Caly3 Vertical Blade Play

[jag-engr]

I have all three incarnations of the Caly3 in my collection. The PE standard and PE ZDP/CF both lock up completely solid. I did switch the blades between the two, and this did result in slight vertical blade play between the G-10 hand and the ZDP blade. It annoyed me, so I switched them back and they both lock up tight again.

However, my SE Caly3, the newest of the bunch, has significant vertical blade play. If I grip the handle (with my fingers out of the way) and press the blade back and forth, I can see the lockbar moving!

Has anyone else observed this problem?

Is it going to get worse?

Would this be a warranty issue?

[anthonyc]

no play on my se, pe, or cf zdp

[A.P.F.]

It would probably be a good idea to drop customer service an email at customerservice@spyderco.com

[mrappraisit]

jag-engr - I had the same thing on a ZDP D4. I sent it back and a replacement is in the mail today or tomorrow :) . I would follow Al's suggestion though and contact them first. I didn't call first, and they were still very helpful and professional, but I think e-mailing first helps expedite the process.
They have a good customer service rep. for a reason, they have been very helpful with me over the phone.
Good luck, and yes, you will miss your new knife

[spyderdog]

I'd recommend a check up on it as well. No hint of any play in my caly 3's

[jag-engr]

I've seen numerous references to vertical blade play for the Caly3, but most people just shrugged it off. It just seemed like too much to me, so I've sent off an email to customer service.

[spyderdog]

Can't blame you there. Blade play bothers me too. Brand new with blade play more so

[tap]

However, my SE Caly3, the newest of the bunch, has significant vertical blade play. If I grip the handle (with my fingers out of the way) and press the blade back and forth, I can see the lockbar moving!

Has anyone else observed this problem?

Is it going to get worse?

Would this be a warranty issue?

Probably should update the other thread for future parties with switch fever. As for this one, ALL folding knives will have some blade and lock movement depending on the amount of force applied. This should be checked in the first minute of handling and/or ownership. The question is how much force AND how much play are acceptable. There is no easy way to answer this compound question. If it wasn't enough play to concern you in the first minute then it might be within a "normal" range.

[MANIXWORLD]

I have no issues with any bladeplay,with my Caly3,at all.
Then again ,i had a D4 plainedge,that had vertical bladeplay-couldn't stand it.
I dont like any sort of bladeplay-vertical or horizontal.
Even when i had my old alox SAK's that later developed horizontal bladeplay after heavy use,i always used to tap the pivot with a hammer to sort the problem out.
i cant stand it when im cutting something tougher and i hear and feel the click of vertical bladeplay./blade moving.
just doesn't feel right to me.
Most of my Spydies dont have any bladeplay whatsoever and that keeps me happy and satisfied.

[cornelis]

Probably should update the other thread for future parties with switch fever. As for this one, ALL folding knives will have some blade and lock movement depending on the amount of force applied. This should be checked in the first minute of handling and/or ownership. The question is how much force AND how much play are acceptable. There is no easy way to answer this compound question. If it wasn't enough play to concern you in the first minute then it might be within a "normal" range.

Indeed, In every folding knife there is some play when force is used.
So it seems strange to me when people say that their knife has no play
at all! Sal said the same thing about play. To much play in a new knife, however,
is a matter of quality control in the factory.

[jag-engr]

As for this one, ALL folding knives will have some blade and lock movement depending on the amount of force applied. This should be checked in the first minute of handling and/or ownership. The question is how much force AND how much play are acceptable. There is no easy way to answer this compound question. If it wasn't enough play to concern you in the first minute then it might be within a "normal" range.

Indeed, In every folding knife there is some play when force is used.
So it seems strange to me when people say that their knife has no play
at all! Sal said the same thing about play. To much play in a new knife, however,
is a matter of quality control in the factory.

I'm not one of those people who worries about whether my knife blade centers when the knife is closed (no offense to those of you who do worry about this). I understand that all front-lock knives are going to have some vertical blade play, no matter how securely they lock up.

It probably wouldn't bother me so much if I didn't have two other Caly3's that lock up considerably more securely. When I say that my knife has vertical blade play, I'm refering to a degree of vertical blade play that is relatively high. When the knife is opened, the blade looks snug, but when I cut anything (I discoverd it cutting an apple), the lockbar has a give to it that I find disconcerting.

[Franco G]

I have a Caly jr. with ZDP-189 (Burgundy) with absolutely no blade play - a miracle by Spyderco.

However, my Caly 3 with ZDP-189 and CF handle has a very slight vertical play (by pushing with blade). Although it is really a small play it should not be present in a knife so expensive and so beautifully designed, with excellent fit and finish. A little more affort from Spyderco would bring such a knife near to a perfection of Sebenza.

An easiest way to avoid a blade play would be Caly 3 with liner lock a la Wegner jr. It is incredible how perfectly it works.

Franco