Native lock snap

BOK

BOK

Joined
Apr 16, 2002
Messages
2,413
I cannot figure this out so maybe you guys can help me. I've noticed that on the Native when you open the blade slightly it doesn't snap back into place like say the Endura or Delica.

Why is this? Just from looking at it externally I can't figure it out. Why was it designed like this instead of like the Endura?
 
I noticed that too.The SS model isn't like that.It must be that has a weeker spring.I would like it if it were to snap shut like a Delica.
 
BOK, I just tried my 440V FRN and Blue G10 Natives. They both "snap back" with anything up to an inch or so of blade opening (measured from blade tip to pommel). It isn't until about 1.5 inches of travel that the blades will stay open on their own.

Every knife (even of the same type) should be slightly different on this due to manufacturing tolerances, parts fit, and dirt/grime, etc. However, if you are talking only 1/4 inch or so out from the pommel that it stays open, then maybe you should send it back to be checked for proper spring tension--or maybe it needs cleaning/lubing?

If the Endura/Delica is "stronger" on this it could just be the design. Specifically, the blade tang around the pivot area. Go to a nice light source and watch the curved and flat areas of the blade tang as it moves under the "lock" end of the lockbar. Each model of knife will have it's own tendencies due to the different shapes of the tang areas. Also, your knives should be checked & cleaned of lint and dirt which accumulates in the tang-lock recess every now and then. Too much buildup and the blade won't lock very well.

Lockbacks like all of these are known for strong spring tension keeping them from opening in the pocket easily.

Hope that answers your question.

Karl
 
Thanks for the reply. But all the FRN versions I have tried do not spring back at all. Not even a little bit.

Not that I've tried hundreds of them but I've handled at least 4.
 
My Native and every Native I've handled snaps shut as it ought to, by design.
 
Upon trying my older GIN-1 Native just now, I find it is the weakest. Yet it still snaps shut within about 3/4" of being closed. At around 1" it is not reliable at this. With some lubrication it would certainly improve.

BOK, if your Native is not shutting on its own when within 3/4" or so of being closed, then I would send it back to have it checked or replaced. You don't want any problems with it coming open in your pocket! It sounds like your spring tension is pretty weak. Just make sure it is clean and lubed first. :)

Karl
 
Mine doesn't snap closed at all. It's a newer one in CPM440V but no Boye dent. I have actually cut myself on it a couple of times due to it being just slightly open in my pocket...the springs are definitely a lot lighter tension than my various delicas...
 
Well, curiosity got the best of me, so I just now tested my new Native and Endura (both are FRN, and both have the "Boye dent"), and both snapped shut "with authority" when opened slightly...However, the Endura DID seem to close quicker and harder, and the lock seems to be stiffer in the Endura than in the Native when it's depressed.
 
My FRN Native didn't snap closed when I first got it. That made me reluctant to carry it, since it's also carried tip up and the point is just barely covered by the handle when it's folded. Now however, after owning it for a couple of years, it does snap closed for some reason. :confused:

My guess would be that the backspring is weak and/or the interface between the tang's cam and the locking part of the rocker bar prevents the blade from snapping closed (as Karl mentioned). If you wear down the cam a bit, then the blade has an easier time closing.

Another possibility could be that the backspring is strong enough, but it just isn't placed in the handle correctly.
 
My FRN Native has the weakest detant of all of my Spyderco knives. It DOESN'T snap shut. My blue BladeForums G10 Native however snaps shut and has a much stronger detant. Why the difference?? I have no idea :confused:
 
Is it possible that (in general) the Seki-made FRN models may have better-made backsprings for the lockback mechanism? Several of the FRN Natives I have examined seem to have a bit of a "loose-feeling" action to them.
Jim
 
One day I will find out the answer to this and I will find this thread and post my discovery.

The ones that I've seen and handled have either been my friends or the ones in the store. Not one of them has had the 'snap' in them.

Still trying to figure out whether, as above suggested, it may be a warranty issue or whether it actually is just designed differently from the others.
 
Someone told me it had to do with the size of the knife. But that isn't true because I have a Merlin, which is another spyderco small knife and it snaps back with authority. Hmmmmm...........
 
Originally posted by BOK
Thanks for the reply. But all the FRN versions I have tried do not spring back at all. Not even a little bit.

Not that I've tried hundreds of them but I've handled at least 4.
Click to expand...

I just went and tried my FRN...snaps back fine. :)
 
BOK,

Just one more data point for you:

My FRN, CPM440V Native (w/Boye dent) snaps back at 22 degrees from closed position (about 1.25" from blade tip to handle tip).
 
I also checked, 1 year old FRN CPM440V Native, Boye dent: snaps about 3/4 of an inch from blade tip to handle tip. Never had a problem with it so far.
 
(this post is not from Santi but from the name herinunder)

I had sold 2 Native Knives because it accidentally opened in my daughter's loose pants the weekend befor.

I found that ther spring were too weak and the clearance wher the blade is located for closing condition is too wide. First purchase I rewally love the smoothness while open but now I think it's good and it's bad.

Dick
 
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