Why does Spyderco continue to make pinned knives?

[Knifeaddict]

I really dont get why Spyderco continues to pin certain folders.
I love the new Calypso sprint and would have bought one in a flash except for the **** pinned handles. What is the reasoning for pinning a knife together anymore other than its the cheap way to assemble?
I dont normally disassemble my knives but why pin a knife together and remove that option ?
The Calypso is the 5th Spydie knife I have wanted to buy and had to pass on because of this

so frustrating :confused:

[gbelleh]

Why not just buy and enjoy it anyway? Especially if you don't usually take them apart anyway.

[sharpguitarist]

Hey knife addict,
Don't pass on a Spyderco you like because of the pinned construction.
I've had my se D1 for 25+ years, and its still in great functional shape. There's no play and it's still smooth as the day I received it. And it's seen some pretty hard use.
Later,
Don

[SQSAR]

I too do not like pinned handles. I'm sure there will be loads of people who jump on this thread to blindly defend Spyderco in saying that pinned handles are strong enough. While I agree that they are strong enough; and given the fact that they come with a lifetime warranty it shouldn't be much of an issue, I still like screw construction much better. I don't know what the economic side of the production equation is, , ,is screwed construction more expensive, , I just don't know but would be very curious to find out.

[Minibear453]

Well there's pretty much 0% chance of the pinned handles separating, but screwed together can get unscrewed from time to time.

[Blerv]

It's not cheaper. That's the certain makers make certain models and have so for 30+ years. Sometimes it a matter of space savings, others (like the Calypso) just similar to the original. A sprint isn't required to modify all older methods, otherwise it would be a "redesign".

What's your experience with pinned models besides speculative frustrations? Mine have been terrific and its less of a shopping deterrence than other things like cost, aesthetics and other annoyances.

Ps: many pinned knives (usually the Moki ones) have screwed pivots. I believe the Calypso sprint is no different. If you can remove the lock and blade...isn't that pretty serviceable?

[araneae]

Because there is nothing wrong with them. I have beat on many pinned Spydercos and never had any problem with them. That includes using my Salt 1 in filthy, muddy conditions and even losing it for almost a year in the woods. Washes up fine and never had any problems. If the pivot gets a bit loose, just lightly tap it with a ball-peen hammer and its all good again.

[Boberama]

I prefer screws, but a pinned handle won't turn me away if I like the design.

I won't buy a knife with a pinned pivot, however... bye bye Native. I need the ability to adjust my pivot due to the law here.

[scottymac]

Well there's pretty much 0% chance of the pinned handles separating, but screwed together can get unscrewed from time to time.

Except for the Jot Singh Khalsa I had years ago...was pinned and became so loose the liner lock wouldn't engage anymore. That thing was all kinds of loosey-goosey. Put me off pinned construction for good. So maybe a little higher than "0% chance".

And yes, screws can get loose but at least I can do something about that myself.

That said, I'd still buy the LE Calypso.

[xceptnl]

I have no problem with pinned handles, but I always prefer Torx. I can live with pinned handles on most all Spydies as long as they continue to use the adjustable pivot. My Caly Jr. is a bit sloppy now with side to side play. I can only hope the upcoming sprint of this model has an adjustable pivot like the rest of the Caly family has been wearing.

[mikerestivo]

Pinned versus screwed construction is something I never think about. If I like the knife design, I buy it.

That being said, I can't recall too many complaints about pins with regular use. In turn I can recall numerous complaints about stripped screws.

[Minibear453]

Except for the Jot Singh Khalsa I had years ago...was pinned and became so loose the liner lock wouldn't engage anymore. That thing was all kinds of loosey-goosey. Put me off pinned construction for good. So maybe a little higher than "0% chance".

And yes, screws can get loose but at least I can do something about that myself.

That said, I'd still buy the LE Calypso.

Granted, nothing's perfect, and a screw together does give one better fine-tuning. Curious though, did it suddenly become loose or a little at a time? Given the nature of a knife being pinned, it seems unusual that it would loosen to such a degree.

[Blerv]

Never owned one but understand the Jot wasn't the best knife made of that era.

[The Deacon]

Never owned one but understand the Jot wasn't the best knife made of that era.

It, and the Lightweight Walker, were probably Spydercos 2 worst liner locks in terms of reliability.

As for the Calypso, the blade pivot is a screw, so it's not totally pinned. Sal has said that pins allow for a narrower (top to bottom) handle because they can smaller in diameter than screws. Plus, believe it or not, some folks prefer pinned construction.

[sal]

Hi Scottymac,

Welcome to our forums.

Hey Knifeaddict, don't remember welcoming you before, so welcome. If I have, forgive me.

As to the pinning of knives, sometimes it's design requirements such as the Caly series, sometimes it's material as in Salts. In order to make the Caly with screws, I would have had to make some significant (to me) design adjustments to accomodate the larger size of the screws. I believe thoses changes would have diminished the design. The success or failure of a product is often in the design.

First is the concept, then the design, then the materials, then the quality of manufacture, then the price. I rarely bend on the first 4. If your values (priorities) put materials (screws) or manufacturing method (pins) ahead of design, my apologies for our differences.

sal

[SpyderNut]

Sal,

Thanks for the info on this. I too have always been curious as to why some models are pinned while others are screw-together. (I had figured there was probably a good explanation--and sure enough--you provided one. :) )

Take care!

[Ed Schempp]

I like both. IMO it takes more or different skills to pin a knife rather than screw. People don't generally mess with the pins and the thread lock compound that Spyderco uses won't hold up to multiple adjustments, a couple yes but not more. Adjustments made to a pinned knife requires a hammer, and some pretty specific experience and knowledge. Pinned knives are often thinner and that is nice on some folders and is easier to carry. High performance pinned knives often demand more money than screwed together pieces on the custom market. Many of todays custom multi-blades are a good cutlery value....Take Care...Ed

[Zenith]

I like both. IMO it takes more or different skills to pin a knife rather than screw. People don't generally mess with the pins and the thread lock compound that Spyderco uses won't hold up to multiple adjustments, a couple yes but not more. Adjustments made to a pinned knife requires a hammer, and some pretty specific experience and knowledge. Pinned knives are often thinner and that is nice on some folders and is easier to carry. High performance pinned knives often demand more money than screwed together pieces on the custom market. Many of todays custom multi-blades are a good cutlery value....Take Care...Ed

Mr Schemmp, you raised some good points here.

Ken Erickson, a magnificent craftsman in the classic designs, recently posted these:

This shows the frame ready for peening and spinning of the two back pins.


After peening the pins I then go to my drill press set up for spinnng the pins. This domes the pins and gives a nice finished look.


This is the reamer I use for reaming the bolster or birdseye before peening. I run this reamer in by hand about half the thickness of the bolster.


This picture shows the pin sitting proud before peening.


Well, after peening the rest of the work is finish work. Many folks will also note that I did not install a shield. Steven and I had discussed a shield and it was left up with me. I really think in this type EDC, being minimal in weight etc. and also considering the frame shape comes across better with a shield delete.

The next set of pictures will be the finished knife. I had a blast building this knife for Steven. I really like the blade profile that he picked for this knife. The knife feels rock solid in hand and only weighs a paltry 1 ounce!

Thanks for following along. I know that many operations were not shown but in my mind a wip is different than a how-to tutorial. Hope you guys enjoyed and feel the same.

Here is the final product (photo by Ken Erickson):



The same can be said for many of the other great makers in this class. Tony Bose, J Oeser....the list goes on....but, they rely and do pinning of the knives to a fine art.

[Bill1170]

Zenith,

Thank you for reposting the Ken Erickson photos/commentary. Very cool. I agree that one of the best things about rivets is that when properly done they will not ever come undone under normal use.

[yowzer]

I see this thread complaining about pinned knives, and a thread complaining about knives held together by screws, both on the front page. You just can't make everybody happy.

Personally, I prefer pinned knives. Never had problems with them loosening, and I think they look better without the screw heads.