Caly 3.5 Issue and Question

[dreadpirate]

I have a Caly 3.5 with G10 and VG10 steel. Great knife - BUT - when I lock it back, and then I press the release, the button is really stiff and it feels like it's binding. Also - when it's locked the button is not totally flush - but the button is flush when closed. Also - if I lock the knife back and then push the release once - it seems to settle into another position and the button is flush - the knife is still locked nice and tight - and subsequent button pushes are smooth. I tried working on the surface to make it more flat with a file where the blade and release meet and it made no difference what so ever. I am leery of taking off too much metal because I am afraid it will create blade play. At least it locks up tight. Any suggestions? Maybe I should send it back to Spyderco?? :confused:

[twinboysdad]

Have you tried working the lock with soap and hot water? I did this to mine years ago and it made a difference. The C3.5 will never be a "screen door" like a Para2. Not the same in any regard. I have come to appreciate the predictability of mine closing to a "half stop" since it will never close on my finger. So a) try washing and oiling the mechanism and b) treat this as a different Spydie than any others you have. The C3.5 is the EDC measuring stick IMHO

[Donut]

You might want to try a little oil around where the lock bar moves.

Unfortunately, since most of this knife is pinned construction, you can't adjust the screws/pins that affect the lock.

[xinam]

Filing on the outside of the knife will make no difference... might make it worse by introducing metal shavings into the pivot. What you are experiencing is probably a bur or inconsistency on the lock bar face or the tang where the two interface. Most if not all lock bars settle into a slightly different position when the knife is opened and locked vs closed, that part is completely normal. To fix the issue with the sticky button, clean knife with hot soapy water and dry. Then open the knife and take precaution to not cut yourself (gloves, tape edge). Apply slight pressure to the top of the blade as if you are trying to close it against the lock, press button. This will apply pressure to the two metal surfaces and accelerate the break in process... Once the operations smooths out consistently, wash it again with the hot soapy water and lube lightly with the lube of choice and you should be good to go. My Caly 3.5 was the worst out of box ever, and now is among the best... good luck!

[dreadpirate]

So I stole someone's image to illustrate. Looking at the diagram - I took the blade off and I filed the part of the tang where the lower arrow points. Well - as shown in the diagram - nothing contacts there so that was a waste of time. It is the other two adjacent sides that (apparently) matter.

I will try these other suggestions. Thanks.

[Orlando De Free]

I had a similar problem with a Lava. I called Spyderco and they said to send it in for inspection. They sent me back a new replacement. You may wish to call Spyderco CS.

[gull wing]

Spyderco Lockbacks are good, I have several. There is always the unseen part, though.
Here is a large(old) Manix and a CS model. See the depth of the lock arm on the CS.

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[dreadpirate]

After cleaning and oiling it seems to be smoother. It definitely locks back with zero play. Not sure it's an issue at this point.

I like the design and am thinking about getting the Caly 3 in ZDP189/420J with carbon finer handles :D

[dreadpirate]

So as a follow up - the release feels really clean now. I guess it just needed some more use and a good bath.

[dreadpirate]

Also wanted to say the Caly 3.5 with the G10 / VG10 is a super knife.