Opening a Spydie

T

tnt-user

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I got my new centofante 3 and I'm wondering how to open it properly. I can open my BM 940 no problem. I'm trying hard, Is it because the lockback? It seems kind of stiff but I think it will loosen.
 
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Was the pivot screw overly tightened. I know some dealers tighten them down for shipping.
 
My centofante 4 is like that too. Takes a fair bit of effort to open slowly, impossible to flick open. I think it's normal and it doesn't get in the way of me using the knife. Let the knife break in for a few weeks, it should smooth out a little. The lockback on centofantes shouldn't be strong enough to give you a hard time opening the blade.
 
It should loosen up after it breaks in...my endura was the exact same way...it got much better after a few days
 
On my Buck and Case lockbacks I call that wearing out, not breaking in. :)

So, is the pinned pivot or the lock making it tight? When holding down the lock is the blade still tight?
Maybe try a little oil on the pivot if that's the case. Wouldn't hurt.
 
2brothers said:
On my Buck and Case lockbacks I call that wearing out, not breaking in. :)

So, is the pinned pivot or the lock making it tight? When holding down the lock is the blade still tight?
Maybe try a little oil on the pivot if that's the case. Wouldn't hurt.
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Checked, the lock is the problem. I don't like lockbacks for this reason. The blade is fine when holding the lock down. Also after opening and closing it a few times blade play is noted up and down:(.
 
The lockback design inherently has more detent than the AXIS lock. That's a pro for some and con for others. You can try adding some oil to smooth it out some.
 
tnt-user said:
I got my new centofante 3 and I'm wondering how to open it properly. I can open my BM 940 no problem. I'm trying hard, Is it because the lockback? It seems kind of stiff but I think it will loosen.
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The Centofante and your 940 have two different designs. The Centofante will never flick open like the AXIS lock on your benchmade. Some of the liner lock and compression lock Spydies (like the Paramilitary, for example) will open as fast, but not their lockbacks.
 
tnt-user said:
Checked, the lock is the problem. I don't like lockbacks for this reason. The blade is fine when holding the lock down. Also after opening and closing it a few times blade play is noted up and down:(.
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hmmmm... if you've got blade play from just a few openings, I'd send it in to Spyderco and have them look at it.

Lockbacks are stiffer than other types of locks just by design, but they should break in. But that breaking in shouldn't produce a noticeable amount of blade play.

My Centofante 4, which not as quick to open as others, is very smooth and has no play. Something may be amiss in your pivot.
 
As others have said, a lock back of pined construction will require a break in period, which is normal. Some slight vertical blade movement is also normal with a lock back and does not effect it's safety.

Give it some time and patience and you will be rewarded with a smooth opening knife.
 
Removing the clip, or changing to clip up carry is known to loosen up the blade action on Centofantes as well. Bit of a design flaw in there somewhere. It worked for my Centofante 4, though. It just never felt quite "right", as soon as I took the clip off it opened beautifully.
 
Same thing is with my Caly 3. After 2 weeks of carrying it starts slightly get smoother and smoother.
 
notsobrite said:
i don't have a centofante 4 but my calypso jr is tight, too. have you tried the spydie drop?
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I got the spydie drop down. I solved/figured out the problem. I broke it in in about a day of playing:D. I was initially put off because people said the lockback wouldn't allow the blade to opening quickly. I'm used to thumbstuds and I progressed from random openings -->Thumb move+flick--> to now being able to open it with just a flick of my thumb with no wrist action. Opening holes no longer challenge me:). Feels good to finally have to not blink to see it open.:thumbup: Thanks everyone for your input.
 
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