An ode to the compression lock.

[ladybug93]

everyone just needs a squiddy. it's fun and if feel less weird if more people were doing it.

[Evil D]

About that ZT....I handled one in a store once, don't remember what model but that sucker had such strong lock stick (titanium frame lock) that it literally took both of my thumbs pressing on the lock tab to break it loose and unlock it. On the plus side though it was practically a fixed blade at that point, it would have been interesting to buy and use hard and see how that much lock stick might actually benefit the security of the lock.


As for the compression lock, I'm constantly in a love/hate relationship with it. I love the function but hate some ergonomic quirks it has.

[vandelay]

Flicking is a legit way to open a folder for use. Fidgeting and flicking for fun is legit too, since having fun is important. To me it's in the same category as twirling a sixgun or pulling a wheelie on a bicycle, two skills I mastered as a kid, but haven't done for decades.

I say all that to say this: fidgeting and flicking are the only actions where a compression lock really shines compared to other locks. The comp lock is indeed a masterpiece, and I adore my PM2s and Caribbeans. But oh, how much better they would be with back locks, or liner locks, or frame locks, or CBBLs...

Well another benefit of the comp lock is that it gives more freedom with knife design. The Caribbean wouldn't be possible with a back lock. Sal said in a previous thread that you'd need a handle-foward design like the rock jumper to get the grip that close to the blade. A liner lock Caribbean could easily turn into a thumb guillotine if they can't fit a proper thumb guard in there. CBBL would probably work in either of those knives, but not some smaller knives.

[James Y]

I don't flick my knives or worry about "drop-shutty" action, but I understand that many others do. People enjoy their knives in their own ways. I used to occasionally flick my knives many years ago, and I still can if I want to. I simply choose not to.

Some people are gonna roll their eyes at this, but constant flicking, as in obsessive-compulsively flicking a folder open and closed, accelerates wear on parts; yes, even on high-quality folders. But it's your knife to do with as you wish.

Jim

[Bk.Obamah]

I like all lock types! I find the different locking mechanisms fascinating.

Amongst my nicer knives I only have one or two of each lock type with the exception of Compression locks; I've got alot of those. I'm not sure the Comp-lock is my favorite but It's definitely has a great combination of Strength and Ease of Manipulation.

[Bolster]

If you want to marvel at the compression lock's efficiency of use of space, you need look no further than the Junior...the lock is contained within that diminutive bridge...

[Evil D]

If you want to marvel at the compression lock's efficiency of use of space, you need look no further than the Junior...the lock is contained within that diminutive bridge...

I think the Ouroboros has it beat.

[ladybug93]

If you want to marvel at the compression lock's efficiency of use of space, you need look no further than the Junior...the lock is contained within that diminutive bridge...

I think the Ouroboros has it beat.

i never thought i would like polished g10, but then i got a vallotton. it's so nice. i like that ouroboros.

[Evil D]

If you want to marvel at the compression lock's efficiency of use of space, you need look no further than the Junior...the lock is contained within that diminutive bridge...

I think the Ouroboros has it beat.

i never thought i would like polished g10, but then i got a vallotton. it's so nice. i like that ouroboros.

I consider it a fair compromise vs polished micarta.

[Coastal]

Well another benefit of the comp lock is that it gives more freedom with knife design. The Caribbean wouldn't be possible with a back lock. Sal said in a previous thread that you'd need a handle-foward design like the rock jumper to get the grip that close to the blade. A liner lock Caribbean could easily turn into a thumb guillotine if they can't fit a proper thumb guard in there. CBBL would probably work in either of those knives, but not some smaller knives.

I don't want to fight about it because I'm not that hard over, but I respectfully disagree. The Military and Cricket both have liner locks. So do the Schempp Bowie and the Large Lum folder. Those are some really different configurations, so I'd say the liner lock allows a lot of design freedom.

As for the Caribbean, it's very nearly a handle-forward design as is. I guess I didn't mean use exactly the Caribbean handle and blade and simply change out the lock. But I see what you're saying; it might have to be messed with to the point that maybe you wouldn't still call it a Caribbean. But that's what they just did with the Military 2, in reverse.

The thumb guillotine issue is worthy because safety is always important, but it's never been a problem for me. I operate my knives pretty deliberately (not slowly) no matter the lock. I tune most of them so they're shake-shut rather than drop shut. At least a quarter of my knives have liner locks, and I've never cut myself closing one. Maybe I've been lucky, but it's been thousands of times, over decades.

[sal]

I'll see if I can clear up some of the confusion.

Well another benefit of the comp lock is that it gives more freedom with knife design.

All locks, steels, have advantages and disadvantages. The advantage of a Compression lock and a Walker Linerlock is that the lock comes in from the side. This leaves the cavity for the blade larger as there are no obstructions at the spine of the handle, so a blade can be wider. The Shaman is an example of using a Compression lock because I wanted a wide blade for strength and geometry. I could not have fit the blade into the handle using a lock that required ceiling real estate. There are a few other locks (eg: pin lock) that come in from the side, but they're not as popular.


Compression
The Caribbean wouldn't be possible with a back lock. Sal said in a previous thread that you'd need a handle-foward design like the rock jumper to get the grip that close to the blade. A liner lock Caribbean could easily turn into a thumb guillotine if they can't fit a proper thumb guard in there. CBBL would probably work in either of those knives, but not some smaller knives.

A mid lock-back as we make them have a kick that hit's the pin for the lock when folded. That keeps the blade from hitting the spring and spring holder when letting the blade snap closed. The space from the kick to the handle on something like a Delica, is open and visible from the kick to the handle. Some folks like that space to keep them from getting too close to the edge.

To put a mid lock-back on a Caribbean design means we'd have to ad the kick arrangement which now has your hand further away from the edge, which the Caribbean design doesn't have because of the Compression lock. In order to create a Caribbean design with a Mid lock-back, it would have to use the handle forward concept (eg: the Leaf Jumper) to get the hand close to the edge.


I don't want to fight about it because I'm not that hard over, but I respectfully disagree. The Military and Cricket both have liner locks. So do the Schempp Bowie and the Large Lum folder. Those are some really different configurations, so I'd say the liner lock allows a lot of design freedom.

As for the Caribbean, it's very nearly a handle-forward design as is. I guess I didn't mean use exactly the Caribbean handle and blade and simply change out the lock. But I see what you're saying; it might have to be messed with to the point that maybe you wouldn't still call it a Caribbean. But that's what they just did with the Military 2, in reverse.

The thumb guillotine issue is worthy because safety is always important, but it's never been a problem for me. I operate my knives pretty deliberately (not slowly) no matter the lock. I tune most of them so they're shake-shut rather than drop shut. At least a quarter of my knives have liner locks, and I've never cut myself closing one. Maybe I've been lucky, but it's been thousands of times, over decades.

I don't think the Linerlock is dangerous. It's a bit different from what people new to the lock are used to, so some muscle memory needs to be developed, which is not hard and doesn't take long to get used to. I've been making and using Linerlock knives for decades and I've never cut myself closing one. There are millions of Linerlocks out there right now. The "fear" of cutting your finger is true only if you are very clumsy and don't take the time to get used to the lock.

sal

[Coastal]

Thanks for your insight, Sal. Designing knives sounds like an extremely enjoyable profession. Glad you decided to make it yours!

[sal]

Thanx Coastal. I do enjoy it. I'm still doing it. While there are not many advantages to getting old, my experience shows me much in the small details. Also, I've had the good fortune to learn from many experts across the years.

sal

[vandelay]

Thanks for your input Sal. It's always cool to hear how these design decisions are made.
Would it be possible to design a CBBL with the blade close to the handle like the caribbean? I haven't seen a lot of information on the design restrictions of the CBBL aside from its space requirement.

On the thumb guillotine thing: I exaggerate a bit. I've used liner locks for a long time without cutting myself but I've never had an unguarded one with a really smooth action. Of the ones I own, I prefer the ones that have a blunt piece that hits your thumb immediately upon closing.

[Bolster]

I think a *good* linerlock from a reputable brand isn't dangerous, but I had a well-known mid-market brand linerlock fail once, with modest tip pressure, and it cut all four fingers. (I wasn't trying to close it, it closed on its own.) That's the sort of thing that prejudices one against linerlocks (and mid-market brands), and with few exceptions, I avoid linerlocks.

OTOH, I do like my Bradley Air.

[vandelay]

I think a *good* linerlock from a reputable brand isn't dangerous, but I had a well-known mid-market brand linerlock fail once, with modest tip pressure, and it cut all four fingers. (I wasn't trying to close it, it closed on its own.) That's the sort of thing that prejudices one against linerlocks, and with few exceptions, I avoid them. Though I do like my Bradley Air.

Yeah, that's another reason I prefer liner locks to have some sort of guard. It's more paranoia than anything on a spyderco, but it's nice to have extra safety if I can.

[Bill1170]

Lock type/design is one thing, but execution is everything. Though not a fan of liner locks, I very much trust the lock on my Military because it’s very well made, and proven in use for years by many users doing real work.

I do like the compression lock a lot, but lately I’m carrying my SE Endela most of the time and don’t feel at all hindered by its mid lock.

[Wartstein]

Good to read a lot of sensible points here including of course Sals assesment about the "dangers" of this locktype.

And just to second one of those points:

It is just not rational to judge from the many bad/cheap linerlocks out there a good Spyderco linerlock resp. compare those BAD linerlocks to a good COMP. lock (differently to the linerlock there ARE only good comp.locks out there).
It's just like as if one compared pistols to revolvers, and would avoid ALL revolvers just cause SOME makers implement the concept of a revolver in a bad form.

[cabfrank]

While there are not many advantages to getting old

sal

sal, maybe not many, but at least one huge one, considering the alternative, right?

[cabfrank]

On topic, I love the application of the compression lock on the Junior and Ouroboros. I wish there were more like this, although I realize they are far from mainstream.