Should I lap the action on my Calypso?

[Jeff/1911]

Folks,



My large Calypso is a beautiful knife. However, it's operation is not easy or slick, like my other Spyderco's.



I just bought it recently and have been waiting for it to "break in". It seems that the lockback spring in this knife is VERY strong. So strong in fact, that it is actually uncomfortable to depress the locking lever, as it digs into my fingertip. I believe this is what is making the knife hard to open and close, or at least not "slick" to operate. The hinge itself seems to operate quite freely as long as the spring tension from the lock is held off.



I realize that I cannot do anything about the spring tension issue myself, but I think once the action and locking parts get properly mated and polished, it should work more easily. So far, it still doesn't feel that smooth.



I have been considering applying some lapping compound to these parts so that cycling the knife will more quickly cause the parts to mate with each other. I am hesitant though, as I don't want to get lapping compound stuck inside the knife's workings somewhere that I can't get it out of, and have the knife wear itself out prematurely.



Should I use lapping compound or not?



Jeff/1911.



Edited by - Jeff/1911 on 6/7/2001 11:26:21 PM

[Jeff/1911]

This previously posted question may be moot now, as I spent a good deal of time today cycling the knife over and over and over again. It's pretty smooth now, after a couple thousand cycles (I'm not kidding).

Jeff/1911.

[Tom Percy]

I didn't have to do anything other than cycle mine, and it's <i>very </i> smooth.

[Jeff/1911]

Tom,

Thanks for the response. Was it smooth when you got it? Is the spring tension of your knife's locking lever seem &quot;normal&quot;?

As well as the stronger-than-usual spring, my Calypso seemed to have a bit of a burr or something in the mechanism because there was a rough feeling spot when you opened it. It's smoother now, but still really heavy.

Jeff/1911.

[Tom Percy]

My mechanism was smooth but had some resistance. I think most of the resistance was due to the choil (if I get my terms right) rubbing on the inside of the scale when closing. It may have aslo rubbed during the opening as well.
After a few evenings watching TV, the complete opening/closing cycle was noticably smoother. Not as smooth as the Military, but, still quite a package.

[Tightwad]

Hi Jeff.....My large calypso was / is a smooth as butter since new. It opens with a loud &quot;snick&quot; when
the lock sets. With a blade this sharp and big it's nice to know it is locked solid. Man....what a cutter!

[Jeff/1911]

Fellows,

Do either of your knives seem to have an extra strong locking lever return spring? This one of mine does, and even though it's getting smoother through cycling, it's actually hard to push down the locking lever when you unlock it.

I'd rather have it this way than too loose though, because as you say Tightwad...with a knife this sharp you don't wan't it closing on your hand! I'm using a 30 degree sharpening angle now and it truly is just like a razor. I now understand Joe Talmadge's name for these blades sharpened at 30 (or 15+15) degrees...&quot;pocket scalpel&quot;.

Jeff/1911.

[Tom Percy]

Mine is about the same as my other Spyderco's. Lock's up solid ! Unlocks ith the same amount of pressure - no worry about premature release of any of my locks.

[Jeff/1911]

Tom,

Thanks for the information. I must have just got an extra strong one.

Jeff/1911.

[Tightwad]

Hi Jeff...No mine is not TIGHT! it's tight and and secure. It does take two hands to close tho. Not a
bad thing with a knife this sharp. I got nipped once by being carless with it so know I always look
what I'm doing with this knife. It's the only knife of the many I own that garners that level of respect.

[Jeff/1911]

Tightwad,

Thanks for the feedback. I close mine with two hands too.

Jeff/1911.

[Tightwad]

Just thought I'd mention that the &quot;snick&quot; the calypso makes really gets attention. I've had folk's back
away when they hear this knife open. Eyes grow big at the sight of it . Being this impressive sometimes
can be a real pain. Don't carry /use it much as I'd like because of the attention it gets. But if ,just if, I
had a threat to face this knife would let folks know to let me be just by the sound and sight.

[Jeff/1911]

Tightwad,

I'm sure that mine makes the same sound...very distinctive alright. It sure is an impressive piece. Thanks for the benefit of your experience here.

Jeff/1911.