Spyderco's Bushing System

[aqgonzo]

I've heard about the bushing system used on the Manix 2, Para 2, and Native 5 and I had a couple questions about it. I know the pivot isn't adjustable so does that mean if any blade play is developed there is nothing to do about it or does this design prevent any blade play from ever happening? I realize a little play won't affect performance but its something that bugs me and I want to know if I should be aware of anything. Thanks.

 

[RevDevil]

Everyone seems to have their own unique idea of what "bladeplay" is. There are lots of degrees to which a blade can be truly out of spec. In short, if it is something that hinders the knives ability to cut, lock, and otherwise function the warranty will take care it, and rightly so. Most peoduction knives have something that is not "perfect".

 

[The Deacon]

Assuming there is none to begin with, if horizontal blade play ever develops it will most likely be caused by one of two things. Either one of the pivot screws has loosened, or the washers have worn down.

In short, if it is something that hinders the knives ability to cut, lock, and otherwise function the warranty will take care it, and rightly so.

True, assuming it issue is not caused by abuse, inept tinkering, or normal wear and tear.

 

[78LilRed]

I don't see the blade getting vertical play from the washers wearing away, that would just cause more horizontal. The abuse videos I've seen requires bending the lock bar to create play.

 

[Dorito Monk]

See, I found that there is side-to-side blade play in both of my Orange Manix 2's which can't be eliminated, no matter how much I tighten both sides of the pivot. I brought it up on here a little while back and the consensus was that there isn't anything I can do to eliminate that blade play and that Spyderco can't be bothered with it. On my CTSBD30P manix 2 and Paramilitary 2, however, I can adjust the pivot any which way I like.

Is it possible, therefore, that they have fixed this problem (the problem of being unable to adjust the pivots of knives that use the new bushing system) in more recent months?

 

[JNewell]

Most likely simple dimensional differences within the expected production range. That also is the possible explanation for why your Manix 2 and Para 2 do not have any lateral play on the pivot, although it is also possible (maybe even likely) that Spyderco has fine-tuned their production tolerances as time goes by.

See, I found that there is side-to-side blade play in both of my Orange Manix 2's which can't be eliminated, no matter how much I tighten both sides of the pivot. I brought it up on here a little while back and the consensus was that there isn't anything I can do to eliminate that blade play and that Spyderco can't be bothered with it. On my CTSBD30P manix 2 and Paramilitary 2, however, I can adjust the pivot any which way I like.

Is it possible, therefore, that they have fixed this problem (the problem of being unable to adjust the pivots of knives that use the new bushing system) in more recent months?

 

[The Deacon]

See, I found that there is side-to-side blade play in both of my Orange Manix 2's which can't be eliminated, no matter how much I tighten both sides of the pivot. I brought it up on here a little while back and the consensus was that there isn't anything I can do to eliminate that blade play and that Spyderco can't be bothered with it. On my CTSBD30P manix 2 and Paramilitary 2, however, I can adjust the pivot any which way I like.

Is it possible, therefore, that they have fixed this problem (the problem of being unable to adjust the pivots of knives that use the new bushing system) in more recent months?

Replacing the washers with slightly thicker ones, or adding a very thin extra washer to each side, would probably cure it.