When it comes to your EDC, how much - if any - blade play is acceptable?

[SwiftDream]

Since there is always a Spyderco Chaparral in my pocket or rucksack blade play isn’t an issue. It has the “feel” of a fixed blade when locked up and the smooth action of a custom with its walk and talk. There isn’t a fraction of a delicate red nether hair of movement (the industry term being RPH). Lock rock is detestable.

 

[MarbReds]

I don’t understand the concern about a little play is the knife going to fall apart? Does the play in the blade cause your cuts to be inaccurate?

A little play in a ball joint or control arm bushing won’t make your car fall apart either, but some people would just rather having things right and tight.

It’s not “concern”, it’s just a preference for things to be put together right.

 

[pease]

A little play in a ball joint or control arm bushing won’t make your car fall apart either, but some people would just rather having things right and tight.

It’s not “concern”, it’s just a preference for things to be put together right.

There is play in your ball joint or it couldn’t move and control arm bushings flex like crazy . But I get your point

 

[Richard338]

No discernible play in any direction.

 

[calm]

these may have, by their nature, some blade play

 

[Chronovore]

I prefer none and have lots of knives with none, including budget liner locks with great action. Some required Skiff bearings to get there but overall, lots of companies just seem to be doing a better job lately. (Heck, Kizer even has budget knives running on multi-row bearings now.)

On knives that have it, whether or not I'll tolerate it depends on a lot of factors. For instance, I'm much more picky as the price goes up. Also, I'm more tolerant of lateral play than I am lock rock. On something like a Spyderco Dragonfly--a lock-back that doesn't even use washers or bearings--I tolerate a much higher degree of play because the the half-and-half choil or whatever means I'm always holding the base of the blade between my thumb and forefinger anyway.

 

[Starmarion]

these may have, by their nature, some blade play

Yes, indeed, there's no right or wrong answer - just personal preference.

 

[Rivermagic]

I hate lock stick, lock rock, blade play, etc. I tolerate a tiny bit on my benchmades but barely. My new Rockwall V2 flipper has amazing lockup and action and an excellent edc. Never had a liner lock with such a solid lockup and tight tolerances before. Second only to my ZT 0308 in lockup.