First Golden Spydie (PM2) - am I just being picky?

[Molle Ninja]

First, a missing clip screw:

Next, blade isn't centered and the grind is uneven:

And more about the uneven grind. On the non-clip side, it's quite uneven along the edge--see what I mean?:

And the other side has a steeper grind (though consistent along the edge):


Obviously the screw is an obvious disappointment that should either be supplied by the dealer or Spyderco. But which?

Re: the other issues, am I just spoiled by my Japanese, Taiwanese, and Italian-made Sydercos? None had "issues" like this.

Or are my concerns legit?

Dealer is legit and we all know him. The first PM2 I ordered from him was lost before delivery by the USPS. He then sent this one out to me via UPS after USPS concluded it's so-called investigation.

I was going to order custom scales and backspacer for this--my first PM2--but I'm a little apprehensive.

What would you do?

Thanks.

[jabba359]

It shouldn't be missing a screw, that's for sure. The dealer could probably switch for another knife or Spyderco would likely send you a couple extra clip screws if you asked.

As far as being centered, that looks pretty dang close. I think you're being too picky about that particular aspect. The grind isn't super pretty, especially the back 1/4 of the bug side, but should be within tolerances considering they are hand ground. Would I be happy with a grind like that? Not particularly. But would it be enough for me to deal with the hassle of exchanging it? No.

While this isn't a prime example of what Golden knives are capable of, it certainly is something that I'd think is within spec. The knives coming out of Taiwan are certainly fantastic, for the most part, however. I've been very impressed with them and think they are producing some of the best Spyderco knives at the moment.

[tvenuto]

Yea unfortunate, my Golden Spydies are phenomenal in F&F. I'd just be worried that the threads were stripped, if you're just going to request a screw. Maybe take one out and try that hole before going that route. I think the simplest thing is to ask for an exchange from the dealer.

[Molle Ninja]

I kind of feel bad going back to the dealer because he was so great about the USPS debacle, but I agree. The same thing went through my mind about the possibility of a stripped screw hole.

Re: the centering, I could certainly live with that. The other stuff, not so much.

I guess I'm answering my own question here. Just really bummed about it.

[Cujobob]

I would have it replaced by the dealer, personally. I've had mixed results from the USA made Spydies. Gritty detents and uneven sharpening being the biggest issues.

[araneae]

The missing screw is odd, I would call spyderco CS and ask for one. The other things wouldn't bug me if it was going to get used.

[chuck_roxas45]

Call them. They'll fix you up about the screw.

About the bevel, I'd rebevel, but that's just me.

[mattman]

The bevel will fix itself soon enough, with sharpening, and the centering can likely be tweaked out fairly easily... these two by themselves, wouldn't make me think twice, but that you got three strikes in one knife, I can understand your disappointment. On top of your shipping hassle (which obviously isn't Spydercos fault, but does add to the overall experience), I would be hesitant to ship it around again... As was suggested earlier, if one of the other screws works fine in the empty hole, ask CS to mail you a screw, so you can get on with enjoying your new knife...

[Doc Dan]

That grind is a little weird, especially since it is on the mark side. The blade centering could simply be a loose screw. I would tighten the screws on the scales and see if that does not move it to center. I certainly would check that screw hole for the clip to see if it is stripped. If not, Spyderco will send you another one. If it is stripped, I would send it back to the dealer or back to Spyderco, with tracking.
Where did you get the knife? There was a 'seconds' sale going on recently, wasn't there?

[Blerv]

Grinding is done via power belt so it's rare to find them "perfect", especially on any production knife. The clip screw is obviously a mistake assuming the dealer didn't mess with the knife (unlikely). The centering is a bit off but not bad for functional sake. They tend to be off a bit with liner lock, frame lock and comp lock knives because of the static side pressure when closed. Locks like the cb bl and lockback don't have this same pressure but of course those have their own little nuances.

I've never cared about aesthetic blade centering or even secondary grinds on a production knife. Either I'll fox those issues or leave them be. Problems with the scales or unusual blade-play (ie wobbling) are things that will justify a mailing to Golden for repair or replacement. Again, that's just a personal thing and no judgement on anyone. Just a little context if it helps.

Best of luck with whatever the path! I'm guessing Spyderco can get that screw in an envelope today if you call them.

[djjinksy]

I feel like I've had the total opposite experiences with USA production vs *other* than most people in this thread... My Golden knives are far and away better than my Japanese or Italians, and I've had to return all but two Taiwanese knives I've purchased. It has almost turned me into a Golden-only snob. My PM's, Millies, Natives, Swicks, and Manii are all supremely perfect. My Delicas and Dragonflies from Japan (even the solid stainless versions) are slightly wonky or inconsistent from one knife to the next, but are generally acceptable. My Lion has never seen pocket time, so I can't really comment on it much, but it feels like a 9.5/10.

Whereas my Taiwan experiences have been utterly terrible to date... I had to return a Chaparral that arrived almost entirely disassembled in the box, a Sage that was only ground on one side and who's handle scales where in different zip codes, and a Bradley Air that refused to lock up. The only things I've kept are a Mule19 and a Serrata. It is really upsetting, because I would love to have the bigger Bradley folder, a black dogtag (when it comes out), a Domino and a Techno... and I'm sure many more of the Tai knives could be awesome as well. Just my luck I suppose.

[Molle Ninja]

Thanks for all of the feedback, guys. I traded email with the good folks in Golden, and will be sending the knife in for their evaluation.

I'll update the thread when there's a resolution.