Ikuchi CQI Centering

[zinjashike]

Hey everyone,

Somewhat new to Spyderco knives, my first real new on is the Spyderco Ikuchi CQI I recently purchased. I had a quick question, the centering looks pretty off for this to my eyes and wondering if this is generally the level expected or if there's anything I should try to center it further. Or should I open a warranty/return? Every review I've heard and read said centering was typically spot on with these.

[Sharp Guy]

Personally, I'd just try to adjust it myself. As long as it's not rubbing on the inside of the knife I wouldn't bother to return it. Up to you though

I find it kind of odd that some people have to indicate their version of a model is CQI. It's an Ikuchi period

[Rinzler]

There’s a q tip trick where you loosen the screws all the way around, jam a q tip between the liner and blade on the close side, then tighten everything down. That usually works to align things straighter. Give it a try.

[Danke]

I would probably just use business cards on both sides of the blade to center it and keep it even when adjusting the pivot and other screws.

[yablanowitz]

Personally, I'd just try to adjust it myself. As long as it's not rubbing on the inside of the knife I wouldn't bother to return it. Up to you though

I find it kind of odd that some people have to indicate their version of a model is CQI. It's an Ikuchi period

I'd leave it alone unless it makes the knife cut crooked, but things like that don't bother me.

The first run Ikuchi had issues with the blade tips sitting proud of the liners. A CQI change was made to resolve the issue. Not all CQI changes are obvious.

[Sharp Guy]

Personally, I'd just try to adjust it myself. As long as it's not rubbing on the inside of the knife I wouldn't bother to return it. Up to you though

I find it kind of odd that some people have to indicate their version of a model is CQI. It's an Ikuchi period

I'd leave it alone unless it makes the knife cut crooked, but things like that don't bother me.

The first run Ikuchi had issues with the blade tips sitting proud of the liners. A CQI change was made to resolve the issue. Not all CQI changes are obvious.

Yeah I guess that one's important enough to note even if it doesn't have any bearing on the centering issue (I wouldn't think so but who knows). I was off topic making that statement here and shouldn't have made it. I have a first run Para 3 and 4 others that had the CQI done on the lock ramp. I don't see the need to call them Para 3 CQI's but I guess there are other people that do

[kodai78]

Personally I wouldn’t return it or make a warranty claim, but it drives me crazy when the blade isn’t centered. I’ve had good luck using a folded piece of paper between the blade and the frame to center some knives and not so much on others. Good luck! I think you have a great knife there.

[PStone]

Is it possible that the main blade profile isn’t exactly perfect and just makes it appear off center? I have no way of knowing how to check such a thing, but seems like a possibility.

[phaust]

I don't think that's a warranty issue.

Some good advice and things to try in this thread if it bothers you.

[mb1]

CQI also got a pivot bushing. And quite the stiff detent.

[yablanowitz]

Personally, I'd just try to adjust it myself. As long as it's not rubbing on the inside of the knife I wouldn't bother to return it. Up to you though

I find it kind of odd that some people have to indicate their version of a model is CQI. It's an Ikuchi period

I'd leave it alone unless it makes the knife cut crooked, but things like that don't bother me.

The first run Ikuchi had issues with the blade tips sitting proud of the liners. A CQI change was made to resolve the issue. Not all CQI changes are obvious.

Yeah I guess that one's important enough to note even if it doesn't have any bearing on the centering issue (I wouldn't think so but who knows). I was off topic making that statement here and shouldn't have made it. I have a first run Para 3 and 4 others that had the CQI done on the lock ramp. I don't see the need to call them Para 3 CQI's but I guess there are other people that do

Of course, the other side of the coin is that pretty much every Spyderco after the first production run of its model could be called a CQI, so why bother pointing it out at all?

[JRinFL]

yablanowitz has a point since the "C" in CQI is continuous.

[Sharp Guy]

yablanowitz has a point since the "C" in CQI is continuous.

That was basically my point and why I think it's kind of odd to call out that a model is a CQI version. I get that some of the changes are worth noting and I guess stating "CQI" is a easy way to do that. I guess I just need to not let something like that bother me. It's kind of like the nicknames they call some of these exclusives (Avacado? lol)

[JRinFL]

yablanowitz has a point since the "C" in CQI is continuous.

That was basically my point and why I think it's kind of odd to call out that a model is a CQI version. I get that some of the changes are worth noting and I guess stating "CQI" is a easy way to do that. I guess I just need to not let something like that bother me. It's kind of like the nicknames they call some of these exclusives (Avacado? lol)

Agreed.

I think, but am not sure, that it got started when the pivots were greatly improved on some models. It was a large enough improvement that was noticed by many.

[Airlsee]

I'd take it apart and put it back together...

I would not send it in, it would be a waste of time and resources.

[ChrisinHove]

Some folks couldn’t get on with the opening of the Ikuchi iirc, so be sure it’s for you before you dismantle it!

After it broke-in, the action on mine has been fantastic.

[Wartstein]

Hey everyone,

Somewhat new to Spyderco knives, my first real new on is the Spyderco Ikuchi CQI I recently purchased. I had a quick question, the centering looks pretty off for this to my eyes....

Welcome to the forum!

Honestly I would not be bothered at all by that just slightly off centered blade (and taking into account the whole blade length it IS just slightly). No functional issue, right?

I personally never understood why people see 100% perfect centering as an important sign of "quality". It is really not imho, and to be honest: I think if "the internet" would not have hyped this "issue" many would not even notice it.

Just my 2c, but I'd say: Don't let yourself get distracted by such a meaningless thing from just enjoying your knife . You won't notice the "off centering" in use or carry at all.