Sage 3 stiff bolt lock/review

[microtech85]

Hello,

I just purchased a new sage 3 in carbon fiber from a local authorized spyderco retailer. The bolt lock on it is quite stiff. the studs really dig into my thump in finger just to disengage it. I can only do it a few times before my thumb starts to feel a little raw. My question is, is this normal? And will it break in and get looser over time? I have applied some rem oil just to check off lube as an issue. Otherwise, my first impressions are positive. I find it to be a nice middle ground between my native 5 g10 and my 940-1. The blade length is just right for my use, and the carbon fiber pattern on the handle is very pretty. Best of all, the handle has plenty of grip for an edc knife, yet is smooth enough not to cause excessive wear to my pockets. The wire clip has excellent retention and is very discreet. It becomes a little more difficult to draw from pocket because of how deep it sits, but it is a worthy trade off for discreet carry at the office and in public. Besides the stiffness, I like the bolt action lock. It is similar to the benchmade axis, but I get the impression that it will be a more durable lock. My 940-1 axis lock just broke 3 days ago after only 7 months of ownership. (it was purchased new from authorized retailer). The lock still works on the benchmade since it appears as though only one of the two omega springs broke, so the knife is still usable, so at least there is some redundancy in the design which can get you by until you can have service. Also, another nice thing about the sage 3 is how smooth the blade opens and closes, plus it does not make nearly as loud of a sound as the native 5 does when the lock engages. It seems to me that part of the reason the blade pivots so smoothly is because the bolt lock does not put very much pressure on the tang of the blade, so there is relatively little friction compared to other locking designs. However, the slight downside of that is that the blade is a little bit easier to open unintentionally compared to other lock types.

 

[flarp]

I have the blue G10 Sage 3. Two things will happen with use. One, the lock on the Sage will wear in and get easier to work. Two, your thumb will get used to it (will get callused), so you won't notice it as much. So, just use the knife, and in short order, all will be well.

 

[Sharp Guy]

The bolt action lock on my Sage 3 is a little stiff but it moves easily enough that I can disengage it with either my thumb or index finger. I still typically use both my thumb and index finger because that's what I'm used to doing with my Manix 2's and BM Axis locks.

I'll agree with flarp's suggestion that the lock will become easier to work in time. It'll probably never be as easy to pull back as a Axis lock but easier than a CBBL lock on a Manix 2.

I'll also agree with your observation that the blade opens and closes very smoothly and that at least part of the reason is the relatively weak detent. At least with my example, it's not so weak that I worry about it opening accidentally though. Also the lighter detent prevents the knife from flicking open as nice as some of the others but not a big deal to me. I'm about over flicking my knives open and the knife wasn't really designed to be flicked open anyway.

One drawback to the bolt-action lock is that the knife is a little wider in the pocket than the rest of the Sage series. Again, not really a show stopper but it's enough that I don't put in my pocket as much as some of my others.

Regardless of my nitpicking, it's a great knife and I'm sure you'll enjoy it for a long time once you get that lock broken in.

 

[microtech85]

Thanks for the responses. I do in fact use my thumb and finger to operate the bolt lock, just as I do with my axis lock. I didn't proof read before I posted so that fact was not conveyed. The lock is easy to manipulate when the blade is closed, but it is when I try to disengage the lock that I encounter some gritty resistance or jerkiness (if that's a word). I notice that the sage 3 is a pretty wide knife. From the photos I see online, it appears wider than the sage 1 and 2. I measured my sage 3 at its widest point to 1.781" and 1.531" measured inline with the center of the bolt that holds on the clip. Can anyone post the width of sage 1 and 2? For comparison the native 5 g10 is 1.421" at widest point and 1.234" inline with center of lanyard hole. Those are my measurements taken with a General Tool Brand Model 300 ruler.
Thanks, Jon

 

[Sharp Guy]

I notice that the sage 3 is a pretty wide knife. From the photos I see online, it appears wider than the sage 1 and 2. I measured my sage 3 at its widest point to 1.781" and 1.531" measured inline with the center of the bolt that holds on the clip. Can anyone post the width of sage 1 and 2? For comparison the native 5 g10 is 1.421" at widest point and 1.234" inline with center of lanyard hole. Those are my measurements taken with a General Tool Brand Model 300 ruler.
Thanks, Jon

As mentioned in my previous post the Sage 3 is wider than the other Sages.

Measured at the widest point with my B&S dial caliper:

Sage 1: 1.553"
Sage 2: 1.574"
Sage 3: 1.771

(Bad) Pic for visual reference:

 

[THEJimmyN]

Sorry that happened to your 940. I've never had good luck with Benchmades, always resold them. As for your Sage 3, I recall mine being quite stiff at the beginning too. Hurt my fingers but now it's one of the smoothest knives I own. I've kept mine for over 2 years. Also, wanted to mention that the knife has a closed-off spine and metal background on the lock. I feel like these things will make the Sage 3 dirty real fast which will cause the lock to feel sticky. Some maintenance is required but worth it IMO.