Para2 pivot tension changes with grip change

David45

David45

Joined
Oct 27, 2017
Messages
330
Noob with a new PM2 S110V here. This is NICE knife.

Aside from being the sharpest factory edge I've ever experienced, I noticed the blade didn't free-fall when I held the knife horizontally and released the compression lock -- until I changed my grip.

First, I am right handed. When I held the knife horizontal and pressed the compression lock tab with my index finger while my thumb is on the pivot area - no free fall.
I then held it the same way and pinched the compression tab between my thumb and index finger (middle finger on the clip) it swung freely. I could just rotate the handle and the blade would easily close by itself. I can also open the knife fully by reversing the process without using the thumb hole.

I have read the pivot tension sometimes needs adjustment, but this one handed opening/closing method is fast, easy, my fingers are completely out of the way and I never have to touch the blade to get full closure.

I like it, but wonder if the tension on the pivot should change so much just by changing the way I hold this wonderful new blade?
 
I have 2 PM2s and 2 Para 3s. I could only replicate what you're experiencing with one of the Para 3s. Never noticed it before because I don't try to close the knife with my thumb anywhere near the pivot. That feels extremely awkard to me. Any compression lock knives I have are closed with my thumb on the side of the handle just underneath the tab on the lock bar. They all free drop that way.
 
The only way mine drops freely and swings back and forth a few times is when i pinch the compression tab and the top half the frame together just at the tab.

This is my first compression lock knife and I was just getting a fuller grip on the frame with the entire length of thumb from tip (placed at the pivot area) to the heel of my hand just at the base of the thumb (at the end of the handle). This just seemed natural.

I thought I had a tight pivot but was pleasantly surprised how easily the blade swung when pinching the compression tab to the G-10 where there is a cutout on the back of the material for the tab when the knife is closed.

I wish I didn't need to go to a photo host to post pictures. I really like this knife.:)

And there is no blade play.
 
I belive the closer pinch grip is causing less pivot tension because it is actually pulling the lock bar and detect completely free of the tang. The PM2 has amazing action and I would be interested in knowing why other compression lock Spydercos don’t also utilize a pivot bushing like the Pm2 and Seb 21
 
David45 said:
I have read the pivot tension sometimes needs adjustment, but this one handed opening/closing method is fast, easy, my fingers are completely out of the way and I never have to touch the blade to get full closure.

I like it, but wonder if the tension on the pivot should change so much just by changing the way I hold this wonderful new blade
Click to expand...

Ha, Ha,
Good one.
I just tested three Para2s :
  • My newest, a BladeHQ Exlusive M4, just a couple of days out of the box dropped easily both ways (thumb on pivot as well as direct pinch).
  • My oldest a black handle, DLC, S30V dropped easily both ways
and
the clincher
  • My less than a year old S110V Blurple which DID NOT DROP with thumb on pivot but drops easily when pinched.
Isn't that interesting !
I've always thought S110V is evil . . . the work of the devil . . . watch yourself . . . wear a cross at ALL TIMES. :p :)

PS : In the past on all three para 2s I had adjusted the pivot ever so slightly so I got a free action. I very carefully adjusted like a degree of a turn at a time and tested until just right.
 
Last edited:
David45 said:
I wish I didn't need to go to a photo host to post pictures.
Click to expand...

well .......... you know ...........
if you became a Member you get to post photos directly.
I put it off way too long.
Joined up recently.
Life is good in the club.
IMG_4683.JPG IMG_4650.jpg IMG_3756_2.jpg IMG_3755_2.jpg IMG_3753_2.jpg IMG_3757_2.jpg
 
Pm2 is a complex knife to adjust if you want the action you want while keeping the blade centered and free of play. The pivot adjustments have to be done on both sides same with the stop pin. Then you have to use loctite. Stop pin can be making the knife tighter just at the top, pinching it. Its not all pivot is what I'm saying.
Every pm2 is different. You gotta work it. Welcome to the forum.
 
^^ This. The stop pin needs to be adjusted - loosened - sometimes. Had to do this on couple of occasions to get the desired action. Make sure you have the right tools.
 
Thanks for the reassurance guys. It seems this observation isn't an issue as the blade has no play, it's centered and locks and unlocks just fine. I won't be adjusting anything except to add a Casey Lynch clip - blue fade to purple.
The PM2 fits my hand perfectly -- it's juuust right.
 
thought i would just say!if you ever change scales on a PM2 your in for a real treat!!i added some titanium ones and find these when in colder weather the lock sticks,and in hotter weather its blade drops free,i think because titanium expands with changes with hot/cold!works fine in summer time though,its the only PM2 i have had problems with out of three.
 
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