Tuning the PM2... Your thoughts?

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YetAnotherKnifeEnthusiast

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So, because I'm on a massive Spyderco bender right now, I'm watching all kinds of videos and I came across this one:

I thought it was a great video, and I even ordered the Lanyard block tool featured in it (breaking a scale is my worst nightmare). Anyway, a lot of positive comments on that video, but I wanted to know what you all thought about it, and if there's anything in that video to be weary of? I do plan on sanding down my G10 scales a bit (just so they won't destroy my knife pocket) but I'm not sure about polishing the washers or any of that. I also wanted your thoughts on Knife Pivot Lube and other points featured in the video.

 
Please be very careful sanding G-10. Extremely hazardous to breath in any fiberglass dust. Wear a mask!

To me, knives never damaged my pockets very much -definitely nowhere NEAR the extreme this video showed. If you want to sand, start with just sanding down the texture a bit, right under the clip.

I've never felt the need to polish the washers.. the actions have been fine. Knives do "break in", and what that means is parts wearing in - the end result will "polish" the washer anyways. I don't actually think the amount of polishing he did is necessary. Mild surface imperfections on those washerswill actually allow the washer to retain some lubrication, which you want. I can't see how much blue Loctite he's using, but less is more with Loctite... Most people use too much.

That lanyard tube press looks nice.
 
lmcq784 said:
Please be very careful sanding G-10. Extremely hazardous to breath in any fiberglass dust. Wear a mask!

To me, knives never damaged my pockets very much -definitely nowhere NEAR the extreme this video showed. If you want to sand, start with just sanding down the texture a bit, right under the clip.

I've never felt the need to polish the washers.. the actions have been fine. Knives do "break in", and what that means is parts wearing in - the end result will "polish" the washer anyways. I don't actually think the amount of polishing he did is necessary. Mild surface imperfections on those washerswill actually allow the washer to retain some lubrication, which you want. I can't see how much blue Loctite he's using, but less is more with Loctite... Most people use too much.

That lanyard tube press looks nice.
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Solid advice, thank you. Yeah I was planning on sanding down just under the clip (with water and a mask) because that video made it seem like the PM2 would tear up my pocket. I've never owned a G10 Spyderco before, only FRN, so I wasn't sure how aggressive the texture was.

What about the knife pivot lube? I usually use Hoppes 9 or zero friction
 
Honestly, use whatever lube strikes your fancy. If you're going to use the knife, you'll hopefully be cleaning the knife too, so whatever you have is usually fine. Just don't use too much. Over lubing leads to increased gunk (attracts and retains dirt/lint), leads to increased need for cleaving and maintenance. Less is more. I like to use something that is generally food-safe, as I tend to cut a lot of good/snacks.
 
YetAnotherKnifeEnthusiast said:
Solid advice, thank you. Yeah I was planning on sanding down just under the clip (with water and a mask) because that video made it seem like the PM2 would tear up my pocket. I've never owned a G10 Spyderco before, only FRN, so I wasn't sure how aggressive the texture was.

What about the knife pivot lube? I usually use Hoppes 9 or zero friction
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I doubt it'll tear up your pocket.
 
I think people who tear up their pockets that badly either do it on purpose, or involves "user error" like squeezing the pocket clip overly hard or pushing/grinding the scale against the pocket rather than pulling the knife straight out.

I did wear out a pocket corner of a pair of work jeans once, but:
A) it was an Emerson CQC-7, And I was using the wave feature HARD all day everyday - pushing the g-10 scales against the pocket.
B) at the time, I was a technician using the knife hard all day throughout the day. I'm taking about the knife bring in and out of the pocket 10+ times per hour throughout my 9-10 hour work day.
C) they were cheap jeans. And the pocket wear from my knife was no worse than how much OTHER parts of my jeans wore out.

For normal EDC, I can't imagine a PM2 doing that to any of my pants... I carry a knife or two or three daily and have done so for years. I wear mostly khahi and Chino type pants. The PM2 and other G-10 scaled knives are part of my normal rotations. None of my pants have any pocket wear.
 
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I don't "tune" a knife unless it's necessary. Most of the time you can adjust and oil the pivot and be fine. I adjusted a Yo2 to have zero play and very smooth action. All I did was tighten it a hair past where I wanted it and then used it. Broke in and the action is perfect. I did sand down the bushing on a manix 2 because it wasn't quite where I wanted it. I could tighten the pivot screws all the way with no effect on side to side play. Used a diamond stone and then ceramic. I also recommend Teflon tape for screws instead of loctite. No cure time and it's easy to adjust the pivot later. Just in case you get a little slop back after break in.
 
The only reason i would sand the scales on a PM2 would be to soften the edges for a more comfortable grip. Never had a problem with them tearing up any fabric. The Spyderco spring clip has plenty of give. Intelligent clip design is one of the reasons I like Spydercos. It's not like an Emerson clip, which is way too tight for EDC use.
 
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