Lum Chinese

baraqyal

baraqyal

Joined
Nov 30, 2000
Messages
860
So, I finally got a Lum Chinese. A certain online dealer has a deal on them that seemed too good to be true - so I ordered one. I guess they must be liquidating remaining stock.

I received it in the mail yesterday. It totally fulfills what I've been missing from my collection - a gentleman-ish knife that is small, thin, and light and can be carried in the pocket of a suit.

It is a real shame that Spyderco is discontinuing this knife.

This morning, I opened a plastic package of D batteries with it. The blade sliced right through the hard plastic package, and into the chair I was sitting on. I guess after using thick "tactical" blades for so long, I wasn't ready for such a thin and aggressive-cutting knife.

Good thing it missed my leg. :eek:

I really like the backspacer. Is it G-10 or FRN? It has a cool feel to it, and the black color is nice against the steel and green. I also like the simplicity of the logo. If it said "LUM CHINESE" across the blade in military-like letters, I wouldn't have bought it.

I like the curve of the knife. It feels natural.

What I don't much care for is the lock. Mine slips a little bit. I'm not exactly a huge fan of the liner lock, but I don't see this as a real problem, as I doubt it will see much "hard use". Probably, it will open an occasional box, letter, and plastic package.

Overall, I really like this knife. If you get the chance, pick one up while they're still available.

-- Rob
 
Baraqyl, back when Li'l Temperances were very hard to find, I ordered onew from a dealer who said that he had one and was shipped a Lum Chinese instead. I have no idea if this was intentional or a mistake, but I was so taken with the Lum that I kept it and have never regretted that decision. Another member was kind enough to sell me his Collector's Club numbered model of the spearpoint Li'l Temperance at his cost plus shipping. That is also one damned fine knife.
 
I may just need to break in, I'm not sure. Basically, when you put pressure on the back of the blade, the liner slips up the ramp a little bit, resulting in minor vertical play. I can't get it to close with pressure, just an initial slight slip.

I'm not entirely sure that adjusting the pivot is what it needs. I think most likely that it just needs to wear in a little bit so that the liner and ramp match more evenly, and it doesn't slip. Plus, there could be a little oil on the ramp.

I could be wrong. Liner locks are much more complex than they look.

As for the Lil' Temperance - I have one of those, too. Another one of my favorites. My current EDC rotation are all Spydie's - Lum Chinese, Lil Temperance, and Gunting (and occasionally a Wegner).

-- Rob
 
I think a couple of good whacks on a phone book with the back edge of the blade should improve the lock. I've "fixed" a bunch of my liner lock knives like this. Don't hit it too hard (no harder than you would want to slap your fingers against something hard) and watch how you place your hand so you don't lose any parts (of yourself) in the process.
 
My girlfriend came over tonight and brought her new Lum Chinese, and both my dad and I were drooling over it. The action is so smooth!! I NEED one now...:eek:
 
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