Need Help

Sulaco

Sulaco

Gold Member
Joined
Nov 15, 2003
Messages
2,421
I just bought a Buck Cadet and have a question. The only recent traditionals I've owned have been some GEC variants. The springs in them seem much stronger than this Buck. In fact, one of the blades won't even close on its own. I have to push it all the way closed. This doesn't seem right to me. I also feel some grittiness when opening and closing the blades.

Can I do anything about this? I like the knife otherwise, and I understand the price point, but I would like to have some more spring strength holding the blades open (and closed) than what I'm seeing.

Thanks for any help and info.
 
In this situation I like to put liquid dish soap in the blade pivots and work the blades open and close for a bit then rinse well under hot water, blow dry and lubricate. You probably just have some buffing compound in the pivots.
 
I did that and it didn't really do much. I washed it with a heavy concentration of Dawn dishwashing liquid (basically just covered it with straight dawn), worked the pivots back and for for a while and then rinsed it well with hot water.

Then I blew it out with compressed air until it was dry and soaked it with a good oil and worked the pivots some more. It's basically exactly like it was when I got it. I can hold it up to light and see tons of grit between the springs. I guess that stuff isn't coming out and it isn't getting any better. Oh well.
 
You could always return it or contact Buck. When you say you can see dirt between the springs are you ta!ikng about looking at the back of the knife and there a gaps large enough to see through?
 
It's brand new. I just got it today.

I can see through the springs looking from the inside, between the liners when I hold it up to the light with all three blades open.

It isn't real bad. I plan to use it. I guess I just expected a little better f&f is all. But like I said, for less than $20, it's hard to complain too much. It sure is a nice looking knife!
 
I usually just keep opening and closing the blade until I see dark "gunk" anywhere on or around the blade and spring. Sometimes I add a little oil. I fold a paper towel and get in there where I can to wipe it away. Then keep repeating.

I love how these little folders open so easy. But, that means they close easy too. I take caution whenever I use a knife that doesn't lock. I have not had one that did not close all the way though... keep cleaning and let us know how it works out. Good luck!
 
Apparently, some of the new Buck 300 series knives have weak springs. They are not at all like the older models. I have a 301 that is very weak so I won't use it. I would send it back but it would cost me more than the knife to do so. The Solitaire (1 blade 1 spring) does not have this issue, but the 301 does.
 
You have compressed air, so that is good. I would keep cleaning with wd-40 or liquid wrench thnn blow it out well, repeat. Lube with a heavier oil when done.
If you bought locally I would expect you could exchange it easily.
 
I ordered it online. I am surprised the springs are so weak. I don't know anything about metallurgy or anything so I don't know why one spring would be strong and one would be weak, but it seems like if a knife company uses a particular steel for springs, they'd all be sort of the same. Maybe not?
 
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