Ouroboros; I need info / advice

Wowbagger

Wowbagger

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Sep 20, 2015
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I'm going to buy another compression lock knife. I only have one; the Para2 all black you have all seen a lot in the past.

When I first saw the Ouroboros I REALLY wanted that knife. Then I learned it had Teflon washers. Suuuuucks. Nick Shabazz confirmed it in his vids.
Still . . . he likes the knife.
I think I would like the knife. After all, with all due respect to CRK fans, it is about USING the knife more than it is about opening and closing the knife.
I think I would like to use that knife. A lot , a lot.
So
have any of you had one break ? Those skinny little bars for the sole blade connection to the pivot of the blade concerns me . . . but . . . I'm really careful and would probably do fine.
And
have any of you had one or more teflon washer rip, crumble, fold, disintegrate ?
I have disassembled brand new knives and found the teflon washer ripped so I know they are frail.
I will probably replace them with phozbronz but it isn't as simple as buying washers. They don't make 'em the right thickness off the shelf according to Nick. Gotta sand some down thinner.

and lastly
what are the chances they will up grade this knife soon to better washers
vs
can the knife and banish it to the archive of discontinued models ?

Tomorrow, in theory, an Ouro or a PM will be ordered
 
I have one. It's comfy in the hand and I like the knife for what it is but found the action sluggish. Kinda cancels out the snappiness that I love and appreciate having with the PM2/compression lock.

Perhaps I just need to spend more time breaking it in, but the blade is also quite a bit lighter than the para so I don't see it improving too much.
 
I have had customs with both Teflon and Nytralon washers. Zero issues in use, no lubrication needed. And why would CRK users scoff at Teflon? What makes you think PB washers are superior?
 
The same thing crossed my mind Adam, but I think he's alluding to CRK owner's not using their knives maybe??
I have nylon washers on an mcusta Katana and it has excellent action!
Joe

adamlau said:
I have had customs with both Teflon and Nytralon washers. Zero issues in use, no lubrication needed. And why would CRK users scoff at Teflon? What makes you think PB washers are superior?
Click to expand...
 
adamlau said:
And why would CRK users scoff at Teflon?
Click to expand...
I don't think CRK users would scoff just that they REALLY enjoy the superior feel of opening and closing the CRK and that experience . . . with my tongue planted firmly in my cheek . . . could possibly be the most enjoyable thing about a knife EDC experience for them, even more than the actual cutting of stuff.
My failed attempt at humor.

Interesting that such high end knives come with those washers you mentioned.

What makes you think PB washers are superior?

The knives I have that swing the freest have PB.
and
they tend to be more durable as a material in general. As I said I have seen teflon split and ripped even on a brand new knife. That would be on a Hold Out and on a Lucky. One a back lock (triad) and the other a slip joint so no big deal really.

and finally I think that because THE NICK "tells me it is so" and demonstrates the diff before my very eyes in his vids.

Finally, finally he demonstrates how, it seems to him, that the compression lock in this particular knife is so close to the washer as to catch on it slightly thus distorting the shape of the washer. He modded the corner of the lock for better washer clearance.

and
lastly lastly wouldn't a teflon (plasticy / filmy) washer be more subject to distortion from angled side loading like twisting or prying with the blade compared with a METAL washer ?

One of those "common sense" things . . . that may not be true.
 
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palonej said:
I think he's alluding to CRK owner's not using their knives maybe??
Click to expand...
No, no
I just meant that the FUN of using their knife FOR THEM / IN THEIR VIEW happens while opening and closing and the cutting part of the experience was great but not AS great as the opening and closing.
Sheesh I'm not being insulting . . . said another way :
for most everyone, who is unaware of how great a CRK is, the cutting of stuff is what they focus on and not so much on opening and closing.
 
If you're after a compression lock consider the Sage 5. Better steel and materials (and PB washers) for $40 less. I love the looks of the Ouroboros but I really don't understand the price tag.
 
I agree and that's the reason I didn't get one.

Fire Beard said:
If you're after a compression lock consider the Sage 5. Better steel and materials (and PB washers) for $40 less. I love the looks of the Ouroboros but I really don't understand the price tag.
Click to expand...
 
CRK owners don't use their knives and some guy on youtube's commentary is more important than the experiences of a community people who on average have probably owned many more knives...What a very odd way to go about asking if anyone has had problems with Teflon washers in decent quality knives. A quick search will tell you that PB washers tend to allow for blades to float more freely, but teflon style washers can have more pocket grit on them and still feel smooth.

Despite what your youtube hero may say you can order PB washers in different fairly standard thicknesses, you just need a cheap micrometer or caliper to measure.
 
PB can be swapped in, as can Nylatron. They are a bit tougher, less prone to tearing and work nicely.
 
palonej said:
I agree and that's the reason I didn't get one.
Click to expand...

Yes since I started this thread I have been searching out what all else has the compression lock.
Didn't the Spyderco site used to give the option of sorting by lock type? It doesn't now.
The Sage is a highly regarded model and for good reason.
 
I look at the Oroborous and I can't, for the life of me, see ~ $200.
 
NJBillK said:
PB can be swapped in, as can Nylatron. They are a bit tougher, less prone to tearing and work nicely.
Click to expand...
Not to be grumpy but have you done it on this particular knife; Nick says even the closest size washer available needs sanding to work right.
As long as the washers that are in it don't break down or get snagged on the lock I should be fine.
I guess I am just asking if anyone has probs with this particular model's stock set up.
 
Bob Terzuola wrote the book (literally) on tactical knives. He says PB are not the best, he uses nylatron. His ACTF doesn't really need lubrication due to the nylatron washers. He said other types of washers require oil, grease, etc. which hold in dirt, not so with nylatron. My Starmate, a Terzuola Spyderco, is as quick as an IKBS in opening, but has some type of white washer of unkown composition. Sure works good.

How do you know the washers are teflon? Spyderco doesn't say on their website, and unless Shabazz chemically analyzed them how does he know? You generally can't identify the composition of a washer by physical appearance alone...well maybe if it was pure gold :)
 
I haven't done it on this particular knife, but I have sanded PB washers multiple times for both thickness and diameter. I have also modified Nylatron washers with a punch, and a razor blade.

If you like the knife and are willing to work on it, why not look for one second hand and take a shot at it. Worst case you lose a few bucks on shipping. Especially now that Spyderco has stated that disassembly does not void their warranty (as long as it isn't pinned).

I like the look of it, I just don't like the blade steel.
 
I love teflon washers. Smoothest knives I own use them. My Superleaf has them and it's also a compression lock (and it sits firmly in my top 5 knife list). Used the living hell out of it and my Sere 2000 and my XM 24 without any of the imaginary issues people like to bring up about teflon washers. I also use the hell out of my Umnumzaan for what it's worth.. :rolleyes:
 
Armadew said:
I love teflon washers. Smoothest knives I own use them. My Superleaf has them and it's also a compression lock (and it sits firmly in my top 5 knife list). Used the living hell out of it and my Sere 2000 and my XM 24 without any of the imaginary issues people like to bring up about teflon washers. I also use the hell out of my Umnumzaan for what it's worth.. :rolleyes:
Click to expand...

Thanks
I'm coming around.
Sounds like there aren't many Ouroboros out there, or everyone is too busy using and enjoying to stop to type.
If I get one I will be either a badboy, outlaw, rogue
or
thought a fool.
Ahhhhhh . . . back on familliar ground.
 
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