Is there a reason why this one screw on the Delica 4 doesn't come fully tightened?

[FreelanceForty]

I have handled four new Delicas all from different batches and noticed that the small scale screw that's right below the pivot always doesn't come fully tightened. It's actually quite loose.

Is there a reason for this? I am pretty sure it's intentional and not a fit and finish error.

I noticed that the blade closes with a bit more force when I tighten that screw. Maybe fully tightening it is bad for the lock and makes it wear more quickly? I like tightening every screws on my knives (besides the pivot screws of course) so I can avoid possible blade play. It also gives the knife an overall tighter fit. But I am wondering if this will cause a problem? Why doesn't it come fully tightened from the factory? It's only that one screw on the Delica 4.

[Sharp Guy]

I think the screw you're referring to is the pivot for the lock bar. It needs to be a little loose or the lock bar won't move freely.

[The Deacon]

Are you talking about the lockbar pivot screw? Over tightening it can cause drag on the lockbar which, in turn, can make the knife difficult to open and close or the lock to not fully engage.

[FreelanceForty]

Are you talking about the lockbar pivot screw? Over tightening it can cause drag on the lockbar which, in turn, can make the knife difficult to open and close or the lock to not fully engage.

Oh yea. But the thing is I can tighten it as much as possible and still don't experience any problem with closing and opening. Does over tightening it cause unnecessary wear on the internals?

[ejames13]

It's my understanding that there is a specific torque setting to which they tighten each screw at the factory. I wouldn't tighten it down too much , but as long as you don't have issues with lockup you should be fine.

[bearfacedkiller]

That is strange to me. It has been a long time since I have really torqued a pivot screw down but I thought that I remember it almost turning my knife into a fixed blade if I tightened it enough. On all my knives over tightening it definitely stiffens up the action.