How to disassemble and maintain your Spyderco Sage 5 Pocketknife

The Spyderco Sage 5 is a compression lock knife which is pretty straightforward to take apart, although you've gotta deal with some threadlocker before you can make any progress.
This one took a little while because I focused on de-burring and cleaning a bit of factory mess, but it's not so complex!
Also, that big pin that I couldn't figure out? Duh. It's the compression lock pin, against which the tang is... compressed.
Also, note that Spyderco has now changed their warranty policy so that disassembly is A-OK and Red-Loctite is banished. For more information: • Spyderco just fixed th...
To learn more about the tools I'm using, check this video: • Video

[@kirksklar6230]

I appreciate your disassemble videos Nick, it is always interesting to see what is on the inside of knife, how it works, and of course how to keep it clean and improve the action. In cases it has influenced my purchasing choices.

[@MountainEMT]

Rarely comment on videos. However, you deserve some praise. I have been polishing and cleaning my knives in a similar manner for years. Learning through trial and error. You do a great and authentic job of introducing the process. Continue the good work!

[@knifeknut69]

I just want to say thank you for all the disassembly videos you do. Whenever I get a new knife I always check your channel for a guide. Thank you again.

[@ricklohman8121]

Thanks, Nick. I might give it a try. I look forward to the review.

[@NeilTheKnifeGuy]

Great job Nick. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on the Sage 5 in your future video. I got one about two weeks ago and I also took it apart the second day. Mine didn't fall shut at first but after about a week of using it it has broken in very nicely and is a free dropper now.

[@severzero]

Great video. Enjoying how in depth your vids are.

[@jean-baptistecardamone7775]

The reason why I subscribe to this channel is because you are honest.

[@magicdave93]

A really interesting and informative video, thanks Nick.

[@csharpewalls]

I really like your disassembly videos keep it going!

[@R1NR4N]

Great video as usual Nick. Kind of surprising to see Spyderco using an internal stop pin on this knife.

[@Underbottom.Sandydown]

Thanks for the upload, I dropped my sage in puddle of mystery shit and its been bound up worse than something thats pretty bound up. Glad you showed the hair dryer trick, the knife's currently silky smooth!

[@davidwatson3035]

Another "beautiful thing" of a video Nick. I was shouting at the screen "washer" when you initially forgot it, but only because I've watched enough of your uploads to know what I'm doing - sort of... More power to you! Many thanks for all your uploads and I'm sure my next will be the Slyz Bowie. Sal should donate you some shares ;)

[@tavernpuzzler]

If you are going to buy Loctite at this point, go for the 243. This is the same as the 242 but does not require Loctite primer to cure. It is fairly new (came out in the past couple years, i think). You may not have issues with curing, but might as well be safe. Loctite 680 actually is now only made in the primerless version because it is so widely used in industry, Loctite decided not to make everyone change their documents to call for 681 (or something else). 680 is a green Loctite and should never be used in something that you want to talk apart... ever. Without heat, you can shear off 4-40 screws before you know whats going on. I bought that diver set, on your recommendation several months ago. It is truly a fantastic set for knife maintenance. Love the videos. Looking forward to the review on this guy.

[@dubglock2312]

im really digging the sage5!

[@formerpnineten6073]

Thank you for another great video. I have to try the heat trick on a cheap chinese knife which I tried taking apart a few months ago but it killed my Torx driver at the time...(head broke off). Looking forward for your full review, because I have my eyes on the Sage 5...

[@aaronalba8235]

Polishing washers makes a huge difference! Did wonders to my endura.

[@StraitClownin909]

Whats the best way i could polish them?

[@davidcherry3107]

@@StraitClownin909 I think he said he was using 1 micron diamond polishing compound. I use Flitz polish. I clean them with isopropyl alcohol first. Next, I drop them, one at a time, on a piece of felt, squeeze a dab of felt on the washer, fold the cloth over it and rub. It's important to get all the polish off before lubricating and reassembling. When I did my Para 3, I actually applied a bit of Flitz and then used a Dremel with a felt disc to polish the washers. The action is now super smooth.

[@jacdixie]

I love your channel. Thanks!

[@dannyboi4757]

Good video nick!!

[@wolfdna788]

Better than Netflix 👍🏽

[@alan24680]

Great video. Thanks.

[@randallkelley3599]

Nickie is correct 'bout locktite. I did not use it on my Hinderer, and one day in my pocket I found a screw from my 3"er...Lucky for me....

[@sjoerdstok1]

i like this background much better!

[@sergeb.1717]

The longer screw is for mounting the clip

[@bassraptor4085]

I was screaming (quietly) in my head you forgot a step! when you forgot the washer. Owell we don't learn without making mistakes

[@charleseasinoncampbell8650]

hi Nick love your video's, just wondering if you can do one for the spyderco paramilitary 2 and the Manix2 which I have all 3 of the knifes. Thanks again really wonderful knowledgeable videos from Charles

[@robboss1839]

Exact same disassembly as me with the leather posishing the washers and rubbing alcohol. Only difference is I break the thread lock by poking the screws with a soldering iron for a few seconds

[@jcravoc4223]

i completely agree with you 100%. i take apart all of my edc knives, and the action is 10 times better after i put them back together. some of my safe queens as well but 500-700 dollar knives are pretty clean and smooth to begin with right? haha

[@stainlessfour5]

Spoke to spyderco recently and they are going to start selling the screw sets because they said they understand people are taking them apart and changing scales etc

[@plamen2110]

I'm a loner (sometimes), that's why I come to your channel. ;P I can drop a pun too here and there (sometimes) :D

[@FindersKeepers88]

Got It, Thx

[@ringingsteel2432]

I don’t mind Loctite as long as it isn’t red. I wish more manufacturers would use blue Loctite since I’ve lost several screws to various knives

[@roberthastings5442]

Which size torx bit did you use in this video? I tried to remove the pocket clip yesterday, but every bit I had was either too big or too small. Thanks for another great video, Nick!

[@southernstacker7315]

Nick, what would I ask for at Lowe's to get that little Allen wrench set?

[@ricklohman8121]

Hey, Nick!! I've been following your site for a while and find your recommendations to be in tune with my knife wants and needs. Thanks! I have a Sage 5 and although it's a free-dropper, the lock bar is so strong the tip of my index finger is numb. Is that a normal compression lock bar trait?

[@NickShabazz]

Nope, you might want to adjust the lockbar tension a bit by taking it down and (gently) bending it back. Be careful, though, a little goes a long way!

[@jimm244]

Nick, you mentioned in this vid (or maybe it was the review) that the detent was a bit weak. Could that be adjusted by tweeking the lock bar, or do you think it has more to do with the detent ball/hole? Like this knife, but want a great flick.

[@bauhausoffice]

Ah the girlfriends hairdryer trick. Nick forgot to tell us to ask her first...And Nick, i’m a general contractor don’t ever call me to work on your house…. ;)

[@shawnforsythe]

Is there a "start date" on Spyderco's use of Red Loctite? I wonder if my Sage 3 is so affected. I feel less than comfortable heating laminated scales, if I don't have to.

[@Ekybob_Plays]

I just spent a number of minutes with a hairdryer trying to loosen the last screw.. Of course it turns out it wasn't screwed in and I had been trying (carefully!) to unscrew the D-shaped back side of the pivot. #notabrilliantman

[@NickShabazz]

I wish I could claim I've never been there.

[@tylerhaskiell1338]

My sage 5 is different on the inside. The track system is in the blade. I dont know if mine is older or newer but it dont drop shut like yours.

[@OnTheEdge5950]

Thanks for sharing Nick. maybe Spyderco thinks that they are using blue locktight since the blue is in a red tube and the red locktight is in a blue tube ? I am kidding of course hahaha. How can a company tell you not to maintain a tool that you paid for? If they had a decent warranty policy I would understand it a little bit but..... Love your videos Nick .

[@PolarRook]

Did nick say what size torx he was using for the pivot screw?

[@Dan_Hazard]

great vid big dawg, keep it up. I was wondering if you know of anyone who has a microtech utx-70 cali edition lemme know I want one

[@anthonyb2990]

Can you link me to where you bought that bit holder and bits? Thanks:)

[@petepetro1]

another great video!! can you put an amazon link to the tool you use to disassemble your knives. thx

[@NickShabazz]

It's in the video description. :)

[@chainsaw904]

Great video Nick. I just got my Sage 5 and the pivot needs to be adjusted a bit. I've tried the hair dryer trick but the screws aren't releasing. Should I try more heat or will the knife eventually break in after repeated use? Currently the blade doesn't fall when I release the comp lock. Any other suggestions? Thanks

[@chainsaw904]

Nevermind Nick. More heat did the trick! Crazy we have to resort to such means to adjust a tool we buy with our own hard earned money.

[@StraitClownin909]

Did your action ever smooth out? Just bought a sage 5 love it, but my action is super stiff. No fun!

[@broxzera6299]

Hey nick! I used locktite on my mcusta katana and now i can't take it apart. Can i still use the hair dryer even though it has aluminum scales and teflon washers? :)

[@NickShabazz]

+StanceDrifter yep

[@HaesslichG]

Say, is the handle Delica size or closer to Native 5 in length? I love the Chaparral style blade, and while the Delica is a fine cutter, has a tad too much handle for watch pocket carry.

[@NickShabazz]

You'll see a full size comparison with the Delica Saturday, but it's Delica-sized plus.

[@HaesslichG]

Ooh, that's a negative in my books, then. It doesn't look to have a longer blade than my Ti-Lock or the 940-1 yet has a handle longer than the former. Time to wait for the full review!

[@ivorfox1054]

Walk of shame .... nice 👍🏼

[@dalecarpenter8828]

I hate locktite on a knife ! I thought the compression lock was a liner lock in a different place ! that actually locks like it could be a very strong lock ! It works sort of like the triad lock ! as a block ! Over $100.00 and you get washers with burs ?

[@RoyFernbach]

Any suggestions on how to better maintain a Spyderco Stainless Steel model that have peened pins?

[@NickShabazz]

Dish liquid under running water to de-gunk, then blow it out with canned air, dry with a hair dryer, then use a lightweight oil. Wipe what's left-over clean. But pinned knives drive me nuts!

[@RoyFernbach]

Thanks for the input. The only really nice thing about peen'd pins is that you never have to worry about them coming loose... EVER... even if you want them to!

[@hastings9452]

Nick mate, I get in to watch your videos pretty soon after you post and you always have some toolbox giving you a thumbs down. What did you do?

[@slyphon]

Small critique: when polishing the washers, I've read it's better to use a figure 8 pattern (unless you're explicitly changing the orientation of the washer regularly) to ensure that the surface wears/buffs evenly. Is this overthinking it? Probably. Just wanted to pass that along :)

[@NickShabazz]

+Jonathan Simms (slyphon) Great point!

[@1vw4me]

The ApostleP had a video about this very thing. Polishing washers using a figure 8. It was a great video. Check it out.

[@dead7hed]

does anyone else who has recently purchased a sage 5 in the past 6 months have a different looking stop pin in the blade?

[@StraitClownin909]

I just bought one last week off Amazon. Love the knife but hate the stiff action. I had to loosen the pivot screws a bit to smooth the action, now I have a some of blade play. At any rate, I'm going to disassemble mine, I'll let you know.

[@dead7hed]

@@StraitClownin909 much appreciated

[@dead7hed]

@@StraitClownin909 any word on your stop pin after disassembly?

[@lucacadianalbert]

to initially remove any burs on the washers wouldn't you be better off starting off on a fine ceramic stone and then finish on a strop?

[@Xithz]

The risk is that you'd fuck up the thickness of your washers, which would usually mean weird blade centering. Worst case scenario it could introduce some blade play if they become much thinner than they should be.

[@lucacadianalbert]

Xithz I can see that happening if you polish them for a LONG time or if you use something coarser - but ultra fine ceramic stones really don't take that much material off. Unless the washers aren't that dirty, I always do initial passes, in figure 8, on an ultra fine ceramic stone then move one to a strop.

[@Xithz]

Luc Albert Yeah I agree completely, it shouldn't really be a problem. However if you ask me it's an extra unnecessary step that can only worsen the knife in an absolut worst case scenario. Then again as you said, you'd have to reeeeaaaaaly polish the washers for anything bad to happen ^^ To each his own I suppose

[@lucacadianalbert]

Xithz I think we both agree. the only washers I keep way clear from any stones are CRK Sebenza 21 washers because the tolerances are so precise the thickness of those if very critical - I would hate to accidentally take too much material off then have to wait 8 weeks for them to repair it. :o)

[@NickShabazz]

Yep, if I'd had one handy, I probably would've. But it was small enough that I figured it might flake off.

[@RhandyGelderland]

when is the review due Nick?

[@NickShabazz]

+Rhandy Gelderland Saturday!

[@RhandyGelderland]

okay thanks, very interested in this knife

[@yamasail]

Almost looks like the inside of a mechanical watch.

[@GustavoHernandez1]

Why do you keep saying disassembly voids the warranty?

[@NickShabazz]

You troll 🤣

[@GustavoHernandez1]

Love you Nick 🫶🏻

[@dscmatr]

Do you have a patreon account?

[@OldGrowthRedwood]

Interesting but needless. In fact, will cause many to screw up their knives trying this.

[@marcounkel4806]

Hi Nick, i watch your videos on a regular basis, but sorry man, you're quite a screw up in disassemble and correct assembly... your ways, with non care at all is a reason people screw up their blades. Hope that your next vid is one with a little more care.

[@NickShabazz]

Marco: Sure, it's not always super smooth, but my methods work. But I can't wait for you to show the proper techniques once you start your channel :)

[@nyccolm]

Pointing out the occasional, um, minor foible, is not necessarily motivated by malice. Wouldn’t be watching the videos if I didn’t enjoy them... but you seem to be on coffee sometimes and it can lead to some of your methods being kind of, well, pointless- if you whip through the size comparisons and often don’t even remove your hand, nor have the knives properly set up for the camera...well, what’s the point of the size comparison? Thanks for the takedown video I’ve never taken a compression lock apart. And I’m also now considering getting this knife. So again, thanks.

[@tyroneshoelaces9742]

125 bucks for the sage 5... Looks a little bit sloppy as far as construction. Just another reason I divorced Spyderco. Haha