PM 2 difficulty opening HELP!

scsu74

scsu74

Joined
Apr 29, 2012
Messages
753
So I received my first PM2 today and I have to say I'm thinking about sending it back to Spyderco. When I try and thumb flick open or use any other flicking method the blade only opens about halfway and doesn't even come close to locking open. The only way I can reliably get the blade open is to ride the blade open slowly with my thumb or to hold the blade and flick my wrist downwards.

From all the reviews I read and videos I've watched, I was expecting the blade to be very smooth and fast opening. So far that is not the case. I tried adjusting the pivot screw and stop pin screw and that helped a little bit, but still isn't locking open 100%. Is there something I'm missing or does it just need to break in? I've cleaned and lubed the pivot area and have opened it probably close to 100 times since getting it. Are there counterfeits being made? Maybe I just got a knockoff... Thanks for the help in advance!
 
I had the same problem with mine. Contacted spyderco an they said it was a defective detent. They replaced it with no hassle
 
Mine was a little stiff, but I added two drops of oil to the pivot and it's now perfectly smooth. You might have a fit and finish issue. You know where they drill the screw holes for the pocket clip? Look to see if those have a burr sticking out and rubbing against the blade tang. You might want to send it in to Spyderco and see if they can fix it for you. It should be very smooth.
 
I just got my para2 and mine doesnt fly out all the way with a thumb flick. I have to add a lil wrist flick...im going to try some oil when I get home.
 
When I first handled my PM2, I thought I was going to rip my thump print off opening it. After a couple of thump flicks, I found the sweet spot to place my thumb and the blade flew open. How many times have you opened the knife? I have found that there is a break in period on my smoother knives. However, it sounds like some 3in1 oil is in order for you. I would recommend one small drop of oil on each side of the blade. Next, hold the lock open with one hand and work the blade with the other hand. Go all the way to the pivot and as far closed as you can without cutting yourself.
Try that and let me know.
 
You need to adjust BOTH pivot screws, as they sandwich the pivot bushing. My PM2 felt exactly how you describe even after adjusting the lock-side pivot screw. Backed the non-lock-side off a tiny bit and viola.
 
Squashfan said:
When I first handled my PM2, I thought I was going to rip my thump print off opening it. After a couple of thump flicks, I found the sweet spot to place my thumb and the blade flew open. How many times have you opened the knife? I have found that there is a break in period on my smoother knives. However, it sounds like some 3in1 oil is in order for you. I would recommend one small drop of oil on each side of the blade. Next, hold the lock open with one hand and work the blade with the other hand. Go all the way to the pivot and as far closed as you can without cutting yourself.
Try that and let me know.
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I've opened it around 100 times. I've already used compressed air to blow any/all *Edit* out, added CLP and worked that it by moving the blade as you described and finally added slip2000 EWL lube/oil to both sides of the blade. I'll try adjusting the backside pivot screw and see if that helps I guess. Just sucks spydercos turn around time is currently 3 weeks :(
 
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scsu74 said:
I've opened it around 100 times. I've already used compressed air to blow any/all *Edit* out, added CLP and worked that it by moving the blade as you described and finally added slip2000 EWL lube/oil to both sides of the blade. I'll try adjusting the backside pivot screw and see if that helps I guess. Just sucks spydercos turn around time is currently 3 weeks :(
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I tried everything that was on here as well, mine was just a fit and finish issue. If you got it from a dealer contact them first. The PM 2 is in high demand right now so that is prolly why the turn around is so long. Just dont get to crazy trying to figure out whats going on a void the warranty.
 
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Nic S. said:
I tried everything that was on here as well, mine was just a fit and finish issue. If you got it from a dealer contact them first. The PM 2 is in high demand right now so that is prolly why the turn around is so long. Just dont get to crazy trying to figure out whats going on a void the warranty.
Click to expand...

Ya, definitely won't be doing anything crazy. Probably keep messing with the screws and just open it a ton until Monday. If its not better by then ill send it in
 
Officer's Match said:
You need to adjust BOTH pivot screws, as they sandwich the pivot bushing. My PM2 felt exactly how you describe even after adjusting the lock-side pivot screw. Backed the non-lock-side off a tiny bit and viola.
Click to expand...

This is a good piece of advice that worked for me as well.
 
When adjusting the pivot screw does it matter if the blade is closed or open or in between?
 
I've had a few that came pretty stiff, I would just play with it like crazy and let it break itself in. I would look at the pocket clip screw holes around the pivot and look for a burr though, If there's no burr in the holes I wouldn't oil a thing, reason being is friction is what breaks in knives, I do oil my knives, but not until they have been broken in first. Your problem is probably the screws though IF I had to bet and a little tweaking with the pivot and the first frame screw can make all the difference in the world. As others have said don't get crazy trying to fix it and void your warranty, as in don't take it apart, give it some time, play with it and I bet it will smooth out.
 
If you pinch the lock and hold it does the blade swing freely?
When you are trying to flip open, try pointing the knife down to see if gravity will help.
When you get the hang of that you should be able to flip it holding strait out as it breaks in.
 
FTR-14c said:
If you pinch the lock and hold it does the blade swing freely?
When you are trying to flip open, try pointing the knife down to see if gravity will help.
When you get the hang of that you should be able to flip it holding strait out as it breaks in.
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It didn't when I got it, but after adjusting the pivot screws it does swing freely now
 
scsu74 said:
It didn't when I got it, but after adjusting the pivot screws it does swing freely now
Click to expand...

Sounds like all is well then. I agree about breaking any knife in, but some come too gritty and IMHO will prematurely wear if not cleaned (most of my Emersons for example came this way).
 
FTR-14c said:
Now that the blade is free are you having any luck opening it?
Click to expand...

Still has a lot of friction, but its easier now. Going to keep on opening it a ton and see if it smoothed out. Still haven't checked for a burr as recommended, on the to do list. Thanks for all the help everyone!
 
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