Sick Manix needs help.

[Infi-del]

Hi everyone. I have an original Manix that I absolutely LOVE. It's my only folder not counting mutli-tools. It seems to have a fussy pivot. I can quite seem to get it tuned right. A tiny turn of the pivot screw one way and the knife is floppy and won't stay closed. A tiny turn the other direction and the knife becomes super stiff and hard to open. One of the clip screws is all stripped too. It's also seems like the lock bar sticks up a little when open... like the lock isn't seating all the way. That might just be the nature of the knife though.

Is this something I can send it in to Spyderco for? Or is there someone that can give the knife an overhaul? I really just want it taken apart and tuned up and refurbished I guess. Love the knife and wanna keep it forever.

 

[Infi-del]

Some pics...

Here it is closed and everything seems to fit together ok.

Open... the lock bar stands up. This might be perfectly normal.

Lock bar sits down when open. Again... this could be normal.

Little bit of a gap between frame and knife when open.

 

[Clanton]

It probably just needs a good cleaning. Wash it with some hot soapy water then dry it out really good with compressed air Then add a drop or two of your favorite lube. Works most of the time.

 

[Twindog]

You can check the receiving slot at the back of the blade spine to see if something is preventing the lockbar from fully seating, but your photos clearly show something wrong. My Manix lockbar is flush with the scales whether open or closes, and it has no gap between the liner and the lockbar.

I'd call Spyderco and send it back to be repaired.

 

[Frankki]

Cleaning is a good idea, you might also need to adjust the lockbar pivot screw. My current Manix arrived with blade pivot screw tightened by the previous owner, and I had to work for a while with both blade and lockbar tightness until it was smooth and secure + centered. There's a balance and sweet spot in there but it takes a moment to find it.

 

[aquaman67]

I have an original 80mm Mini Manix. When there was a gap like that on mine, I took it apart and there was a small pebble / grain of sand / something in it. I cleaned it and it went back together with no gap.

Now, you're not supposed to do this. And with an already stripped screw I'd call Spyderco and they'll probably say to send it on for a Spa treatment. Maybe even get it sharpened unless you like your edges better.

 

[Infi-del]

Cleaning is a good idea, you might also need to adjust the lockbar pivot screw. My current Manix arrived with blade pivot screw tightened by the previous owner, and I had to work for a while with both blade and lockbar tightness until it was smooth and secure + centered. There's a balance and sweet spot in there but it takes a moment to find it.

Thank you... I think this is exactly what's going on. I think the bar pivot is TOO tight which creates that gap and the wild looseness of the blade pivot. I tapped the lock bar on the edge of my desk (literally like a 3 tiny taps) and the lock bar seated WAY better. I feel it is a matter of adjusting the tension between the bar pivot and blade pivot to get a proper balance. If that doesn't work... off to Spyderco she goes.

Here is a pick after I tapped the lock bar...

 

[Frankki]

Good luck with the adjusting process! Using two T-8 bits, one to keep the pivot from spinning and one to turn the screw will most likely be necessary. Using a vise (or a third hand) to hold the knife will also help. Based on my experience, vises are more commonly available.

 

[KAEDC]

Good luck with the adjusting process! Using two T-8 bits, one to keep the pivot from spinning and one to turn the screw will most likely be necessary. Using a vise (or a third hand) to hold the knife will also help. Based on my experience, vises are more commonly available.

LoL, I just use my feet, I have 10 toes I can risk a few!