Mini-Griptillian blade play

D

[digidude]

Joined
Aug 21, 2005
Messages
797
I have two brand new mini-griptillians and I've noticed that when the pivot is loose enough that I can depress the axis lock and flick the knife open and closed (basically the way it came out of the box) there is slight side-to-side wiggle if I grab the blade and try to move it side to side. If I tighten the pivot to the point where the blade is completely immovable (from side to side) then it becomes too stiff to open and close comfortably. The blade is perfecly centred when closed. They are both this way. Is this normal? Seems unlickly that i'd get two defective ones (especially since they're from differeny shipments).
 
[digidude];14515733 said:
I have two brand new mini-griptillians and I've noticed that when the pivot is loose enough that I can depress the axis lock and flick the knife open and closed (basically the way it came out of the box) there is slight side-to-side wiggle if I grab the blade and try to move it side to side. If I tighten the pivot to the point where the blade is completely immovable (from side to side) then it becomes too stiff to open and close comfortably. The blade is perfecly centred when closed. They are both this way. Is this normal? Seems unlickly that i'd get two defective ones (especially since they're from differeny shipments).
Click to expand...

You put loctite on it? That should help. I like the fact that you can just flip out the blade by compressing the lock. I can live with some side play. Honestly if you like absolute zero blade play would choose a different brand or try one of their black class knives. I think if you get some loctite on that pivot it will help dramatically though. I put loctite on all my Benchmades and most folders period. If you want zero blade play though would try something else.I don't really care for Griptilians much myself though have 3 with custom scales. That might also help, getting some custom scales. Makes the Griptilian a whole different knife.
 
After a little break in period, I have found there is a very small sweet spot in the adjustment, at least in the ones I have...
My old Mini that I carry everyday is there. It is glass smooth, falls open and closed, and has no side play. The slightest adjustment to far one way or the other will totally change that.
 
Digidude,

My North Fork I have a little play. This is what I did.

I removed the phosphorus bronze washers. Gently rubbed them on a 1500 gritstone. They were not flat. Rubbed them to get 50% of the surface flat. Just did the screw as the others have told you. Side play is gone now.

Good luck.
 
Guys the issue I have isn't the wiggle itself, it's whether or not this is normal for mini-griptillians or are mine defective? I don't mind a slight wiggle, it' only if I grab the blade and put some force on it that I get the play. I don't want to "fix" it if that's just the way the knife is, but if it's not normal I will exchange them.

I think I might just be obsessing over nothing :p
 
Yep needs break in, then pivot adjustment. Or as mentioned above crack her open and polish out the brass liners, lube it all up, reassemble and find that illusive pivot sweet spot.
 
[digidude];14515733 said:
I have two brand new mini-griptillians and I've noticed that when the pivot is loose enough that I can depress the axis lock and flick the knife open and closed (basically the way it came out of the box) there is slight side-to-side wiggle if I grab the blade and try to move it side to side. If I tighten the pivot to the point where the blade is completely immovable (from side to side) then it becomes too stiff to open and close comfortably. The blade is perfecly centred when closed. They are both this way. Is this normal? Seems unlickly that i'd get two defective ones (especially since they're from differeny shipments).
Click to expand...
That's the nature of an adjustable pivot. There is a small sweet spot where it will be just loose enough to flick open that will minimize blade play. The lube you use in the pivot can also affect this, believe it or not. I take all my Benchmades apart to polish the washers, then I use Nano Oil. This is the slickest thing I have found, and after using it, I am able to keep my blades loose enough to flick open with the lock, but all side-side play is eliminated. I couldn't do that with any other lube.
 
I have sent several knives in for warranty work and 3 out of 4 have been fixed. I agree that most knives need a little break in time but something that I noticed on all the blades I've had fixed is thicker phosphor bronze bushings, basically thicker or thinner washers will fill the space as needed but if you continue to tighten the pivot screw you end up affecting the scales meaning they are not parallel\flat, so the blade could be stiff to move and still have play. I have several Benchmades new in box that are silky smooth, no side to side and have not been broke in, but they have the proper size bushings so all is lined up properly, if you send them back pay attention to the new bushings, difference is minimal in thickness, but makes the difference.
 
my mini grip was exactly the same way when i got it, after three to four months of edc use, it is smooth as butter and has no play. i would put a little loctite in the pivot screw threads, just make sure to get that sweet spot. sometimes, you barely even have to move the screw to notice a difference.
 
put custom micarta scales on my 557 from KSF (the quality and FF is fantastic!) and had a hell of a time getting the blade centered and free swinging without lock rock. It took blue gel Loc Tite and Hoppes Elite Gun Oil pre applied to the washers then reassembled then about 100 open and closes now its dead center without the pivot backing out, rock steady and opens like new in custom scales
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top