problems opening my native 3

L

Liquidm1980

Joined
Jun 26, 2005
Messages
555
is it me or does anyone find it difficult to open. i can open my kopa, delica, and benchmade 550 a lot easier. i think the hole is to close to the handle. dont get my wrong i love the knife it feels great it my hands just wish it was easier to open.

james
 
I have heard of others having this problem. One person thought the lockbar spring was too stiff. I don't have this problem with my FRN Wal-Mart Natives, so I suspect it is just the 3's that are hard to open. My usual solution when I encounter this sort of thing is to was out the pivot with Gun Scrubber (or starting fluid) then re-oil and work the blade a couple hundred times. If it is grit in the works, that usually takes care of it. If the spring is the problem, it may take a trip back to Golden to fix it. Good luck.
 
The spring on the C78 Native III is stiffer than those in most other Spyderco lockbacks. That, coupled with the relatively short radius between the thumb hole and blade pivot which gives you less leverage, do make it require somewhat more force to open. The "upside" of the equation is that it is less likely than just about any other tip up carry model to pop open in your pocket.

A good cleaning can't hurt, may help somewhat, but I would expect a Native III to always require more force to open than a Delica.
 
I'm certain I've seen where another poster or two has modified the scales by tastefully trimming away some of the FRT where it blocks the hole. Better purchase for the thumb probably helps.
 
It's funny; my first "good" knife was a Native III, so I never noticed it being tough to open... My other Spydies did seem a bit easier, though. ;)
 
i think its that the hole is to close to the handle. if it wasnt blue maybe i would look at trimming it. i love the grip, i just wish it was easier to open. i suppose i could "wave it"

thanks
james
 
Liquidm1980 said:
i think its that the hole is to close to the handle. if it wasnt blue maybe i would look at trimming it. i love the grip, i just wish it was easier to open. i suppose i could "wave it"

thanks
james
Click to expand...

Yeah I remember when I got my first 3D I worked up a little blister on my thumb trying to push it into that recessed hole. I changed my technique after that and don't seem to have any more problems opening right or left hand. One adjusts........
 
As with BuckyKatt, the Native III is my first 'good' knife also so i really have no other reference to base it's action on. personally i like the amount of pressure it takes to initiate the opening, it sorta feels reassuringly solid. i've never had any problem opening it in a hurry when i need to deploy though.
the pivot seems pretty smooth to me already but applying a good quality lube can't hurt at all.
 
I appreciate the insight you provided Deacon. Sounds like a good explination. My Native 3D also has the stiffer action, but is also very smooth.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top