Sal, I would be very interested in hearing your take on this

[bigbcustom]

I came across this thread in the general discussion forum which is in need of (in my opinon anyway) the opinion of an expert in the field. Here is the link http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=432805 It involves the repeated failure of the lockback mechanism of several Spyderco models most notably the Manix, and Chinook. I am of the opinion that the test being used is causing failure due to inertia of the large lock bars on those models, and wouldn't effect actual use as the condition generated would never be encountered in a "real world" scenario, but I am far from being any kind of expert in these matters so thought I would bring this question up in a forum where it might draw the attention of someone who would be able to give a definitive answer.

 

[Sal Glesser]

Hi Bibbcustom,

We had a few of the big lockbacks made a couple of years ago turn up with a problem in some of the locks. When they showed up, we replaced them for the customers. Investigation revealed that a short run of locks was about 4 points softer than standard. The manager that approved the locks is no longer with the company, the heat treater is no longer working for us and a new interim QC procedure was put into place to avoid such a problem in the future.

In the case of the thread mentioned, We've not heard from the customer. It's hard to tell anything without seeing the piece. The customer purchased the knife used, so there is no telling history.

I'm sure that if the customer were to contact us, we'd take good care of them.

sal

 

[gunmike1]

Thanks for the reply, Sal. Up front and honest, as always. Any production run will turn up a few problem products, That is inevitable and why there are warrantees. Spyderco has one of the best, if not the best warrantee in the knife world. I've only had one problem with a Spyderco and my knife was replaced in short order, with a note that the knife would be studied to find out what caused the problem. It's obvious from this reply that you actually do study the failed knives, and obviously you find out the problem and correct it. It is great to see the owner of a company be so upfront not only about issues like this, but publishing things like your lock strength numbers. Instead of using hype you let the numbers and the knives speak for themselves.

 

[Ken C.]

It simply amazes me that the first thing a person does is complain about a knife failure on a forum without first contacting the manufacturer. It just goes to show that some people would rather complain than take the time to get the problem solved. Seems lazy to me.

 

[Artfully Martial]

Well, I agree for the most part. I can see asking for advice on what to do, but it seemed a straight criticism of the two most important knife companies...

I think the point of that discussion, it was claimed, was to find out what's so great about the big two since this guy wasn't having a good time with them. I felt a little trollery, honestly...

 

[bigbcustom]

Sal,

Thank you very much for posting to this thread so quickly. I had no doubts that the customer would be taken excellent care of from you and your folks. I have 30+ Spydercos personally, and sell quite a few as well. I just wanted to bring that thread to your attention, and find out what your view was on the perceived problem. In case it isn't obvious, I am a staunch Spyderco fan...not just for the knives, but also for your support of the military, and dedication to the ELU. Thanks again, Brian

 

[Sal Glesser]

Hi Brian,

Thanx for the kind words and thanx for calling the thread to my attention.

Also, thanx for the support and fer noticin'.

sal

 

[lreed]

Again, spyderco got serious customer service and quality control. That person complaining about lock failure should have contacted with spyderco first.

 

[yablanowitz]

That person probably should not be allowed to own knives with moving parts

 

[zenheretic]

It simply amazes me that the first thing a person does is complain about a knife failure on a forum without first contacting the manufacturer. It just goes to show that some people would rather complain than take the time to get the problem solved. Seems lazy to me.

It gets really amazing when they take the trouble to look up Spyderco.com on the internet; bypass the first page that links to Spyderco contacts as well as warranty information (although personally I think both should be more prominent on the first page), then takes the trouble to go through approval to be allowed to post, (it isn't instant so as better to monitor for trolls/spam) and then complain. It would have been so much easier to contact warranty, but then I guess they don't get the pleasure of complaining publically. :grumpy:

 

[dialex]

Good point. Everyone needs his / hers 10 minutes of glory: "I've been abducted by aliens!", "I made a working Perpetuum Mobile" or "I managed to break the lock of a Spyderco!" :jerkit:

 

[Carl64]

In that thread, someone refers to a post by Sal on the Spyderco.com forum about "ramp" vs. "hook" of the lock. The Mini Manix I looked at in person was way into "ramp" territory. Assuming it was fixed, I guess some bad ones are still out there.

As always, I think the idea that someone should not talk about a defective product is ridiculous, whether it was fixed under warranty or not. I normally prefer products that are less likely to need warranty service, assuming other things are equal. Having to send a new knife in for service is a perfectly valid complaint.

 

[zenheretic]

As always, I think the idea that someone should not talk about a defective product is ridiculous, whether it was fixed under warranty or not. I normally prefer products that are less likely to need warranty service, assuming other things are equal. Having to send a new knife in for service is a perfectly valid complaint.

Sure, no one was suggesting it should never be mentioned. However, when some one rushes to the nearest public forum to denounce not one but rather two different leading manufacturers; and we know he didn't bother to contact them first for warranty work, well I'm sorry that is weasel BS.

 

[Carl64]

Sure, no one was suggesting it should never be mentioned. However, when some one rushes to the nearest public forum to denounce not one but rather two different leading manufacturers; and we know he didn't bother to contact them first for warranty work, well I'm sorry that is weasel BS.

I don't think we got anywhere on that. "Rushes to..." doesn't have much objective meaning. Is it OK to complain about the initial condition of a product or not? Why should they wait for any particular time or event? They can talk about how great warranty service was later, if they choose to do that. They got a product, it was defective, they said so. What a weasel.

Your implication that the outcome of warranty service is as important, or maybe more important, than the condition of the knives when new is an interpretation of the experience reported. If someone thinks too many complaints about the condition of new products is a sign of bad quality, they are equally entitled to that interpretation as you are to yours. Either interpretation is the reader's opinion of the data, which is stated clearly for all to read, not a fact about it, and could be argued for.

Jumping ahead and calling the poster a weasel for not taking further action to give your opinion a chance to prove itself assumes that your opinion is true, and of course the value of warranty service can't be proven in that situation because, as you have complained, they didn't take action and... see the circle forming yet?

 

[zenheretic]

If you don't understand the difference between a real knife report and what this character was doing I see no point in wasting my time explaining it to you. I have a sneaking suspicion you don't want to listen. But I'll point you down the path should you feel like looking:

I really don't know how those good words about BM/Spydie come out and why you guys like them so much? ....

Note this isn't revealed until post #7

The 2 Manix are lightly used, perhaps less than 2 yrs old.from my friend. open and close smoothly, no blade play etc.

BTW NO ONE said he shouldn't report his problems. Many just don't care for his methodology. Obviously you think it is hunky dory.