Tusk marlin spike issue

[mynameistim]

HI all
I'm new to the forum, so please bear with me :)
I have a Spyderco Tusk, which I bought to use on my sailing boat, primarily for the marlin spike. Unfortunately the locking mechanism, which looks gorgeous, doesn't lock the spike properly, and on several occasions it's folded while using, and even cut my hand once.
I was wondering if anyone else has had this problem?

[farnorthdan]

Welcome to the forum, I don't own the tusk, sounds like a warranty issue, I'd give W&R a call, send for repair.

Or maybe there's a piece of debris fouling the lock somehow,

[mynameistim]

not so easy - I currently live in Poland. I took the knife back to the dealer, but they refused to help. It would cost a lot to send it back to the US I guess, and I've lost a few items in the post before. It would be a shame to lose this knife - it cost a small fortune :/

[farnorthdan]

Bummer, I know there are others here with that model, maybe they can help,

[JD Spydo]

You might just want to e-mail Spyderco's Warranty & Repair Department because under your unusual circumstances they might have other options for you. Spyderco's Warranty & Repair is second to none and they've always made sure I was a happy Customer. The TUSK model is truly one of their premier units and I'm really surprised that you are having the problems you're having.

There has got to be a solution to this problem you've encountered. I'm wanting a TUSK model myself but I'm holding out for a SPYDEREDGED unit. I feel that any knife made for marine and/or fishing uses should be available in Spyderedge to make it.

It's very encouraging that Spyderco knives are getting even a bigger presence over in Europe. Another option I would like to see on the TUSK model would be a gut-hook. The Gut-hook would make a great cutter for cordage. And a Spyderedged blade would make the TUSK model a "Must Have" for me.

[mynameistim]

I've spoken to W&R - they're looking into it, but their initial response was that I don't have any option other than sending it to the US

[The Deacon]

Given the difficulty returning a knife from Poland, the simplest and safest solution would be to treat it as a non-locking mariing spike. Folks have been using those for over a century without incident.

[mynameistim]

I see what you mean, but then my old, one-piece spike works so much better - I know I'm going to feel stupid every time I look at the Tusk and remember how much I paid for it, especially since it's developed a couple of tiny rough spots on the spike where it closes and hits the titanium, which are starting to snag the fibres on some smaller ropes

[SpyderEdgeForever]

Yeah I would wonder if there was some trusted fellow Spyderco knife user or someone with machining skill who is familiar with knives and knife locking mechanisms who could help you fix it, but I don't know how you'd find them.

Would you like to see Spyderco make a fixed blade Salt knife that includes a marlin spike in a sheath-set?

[mynameistim]

It's difficult to see what the problem is - the ball mechanism is clean, there isn't any visible movement, and the ball moves all the way to the top when locked, but just a little pressure and it unlocks every time. Fingers crossed Spyderco will get mack to me and suggest something. Apart from that, it's a beautiful, well made knife.
Regarding a fixed-blade salt knife/marlin spike set - it would be nice. I keep a fixed blade on the boat for emergencies, but it gets stolen regularly, so I wouldn't want anything too good
And, I agree with JD Spydo that a serrated edge on the Tusk would be an improvement for sailors, but I'd keep the general profile of the blade - it works very well for me (no need for a sheepsfoot on such a short blade IMHO).
Also, a floating spike/rope cutter would be great (polished titanium, 10-cm spike with sculpted, bouyant handle and a concealed rope cutter) - a lot of my tools have found their way to the bottom of the ocean over the years :/ Bit of a niche product though, and perhaps too much of a working tool to be an expensive high-quality item. I can dream though

[mynameistim]

Quick update, if anyone's interested Spyderco have been in touch and were really helpful, offering to let me send the knife to somewhere in Poland. I'm impressed :))

[curlyhairedboy]

Great news!

[tonijedi]

Quick update, if anyone's interested Spyderco have been in touch and were really helpful, offering to let me send the knife to somewhere in Poland. I'm impressed :))

Good news, that's how it should be done (and many other manufacturers do). There are retailers all over Europe so they should be able to post stuff to Spyderco.