Mantra Question

Slumblor

Slumblor

Joined
Feb 9, 2015
Messages
456
I purchased a Spyderco Mantra recently but I returned it shortly after receiving it. I've heard some issues with the pivot being 'gritty' feeling and it not being the smoothest action. I've seen the video on the bearing race issues and was prepared for that.

But I found that even with the lockbar pushed as far out of the way as possible, until it hit the over travel stop, the detent ball would still drag on the blade. This made it pretty stiff and did make it feel gritty and not smooth.

Those who have or have had a Mantra, is this common in all these models? can they get smooth with break in? I like the model but was turned off by this and not sure if I should try again.
 
My Mantra doesn't have any of the issues you describe. It's ridiculously smooth and very easy to flip or spydie flick open.
 
Of the couple of Spydie's I've gotten that were gritty out of the box, each one smoothed out beautifully with a little lube and flicking.
You most likely sent back a perfect knife......if you really like it, give it another shot brother!
Lots of flicking and a touch of lube!!
Joe
 
Thanks for the replies. I was hoping for something that was smooth, or showed the potential of being smooth. Something just seemed off on this one, I expected better from a Taichung Spydie. I think I'm going to have to try again. I hope to get one as smooth as Sharp Guy describes.
 
My Mantra 2 started out gritty due to the detent ball. Eventually it wore in, but I found the biggest issue was a lack of lubrication. A quick rinse, followed by a little bit of mineral oil on the ball track fixed it.
 
I tried again and ordered another Mantra, it arrived today. I must say, I'm much happier with this one. This is what i was hoping for all along, the size and design drew me to it but something wasn't right with the first one. This one is super smooth, flies open and fit and finish is great. The M4 is sharp out of the box too. I'm glad I didn't give up on this model.
 
^ Glad to hear you gave the Mantra another chance and you're happy with this one!
 
I've had quite a few knives with a gritty feeling out of box, including a Spyderco or two (I have tons, so whatever), with a little lube in the right spots and maybe loosening the pivot just a hair, it smooths out.
 
Slumblor said:
But I found that even with the lockbar pushed as far out of the way as possible, until it hit the over travel stop, the detent ball would still drag on the blade. This made it pretty stiff and did make it feel gritty and not smooth.
Click to expand...

That’s not right. I have the mantra, dice and domino. On all three the detent ball will clear the blade tang when pulled away. Sometimes there is a gritty feeling until the detent ball wears a track in the finish on the blade tang. Other than that all three have been nice and smooth. Good to hear that you returned it and gave the mantra another chance, it’s a great knife.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top