Krayton problem with C90

[Harry Callahan]

Ended up with a C90 Stretch and really love the design. Ultra thin and easy to pack, smooth as butter, sharp as a laser. Problem is, the Krayton insert on the non-clip side just rolls right out. I've super glued it and it still won't stay. Also, the Krayton on the clip side is ripping and tearing in the vicinity of where the clip "bites" my jeans.

Are these inserts available for purchase? What is the recommended adhesive? Or should I just give up and send it off to a custom maker for some textured G10 inserts?

The C90 really rocks but the Krayton inserts are a joke. I've had this knife less than a week and paid just over a Franklin for it. Now I'm looking at paying a custom shop another C-note just to make the knife useable.

 

[spyderknut]

I am pretty sure Spyderco W&R will send you out a new set of Kraton inserts. I'm not sure if they are self-adhesive or not. Send them an email. They are usually very quick to reply.

 

[s0rce]

Although I dont think this is exactly what you want I've seen pictures of a stretch with the inserts replaced with G10, you could try something like that.

 

[VultureParade]

From what I've heard there were adhesive problems with the inserts on the early stretches. I think it has been fixed. I'm sure if you contact Spyderco they will take care of you.

-Bryan

 

[Harry Callahan]

Yeah, this is an early one. Collector numbered. This has got to be the smoothest opening lockback I've ever handled, even smoother than the Chinook II which is saying something. I lubed the pivot with Miltec just out of curiousity and it went "beyond" smooth (if that makes any sense). Brilliant ergonomics and blade design. But the Krayton still has me a bit PO'ed. I've tried the gel super glue, tomorrow I'm going to buy a tube of the original stuff.

Deacon (on this forum) had his inserts replaced with micarta by Chax knives. I'm sure Chax also offers G10, carbon fiber and exotic woods but I'd only do that as a last resort. I purchased this as a work knife so I don't really want to sink a boatload of cash into something that's going to end up with oil and antifreeze all over it on a daily basis.

 

[VultureParade]

I'm thinking that you could try to soak the handle in hotwater, or even pour boiling water on it to loosen up the inserts, just be careful of the blade. I don't know how hot it would have to get to mess up the heat treat. Then carefully pull the entire insert off and go pickup some epoxy and glue them back on.

Super glue should work, but I don't know about it's long term durability. I really doubt the inserts would come back off after stuck down with some epoxy.

-Bryan

 

[The Deacon]

Harry, I agree completely regarding the smoothness of the Stretch. As far as repairing it, I'd be a lot more tempted to try RTV silicone adhesive than any form of cyanoacrylate, as CA, in my experience, does not work well with rubber / rubbery materials. Sending it back to W&R, although it will take a while, is probably the best thing to do. Mine was a different situation, kraton had stood up to close to two months of daily washing with dish detergent and hot water, only loosened up when I did something dumber than usual, and dumped a couple gallons of boiling water on it. Even then, only one small corner came lose.