Spyderco Forums

Hello, I recently bought a Delica 4 and am loving it. Love the shape, sharp as all get out, very nice knife. I do, however, have a question or two on it. When I press on the baclock to disengage the blade, the blade freely closes about 90 degrees (halfway closed). Should the pivot be loose enough for that to happen? I've noticed that there's no horizontal blade play when the blade is open, however when closed the blade is easily moved from side to side, not remaining centered. Does this indicate the pivot needs to be tightened? Please correct me on my terminology or ask questions, I'm new to this. :D Thanks for the help!

That’s about where I like my spyderco back locks, as long as there is no play you are golden :)

Really depends on what you like, I prefer not to have side to side play so I would tighten the pivot a bit.

I suppose it's a matter of personal preference. If that were my knife, I'd tighten up that pivot until I have zero or almost zero horizontal blade play. I prefer minimal blade play to a freely swinging action. But that's just me.

You'll just have to find an acceptable balance between blade play and a free-swinging close.

BTW, welcome to the forum!

Up to you. I test for side to side play with the blade open but the lock not engaged. So one hand is holding the handle with lock bar depressed and the other hand is wiggling the blade.
If there's play I'll tighten the pivot.
Nothing wrong with testing with the blade locked open. I just don't do it that way. You'll notice less side to side play with the blade locked open.

In all these years of buying knives I don't think I ever checked the play when closed. I guess it's irrelevant to me. It only concerns me when open and locked if there is play.

I like my back locks to drop to 90° when I depress the lock (as yours does) but not if it's going to cause side play when the blade is locked open. I've had 5 Delicas and none of them will drop unless I back the pivot screw way out. No big deal, I just keep the pivot fairly tight and lower the blade with my index finger in the Spydie hole or on the thumb ramp.

Thanks everyone! I appreciate it!

I like to loosen the pivot enough to allow the blade to swing at least 70 degrees upon unlock. If there is a little side-to-side play I don't sweat it.

Hi Benbot,

Welcome to our forum.

sal