Leafstorm - coarseness when opening

J

jurisprudence

Joined
Jul 17, 2009
Messages
414
I just picked up a couple new Spydercos, one of which is a Leafstorm. There is an obvious coarseness when opening the knife. The action could be described as a grinding. I searched this forum and others described the opening action as very smooth. I wonder if there is a problem with the knife I have? The only point of contact is the ball on the lockbar. When I pull the lockbar away to close the knife, the blade swings freely and smoothly So, it seems that the ball on the lockbar (is it ceramic?) is causing the grinding. Is this a problem? I have several other Sypdercos, but none with the lockbar. My only comparison is a Sebenza, Mnandi, and Umnumzaan, and those are smooth.

Also, the lockbar engages poorly. When I open the knife, the bar engages slightly, then if I wiggle the blade or push the blade back (further in the opening direction) the bar will screech (there is a noise to it that I am trying to describe here) open a little farther. If I were to push the lockbar, after opening the knife, it makes the same noise and engages better.

The blade, as delivered, was loose, but that is easily remedied.
 
Call up Spyderco directly and let them know what's going on. It might just need to be lubed up to wiggle some manufacturing grit out but they'll do you right if it has to be sent back to them.
 
jurisprudence said:
I just picked up a couple new Spydercos, one of which is a Leafstorm. There is an obvious coarseness when opening the knife. The action could be described as a grinding. I searched this forum and others described the opening action as very smooth. I wonder if there is a problem with the knife I have? The only point of contact is the ball on the lockbar. When I pull the lockbar away to close the knife, the blade swings freely and smoothly So, it seems that the ball on the lockbar (is it ceramic?) is causing the grinding. Is this a problem? I have several other Sypdercos, but none with the lockbar. My only comparison is a Sebenza, Mnandi, and Umnumzaan, and those are smooth.

Also, the lockbar engages poorly. When I open the knife, the bar engages slightly, then if I wiggle the blade or push the blade back (further in the opening direction) the bar will screech (there is a noise to it that I am trying to describe here) open a little farther. If I were to push the lockbar, after opening the knife, it makes the same noise and engages better.

The blade, as delivered, was loose, but that is easily remedied.
Click to expand...

That is odd on this particular knife. Have you disassembled it?
 
OP, I had the same problem with a couple of my Leafstorms, Spyderco is aware of the situation.

Send it in and they will make it right guaranteed. I suggest you PM Sal with a description of your problem. He will point you in the right direction.

:)
 
5.56 said:
OP, I had the same problem with a couple of my Leafstorms, Spyderco is aware of the situation.

Send it in and they will make it right guaranteed. I suggest you PM Sal with a description of your problem. He will point you in the right direction.

:)
Click to expand...

Thanks, good to know. Are you satisfied with the repaired Leafstorms?
 
5.56 said:
OP, I had the same problem with a couple of my Leafstorms, Spyderco is aware of the situation.

Send it in and they will make it right guaranteed. I suggest you PM Sal with a description of your problem. He will point you in the right direction.

:)
Click to expand...

+1

Have seen many posts over at the spydie forums of this same problem.
 
jurisprudence said:
Thanks, good to know. Are you satisfied with the repaired Leafstorms?
Click to expand...

Repaired? More like they sent me a hand picked NEW one! :D
Ofcourse the defective one I sent them was brand new as well though.

Rolf is correct, the grittyness will go away over time, but your main issue it seems, is the lockbar. There is a common problem with the lockface being over-radiused on the Leafs. Eric and Tom at quality control have been made aware of this.

I went through this whole ordeal a month ago, and Sal and company took care of everything. One reason why Spyderco will never lose my business. :thumbup:
 
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