Is there a bias against pinned knives?

[dbcad]

I think so because until I obtained a Cento3 I had this prejudice myself :)

Now that I own both the Cento and a Native I'm finding these pinned knives as delightful and useable as any other screwed folder I own :) They're both very lightweight, relatively inexpensive, hollow ground, and delightfully sharp after reprofiling :D

I'm a bit retentive when it comes to blade play :eek: In both of these models I haven't been able to find any, vertical or lateral :D The Cento has been used quite a bit, mostly on food, a bit of whittling, and parting some boxes. It's still quite tight and solid :)

My own bias against pinned knives has been almost completely undermined :D :eek: :)

[The Deacon]

I'm more biased toward them than against them, Charlie, although I do prefer flush pins over rivets or domed pins. I love bolstered knives and anything other than flush pins totally ruins the look of a bolstered knife.

[Blerv]

I'm with Paul.

I think it's mostly (not always) a case of bias on paper than tangible experiences. Screwed construction has some advantages which are often overplayed. I've yet to experience irreparable blade play or need to disassemble a knife. In theory, if I had to, the pinned knives would be inferior. Rather I've had to meddle with screwed knives enough to willingly forfeit that...freedom. :)

[paladin]

My go-to knife for most any situation is a pinned Caly Jr. Screwed construction appeals to us who like to tinker, fine tune, and explore the inner workings of our knives. However, pinned knife models are most conducive to being slimmer and lighter (generally) in design. Both construction methods are outstanding and durable with merits and minor drawbacks unique to themselves. I am happy with the fact that Spyderco utilizes both construction methods...Viva la difference.

[mikerestivo]

I have no preference on this issue and never have. The point of use of the knife is much more meaningful to me, as are materials and quality. A great knife is a great knife, be it pinned or screwed construction, and I have knives in each that I am very fond of.

That being said, I am not one to take my knives apart. If I were, I would naturally prefer screwed construction.

[gbelleh]

There definitely is a bias for some. I almost never take my knives apart, so as long as it's done right, pinned is just fine with me.

[glbpro]

I have no preference on this issue and never have. The point of use of the knife is much more meaningful to me, as are materials and quality. A great knife is a great knife, be it pinned or screwed construction, and I have knives in each that I am very fond of.

Agreed - I always consider the knife as a whole rather than specific aspects of the design or construction. I too have a Centofante 3 and love it - great value for money!

[Evil D]

It's better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it, and I apply that to screw construction as well. I may not need to take a knife apart, but I like having the ability to if I chose to. I also strongly prefer screw pivots. Neither will stop me from buying a knife I like though.

[jabba359]

I have no preference on this issue and never have. The point of use of the knife is much more meaningful to me, as are materials and quality. A great knife is a great knife, be it pinned or screwed construction, and I have knives in each that I am very fond of.

Same here. Overall design trumps whether or not it has pins or screws. The only reason I would prefer screws on a knife is if I plan on making different scales for it.

My Delica 3 is pinned and I carried and used it almost every day for 7 years. It locks up just as solid as day #1 and I can't detect any blade play. My experiences with pinned models have been quite good, so I have zero qualms with purchasing one assembled this way.

[SolidState]

As with anything, it depends who is doing the screwing or pinning.

[The Deacon]

It's better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it, and I apply that to screw construction as well. I may not need to take a knife apart, but I like having the ability to if I chose to. I also strongly prefer screw pivots. Neither will stop me from buying a knife I like though.

True, but one of the few things Spyderco does that I find totally illogical is to design knives that use screw construction but are not intended to be "user serviceable". I can see good and logical reasons for building pinned/riveted knives and I can see good a logical reasons for building knives with screws robust enough to withstand repeated cycles of disassembly/reassembly by all but the most ham-fisted neanderthals, but to build them with screws just to make them easier to assemble at the factory flies against human nature.

[goodbloke]

i love pinned knives,my favorite is my native,second favorite is my manix 2 light weight,have loads of spydies with screws and have nothing against them,i just happen to find my pinned knives my favorite for some reason.

[earthman]

Personally I'd always prefer a knife that you could strip down/make adjustments if need be, having said that, I still own and use many SAK's which don't have that ability.

[Blerv]

Paul, I'm guessing it's simply for ease of assembly and warranty work. If they strip screw I'm sure they have a bucket of them for replacements.

Knives like a CR Sebenza can be taken apart and reassembled by a drunk person. The action is terrific due to tolerances which aren't attainable on a manufactured level (for the price). I understand less than true pieces are more or less torqued-to-tolerance. Not necessarily a bad thing if you don't mess with it and expect perfect results afterwards.

[xceptnl]

My first Spyderco was a pinned model and I never really thought to myself that it needs a screwed pivot. As Paladin stated, the Caly Jr. could handle most any cutting situation.

[yowzer]

I don't take knives apart, so pins are fine by me. If anything, I prefer them to screws because of the smoother aesthetics. No torx/phillips/etc. head to interrupt the lines of the knife.

[Jazz]

There's nothing to loosen and fall out. What's not to like? On the other hand, I like to mod and tinker, so I like both. I really do hate having to worry about screws coming out and getting lost.

[JNewell]

Screwed knives have a very notable advantage over pinned knives. Owners can disassemble them, then post here about the problems with reassembly. :rolleyes:

[Cheddarnut]

My first spy was a native so i have no prejudice against pins regarding function. I enjoy mirror polishing the locks on delicas/enduras which have to be disassembled to do so, so i enjoy screws regarding form. The more experience you have with things (knives in this case) the more you discard erroneous fears-when i was starting getting into knives i was so afraid of buying a knife that wouldnt hold up to my 'hard use'. In time ive come to realize buying into overbuilt knives was a fear and not required. Having the option to disassemble could be placed into that category as ive never needed to disassemble out of need.

I also feel we get caught up in conjecture instead of looking at what is.

[BatCountry9]

I'm kind of anal about blade play, so I prefer a few torx screws on my blades. Having said that, I've had a few pinned Spydies, including my most recent KC Native, and they've all been spot-on and play-free. In fact, I've never had a Spydie I couldn't adjust to my preferred level of tightness with a quarter-turn or two. I only have one knife I've been unable to center without restricting its motion too much. I don't want to blow up the company's spot, but it rhymes with Shmemerson. I love the blade tho, so I'm not getting rid of it. I'll just have to deal with my lopsided buddy.