Szabo Folder

gtrtech · #1

The new black blade Szabo folder,has a enhanced self-close feature, is this any different from the other model?
The reason I ask is that the one I have is stiff opening and closing, I tried adjusting the pivot and oiling, I thought it might get better with use , but is still pretty stiff.

GoodEyeSniper · #2

what do you mean "enhanced self-close feature"???

The Deacon · #3

Since the mid-year supplement's description of the upcoming black bladed Szabo Folder and the 2013 and online catalog descriptions of the original version describe an "enhanced self close feature", I'm guessing there hasn't been any change. However, only someone from Spyderco can say for sure.

chuck_roxas45 · #4

Unless someone says different, I'd say it's spin. Making a possible negative into a postive.

avocadobbq · #5

Its other critical features, including a dramatic
scimitar-shaped cpm s30V blade, high-strength compression lock mechanism,
enhanced self-close feature, and four-position clip and skeletonized liners, all remain the
same.

filler

Jim Malone · #6

I have the same problem and the same question.

Bladester · #7

I have a Tuff, which is also fairly stiff to open and close. I felt this was probably by design, given its fairly thick blade and robust construction. Not the type of knife to just be flicked open, but built to last. The Szabo has an even more massive blade, and I'm guessing it was designed to be robust, reliable, and opened in a deliberate manner. I sort of doubt that it will loosen much over time.

--Larry

gbelleh · #8

Yeah, I wouldn't really want my Szabo to open any easier than it does. Wouldn't want that big blade accidentally coming open! :eek:

The Deacon · #9

chuck_roxas45 wrote:Unless someone says different, I'd say it's spin. Making a possible negative into a postive.

FWIW, I handled the Szabo at BLADE last year and recall Michael Janich telling me that getting acceptable self-close had been the most difficult challenge of the design.

greenewk · #10

Is the Szabo actually unpleasant to open? I do not flick my knives and honestly prefer the slower, more refined opening of the washerless Moki made Spydercos. Based on this, would anyone with first-hand experience think the Szabo would be a bad match?

Tough question I know, but I'm feeling like the critiques on the Szabo's opening may just be from people with different tastes than I.

Bladester · #11

The dealer I bought my Tuff from has a Szabo that I've handled twice. It is a BIG knife. Opening seemed appropriate to me.

I've only had my Tuff for about a week. Seemed stiff to open and close at first, but I must be getting used to it, seems fine to me now. I have a large ZT with flipper that I feel flips open way too easily for the size blade. Just my opinion.

--Larry

Pockets · #12

I like my blades to open a bit stiff too. Don't really want 4" of steel dangling over my leg :eek:

GoodEyeSniper · #13

The Deacon wrote:FWIW, I handled the Szabo at BLADE last year and recall Michael Janich telling me that getting acceptable self-close had been the most difficult challenge of the design.

what does this mean? what is self close?

gbelleh · #14

The Szabo has a "self-close" mechanism, which is a coil spring built into the handle that helps keep that big blade retained in the handle.

Mine seems to open smoothly and easily enough. The blade doesn't swing freely like most compression locks, but I find the added tension appropriate for this knife.

SolidState · #15

gbelleh wrote:The Szabo has a "self-close" mechanism, which is a coil spring built into the handle that helps keep that big blade retained in the handle.

Yep, the system involves a coil spring within a cutout of the scale that puts closing tension on the blade to prevent accidental opening. A guy over on BF shortened that spring in order to limit the tension. You can find the mod in their spyderco subforum.

BAL · #16

I have both the Tuff and Szabo folder and they have become two of my favorite knives.
They were both very tough to open and close when I first got each of them. I do like
I do every knife that is tough to open and close and clean them out and lube them and
then work open and close, back and forth over and over and over.

They have both become much easier to open and close. I took a dremel to the inside of
the Tuff where I could get my right pointing finger into the release easier and it helps
me close it with one hand.

I can also open and close the Szabo with one hand with a quick flick to get the big blade
to start to swing close and then finish it with my thumb.

Like anything else, it takes a little practice and besides, you don't want the Szabo to open
easily and the Tuff is, well Tuff and made as solid as any knife that I own. It is a Tank.

They are both amazing knives.

rodloos · #17

My Szabo is definitely easier for me to open than my Tuff. To me it has just the right amount of tension. The only "issue" I have, is that the handle is large enough that I find a couple of different grips to hold it, that are both comfortable, but my thumb has to "hunt" around for the Spydie hole sometimes. Just because I don't carry it all that often I guess. It is a beautiful knife, but might scare people around my office :) . Like I said very comfortable in the hand.

I have no self-defense training and don't expect to ever use mine in a defensive role, but I like to carry it anyway, just to have a very nice knife with me :D .

gbelleh · #18

The Szabo won't scare anyone in an office, it'll terrify them!

VashHash · #19

I have a thread in the photo section that shows the inner workings of the szabo. I find the self close to work pretty well. If you take it out nothing will hold the blade closed. It flicks open with a little effort and if you use your thumb its a little easier.

VashHash · #20

http://www.spyderco.com/forums/showthre ... abo+folder