N. Brian Huegel wrote:Just curious, besides your knife, what other tools do you regularly take-apart to clean? Guns? Power Tools? Fishing Reels? Wristwatch? And if so, what do you do when you loose or damage a part? Why was disassembly necessary to clean your Southard? Do you feel that it is Spyderco's obligation to provide parts free of charge when your actions were in complete violation to their warranty? (
http://www.spyderco.com/edge-u-cation/index.php?item=10) If not, what do you feel would be a fair charge for this service? Once again, I am just asking and not trying to cause bad feelings or make you look foolish. I am just trying to understand this phenomenon and compulsion of many formites to take-apart their knives subsequently loosing parts, stripping screws, reassembling incorrectly, only to then use this forum to complain that Spyderco is somehow at fault and should be expected to correct the situation gratis and expeditiously. This seems to be a reoccurring theme based on the numerous threads just in the last six months alone. Where is the ELU’s responsibility? Where is the dealer's responsibility? What other industries, making high-end tools, offer an unlimited warranty? And should knife companies offer such unconditional warranties? I look forward to a candid, insightful discussion.
Brian, sorry for the late response. I forgot about this post. Anyways, I will try and address your questions in order:
- Just curious, besides your knife, what other tools do you regularly take-apart to clean? - Almost all my tools and gear that require cleaning and maintenance. Take care of your tools and they will take care of you.
- And if so, what do you do when you loose or damage a part? I first try to locate the part locally then online if unsuccessful.
- Why was disassembly necessary to clean your Southard? It had become dirty while using outdoors. Mud had gotten into the pivot area and affected the action.
- Do you feel that it is Spyderco's obligation to provide parts free of charge when your actions were in complete violation to their warranty? No. That is why I offered to pay for them.
- If not, what do you feel would be a fair charge for this service? Not sure about this one.
In regards to your not understanding why people take apart their knives, let me provide a scenario for you and you decide what the best course of action would be.
Scenario:
You are in the backyard doing light yard duty and drop your knife in the mud. You retrieve it and finish your task. Once inside you clean the knife as best you can. Unfortunately, the mud has gotten into the pivot area and now affects the opening and closing action of the knife. WHAT DO YOU DO?
IMO - I disassemble the knife and give it a thorough cleaning and lube. Sometimes sh*t happens and you loose hardware. And yes, I do keep loose hardware in a magnetic tray, but again sh*t sometimes happens and you loose a piece. Hence the reason behind my original post.
:-)