Trident Folder Tanto Lockup play/wiggle

Joined
Jul 26, 2006
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Hello everyone, this is my first post to this forum, but I've been reading for quite some time. This forum is great wealth of information for all levels of knife enthusiasts!

I recently purchased a Trident Folder Tanto, and I have to say I'm a bit concerned with the lock up. With the blade open, a good amount of flex is visible when pressure is applied to the spine of the blade. It almost appears that the zytel is going to give way with even small amounts of hand pressure.

Aside from the lockup issue, I am very pleased with the knife design and action. The only other assisted opener I have experience with is a Benchmade Apparition, and although the opening mechanisms are totally different, I find that the SOG has bit more snap which I like. I think I would like this knife a bit more with an aluminum grip or even better with steel liners and zytel scales. For such a tough looking setup, it just seems appropriate.
 
I've never had that problem with the SOG knives, and I currently own two. I used to have the Flash 2 with the plain edge. Its possible that your knife is defective, because I've played around with the Tridents quite a bit, and they seem to be pretty sturdy.

It could be that you're having an issue with the locking mechanism where it isnt engaging all the way (hopefully that makes sense).
 
I bought one and returned it ... proceeded to check another 4 identical knives, all had the same play. Sales person claimed the SOG rep said it was intentional because of the assist feature. Dunno ... but I left the store without one ... :thumbdn:
 
Yeah, I'm not ready to give up on it just yet. I really do like the knife, so hopefully I'll get lucky and Chris@SOG will chime in and put my concerns to rest:thumbup:
 
Alright....that sucks then....I never had that problem, but oh well. To be honest, I prefer the Flash 2 and Twitch XL to the Trident models.
 
Just posted about the play in my Flash II before I saw this thread.

Sent it back to SOG and has the same side to side play when open
as it did when I bought it.

It may be right that the assisted opening needs a slightly loose
blade.

I'm pretty disappointed in SOG right now. This is my first folder
from them. I guess I'll stick with Benchmade for folders, maybe try
a Spyderco for a change. I'm a sucker for a nice tanto folder.

Anyone want a Flash II Tanto TiNi coated?
 
My solution for blade wobble has been to just tighten the pivot screw just a wee bit. Does not take much. Using a hex key of the correct size (not sure of the size, had to try a few to find the correct one), just a bit of a turn, no more than half a turn, has corrected many a wobbly blade. Just don't overtighten, or the SAT won't work.
 
I have a Topo Meridian assisted opening folder. Locks up tight and straight with no play in any direction, so I do not think that blade play is inherent with the assisted opening models. I am sure that SOG will make it right if given the chance. Good luck and don't give up yet.
 
Richard Gross said:
My solution for blade wobble has been to just tighten the pivot screw just a wee bit. Does not take much. Using a hex key of the correct size (not sure of the size, had to try a few to find the correct one), just a bit of a turn, no more than half a turn, has corrected many a wobbly blade. Just don't overtighten, or the SAT won't work.

I looked at the blade pivot on the Flash II and it doesn't appear to be a hex
head. It looks like it may have started life with some sort of pattern to it but
now looks kind of buggered up inside.

SOG says they replaced the "female pivot fasteners" but I'm not sure what
the female part is referring to.
 
I had the same side to side play with my Trident Tigerstripe folder. Luckily it was easily fixed by tighting the pivot screw with a 2mm hex head, and a few drops of BreakFree CLP. Works as it should now.
 
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