PM2 compression lock double click

[ambrosivs]

Hi.

I just got my new PM2 in the mail. The locking mechanism clicks twice if I open it really slow. In fact, there is a semi-locked condition in the last ~20 degrees of the 180 degree opening arc, i.e. between the two clicks.

I would like to ask some PM2 owners (or compression lock owners in general), whether this is a deliberate behavior of the lock, and if so, what is its purpose.

Thanks!

[Surfingringo]

Completely normal. The first click is the detent ball sliding off the tang and the second is the lock actually engaging. Enjoy your knife...it's a great design!

[The Deacon]

If I had to guess, the first "click" is when the detent ball drops off the blade tang and the lockbar itself come in contact with the tang. Can't imagine what you mean by "semi locked", but the solution is simple, open the knife normally. Knives may not be meant to be snapped open really fast, but they're not meant to be opened at a snails pace either. Heck, the doors and tailgate on my Mercedes won't close properly if I close them really slow.

[demoncase]

I imagine the 'semi-locked' is the feeling of increased friction and spring tension after the detent has been passed and there is more of the metal of the blade sweeping on the face of the lock.

Completely normal, sir- they all do that....As they say in all good car show rooms

In fact, it's most noticeable in my Military liner locks, where the same thing happens after the detent ball is passed :)

[ambrosivs]

Thanks for the prompt reply guys!

Yes, I did see some hump on the lockbar and now I understand it is the "detent ball". I figured this feature was there on purpose but wanted to ask anyway. Upon further investigation, I believe the primary purpose of this ball is to keep the blade firmly closed, and to also lessen friction while opening.

Thanks once more and sorry for the noob question :)

[bearfacedkiller]

Thanks for the prompt reply guys!

Yes, I did see some hump on the lockbar and now I understand it is the "detent ball". I figured this feature was there on purpose but wanted to ask anyway. Upon further investigation, I believe the primary purpose of this ball is to keep the blade firmly closed, and to also lessen friction while opening.

Thanks once more and sorry for the noob question :)

Bingo! That is exactly why it's there. Enjoy your Para2, it is truly a wonderful design.

[swigert]

Thanks for the prompt reply guys!

Yes, I did see some hump on the lockbar and now I understand it is the "detent ball". I figured this feature was there on purpose but wanted to ask anyway. Upon further investigation, I believe the primary purpose of this ball is to keep the blade firmly closed, and to also lessen friction while opening.

Thanks once more and sorry for the noob question :)

Welcome to the forum! Enjoy that Para 2

[PocketZen]

Completely normal. The first click is the detent ball sliding off the tang and the second is the lock actually engaging. Enjoy your knife...it's a great design!

+1 that's it. Enjoy the PM2, I was surprised how much I like it when I started carrying it.

[SpyderNut]

Yep, +1 on what the others said. Very normal on Liner Locks, Frame Locks, and Compression Locks. The detent ball was the brainchild of Michael Walker, the designer of the Walker Liner Lock. Basically, I believe he was the first to engineer the detent ball concept into his folders to help hold the blade in place when it was in the closed position.