Manix washers. Are they really necessary?

B

Bullwhip

Joined
Jan 21, 2003
Messages
85
I originally posted this over at Spyderco’s forum but I’d like to hear what the rest of you have to say on the subject…

I've had my Manix for a few months now and while it is the absolute best folder I have ever owned I'm a little annoyed by the slight lateral blade play. I'm thinking of removing the Bronze washers in order close that gap between the blade and the liner.

It's just a fact that no matter how thin those washers may be they still take up a sliver of space between the blade and the liner/scales. If you look at the butt of the knife there is this practically no line showing between the liner and the steel that makes up the center of the handle. But as you travel up the back of the handle towards the blade you'll see that micro-gap become more pronounced due to the presence of those two washers. And because of their size there is a tiny fulcrum that allows the ever so slight side to side movement of the blade. Tightening the pivot screw can only do so much. If I tighten the pivot screw any more than I currently have it the blade will be immobile and close.

So my primary question is this, are the two washers really necessary? Also, would removing them adversely affect the life span and performance of the knife?
 
It could put some wear on the liner/pivot itself... they're there mostly to reduce friction as you already know.
One possibility is that there's a tiny amount of dirt or thick grease underneath the washer?
 
I agree that dirt could be a problem. Clean it and tighten the pivot.
 
they also even out the size gap between the blade and the spacer. You'd probably get more blade play without them.

Phil
 
You can keep your knife clean by simply rinsing it in hot water and wiping it off with a towel. There is no need to purchase a Manix Washer.
 
Actually, rather than removing the washers, I would get thicker washers if cleaning it did not work.

Best solution is to send her to the Spydie salon in CO and have them fix it correctly.
 
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I ended up going against the popular consensus (sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do) and removed the bronze washers from my Manix. No, I didn't replace them with thinner ones. My Manix now has no washers at all. The results? There is absolutely no blade play what so ever in any direction. When it locks into place I would swear that I'm holding a fixed blade. Completely solid! Now I have no idea if this will be a long term detriment to the knife but I guess I'll find out. In the mean time, I am completely happy with the results. Just thought you all would like to know.
 
Ya know..I have been using spdercos for oh about 16 years and I have never found a need to modifiy the internals or second guess the designers for any reason save removing the middle finger bump on my Manix, I kinda think that the guys at Spyderco use those washers for a reason. My Manix has almost no lateral blade movement and locks up like a vault and still has the washers, they are a pain to get back in though.
 
After having problems with my Manix, replacing the pivot and cleaning it in hot water, all to no avail, I am sending my Manix in today. Sent one of my Spydies in to them last month, and they are sending it back to me this weekend, great service so far. Spyderco stands behind their warranty, and will take care of you.
 
I would recommend disassembling the knife, clean out all the parts thoroughly, lightly lube the moving parts with WD40 reassemble and tighten the pivot screw.

Using the knife without washers could end up in liner and blade tang wear -so you will have lateral play in the end and you won't be able to anything about it if it wears unevenly.
 
Bullwhip said:
I ended up going against the popular consensus (sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do) and removed the bronze washers from my Manix. No, I didn't replace them with thinner ones. My Manix now has no washers at all. The results? There is absolutely no blade play what so ever in any direction. When it locks into place I would swear that I'm holding a fixed blade. Completely solid! Now I have no idea if this will be a long term detriment to the knife but I guess I'll find out. In the mean time, I am completely happy with the results. Just thought you all would like to know.
Click to expand...

I Agree, My Ocelot has no washers and it has a nice smooth action. I guess I'd do the same, as I always question authority.;)
 
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