Vulcan bit me!

I've had my Vulcan about a year now.Never gave me a problem.Just got done oiling & polishing it.Beefy VG-10 recurve blade.The arc-lock is so smooth.It's definately in my top 5 folders:rolleyes:I carry it on the inside pocket of my jacket(may be why I never got bit)
 
Hey Chris...any update on the blade centering and the tip guard change/blade fix? Have you made any modifications yet, and if so, when will the version 1.1 be released?

Thanks...
 
After having my Vulcan for a few weeks, ive noticed that the edges on the liners are rather sharp. The liners on the spine of the knife, hugging the flipper cut my index finger a little bit when I tried to open the knife via the flipper. Im going to have to file the edges on the liners down a little bit.
 
spencetron said:
After having my Vulcan for a few weeks, ive noticed that the edges on the liners are rather sharp. The liners on the spine of the knife, hugging the flipper cut my index finger a little bit when I tried to open the knife via the flipper. Im going to have to file the edges on the liners down a little bit.
Click to expand...

yeah, i noticed that too on mine, apart from the problem i have with the Vulcan that started this thread initially

and it's not just the liners, it's also the plastic insides of the handle, especially noticeable in the area where you operate the flipper

on mine the spring-tension of the springs in the arc-lock are also simply to weak to keep the heavy blade safely secured in the handle at all times. adjusting the pivot didn't work. in fact, it made the spring/detent-action even worse

i spent 160 euros on this knife and i don't even dare to carry it without a separate pouch, it's useless to me now. really sorry to say that i'm thoroughly disappointed in the Vulcan

if only it had a tip-down clip and stronger arclock-springs it would be fine, but i hate this knife now. for comparison: a similar knife i own, a benchmade with axis-lock and also tip-up carry has none of these problems. the blade stays in the handle at all times

i also read somewhere else that someone's vulcan's clip broke off too to make things even worse. looking at mine and seeing how it's attached in the handle and how it feels weak and flimsy, i definitely can imagine that happening as well on mine

my trust in SOG knives is little right now. the SOG Vulcan gives me that same feeling i had with the Spyderco ATR......: great potential, but too little practical thinking put into the design. i'll stick to benchmades for now.....
 
Thanks for the info dennis. It's a shame...this knife has so much potential...I really hope SOG steps up and makes the mods needed for this to be a contender!
 
The last post on this by Chris was December 5, 2007. Since we haven't heard anything by now, I don't think we will...shame, the knife looked like it had potential. And my confidence in SOG isn't very high now due to the lack of a response. Issues like this shouldn't drag on for over 2 months without a reply from the maker.

This frees up some cash for another knife from a different maker on my list!
 
It appears that he did post a response. Did you guys miss it? That's what I call customer service...


Chris@SOG said:
I have talked with our engineering department and they are looking at adjusting the blade so that it does tuck into the handle a little more. I tried a couple samples here is the tip is very close to sticking but it seemed like it would be hard to cut yourself on it. The only way I could get my finger to remotely touch it was if I really tired and it was definitely not a motion that I would normally be doing while holding the knife.

As of right now the Mini Vulcan is not in production so this should not be an issue at all with that knife.

For dennis75, if you feel uncomfortable with the knife let me know and I can see about getting it fixed or replaced for you. Send me a PM and we can go figure out what to do.
Click to expand...
 
Yes, I saw that...it's the post I referenced. It didn't address the problem issues mentioned in this thread, and further stated that Chris thought "it would be hard to cut yourself". Apparently, several have cut themselves. No mention of the sharp edges on the liners, or the fact that the blade is cutting into the liners (not a lot, but not normal. Off-centered blades is the culprit there).

Chris offering to fix or replace Dennis's knife is nice, but this hardly goes to what I would call Customer Service...to me Customer Service is handling individual issues that slip thru in mass production knives. This is not the case. It's a design flaw, and still no response as to how SOG intends to deal with it, if at all, which leads me to believe that they aren't sure as to how to correct the problems.
 
So you want to know why I have not posted a response here in some time. Well I have been busy with other issues that took precedence like preparing for the SHOT show, attending the show and then getting sick after the show. All of that took up most of the last month for me.

To the issue of corrective action on the knife design. I have personally spoken with engineering and Spencer about the concerns listed here and they are looking into this to see if anything needs to be adjusted in production. Obviously not everyone that owns a Vulcan has the above listed concerns but we are taking your comments seriously. The knives I checked here in the office were fine, the tip was close to sticking out but it did not pose an issue on the ones I looked at. The Vulcan like all of our knives are hand sharpened and this can account for variances in the way the knife fits into the handle. I am once again going to bring this up and when I find anything out I'll post it.

About the weak pocket clip concern raised by dennis75. The first production knives did have a weak pocket clip and we have since redesigned the clip and they are much stronger now. This has been in effect for several months and all knives shipping from here have the new stronger clip. As with all of our knives if you break a clip please let us know and we usually send out a replacement clip or two at no charge.

SPXTrader how can you can say that me offering to fix or replace his knife "hardly goes to what I would call Customer Service." I disagree with you on this, that is exactly what Customer Service is. Our customer had an issue with one of our products and I am taking the steps necessary to make them happy and fix the problem. How is that not customer service?

My offer still stands for dennis75 or anyone else that has a problem to return his knife and have us fix it for him. If you are unhappy with the performance of the knife please return it and I will make sure that you get the new pocket clip, we will inspect the springs, make any necessary adjustments or if need be replace it with a new one.
 
Chris, I stand behind my statement. It was the right thing to do to offer Dennis a fix or replacement on his knife. Customer Service is all about fixing the little problems that squeak out every now and then in the process of mass production. As mentioned, you did offer all a fix or replace, and for that you should be applauded. The point of my comment went a but further than Customer Service, in my statement that these issues brought to light by several Vulcan owners (more than one with the same problem) indicates more of a design flaw or QC issue rather than customer service.

Customer Service is just what it implies. And you made good on it. My reference was to bigger issues. I hope I have clarified my statement.
 
Yes, that makes sense to me.

I would agree that it could be a design/QC issue and not a customer service issue. We are working on this and always striving to improve our QC and designs. It is feedback from our users that help us to do this. We do take everything we hear seriously and address each and every issue. Some my get more attention that other but they are all address. When I have a final solution or answer to the Vulcan issue I will post it, but at this point I have no new news.
 
Thanks for the reply Chris...our juju is level now.

I hope SHOT went well for you guys, and you get to feeling better soon.

Thanks again,

SPX
 
HMM......

I have had the vulcan ever since it was released a few months back, never really noticed that it was so close before until reading this :p

my little asian fingers are pretty small and i have to slide it in pretty hard to actually touch the tip :rolleyes:

I wonder if its because you guys have softer rubbery skin or something :D
 
Hi,

Is the Arc-Lock the only tension holding the blade close? The reason I ask is this is the blade my Vulcan can be flipped open easily without touching the flipper or the posts. Comparing it to my Tomcat 3 the Arc-Lock on the Tomcat has more tension and does not flip open unless you really put your arm into it. Being able to be flipped open my make it illegal in Colorado where I live. The first Vulcan I bought I had to return as it had so little tension it would open when the flipper rubbed on the cloth putting it in my pocket. Is it possible to purchase a stronger spring?

Also is I am wondering, is the Vulcan suppose to be assisted opening or is the flipper just to start the opening process? I may be mistaken but the first Vulcan I had seamed to open with just the flipper, but this one just moves about a third to half way. I may just be confused about how this knife is supposed to function. My other SOG knives there is no confusion, with flipper it pops right out, no flipper and it opens normally with the post.

Maybe this should be a new thread of general discussion on the Vulcan.
 
The only issue I've had with my vulcan is the clip. A new clip is on it's way after an e-mail to SOG. Getting stabbed by the tip on mine is a non issue unless I hold the knife in one hand and force my thumb into the end.
 
The Arc-Lock is what holds the blade closed unlike the original Tomcat which is a lockback design with much more resistance to opening. At this point there are no strong springs available, although the springs from one of the larger Arc-Lock knives like the Spec Elite II might be a little strong and if they fit it be just what you are looking for.

As for the flipper on the Vulcan it is more to get the blade started. The blade is not assisted but with a slight push on the flipper and a flick of your wrist the blade opens as quick or quicker than assisted.
 
since I live in a 3" inch limit area. I guess while I appreciate Chris' efforts, am a little concerned about the QA/QC and the rush to market vs. the necessary product pre-testing that preclude the sorts of concerns I'm reading about in this thread. I have $160 or so to spend until May per my budget. Was seriously considering the Mini-Vulcan. I may still buy it. The back up was a Spyderco Caly 3 G-10/VG-10. What would be helpful is some specifics on the pre-testing of the Vulcan models, # of complaints received per knives sold, and planned and implemented improvements for Vulcan performance. When a car posts a design flaw, it's often recalled. They don't wait for people to develop problems and send them in. That is what I expect from knife manufacturers as well. A knife isn't a car, but it's a product. Be well.

Tom
 
Hello All.... I was recently given a Vulcan as a gift... After reading about the tolerance "issue", I could not resist attempting to shove a fingertip into the tip (kinda' like a "wet paint" sign... HAD to try to touch it). I remain unscathed.
It seems like it could perform a sneak attack when you least OWWWW..
just kiddin'... the Vulcan is flippin' cool!!!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top