Spyderco Forums

I own and have owned a lot of Spydercos, and fit and finish tends to be really high for production knives IMO.

However, I recently purchased a Kiwi 4, and while the knife functions just fine, one part of the locking mechanism looks pitted. Or it may simply be that the part wasn't finished out completely when it was cast or milled. See picture below. I know it's internal and doesn't affect function, but it's still an eyesore on an otherwise aesthetically pleasing knife.

Are others seeing this level of finish on internal parts?

Hi Guyon!


Never seen that before in any of my Spydies. :rolleyes:

While I realize it doesn't affect any functionality of the knife, if it really bugs you just send it back to the Dealer and ask for a replacement.

BTW, where did you get it?

I bought it from NK. I've contacted the dealer, but it was the last Kiwi 4 in stock, so if they allow an exchange, a replacement might take a while.

That's fairly normal.

rycen wrote:That's fairly normal.

Truly? If that's the case, I may simply ask to return the knife. No point in exchanging it for one that's the same.
Just my opinion, but finish ought to be better on a knife that costs $100+. I do not own another Spyderco with parts that look unfinished.

Is that a shot from the inside of the knife?

Yes. I don't really care what the parts I don't see look like. I guess some people do.

Bottom line, if your not happy with the knife return it.

I've seen this before on lock-backs. I think you are correct, Guyon, in your assessment that the lock-bar on your knife likely wasn't finish sanded after it was cut from the sheet-stock. Although it looks rough, it probably won't have a negative impact on function or performance.

Edit: I am certain that Spyderco's W&R department could help correct the issue if you're interested. I would just send it to Charlynn and see what they recommend.

The lock bar on my Kiwi looks rough but not quite as bad as yours. I've also seen this on some of the Calys.

No sign of rust or pitting there. That's unfinished , not ground from I assume a place inside not normally seen unless looking closely?

I'm not saying you should be ok with it. That's not my business but I will say it shouldn't effect strength, action, or resale.

Joe

araneae wrote:Yes. I don't really care what the parts I don't see look like. I guess some people do.

I fail to see how the response quoted above adds value to this conversation or to my question, other than to deliver a passive-aggressive swipe in my direction.

Thanks to everyone else who replied in a thoughtful manner. I know it's nitpicking, but it's my money and my choice. There are a couple of reasons I'm not happy with the knife.

1) My experience to date with Spydercos... I went through my rotation drawer and eyeballed again all the Seki City Spydercos I have out for carry. These included a Standard, a SS Dragonfly, a Navigator, a Native III, a Caly III, a Caly 3.5. In the drawer, I also had a Para and a UK Pen Knife from Golden. None of them display any finish issues on internal parts. I have owned, used, and sold (some I wish I had back) more Spydercos than I remember since I started buying them in 2000. Until now, I have never seen any issues with unfinished parts. Granted, it's a small sample, but it speaks to my experience, and thus, my expectations. Forgive me if I defy brand loyalty here, but I would expect this level of parts finish in a $5 flea market knife--not in a Spyderco.

2) The knife itself... I've been waiting for the Kiwi 4 for a while, and it's a knife that, in all honesty, I wanted more for form than for function. It's a great design and an innovative shape. All in all, it's a nice modernized take on a more traditional style. As such, the aesthetics matter on this one to me--even when it comes to internal finish.

The dealer got back to me, responded that he thought this finish was normal for the knife, and offered to do a return. I will take him up on it. He's getting more Kiwi 4's in a week or so, and if he gets one with better finish, I'll order it. If not, I'll wait until I can eyeball the knife personally before I buy. Maybe Spyderco will have some at Blade Show this year.

Again, thanks to those who offered up thoughtful responses.

The Mastiff wrote:No sign of rust or pitting there. That's unfinished , not ground from I assume a place inside not normally seen unless looking closely?

I'm not saying you should be ok with it. That's not my business but I will say it shouldn't effect strength, action, or resale.

Joe

Totally agree, Joe.

Heck, given its location on the lockbar, it may even be intentional and functional; to keep the lock spring from creeping forward out of the backspacer. At least that was my first thought when I saw it on mine. Both of them have it, so I strongly suspect it's par for the course on them. The original locking Kiwis were better finished there, but they also had as step milled in them to keep the spring in place.

Deacon, have you noticed this finish on any other Spyderco internals?
If it is part of the functional design and was left rough on purpose, I would be interested in hearing confirmation from the company. However, if you look closely, it appears that someone may have made a pass at grinding the surface, given the smoother marks on the right side and one high spot on the left side.

Guyon wrote:Deacon, have you noticed this finish on any other Spyderco internals?
If it is part of the functional design and was left rough on purpose, I would be interested in hearing confirmation from the company. However, if you look closely, it appears that someone may have made a pass at grinding the surface, given the smoother marks on the right side and one high spot on the left side.

The lockbars of both of my Kiwi 4's look exactly like yours. And yes, I've notices spots on other internals that were not finished more than necessary for them to function properly.

The Deacon wrote:The lockbars of both of my Kiwi 4's look exactly like yours. And yes, I've notices spots on other internals that were not finished more than necessary for them to function properly.

Very helpful intel. Thank you.

FWIW, this type of finish on the internal part of the lockbar is what I'm used to as well in my Kiwis and some other spydies.

It's also possible that each knife has a very tight F&F timeframe and details like sanding the other side would add to the bottom line (and be passed to the customer). It's a stretch of course but one of those details, along with the costs associated, that separate high quality production from customs.

I have a very limited understanding of Japanese culture but see a high level of pride and at times pragmatism. What might be common sense to us (adding washers, screwed construction, polishing lockbars/liners, sanding the opening hole, etc) might not even be on their radar. Maybe it's how they have made lockbacks for almost a hundred years? The insight provided on many occasions by Sal is always a welcomed glimpse into their blade-making culture. :)

All that said of course is just coffee house banter and in no way an affront to the OP. I'm very interested if details are offered. Also, if it isn't customary it should be fixed or replaced. Personally I wish the visible spine of all my knives looked like that. Some custom makers etch with noxious chemicals for a very similar aesthetic.

Just checked my Kiwi4. Looks the same as the OP's knife.

Guyon wrote:

araneae wrote:Yes. I don't really care what the parts I don't see look like. I guess some people do.

I fail to see how the response quoted above adds value to this conversation or to my question, other than to deliver a passive-aggressive swipe in my direction.

You asked:

Guyon wrote:Are others seeing this level of finish on internal parts?

I'm not araneae, but he appears to be responding, albeit quickly, to your question. He has seen this level of fit and finish, and it doesn't bother him so he would keep the knife. It's difficult to imply tone from an internet post, so I find it's best to not assume the worst.

For myself, I haven't scrutinized the internals of my spydies, so I don't know if this is common. It probably wouldn't bother me on a working knife design, perhaps something like the Rubicon or Slysz Bowie, where a higher level of F&F is expected. You mentioned that for you, this was more of a form knife, so I can see how this F&F might be a let down. Hopefully your dealer gets back to you with good news.