Forum Vesuvius...sloppy?

Rhesus Feces

bombastic simpleton
Joined
Jun 9, 2002
Messages
11,876
I'll just come right out and say it, although it pains me to do so:

This is the only Spydie I've ever bought and been disappointed with.

I really like the blade shape and compression lock, but mine seems very poorly constructed otherwise.

-The FRN scales are loose and sloppy.

-While it locks up solidly, this was only after adjusting the pivot far enough to make operation kinda gritty and stiff.

-The handle seems almost bent, but this might be appearance only because of the sloppy scales.

Not quite what I expected for $90

While I realize everyone lets a lemon slip out once and a while, I thought a forum knife would be held to a higher standard.

Sal says he's disappointed with the Vesuvius too, so what does the future hold for this model?

If I send it back, what are the chances it will return to my satisfaction since there seem to be some design "issues", this coming from the man in charge himself?

Do other compression locks have these types of problems?
Makes me wonder about the (personally) much anticipated Paramilitary?

I need a cup of coffee, take care folks!
 
Hm... I was considering a regular vesuvius.
However I settled with an Endura for now.
What's the difference between the forum knife and the regular one?
Sorry to hear that, but I'll think that they would be able get some of the problems fixed.
What kind of design problem is it with the Vesuvius?
 
Well, it differs from the regular Vesuvius in that it's "burgundy" although I'd describe it as "black cherry". The blade also bears the Spyderco Forum 2002 designation.

The problems I've experienced aren't neccesarily a design problem, but I'll explain. The knife has FRN scales over steel liners, and other than the pivot pin and screws holding it all together, there's no epoxy or glue or anything holding the scales on. This leaves gaps resulting in a rather sloppy finish all aroun the edges of the scales.

Mine also exhibited side to side play, but tightening the pivot has remedied that. Unfortunately, it creates a little mor drag than I'd like on the action.

I'd really like to hear from other Vesuvius owners on the subject to see if mine's a fluke, or if it seems representative of the knife in general.

Functionally, the knife works like it should, I just figured it would be a little "nicer":(
 
You mean the scales and the metal usually are epoxied? I didn't know that...
where would i get a forum knife? on the spyderco's forum?
 
i think you had to be a spyderco collector's club member to get the burgundy forum knife.
 
calyth:

check out this link:

http://www.sergium.izet.pl/images/knives/spyderco/compr_lock_01.jpg

It shows a half of a Vesuvius, look around the edges of the metal, and you can see how it's nestled into the scale.

The scales are very thin and flexible, and they kinda bow away from the edge exposing the metal liner, this is what I mean by sloppy handle fit. If one were to squirt some kind of adhesive between the scale and liner, I believe this problem would be eliminated.

Forum Vesuvius's were a limited run of 500, freely purchased by anyone with cash, not just collectors or forumites. Unfortunately, they sold like hotcakes, so I don't know where you could get your hands on one.

Thanks to the honorable Sergiusz Mitin from whom I stole the picture!
 
Rhesus, I suggest that you send your Vesuvius back to Spyderco. If they find the problems to be defects in manufacturing, they will replace your knife with a new one, no questions asked. You can call Spyderco Warranty and Repair at 800-525-7770 and talk to Mike, if you have questions about this service.

I just recently ordered a 50/50 Vesuvius w/shell inlay and I hope that I won't run into the same problems as you have.

I hope everything works out for you...Good Luck. :D
 
I was very interested in the Vesuvius (regular) didn't wnat to fork out that much...
I'll keep my eye out whne I do get it though ;)
 
Hi Rhesus. You have my apologies for your disappointment in the forum Vesuvius. I too was not happy and put a stop on the project while we make the necessary adjustments to make them right. There were about 200 that got through....they should not have. You can send it back if you wish. It will still be a while before we can replace it.

The Vesuvius is a beautiful design. We just didn't make it right on the Forum model.

sal
 
Hello Mr. Glesser, a pleasure to make your "cyber-aquaintance"!

I'll hang onto the knife for the time being as it's not really a user for me. Were you planning to redesign the knife, or just clear up some of the QC problems? I also think the Vesuvius is a GREAT design, I really like the blade shape and handling qualities. The nestled liners add a nice heft and the balance is terrific. Does the standard production Vesuvius meet you expectations? Have you had a chance to tweak the standard production Vesuvius to perfection? Any minor refinements?

Thanks for taking the time to personally answer my questions, I really appreciate it.

Josh
 
I believe the primary refinement planned for the next generation Vesuvii, is a modification to the compression lock detent.
 
Mine is 300of500.Blade locks up tight and looks good but I can see how some of them may have a sloppy look around the scales.I guess I got lucky on mine.I had to give 99.95 for mine though,the price was changed after the first day they came out.SUCKS
 
Some were ok. It was the consistancy that was not there on these particular pieces. But as long as we're taking a closer look, we're making a number of minor tweaks.

sal
 
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