- Joined
- Jan 1, 2001
- Messages
- 293
Hi all,
I just recently acquired my first strider, a current production GB folder. I had long lusted after one of the custom folders, specifically an AR, and finally had the opportunity to procur one. Though it was a GB, I decided I had better take the opportunity when I had it.
Anyhow, I LOVE to tear down my knives, it gives me comfort and satisfaction to know their every inch. It also allows me to thouroughly tune and "de-grime" them. Not that I'm more capable, just that I have more time to spend on the individual knife than the maker does, as I am only dealing with a single piece.
Upon initial inspection of the GB, I noticed what I could only describe as a silicone or rubber type compound in between the pivot washers and liners of the knife. I noticed that when the knife was opened and closed, the washers would 'twist' or partially pivot against this material in respect to the liner. And it seemed to give the action an overall rubbery feeling.
Needless to say, I wanted to figure out what it was, and why it was there (the knife was obtained in a carried but unused state).
I proceded to search the strider forum for disassembly information. In regards to what possible tool would be used to remove the pivot. I ended up coming across an informative post in which a picture was displayed of a make-shift pivot tool that had been made from a modified 7/16" wood boring bit.
So I went and purchased one, and with my dremel I was able to fashion a tool which resemebled the one pictured. Needless to say, it worked.
Once disassembled, I found what the gummy goo was. It seemed to be somewhat like double-sided tape that held the washers to their respective liners. However, it was not holding them completely stationary, as I mentioned previously, they were twisting or rocking on this medium, back and forth.
So I scraped and 'goo goned' it away from both liners and washers. I also took the opportunity to clean the rest of the knife. I reassembled using some RemOil on the pivot pin, washers, and blade. The action is definitely smoother, while still retaining solid lockup. No more rubbery feel, and the blade also seats completely when closed. Prior to cleaning, it had "bounced" in the handle (meaning that when closed, it could still be pushed or squeezed "more closed")
Make sense?
One thing that did occur to me....now that there is no adhesive holding the lock-side washer in place, will it eventually rotate and prevent the locking bar from engaging? As the washer has a flat side for just this purpose. I guess only time will tell. Both my mini and larger buck striders have this same setup with no gummy goo holding the washers in place....tension should prevail?
I guess this is just an FYI? Who knows.
It's amazing to what lengths one will go to avoid typing a term paper!!(have one due tonight)
I just recently acquired my first strider, a current production GB folder. I had long lusted after one of the custom folders, specifically an AR, and finally had the opportunity to procur one. Though it was a GB, I decided I had better take the opportunity when I had it.
Anyhow, I LOVE to tear down my knives, it gives me comfort and satisfaction to know their every inch. It also allows me to thouroughly tune and "de-grime" them. Not that I'm more capable, just that I have more time to spend on the individual knife than the maker does, as I am only dealing with a single piece.
Upon initial inspection of the GB, I noticed what I could only describe as a silicone or rubber type compound in between the pivot washers and liners of the knife. I noticed that when the knife was opened and closed, the washers would 'twist' or partially pivot against this material in respect to the liner. And it seemed to give the action an overall rubbery feeling.
Needless to say, I wanted to figure out what it was, and why it was there (the knife was obtained in a carried but unused state).
I proceded to search the strider forum for disassembly information. In regards to what possible tool would be used to remove the pivot. I ended up coming across an informative post in which a picture was displayed of a make-shift pivot tool that had been made from a modified 7/16" wood boring bit.
So I went and purchased one, and with my dremel I was able to fashion a tool which resemebled the one pictured. Needless to say, it worked.
Once disassembled, I found what the gummy goo was. It seemed to be somewhat like double-sided tape that held the washers to their respective liners. However, it was not holding them completely stationary, as I mentioned previously, they were twisting or rocking on this medium, back and forth.
So I scraped and 'goo goned' it away from both liners and washers. I also took the opportunity to clean the rest of the knife. I reassembled using some RemOil on the pivot pin, washers, and blade. The action is definitely smoother, while still retaining solid lockup. No more rubbery feel, and the blade also seats completely when closed. Prior to cleaning, it had "bounced" in the handle (meaning that when closed, it could still be pushed or squeezed "more closed")
Make sense?One thing that did occur to me....now that there is no adhesive holding the lock-side washer in place, will it eventually rotate and prevent the locking bar from engaging? As the washer has a flat side for just this purpose. I guess only time will tell. Both my mini and larger buck striders have this same setup with no gummy goo holding the washers in place....tension should prevail?
I guess this is just an FYI? Who knows.
It's amazing to what lengths one will go to avoid typing a term paper!!(have one due tonight)