New Swisschamp backsprings weak?

[CalNZ]

Hey guys, new member and first time poster.

Looking for some thoughts/advice/experience with backsprings on a new SAK.

I’ve just got a new Swisschamp and I’ve found that a select few tools are notably easier to open and don’t have the same ‘snap’ as the same tools on different SAKs.

The saw in particular is much easier to open on the Swisschamp than the saw on my huntsman, and the fish descaler and file are the same too.

They snap into place fine, just don’t feel as secure when locked as what I’m used to.

I was curious if it was to do with a different and/or weaker backspring? E.g. The saw has a backside tool on the Swisschamp, but doesn’t on the Huntsman.

Anyone had similar experiences?

Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[comis]

It's funny I never did bother to notice that after using the SwissChamp for more than 3 decades, but after comparing it to my Mountaineer and Huntsman, you are right about the tighter springs from the Non-SC models. Good observation!

But in reality, I have used the metal file and wood saw on SC countless times, and I do find their spring strength adequate.

 

[Fass]

On any of the 84 or 91 models that I own or have owned in the past, it was always the can opener that was easier to open than other tools.
Not a fault and no need to worry. Victorinox make vey high quality products and the SC is one of their flagship models. You can be assured that all was checked thoroughly by real Swiss folks at the factory. In case you still worry, just send an e-mail to Victorinox in Switzerland or just a plain old fashioned letter.

 

[hsherzfeld]

I posted this on the Multitool Forum, but I'll copy it here as well.

I also recently got my first SwissChamp, and I noticed the same soft snap in the same tools that OP mentioned, as well as the mag glass/Phillips layer. I have a few thoughts on this.

I think the fact that some of these tools have backside tools (and therefore springs with a shorter cross section) is a contributing factor to the soft snap, but it doesn't explain the soft snap on the fish scaler or mag/Phillips layers which have no backside tools. The mag/Phillips layer, in particular has a massive chunky spring, the second largest on the SwissChamp after the pliers spring, and yet the magnifying glass has a weak closing snap. I actually prefer this on such a comparatively fragile implement as the new style of magnifying glass.

I have a Handyman that I modified by replacing the pliers with the mag layer from an older Explorer with the longer Phillips driver and the grey mag glass, and both of those tools have a much stronger snap, but their pivots are also shaped differently and the spring is larger.

I'll admit that I would like to see more opening snap on the saw, file, and fish scaler, but they seem secure enough once they reach their detents. To me, the tools where strong opening snap is an absolute top priority are the knife blades. I'm not as worried about the file, fish scaler, or even the saw closing on my fingers as I am the blades.

I think, also, that soft opening and closing snap on full length tools might be a bit of an illusion compared to the shorter tools because the long tools give you more leverage for both opening and closing than the shorter tools. If you try to close the fish scaler from its base, it's much harder to close than from the end.

Just my thoughts.

 

[jackknife]

Yes, the recent years has seen a less springy spring in the SAK's. Now, as an arthritic old fart I'm not gonna argue against an easier opening knife/tool. But it seems like Victorinox has taken some steps to, no other way to say it, cheapen the product a bit. I didn't mind so much when they went to a thinner bade stock, making the little blister on the inner liner necessary to take up the slack. Okay, a thinner blade does cut better. I don't mind the SAk's having easier springs and easier opening. I've go an old SAK dating back to when they still used a screw in the scissors and the old tang stamp. The spring on the blades is noticeably more 'snappy'.

But I do mind when they went big hollow spaces in the scale casting that makes they way easier to break. If they insist in using an old out of date material for handles, then at least go back to the solid cellidor scales. At least with them, all you had to worry about was the scales melting if you had certain mosquito repellent or gun cleaning solvent on your hands.

Easier springs are okay.

 

[CalNZ]

Many thanks all.

Sounds like it’s a case of “it just is” by design on these ones rather than anything actually being structurally wrong with it (which is a good thing!).

I hoped that would be the case because I love Victorinox products - I’m sure I own very few compared to a lot of people on here, but I have always found them to be super consistent in their build quality.

I think perhaps given it’s the first Swisschamp I’ve owned (or even used for that matter) among the stack of other SAKs I have that it’s noticeable because I’m naturally comparing it.

Looking forward to adding many more to the collection too!