Military question

[cgmblade]

I know this issue has been raised before, BUT... I received my new Military on Saturday and noticed that the blade isn't centered in the handle when closed. It's not touching the handle so no damage is being done, and I'm not sure if the blade is off center or if it's the handle that is flexing from pressure from the liner lock. Or if the handle is simple aligned incorrectly. I have noticed that the bushing for the lanyard appears to protrude a hair more from one side than the other. It appears to be a press fit and it may have been pressed on more on one side than the other.

At any rate, I'm not sure this is a problem I should be concerned with and wanted to know what experiences others have had and if you think I should be concerned. Thanks

 

[perchjerk]

mine was just like that when i got mine. i accidently bent my pocket clip out one time and after a little work with some needle nose pliers to but the clip back in place i noticed my blade was perfectly centered. im not familiar with all the mechanics of folders as im a fixed blade guy myself but hopefully u can conclude from this what it might be.

 

[Crocodilo]

Although that is a little more off than any of my seven Millies, I'd still be fine using it as long as lockup is solid, no bladeplay, and no touching the scales. However, no harm would be done in juggling with the screws to try and get a "rebalance". A few months ago, a clever forumite did post a method that looked great for centering blades, involving sequential tightening of the screws, and some paper shims along the way. This looks like a fine example to try that method, if anybody can help find the post.

 

[zephy5]

It seems like we have been seeing quite a few of these lately. I had a digicam Millie with the same issue. I tried these steps posted by LowTEC on the Spyderco forum and it fixed it perfectly:

"you shouldn't loosen the blade.
instead, tighten the pivot to very tight, then loosen the back spacer screws, press the blade to the opposite side and wedge the blade with paper and let it stay like that when closed. then tighten up the rest of the screws, take the paper out and see the centering again, when desired result is reach, adjust the pivot back to normal tightness, problem fixed"

I wonder, if it is this easy, why can't Spyderco get it right from the beginning? No disrespect or anything intended, I really like my Spydercos. Just wondering.

 

[cgmblade]

I appreciate the advice and comments. I tried the method Zephy5 suggested and it may have improved a little bit, but three of the handle screws were on so tight that they stripped when I tried to remove them (yes, I have the proper tool). So I wasn't able to get all the screws out. I'll call Spyderco and see if they have any suggestions and hopefully get them to send me some replacement screws for the handle. Of course, I'm not sure how I'm going to get the old ones out.

It's a great knife and I guess I can live with it like this but having problems with any new purchase takes a little of the joy out of the experience.

Thanks
Chris