Pins vs Screws

[fast.ed]

Would like to get some members feedback of the strength and durability of pinned knives vs screw together construction.

I have been looking at the native.

[Ben_1323]

Personally, I like screw construction so that I can make adjustments and take the knife apart for cleaning, if necessary. A pivot screw is required for every knife, in my opinion, because over time any knife's pivot will loosen and develop blade play, so it needs to be able to be tightened.

[Evil D]

I could live without full screw construction, because i don't usually plan on taking it apart. I would definitely prefer screws for pivots 100% of the time though. That said, i've had my Native for years and used it a lot, and it actually has as much or less side to side play as my brand spanking new Delica has and it even has liners. You can probably chalk that up to thicker blade/lock/FRN making for a stronger pivot even though the Delica has liners.

[dbcad]

I have to say I prefer screws, as to which is stronger I have to confess ignorance.

I do have and have used a little Fox folder that is pin construction and it seems plenty strong. I think other elements of the knife and handle have to come into play before I can judge strength based on type of construction. Liners or not, materials etc.

[Joe Internet]

Take a look at this Salt 1 that got run over by a bobcat... you'll notice that despite the damage, the pinned pivot did not give way. FWIW, the newer Salts are transitioning to screw construction, the reason being that it makes the knife easier to manufacture.

The Native is a terrific knife. You're pocket will be very happy to meet one. :)

http://www.spyderco.com/forums/showthre ... nty+bobcat

[Teddy Thompson]

I'll take flush pins over screws or rivets anytime. Flush pin construction allows for a much nicer looking knife, screws spoil the appearance of bolsters. A pinned knife will not loosen up unless you put tremendous side loads on the blade, while screws can loosen for no reason at all. Strength is a function of diameter and material, not fastener type, but for any given diameter and material a solid pin will be stronger than the combination of a hollow bolt and screw.

[dalefuller]

As long as the pivot is adjustable, I prefer pinned scales to screws and I prefer washerless blades no more than 3" long with backlocks and black, G10 scales. In fact the top three Spyderco folders, IMAO, are 1) the Caly 3 G10 PE, 2) the PE Caly 3 G10, and 3) the G10 PE Caly 3.

Too bad it's disco'd :mad: .

[unit]

When designed and assembled correctly there is virtually no difference.

Some people perceive pins as cheaper (or pinned knives as being lower quality), but I do not always agree. I have seen FANTASTIC knives that rightfully cost more than my entire collection that are pinned and they would last generations. I have seen utter JUNK that was put together with screws. Since we are talking Spyderco...I would say (based on the models that have been available pinned and later evolved to screws) there is virtually no difference. Why do they evolve to screws? I believe it has been said that it costs less to screw knives together, and the market wants screws (just because the masses want something does not always mean it is better though).

I suggest focusing on other aspects of the knife as I feel that they are far more important. The idea of needing to take you knife apart for cleaning is over played, and often take down results in lots of internet threads, second hand sales, and disappointed buyers (if you know what I mean).

[The Deacon]

I'll take flush pins over screws any day. Never had a pin work loose yet, much less fall out. Only wish I could say the same for screws.

[white cloud]

I'll take flush pins over screws any day. Never had a pin work loose yet, much less fall out. Only wish I could say the same for screws.

a big +1 on your view point. i never take knives apart. pins give you less things to lose when in the woods. i think this is one big reason i like the 3rd generation frn knives like the tasman salt so much...stupid proof construction. the older i get the more seem to like "stupid proof". :D

[THG]

I won't get anything that I can't adjust myself. Handle pins aren't that big a deal, but the pivot better be adjustable.

[Blerv]

I like adjustable pivots but my pinned knives are great. Funny if you think about it because if we called the knives "Riveted Construction" people would probably think higher of them.

Buy the model you like and pick the options available. The rest of the stuff is honestly just fluffy details in comparison to how it feels in hand.

[Cscoop]

Previous to reading these posts I would have said screw construction. Now after thinking of my 11 Spyderco knives I would say that my toughest knives are the 5 pinned ones - Delica 3rd gen, Salt 1, Native, Delica Stainless and Dragonfly stainless. Virtually no side to side or vertical play and they all lock up tight.

[markg]

Take a look at this Salt 1 that got run over by a bobcat... you'll notice that despite the damage, the pinned pivot did not give way. )

http://www.spyderco.com/forums/showthre ... nty+bobcat

Oh man, that was that Dave Lowry guy and you can't believe ANYTHING Dave says...

Kidding, you know I love you Dave... Well in a guy/dude sort of way. :)

There are pinned Spyderco's that have seen decades of service and are still going strong. I would not worry one bit about it.