Sage 1 problem ?

[BostonTom]

Hi,
Just want to run this by you guys. Keep in mind, I'm clueless with anything mechanical.I can break anything but not fix. My Sage 1 is new. I've opened and closed it a bunch of times but that's all. I'm going to try and explain this. First off, it's not as smooth as it should be. I've handled a couple and they were smoother. Mine seems to have a little more resistance when closing. It's not bad just a little less smooth then I think it should be. Looking at the knife with blade open there is a horizontal mark across the tang. The mark is about 4mm from the jimping on underside of knife. The jimping where index finger would go if choking up on knife. It's from coming in contact with standoff when closed. I don't know if this is a symptom of another problem ? Thanks

[BostonTom]

Also, it's not something that will rub off with a Q tip or anything. I'm having a hard time trying to edit posts. I'll figure it out.

[jalcon]

Could you post a pic?

[BostonTom]

I'm lucky I can post. I'll try and figure out or I'll get someone else to figure out ASAP. It's not a big deal but the mark (horizontal line) is there. More concerned if it's from something else. Thanks

[SpyderNut]

For the first issue, it sounds like you may have gotten a bit of pocket lint, dust, or other debris around the pivot pin, which will gum things up and cause the blade to open/close more slowly. I would suggest using compressed air (from an air compressor if available) to blow any crud out of the pivot. You can also try washing and drying the knife thoroughly and applying a small drop of oil on the pivot. This should help smooth things up for you. As for the second issue, the horizontal line you're seeing on the choil side of the blade is very likely simply caused by the blade seating against the stop pin when the blade is closed. Shouldn't be anything to worry about.

[abbazaba]

I've had a total of three Sage1's, two were new and one was used.. Both of the new ones were pretty stiff and not as free to deploy as the used one (which was like butter) . Clean and oil as SpyderNut said, and give it time to break in.

I will also confirm that the line is normal and from the stop pin.

[Cobra]

My very first Spyderco is the Sage 1, and it's my favorite! It was easy to thumb deploy one handed, but not flickable, and after a few weeks I noticed that the centering was slowly moving away from the clip side liner, so I bought a Wiha torx wrench, and some synthetic oil and tuned that bad boy up! I finally got the pivot tension right in the sweet spot where it's perfectly centered and effortlessly flickable. I've since tuned up my PM2 and Native 5 with similar results, although the PM2 needed very little adjustment. The Native 5 took a little more tweaking...

[jalcon]

My sage1 was smooth for a few years but recently it was very rough to open, and almost felt rusted inside or.something..or maybe the pivot was just dirty. Either way, I put the knife in a bowl of water and a small.amount of dish soap for like 10 mins. I then opened the knife and put it back in for a other 10 or so. I then took it out and thoroughly dried it with a cloth and compressed air. Put a drop or two of nano oil in the pivot, and now it's been smooth as glass ever since. That's probably the best way to do it without taking it apart IMO. Worth a shot..

[BostonTom]

Thanks everyone for the responses. I got busy and forgot to reply. You were all correct. I blew out the pivot with compressed air. Also, added a drop of Rem oil. It got smoother and gets better every day. It's fine now. I was impatient. The knife just needed some breaking in time too. Yes, the little horizontal line on the tang is just from it contacting stop pin. Thanks....
It hasn't left my pocket since I bought it. The quality and workmanship are excellent. Perfect centering and early lockup. The knife provides me a very comfortable normal grip. Also great when choked up.
I like S30V. I've only touched up a couple of S30V PM2 blades on SM. It doesn't respond or feel like VG10 or 154CM. But, I like the benefits of it and don't think I'll have a problem on SM. I can't say enough good things about the knife. It's quickly become my favorite. I even used some convoluted logic and bought a second Sage 1.. The second one is smoother out of box and has the exact same quality and workmanship of the first one. I only wish I had bought one sooner.

[palonej]

Glad you hung in there Tom! Many people take a brand new knife out of the box and if it isn't absolutely perfect the y give up and return it.
Most things, rifles, cars etc need a little break in.....close tolerances. UK guys call it 'bedding in' and it usually makes a world of difference!
Enjoy those beauties!
What's next??? Sorry, had to!!
Joe

[BostonTom]

Joe,
Thanks.. I'm a perfectionist but really need to sit back and look at the whole picture sometimes. You hit the nail on the head. I read somewhere (I think BF) that Spyderco knives sometimes come with a type of break in period. At first, something might seem a little tight, quirky or whatever but it works itself out. True on a few of my knives.
I have to lay low for a while but will pick up something interesting next. I love that blurple PM2. I must have the most boring collection of knives here. Boring but reliable for the most part. Lot of duplicates and more common steels.
The 2016 and upcoming knives are mind boggling. What's on your radar ?

[palonej]

A blue Sage 3 has been on my radar for a while now and just found one on the BF Exchange. Grabbed it!! Should be here tomorrow. Looking forward to that one!
With all the awesome new models coming this year my brain hurts!!
I've had a blurple PM2 since they first dropped and I can't say enough good about it!!
Got a blurple Manix couple weeks ago and that one is a winner too! Without a doubt it has the best edge I've ever seen on a Sypdie!! Amazing action too!!
Some awesome sprints coming out also!!
See what I mean about my brain hurting???
:D
Joe