Clip Screw question..

hungarian nativ · #1

Hi!
I bought a Para on this summer in August...I didn't use it really hard,but the paint on the clip screws came off.I realized,that the screws have cast,or bronze colour,not the normal "iron" colour..What's this?What are these screws made of?Why aren't they normal?Why did the paint came off so easily?None of my Spyders have this "problem"..It doesn't bother me,but I'm curious..I'll try to post a pic,sorry for the quality,it's just a mobile :)

Peter1960 · #2

I know the same from two of my EDC's - the Military + Para-Military. First you lose the black coating, than the bronce coating and finally you see the steel. It's only a matter of time.

Don't worry about that!

The Deacon · #3

Not sure what other models you have, but it may be the difference between Seki and Golden made knives. Many US screws are plated with bronze. It may be done for conductivity or for corrosion resistance, I'm not really sure. So the ones used in your Para probably came that way and were chosen because that was the style most readily available. The black coating was, most likely, paint. Why they still bother with that, seeing how poorly it wears, is an open question.

hungarian nativ · #4

Thanks for the replies..The others are:Poliwog,D4,D3,D3 SS,Meerkat and a NativeIII..From these just the Native and the D3 has black screws,but they are made in Seki...and theyare still black,with some very small wear..Would it be a good idea to remove the bronze coating with some sandpaper?I think it would look better beacuse the colour of the screws would match with the lockbar and other screws..

The Deacon · #5

hungarian nativ wrote:Would it be a good idea to remove the bronze coating with some sandpaper?I think it would look better beacuse the colour of the screws would match with the lockbar and other screws..

I would say that depends on several things. If the coating is meant to enhance electrical conductivity, then it is of no value in this situation. If it is for corrosion resistance, then removing it would be less advisable. There are also the questions of skill and access to proper tools. As an example, do you have a way of holding a small screw securely, without damaging the threads, while you remove the coating?

augustus88 · #6

The Deacon wrote:I would say that depends on several things. If the coating is meant to enhance electrical conductivity, then it is of no value in this situation. If it is for corrosion resistance, then removing it would be less advisable. There are also the questions of skill and access to proper tools. As an example, do you have a way of holding a small screw securely, without damaging the threads, while you remove the coating?

I drilled some small holes in a piece of scrap pine 2x4 from Home Depot. The holes should be small enough so the screw threads bite into the wood. Carefully drive the screws into the wood the have at it with a wire wheel and drill press or hand drill. I removed the paint from the clip and screws on my modified Cara Cara this way. It took less than five minutes to end up with nice shiny hardware.

Firefighter880 · #7

Honestly, I kind of like the way it looks. Had the same thing happen on mine, and at first I was like "Oh my God, this is awful! What did I do?!" I thought it was the fugliest thing ever, but after awhile, I started to like it. Doesn't bother me anymore... Plus, it happens with a lot of different models, not just the Millie's. So I figured I might as well get used to it.

I see it as kind of a "character mark."

:spyder:

STR · #8

If I had to guess, I'd say it is a phosphorus bronze mix for strength and corrosion resistance unless the bronze color isn't clear through.

STR

Capt. Carl · #9

Hey! It looks like my Millie's screws went from black to silver...Wheres the bronze?! I GOT RIPPED OFF! :mad:

Harry White · #10

the black clip screws on my burgandy jess horn zdp are now silver on top, and (mostly) black paint on the sides (and the phillips slots look like a mix -- kind of gray). anyway, i really like the way it looks with the black clip -- the three silver screws serve as a nice accent to the clip side of the knife.

but i don't recall any bronze on the jess horn screws, so i don't think all spyderco black clip screws are made the same...

J Smith · #11

It is plated to help the paint stick longer.
I sand the paint off all my clips and screws and either polish or bead blast.

Harry White · #12

J Smith wrote:It is plated to help the paint stick longer.
I sand the paint off all my clips and screws and either polish or bead blast.

i prefer that look too, but i only have it on my delica 4. also, i remove the clip on most of my folders. but a nekked clip/screws sure looks nice! :D