How much blade play is too much?

folsom

folsom

Joined
Oct 23, 2000
Messages
346
How much blade play is considered acceptable? I know this is subjective, but I have a 532 that has just enough wiggle to make it objectionable when whittling wood with it. I would hate to return a knife to Buck for something considered normal -- it really isn't very much and I wouldn't complain about a lower end knife -- but I'd like this one to be "perfect".

How much "wiggle" do you all accept in a lockback?

Peace, Al Folsom

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Al Folsom alan@folsoms.net
Before you criticize a man, walk a mile in his shoes.
Then if he gets mad, he'll be a mile away, and barefoot!
* * * *
Buck Collector's Club #1334 (oh man, this is gonna cost me...)
Micah 6:8
 
HI, just from what ive read here, Joe has commented on this a couple of times.ther should be enough 'play' to function properly.A blade that is loose when open would concern me.When closed i would worry if it was loose enough to strike the liner.I own a 532 with the 1998 blade in it and i have seen no loosness in it.Definatly worth checking out.happy memorial day.
guy
 
Al,
After reading your post I checked out my 532s (2000 L.Ed.) and found no noticeable lateral play in any of the three with the blade in the open and locked position and only (very) slight lateral play with the lock released. Of the three, two display very free release and one has minor tightness with the lock released. All are not perfectly but quite accecptably centered with the blades in the closed position.

This should be a pretty good random sample as they were each purchased from separate sources from different locations (North Carolina, Missouri and Texas) at different times. True, they could have all come from the same lot, but what are the odds?

I think I would consult with Joe for his opinion. I like the 532s not only because of the beauty of their form but also (among other attributes) because they are so absolutely rock solid.

Others on the forum have multiple 532s, certainly more than I, and should be able to provide much more input.

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Wray Harrison
Buck Collectors Club
Lifetime Member #1440

[This message has been edited by WrayH (edited 05-27-2001).]

[This message has been edited by WrayH (edited 05-28-2001).]
 
There should be ZERO play in a 532. I had a 532MS that I sent back to Buck with Joe's help. Came back absolutely perfect and turn around time for Buck in my experience is only 2 weeks (from the time you send it and get it back).

You can't beat that...and they put the edge 2000 on my knife.

One of the reasons I buy Buck knives is their warranty service. Absolutely second to none. My friends even give me their knives to send back 'cause they're afraid to ship them or something.

You'll be much happier if you send it back.

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~Greg Mete~
Kodiak Alaska
Buck Collectors Club-Lifetime Member
JKM-Chai
KnifeKnutt@aol.com
 
<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">After reading your post I checked out my 532s (2000 L.Ed.) and found no noticeable lateral play in any of the three with the blade in the open and locked position and only (very) slight lateral play with the lock released. Of the three, two display very free release and one has minor tightness with the lock released. All are not perfectly but quite accecptably centered with the blades in the closed position.</font>
Click to expand...
Maybe I'm not using the right term... I get no lateral (side to side) wiggle, But rather the blade will shift slightly from the fully locked position, flexing a little at the joint, in the direction of the joint.

The G10 Odyssey with ATS34 blade I just got has the problem much more dramatically. Stuffing a little wad of tissue paper in the back of the lock helps it lock up perfectly!

Peace, Al
 
You mean that the lock bar slips backwards against the base of the blade? I had this problem with my daily carry 532RD. Upon further inspection I noticed that there was some lint from my pocket that that stuck in the notch of the blade. I cleaned it out and now the lockup is rock solid.

If that does not prove to be the case, send it back to Buck. I'm sure that they will make it right.


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Buck Collectors Club Member #1058
 
As you have further defined the problem I agree with Greg Mete's opinion posted previously. There should be ZERO play (especially in the locked position)and second his suggested solution.
 
Al,
I get nervous anytime i hear of the need to stuff a piece of tissue paper in the lock to help! Your comments on the other two knives concerns me too. If it is not too much of a bother, send them in to my attention and we will make them tighter. One thing to keep in mind on liner locks is that with enough pressure, you will get even the thickest liners to flex a bit. This flex will cause the blade to move towards the closed position ever so slightly. The best remedy, and pardon the sarcasm, is to keep the sharp side down.
smile.gif

Take care,


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Joe Houser
Director of Consumer relations Buck Knives Inc.
Buck Collectors club Administrator and member #123
 
Hi Joe-

I was hoping you'd say that... In fact, I've been sitting here twiddling my thumbs while Linux upgrades on my main machine, and packaged up the two knives while I was waiting. Then handed them to the Office Manager to ship, and came in here to check the forums on my laptop, so I was about 10 minutes ahead of you
wink.gif


The 532 and 182 will be out via UPS today, addressed to your attention.

Thanks

Al Folsom
 
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