on the knowledge offered here.
 
FlaMtnBkr said:
No it won't. Nowhere in the warranty does it state that disassembly voids the warranty.
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Well, that's what I've been told by The Deacon and many other Spyderco owners. I've also been told that by Spyderco directly when I sent in a Delica 4 that had a screw stripped when I tried to disassemble the knife. Just sharing what I've been told. :)

To the OP - I'm sure Spyderco will take care of you. :thumbup:
 
I have the same problem with my brown Delica. On mine it is the tang that's the problem, I can see the small irregularity in the the metal. For me its not a big deal, if it were a more expensive knife i'm sure I would feel diffrently. If it bugs you you should just send it in i'm sure spyderco will take care of you.
 
xtestifyx said:
I would suggest using a Zip-tie to tie down the lock, and rotate the blade in and out to break it in. It could just be parts not getting the oil or not being "polished" enough. Anyhow, that's what I would do


Best of luck :thumbup:
Click to expand...


Hey, that's a kewl idea. :thumbup:
 
D1omedes said:
Well, that's what I've been told by The Deacon and many other Spyderco owners. I've also been told that by Spyderco directly when I sent in a Delica 4 that had a screw stripped when I tried to disassemble the knife. Just sharing what I've been told. :)

To the OP - I'm sure Spyderco will take care of you. :thumbup:
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From what I understand, the warranty says that it's void if you take it apart AND cause it to be damaged. If you stripped a screw, then you took it apart AND caused the damage. If you just take it apart and put it back together then start using it and the blade snaps under what should be normal circumstances, then your warranty still applies.

After all, they do sell the Delica and Endura replacement parts kits, right?
 
SMI said:
I don't believe it is being spoiled to have the exact same consistency in your locks for the past seven years. As long as I've had lockbacks they have all opened the exact same. This one didn't... so I figured I'd ask for some input. Don't see anything wrong in that. If THG hadn't spoken up being in a similar boat I never whould've known that it just needs to be broken in! I'm no knife expert, often I need to rely on the knowledge offered here.
Click to expand...

To expect absolute consistency from a production knife at this price point is being "spoiled". Buy a sebenza and nothing else. You may get consistency in how smooth it opens.
 
singularity35 said:
To expect absolute consistency from a production knife at this price point is being "spoiled". Buy a sebenza and nothing else. You may get consistency in how smooth it opens.
Click to expand...



Really? Every single spydie I've purchased in the past has been buttery smooth out of the box. Every one I've bought for friends, relatives, etc has been buttery smooth including many Delicas. And that is why I have been a repeat customer. I don't think it is being spoiled expecting what I've always expected from Spyderco. If having high expectations for a company that has always delivered on those high expectations is being spoiled then I give.

To be honest, I probably jumped the gun on this thread anyways as the lock already seems to be smoothing out slowly but surely. The rockiness is fading bit by bit... still there but lessened. Granted the people around me are going crazy with all the clicking. Probably actuated the lock 300 times in the past few days ha.

I started this thread because out of all the Spyderco's I've handled it deviated from the norm, when things deviate they stick out and I tend to have questions.

Now I'm going to take my spoiled ass, go out and drink an Oberon with friends, which I fully expect to taste delicious and consistent with all the others I've had (sarcasm rears it's ugly head). Been in the sun all day, getting loopy, don't misinterpret as anger, just messing around, have a good night, end of demo.
 
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