Paramilitary 2 issues

F

full flat grind

Joined
Jun 5, 2015
Messages
276
Hi all, I'm a noob here on the forum, still learning a lot and enjoying all the knife info.

Here's my situation:

I really like the PM2 and have three of them. Here they are:

20150611_122649_zpshvazjctk.jpg


They're all awesome, but my most recent purchase (the one on the bottom) has a really stiff action and sticky (actually kind of grindy) lock bar release. The top two are buttery smooth and work like champs.

I know that there's usually a break-in period, but I've opened and closed this knife so frequently over the last few days (I've had it for 3 days) that I'm starting to develop a callus on the tip of my right index finger from pressing the release tab.

The stickiness / stiffness has gotten better, but seems to have plateaued. It is not extreme but definitely noticeable. I expect more out of a PM2 and would like it to be rectified.

My question is this:

Should I

1. send it back to the seller for an exchange
2. keep working it until it loosens up
3. send it to Spyderco for a tune-up
4. send it to a qualified pro for a tune-up
5. something else?

Thanks in advance.
 
wiredbeans said:
Did you adjust the pivot tension? Loosen it 1/12 turn?
Click to expand...

Yes, I forgot to mention that I adjusted the pivot screw and lubricated the pivot and locking mechanism with Tuf-glide.

It helped some, but the situation remains.

The main issue for me is that the lock release "catches" and grinds a bit when it is initially released, especially after I flick it open.

If I open the blade slowly and let it gently lock into position, it's not too bad. But I like to flick it open, and the catch is a drag. I have to push harder on the lock tab and the action is rough and grindy.
 
Hi Full Flat Grind,

Welcome to our forum.

Sorry for your dilemma. It's unusual that the model would be "cranky". Our Golden knife-makers make a lot of these and they have it down. Some possibilities;

It has been taken apart and re-assembled.
It is a counterfeit.
We just screwed up.

Unfortunately we can't determine any of the above unless we have the knife in our hands.

Keep us posted.

sal
 
Sal Glesser said:
Hi Full Flat Grind,

Welcome to our forum.

Sorry for your dilemma. It's unusual that the model would be "cranky". Our Golden knife-makers make a lot of these and they have it down. Some possibilities;

It has been taken apart and re-assembled.
It is a counterfeit.
We just screwed up.

Unfortunately we can't determine any of the above unless we have the knife in our hands.

Keep us posted.

sal
Click to expand...

Hi Sal,

Thanks for your prompt reply.

I did not take it apart or re-assemble it and I'm confident that it is a legit Spyderco.

I'll play with it a bit more and perhaps I'll let you guys take a look at it.

Thanks again.
 
Did you adjust the stop pin?
On the PM2 (and some others) the blade stop and pivot work in harmony. Try loosening the stop a little and tinkering with both adjustments.
It won't help with the sticky lock though, try scratching some pencil graphite on the blade lock face till everything breaks in.
Don't disassemble anything though. As Sal stated, send it in if a few minor adjustments won't put things right.
 
Barman1 said:
Did you adjust the stop pin?
On the PM2 (and some others) the blade stop and pivot work in harmony. Try loosening the stop a little and tinkering with both adjustments.
It won't help with the sticky lock though, try scratching some pencil graphite on the blade lock face till everything breaks in.
Don't disassemble anything though. As Sal stated, send it in if a few minor adjustments won't put things right.
Click to expand...

Thanks, I did not adjust the stop pin and I have some graphite lube. I'll try those.
 
In my experience DLC models take longer to break in due to the coating
 
Still blows me away that Sal comes and responds to people on here. That's one reason why my last 6 purchases were Spyderco. That, and they're very addicting! I had lock stick with my PM2. It seemed to go away for the most part. Comes and goes. I did the sop pin trick. Have it carbidized if it really bothers you. I've thought about having it done but not sure where to take it.
 
707sequel said:
Still blows me away that Sal comes and responds to people on here. That's one reason why my last 6 purchases were Spyderco. That, and they're very addicting! I had lock stick with my PM2. It seemed to go away for the most part. Comes and goes. I did the sop pin trick. Have it carbidized if it really bothers you. I've thought about having it done but not sure where to take it.
Click to expand...

We crap. Until a couple months ago I've never had a Spyderco, but since have purchased over a dozen. It's that darn Blue Domino that hooked me. But still don't have a PM2....soon though.
 
My dlc pm2 still has a grindy feel at times. Like you said more noticeable when flicked. I rubbed the pencil lead in the notch in the blade and it helps
 
I second what Barman said about the stop pin and pivot working in harmony. I had the same issue with my satin PM2 but not quite as pronounced. Managed to resolve it by tightening the pivot pretty tight and tightening the stop pin tight but not too tight. I found that the tighter I got the stop pin the better the lock release was. However, if you get it too tight the blade won't swing freely when the lock bar is depressed. Also, you'll have to reapply loctite once you find the sweet spot for both.
 
Just keep messing with it, the graphite worked for me. Learn the ins and outs.

Due to the sweat equity you put in it, via having to "fix" it, it will eventually be bonded to you, forever, as is my first Military!
 
I remember my original PM had lock stick as bad as some Ti framelocks. I personally haven't had that issue since PM2.

Sounds like a problem that might be solved with a simple reassembly, but too bad many companies still think their customers aren't smart enough to take apart and maintain their knives.

I would play around with it a bit and exchange it with the seller if it doesn't improve.
 
I think you should take it apart to familiarize yourself with your blade. Never know what you might find in the meantime. Could be a grain of sand from the grind. Just sayin.
 
Lottapp said:
I think you should take it apart to familiarize yourself with your blade. Never know what you might find in the meantime. Could be a grain of sand from the grind. Just sayin.
Click to expand...

Not a bad idea. Just be aware (if you aren't already) that disassembling the knife voids your warranty.
 
ejames13 said:
Not a bad idea. Just be aware (if you aren't already) that disassembling the knife voids your warranty.
Click to expand...
To be fair, the Spyderco warranty reads damage due to disassembly. So of it is taken apart and put back together correctly and damage wasn't caused by disassembly, would it actually void the warranty?
 
Thats the letter they put in the box for idiots who don't know that the screws may actually be holding it together. Not directed, just my idea of the warranty void. They wouldn't have that in the box if someone didn't at one point try to disassemble one with a chisel.
 
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