Wiggly Spyderco Lockbacks?

Rennd

Rennd

Joined
Jan 22, 2014
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I've heard that spyderco Lockbacks tend to harbor a bit of wiggle. I have a centofante III that has a little play, as well. Are all Lockbacks by spyderco, in the delica and endura range, liable to play?
 
I think it happens to be inherent to the FRN knives. I've had no issues with steel/G10/micarta handled Spyderco lockbacks.
 
I would say the vast majority of lockbacks have some variety of blade play issues. Typically, it is up-and-down play.

Every Endura I've handled that has been used has had vertical play to varying degrees. Brand new ones often lock up flawlessly but wear in poorly.

I think they fixed that with the Native 5 and later lockbacks, but they have yet to make an Endura 5 (yet) and I have no reason to think the revised lock has been implemented.

That said, I believe they are coming out with FFG black-bladed unserrated Enduras sometime in the near future.
 
amen74 said:
I think it happens to be inherent to the FRN knives. I've had no issues with steel/G10/micarta handled Spyderco lockbacks.
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Do you think the introduction of custom scales would remedy the issue on the FRN model?
 
I used to own a Police 3.
G10 scales over steel liners and it had the same bit of wiggle as any other lockback I've owned.
The only lockbacks I have ever seen without a small amount of up down play is Cold Steel's Triad lock.
 
I have an FRN Endura I bought new around 1991. It has a very slight amount(not enough to affect anything) of side to side play, and no up and down play. I used that knife pretty hard for many year, and still use it every now and then.

I would not hesitate in buying any Spyderco lockback.
 
I own a bunch of Spyderco lockbacks, FRN, G10, CF you name it. A proper new lockback should have no play and come solid... On the FRNs, of course if you torque it hard like its a slab of steel there will be flex, but its not really play. The "wiggle" you speak of that we hear about is the play lockbacks develop after longterm use. It is inherent in the lockback's design on how the tang catches to the lockswitch within the well. If I'm not mistaken, I believe Demko backlocks do not have this issue because of the stop pin but standard backlocks and not just Spydercos will have this...To clear it up though, the play that develops isn't the typical annoying WIGGLE that we all hate and requires adjusting the pivot in hopes that we get rid of it. It's more of a slight "give" from the spring's retention and then snaps backs closed. The upward movement is very small. Like I said, I own enough lockbacks and can tell you from my experience that this is no problem to worry about, my knives work well. Not everyone likes locks backs but it's still regardered as very strong,secure, and dependable, truly ambidextrous, and it will also close fast with one hand if you know what your doing.
 
Rennd said:
Honestly, it's just something that bothers me. I know it doesn't affect anything, but it annoys me.
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I'm one of those that totally hate blade play. I make sure that I get it out of my knives lol. The lock back "play" though is different like I explained earlier it's not like that flimsy play that we all hate and if anything, I give it a pass because the one knock on it for me isn't enough to disregard the backlock and it's other advantages (for me).
 
Okay, then. Definitely going for them, then. I'm planning to get a regular and a super blue delica.
 
Rennd said:
Do you think the introduction of custom scales would remedy the issue on the FRN model?
Click to expand...

Don't let my comment deter you from future FRN Spyderco purchases. I love mine and would definitely buy more. They're great budget knives that come in a variety of steels. Spyderco did release Sprint versions of the Delica and Endura with G10 handles. Sadly they are long gone, but you do see them on the exchange once and a while.
 
Superblue delica. I just got mine yesterday. It's my first delica and yeah, it's got a bit of side to side play. Nothing that would affect the function of the knife but it is slightly annoying. I just compared it to a benchmade mini grip and the delica definitely has a bit more play. Whatever, it's very minor. I never would have even noticed before I started hanging out on here and listening to people talk about "checking for blade play" :rolleyes:. I can get a bit too anal at times.

On the positive said, I am VERY impressed with the superblue steel. This stuff will take a crazy sharp hair splitting edge! Love it!
 
I've never had one that I'd call a "Wiggly Spyderco Lockbacks? ". I still have my first Endura from 92 and though smooth as glass, wiggly isn't in the picture anywhere. It would have to be pretty darn wore out more than I've seen before to fit such a description. The story stems from the small pocket that is engineered in to keep dirt from stopping the locking process. If you push it hard enough up and down ( only) you will feel a bit of movement. A very small one. It does not mean it's wearing, or unsafe. It's there for a purpose. The larger lock surfaces like the Chinook, old style Manix etc. are more noticeable than the smaller ones but they are also known for extreme toughness too.
 
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