Washers for Ocelot?

[J85909266]

I took my customized Ocelot apart to clean it out, and when I went to put it back together, I noticed there were no washers. Now, I'm wondering if I managed to lose them without ever evening noticing them there, or if it just doesn't have washers. The latter doesn't seem likely to me, and the action since I put it back together is way stiff and doesn't move right for a lockback at all, no matter how much I adjust it.

This model did have washers, right? Would Spyderco be able to send me some new ones, even though it's a Japanese model? Also, does anybody know the size of them, and if I'd be able to perhaps buy upgraded PB washers for it, and where I could get them?

 

[STR]

The Ocelot doesn't have washers. Washers are not a necessity but an option when it is polished stainless steel against polished stainless steel. Only with titanium is a set of washers an absolute must because ti tends to gall against itself and dis-similar metals so bad that washers are needed or its all sticky and gritty feeling even if you polish it.

STR

 

[J85909266]

I see. Do you have any suggestions as to what I could do to get the action the way it should be again? I can't seem to get it smooth.

 

[STR]

If you can talk Taz or one of the other Spyderco folks into it you can try a set of their ultra thin plastic washers they use in other knives in it. They are very very thin. Much thinner than anything I've ever seen for sale at the suppliers. I believe they measure out to be .003 and sometimes slightly less so thats about it.
If you buy washers from a supplier they are going to be ones with the pivot hole too large for the pivot barrel and too thick. Most are .010 and you can find some that .005 but even that is pushing it to the level that you will be able to tell that its wider at the pivot than the rear with the naked eye. You are basically making the pivot .010 wider with two .005 washers or .020 thicker with two .010 ones and others are .020 by themself. Making the pivot off by adding washers too thick may interfere with the way the pivot barrel screw stays tight by constantly making enough off pressure to make it loosen up on its own repeatedly on you from the width difference tension also.

STR

 

[3Guardsmen]

I took my customized Ocelot apart to clean it out, and when I went to put it back together, I noticed there were no washers.

This model did have washers, right?

ROTFLMAO! I did the same thing, and thought the exact same thing! I remember feverishly reading through threads, here and on the Spyderco.com forum, and looking all over the place in my room for the washers I was sure I had lost. The thing that finally saved me was stumbling across one of STR's threads about his Ocelot customization project (green canvas micarta), where thankfully he mentioned that the Ocelot doesn't have washers. STR to the rescue!:thumbup:

Sorry I haven't checked these forums for a couple of days. Maybe I could have saved you some panic (though it only took STR 11 minutes to respond). At least I know what you went through.

Best wishes,
3G

 

[J85909266]

I took it apart today and very carefully put it back together with plenty of oil, and carefully tightened everything, and now the action is the way it should be. Finally, I'm carrying my Ocelot again. Man, I love this design.