Help me avoid being disappointed in spyderco PLEASE.

SmilingFury · #1

My brand new Centofante3 needs immediate medical attention!!!!
I have recently started a spyderco collection by adding to my tried and true cricket pe. I have acquired ( in this order, you will understand in a second) an Ambitious, a centofante3, a delica4pe, a dragonfly pe vg10, a cat g-10, and a h-1 dragonfly. I am so excited about this small collection and my new sharpmaker, however, i have noticed that the lockup on my centofante3 has a considerable amount of blade play. the play is up and down so I have concern about the lock failing at the wrong time. I ordered this knife in part due to the incredible following and positive feedback this knife inspires in several forum members.
I have seen a guy say that the pivot rivet can be tapped with a hammer to fix lockup problems. I don't want to jump out of the frying pan and into the fire if this is not the best move. I live in europe and timed my orders to coincide with the visit back home in nyc that I am finishing up this friday. I would like to not have to send the knife back as ridiculous taxes are levied on items sent to my residence in paris france if spyderco has to fix/replace it ( if Spyderco will even do that).
any advice or technical adjustment info would be greatly appreciated! :confused:

The Deacon · #2

Far as I know, the Centofante 3 has a screw pivot hidden under the clip, but I could be wrong. However, whether it's a screw or a rivet, tightening the pivot may cure side-to-side play, but not vertical play.

Bladekeeper · #3

I understand not wanting to send it back but ! info >.
Under Eu consumer act if the item is being sent either way for repair Tax is not applicable .
I think you have to request a repair slip for customs .
This applies to Europe as a whole , on return spyderco will mark repairs .
And no taxes will be charged its not allowed under the consumer rights act .
AFAIK this applies to all Eu countries receiving goods sent for servicing/warranty issues .
Worth doing if all else fails .

SmilingFury · #4

The Deacon wrote:Far as I know, the Centofante 3 has a screw pivot hidden under the clip, but I could be wrong. However, whether it's a screw or a rivet, tightening the pivot may cure side-to-side play, but not vertical play.

the pivot securing hardware on this cento3 is a rivet on both sides. ty for the response Deacon.

SmilingFury · #5

Bladekeeper wrote:I understand not wanting to send it back but ! info >.
Under Eu consumer act if the item is being sent either way for repair Tax is not applicable .
I think you have to request a repair slip for customs .
This applies to Europe as a whole , on return spyderco will mark repairs .
And no taxes will be charged its not allowed under the consumer rights act .
AFAIK this applies to all Eu countries receiving goods sent for servicing/warranty issues .
Worth doing if all else fails .

do you know where I could get a customs repair slip? or who I can request it from?

Bladekeeper · #6

Hi in the uk its HMRC I'd assume it would be the French customs or available at the French post office ?.
The laws covering taxed goods apply to outside of the Eu .
Once you've paid those taxes even if its from inside France then they can't be re applied.
If its under warranty and you brought it from a store or online store.
It will be their obligation to do this for you .

Edit: spyderco will surely have returned items to France that have been under warranty .
They also would have had the warranty document on the package in receipt .
Send them an email maybe they can give you the detail.
Here its uk customs but its the same rules as its eu .

SmilingFury · #7

Cheers Blade, I will check it out. this shakey lockup is killing me because I really love this cento3.

anagarika · #8

Even with vertical play, it may be still safe to use. Try STR's lock test (not spine whack) and you may gain confidence on it.

Bladekeeper · #9

I can ask someone residing in France but it'll be a day before I get a reply ill pm you the answer.

SmilingFury · #10

Bladekeeper wrote:I can ask someone residing in France but it'll be a day before I get a reply ill pm you the answer.

that would be great Blade! My french is awful..lol. Your help is really appreciated. Let me know if I can ever return the favor.

NoFair · #11

If you ask Spyderco CS they will make sure it is marked as warranty repair and there should be no taxes on it.

This works for Norway and probably most other European countries.. :D

polyhexamethyl · #12

actually all of my backlock spydies have a little bit of up and down play, but i've to force it to notice it!
is it really bad? i wouldn't be worried too much! the QC usually is really good!

Senate · #13

if i were you i really wouldn't not bother sending in a Centofante 3 for repair from France.
the shipping fees (near20$ for something relatively fast and secured, 1/4 the value of the knife), the risk of theft/loss and the probable custom fees (Spyderco is using UPS and i doubt they will take the time to look at the forms included with the package. if the package has a value, you'll have to pay taxes) will cost you more energy and money than buying a new one! for a 300$ yeah sure with a huge flaw, for a 70$ pinned construction knife (which means it's probably not repairable) it's not worth it imo!
for your info, the custom form (CN22) for sending the knife to the US will have to be filled at the post office (they provide them) and it doesn't mention "repair or return" but that probably would be on spyderco's side.

Blerv · #14

A little vertical play with lockbacks is common. Assuming the knife is properly functioning it has absolutely no impact on the lock strength.

I would sharpen the knife and maybe even take the edge angle down a bit. You don't need much pressure to cut with a really sharp knife.

Fresh Eddie Fresh · #15

I had a pink Native that had some up and down blade play... I never noticed it during use in the least bit. If it were a show piece I might have been upset, but it was a user.

jackknifeh · #16

In my experience vertical blade play (excessive) is due to a weak lock spring. Does your knife also gotten VERY VERY east to open about 1/4" or so? I had a lock back knife that the spring failed (got weak) and it would open by just gravity if you held it right. I replace the lock spring and it's fine now. You can't do that with a riveted knife though and it would void the warranty if you did it on a knife assembled with screws. But if it is still holding closed strongly, the spring is ok IMO. Lock back knives are prone to a slight amoung of vertical play when applying pressure to the cutting edge and maybe a little of "wobble" over time. Not a whole lot though and I don't know how much yours has of course. Anyway, I wish you the best of luck if you have to send it to Spyderco. I feel for you guys outside the US for shipping charges, customs and whatever other issues are involved. I'm sure Paris has it's positive features though. Never been there but it looks nice in the movies. :)

Jack

kbuzbee · #17

jackknifeh wrote: I'm sure Paris has it's positive features though. Never been there but it looks nice in the movies. :)

It does, Jack. The food is superb!

Also the best shaving soap on the planet (Martin de Candre) Been there 3 times and I'd love to go back.

Ken

SmilingFury · #18

kbuzbee wrote:It does, Jack. The food is superb! Also the best shaving soap on the planet (Martin de Candre) Been there 3 times and I'd love to go back.

Ken

The wife and I moved here for her work and the food and wine is both high quality and (sometimes) reasonable cost. We are both from NY and this shipping issue is one of very few issues we have had since moving.
Kbuzbee, let me know if you are coming back and I will be glad to give you a list of restaurant gems.

Thanks for the advice guys, I am just going to live with the blade play on my cento. I was recently back home and bought 7 spydies so I am not short on variety ( i wonder how long that is gonna last :D ).