Problem with my Delica

[SarcoBlaster]

Yesterday, as I opened my Delica, I noticed that it opened quite a bit easier than it used to. Upon closer inspection, I was surprised to find that the blade had some lateral movement and that the opening/closing action wasn't as tight as it used to be. Also, the back end of the lock is not flush with the top of the handle like it used to be. What should I do? I've e-mailed Sal about his and am waiting for a reply, but has this happened to anybody else? I can see a gap between the blade and the handle around the pivot area as well.

 

[calyth]

Did you check for dirt & lint?
You can always try to use compressed air (and maybe a oil like lubricant [not White Lightning]) and try and blast any dirt out.
Things can and do gum up the works sometimes. Did you look at the contacting surfaces to see whether there's anything different (again, like dirt and stuff)? Is it possible for you to push the lock bar flush to the spine?