Bad quality of C192TIPM390 Spyderco PITS M390

[dvck0]

Hello,

as an avid collector of Spyderco knives, I wanted to ask if the defects shown in the photos are normal for Spydeco quality or if this is a bad series. I saw the defects that are in the photos on all the pieces that I had in my hands. This is the C192TIPM390 Spyderco PITS M390 Knife. It is not one of the cheapest Spyderco knives and therefore I think that more care could be given to each piece.

Best regards,

Petr Dvořáček

[ladybug93]

good luck, sir.

eta: and welcome to the forum!

[Bemo]

First of all dvck0 welcome to the forum. I haven't been able to get one of these yet so don't have an opinion but I know others will be by shortly.

[ZrowsN1s]

That lil nub could have been smoothed out, the inside of the backspacer looks normal. I know they're not cheap but if you're looking for perfect fit and finish you'll probably have to spend more. Spyderco tends to focus more on performance than flawless finishes.

[phaust]

As long as that last one isn't from the edge hitting it, I'd say all of that is not extraordinary for Spyderco.

Sal has replied to threads like this with simply: "How's it cut?" That should tell you where focus is spent.

[z1r]

The several examples I've tried all were excellent. TBH, I didn't get out my loupe to check that particular area of the spring. But, given I can't see it without magnification, it wouldn't bother me. The blades were all centered, all deployed nicely, the actions were excellent. Personally, I think it is a heck of a knife for the price.

I do agree with others that, in this day, if you want "perfection" expect to pay handsomely for it.

[JRinFL]

The OP may be from Europe and that means he paid a much higher price than we do in the US. Add another $100 to the price tag and our perceptions may change.

For the record, I still really like mine and my older blue model.

[JRinFL]

I just checked mine and it has the little nub on one side. My blue one does not have a nub on either side. They are both still in my top 5 favorite Spyderco knives.

[JestersHK]

Mine has the little nub, but looks almost like it's supposed to be there? Blades perfectly centered and sharp, action is smooth and crisp and it has become my new favorite carry when wearing shorts or when I prefer something lighter than my Manix.

[wrdwrght]

If its any comfort to the OP, my sample has the same machine marks shown in the top two images. I don’t consider them flaws.

[Mushroom]

Those little tabs under the lock spring are not supposed to be kept there. They’re not necessarily “flaws” as it doesn’t effect anything other than the finish. Still, it is something that should be getting cleaned up while the scales are being machined. That’s not above Spyderco’s standards.

Functionally, those tiny holding tabs being there won’t be an issue at all. Unfortunately though, those scales are unfinished as far as I’m concerned.

[araneae]

I continue to be amazed at the tiny nitpicks people find on production knives. That's "bad quality"?

[Mushroom]

I continue to be amazed at the tiny nitpicks people find on production knives. That's "bad quality"?

Well, it’s not “good quality.” Especially considering how easy it would’ve been to clean up.

[araneae]

I guess I'm in the camp where if you want to inspect every cranny of a knife and expect perfection you should be buying customs.

That "bad" spot would probably go unnoticed by 95% of the knife buying public and most people who do notice, probably don't care.

I also don't think the whole, if you're outside the country you have more right to complain because of higher prices, is valid. That's just simple economics. Things cost more when they're imported, just facts.

[wrdwrght]

I continue to be amazed at the tiny nitpicks people find on production knives. That's "bad quality"?

Well, it’s not “good quality.” Especially considering how easy it would’ve been to clean up.

So easy, in fact, that anyone can sand it down if bothersome. The nubs haven’t bothered me.

But I’ve routinely taken sandpaper and stones to other near-custom production Spydies, not because their points, corners, faces, flats, jimping, finishes, etc. are flawed, but because something about them bothered me.

I cannot think of one Spydie I’ve acquired since coming here that could not be made right either by my hand or by W&R’s.

Near-custom ≠ custom, so customize as the spirit moves you.

I will say the cut-mark on the spacer that is evident in the OP’s third image would bother me. I have that sign of maladjustment on neither of my two PITSs.

[TkoK83Spy]

Edit - wrong thread

[Mystery Flavor]

The simple fact remains: everyone will have a different opinion about how finished a spyderco "should" be for whatever the price or perceived value.

That being said, it does look sloppy for them to leave those nubs. If you guys haven't noticed so many other companies are putting out better finished knives for similar or less money. Why is spyderco not able to keep up with many of their competitors in this aspect???

How's the edge look if it has been slamming into the bottom to make that line?

[Mushroom]

I continue to be amazed at the tiny nitpicks people find on production knives. That's "bad quality"?

Well, it’s not “good quality.” Especially considering how easy it would’ve been to clean up.

So easy, in fact, that anyone can sand it down if bothersome. The nubs haven’t bothered me.

But I’ve routinely taken sandpaper and stones to other near-custom production Spydies, not because their points, corners, faces, flats, jimping, finishes, etc. are flawed, but because something about them bothered me.

I cannot think of one Spydie I’ve acquired since coming here that could not be made right either by my hand or by W&R’s.

Near-custom ≠ custom, so customize as the spirit moves you.

I will say the cut-mark on the spacer that is evident in the OP’s third image would bother me. I have that sign of maladjustment on neither of my two PITSs.

That’s true but Spyderco should be the one’s removing that tab, not me, they’re the one’s making the knife after all. Did you pay full price? Would the tabs start to bother you if you knew you paid full price for a knife with a factory second quality blemish?

Spyderco has produced this knife twice in the past. Was the precedent for fit and finish quality not set with those two runs? Good luck finding an original or a blue sprint with those tabs still there. (And that’s when it cost less )

I’m not insinuating that this knife should match the quality of a custom but it should at least match the quality of a Spyderco. Which I’m sure in every other regard it does but on this particular example those tabs still being there does not align with the fit and finish they have produced on this model in the past.

To be honest, I don’t think those tabs are present on every single example of this sprint. I would assume it’s an uncommon blemish but it’s still a blemish none the less. It won’t effect the function or performance of the knife in any way whatsoever. It’s still a well made and reliable knife, it just has a minor cosmetic blemish.

[ladybug93]

...but it should at least match the quality of a Spyderco...

this isn't a popular sentiment around here lately.

[Bill1170]

I think “bad quality” is inaccurate. Spyderco focuses on function. How does it function?

If you want CRK-level fit and finish, be prepared to pay CRK prices.