Question for Military owners ( or Spyderco )

[rjudoka]

I have had my new Military for a few days now and have to say that overall am very happy with it as I have been with all Spyderco products in the past. My only complaint is that it is very tight in the pivot, making opening the knife harder than any knife I have. It takes quite a bit to thumb it open and inertia openings ala Mike Janich are out of the question. My stupid ? of the day, can the torx bolt at the pivot be loosened up to ease opening or will I be causeing myself problems by playing with it.

Thanks, Rick

 

[Buzzbait]

Yes, you can loosen the pivot to make opening easier. The downside is that loosening the pivot will induce some lateral blade play. If you go too far, you can introduce too much play and the lock will not be secure. The Military should open easily with a minimum of lateral blade play. Lubricate the pivot and then back off the bolt until the blade swings a bit more freely. You’ll know you’ve gone too far if the ball detent no longer holds the blade in the closed position securely. I know that my pivot is just about right if I can do a “Spydie drop” without a problem, but not have the blade swing open with just gravity.

Keep in mind that the Military just isn’t as smooth as many liner locks. It should be functionally smooth enough for proper operation, but that “buttery smoothness” just never seems to be there.

 

[sph3ric pyramid]

Yeah, my Military wasn't exactly the smoothest knife I own, but it will open easily with no bladeplay in either direction. It's best to back the pivot off to your favored position and Loc-Tite it in that position.