The most expensive knife I own is the only one with blade play.

[GoatDragon]

I own far more SAKs, multitools and knives than I need, and all of them have a rock solid lockup except for my most expensive and favorite knife. That knife is my Spyderco Caly 3.5 in ZDP189 and carbon fiber scales. It has a small but noticeable amount of vertical blade play, causing the knife to move back slightly when cutting into material. I have done some research online and apparently this is a relatively common problem with Spyderco lockbacks. From what I hear, Spyderco has a good warranty, but I have never used it before. If I sent this blade in to them to fix, do you guys think there is anything they could do for me to eliminate the blade play on this beautiful knife?

[Steinar]

Probably not, as it I suspect it is to be expected from their mechanism. Then again, they have a good reputation and why not simply explain them the problem and ask?

As for expensive knives with blade play, there's a reason I only peened slip-joints without personally inspecting them from very few companies... It seems “smooth” is the priority, while “not annoying the living smurf out of somebody using the knife” is farther down the list. I really, really hate any kind of blade play. Too bad I can't EDC a fixed blade.

[hiraethus]

simply explain them the problem and ask?

 

[Ron Who]

It has a small but noticeable amount of vertical blade play, causing the knife to move back slightly when cutting into material. I have done some research online and apparently this is a relatively common problem with Spyderco lockbacks.

I think it depends on the model.

I checked the following models: Endura (2), Centofante, Dragonfly, Kopa (2), Ladybug (2), MicroDyad.
That´s 10 blades in 5 different lockback models with no play at all.

[ThundahBeagle]

Even a new Byrd Rescue 2 has no real up and down play to speak of and only the tiniest side to side. I would definitely as them and see what they say.

[GoatDragon]

Never mind everything guys. I don't know why I didn't try this earlier but all I needed to do was tighten up the pivot screw. Blade play is fixed. 

[AimlessWanderer]

 

Glad you got it sorted 

[Don Pablo]

 

And Spyderco’s honor is restored.