Shaman problems

[Bloody Fingerz]

Do any of you notice slight up and down blade play?

[Brock O Lee]

If the action is not smooth, I would suggest to experiment with different lubricants on the detent ball.

My smooth-as-silk new Shaman suddenly became impossible to flip open/close a few days ago. It suddenly developed noticeable friction on the detent ball, but also in the pivot. I did not get water or anything like food or fruit juice in the pivot, so it was a bit puzzling. It became worse after a good wash, dry and oil cycle. I used a light machine oil I use on hair clippers.

I disassembled and everthing looked burr-free and relatively clean. I cleaned with alcohol, lightly greased the pivot, ball and tang area where the ball rides, and reassembled. That smoothed out the pivot, but I still had horrible grinding from the detent ball. I then tried a different 3-in-1 oil I normally use on my knives on the ball, and it became smooth as silk again. It’s been perfectly smooth now for a few days.

Any ideas? Maybe some factory lubricant that evaporated/deteriorated after some use? Does the detent ball actually roll inside the press fitting? That doesn’t make sense... I am still baffled, but I’m glad it’s sorted.

[Alchemy1]

I got my replacement today. It’s night and day from my first Shaman. The action is good and lockup is noticeably earlier. I did notice that I could hear a similar scraping sound after I flicked my new Shaman open a few times. I haven’t adjusted the pivot at all. There is no blade play in any direction and I can flick the knife open. It does not drop free, but that’s not a huge deal to me. I did add a few partial drops of 10wt nano oil to either side of the pivot and onto the detent ramp. It’s pretty smooth now. I’m happy.

[PStone]

I’ve had mine about a month. When I first got it, flicking was not an option. Way too stiff. Controlled deployment and two hand close only. But it had a very solid lockup. After carrying and using it only about half of the days out of the last month, the deployment is now super smooth, flicks easily and falls closed. All while maintaining that solid lockup. No play whatsoever side to side, or up and down. This is a fantastic knife!!

[Alchemy1]

I’ve had mine about a month. When I first got it, flicking was not an option. Way too stiff. Controlled deployment and two hand close only. But it had a very solid lockup. After carrying and using it only about half of the days out of the last month, the deployment is now super smooth, flicks easily and falls closed. All while maintaining that solid lockup. No play whatsoever side to side, or up and down. This is a fantastic knife!!

I’m starting to enjoy this knife a lot more now. I think I’m going to affectionately call it my Striderco. This will definitely see some time in the same role as my Striders.

[Bloody Fingerz]

I thought I’d share my experience so far as I’m also having a problem with my second shaman. The first one I bought was a plain edge and it’s flawless and beautiful. I liked it so much I ordered the serrated directly from Spyderco. It was a bit stiff but shut with a slight flick of the wrist. There was no side to side blade play but you could detect a small bit of up and down and even hear the movement in a quiet room. It was as if the compression liner wouldn’t seat fully. It didn’t matter if it was opened softly or with more authority, same result. I could see where it made contact on the blade tang from the oil I used to try and smooth it out. It was bothering the heck out of me as my other compression lock knives lock up nice and tight. I sent it in to Spyderco today in hopes they can tighten it up for me. I’ll report back when knife returns. I’m sure the boys in Golden will take care of me.

I was told the up and down blade play was within spec but they replaced the knife with a new one. The new one is perfect in every way. Couldn’t be happier! Thank you Spyderco!

[Alchemy1]

I was told the up and down blade play was within spec but they replaced the knife with a new one. The new one is perfect in every way. Couldn’t be happier! Thank you Spyderco!

Hmmm...interesting. I haven’t owned the most Spydercos out of anyone here and I don’t know more than the people that make them, but out of the 20ish compression lock knives I’ve owned, none of them had up and down or side to side. I’m glad you got a solid replacement. My RMA with DLT Trading was and still is perfect. Haven’t done anything besides add a few drops of oil.

[joefuentez]

I’ve learned that Shamans are very finicky out of the box. I have two and neither one was drop shut without blade play. You fix the blade play and then they’re too tight. Loosen the pivot and then the blades out of center. The only way I’ve learned to remedy all problems simultaneously is to take it apart, clean the pivot areas with CLP breakfree, lube the bronze washers where they contact the blade and then reassemble. Every time I’ve done this they go back together perfect and the action is like glass. Good luck!

[Michael Janich]

Dear joefuentez:

Welcome to the Spyderco Forum.

Stay safe,

Mike

[Bolster]

...There was no side to side blade play but you could detect a small bit of up and down and even hear the movement in a quiet room. It was as if the compression liner wouldn’t seat fully...

...I was told the up and down blade play was within spec but they replaced the knife with a new one. The new one is perfect in every way...

I guess I don't understand something. Up and down play on a comp lock being 'within spec'? How is that even possible, unless there is a defect? I can't imagine ANY noticeable up/down play on a good comp lock (or a liner lock, or a frame lock). These locks all utilize a wedging action to work--preferably at about 1/3 across the face of the blade's mating surface. If the wedge is working correctly, should be no noticeable vertical movement of the blade. No vertical movement is one of the major advantages of 'spring wedge' locks over a backlock. If I received a comp lock with noticeable up-down blade movement, you bet I'd send it back.