Grip Ergonomics w/ Compression Lock

[civilian_g10]

Hi Everyone,

New to the forum here. I've been using Spyderco knives since the 90s, and have decided to look at some new models. I have some questions regarding the compression lock and grip ergonomics for extended tasks - using mostly a regular (hammer) grip. The two specific models I'm looking at are the Canis and the new Military.

All my experience is with lock backs and variations thereof; Buck, Spyderco, and the Tri-ad. My current work knives are a Buck 110, Stainless Endura, and a large Espada - depending on which has been sharpened and which require sharpening.

For those that have used a compression lock knife for long duration tasks; e.g. breaking down 100+ cardboard boxes in a day, unloading a large volume of skids requiring numerous strap cuts per skid, etc. What are your opinions of the grip ergonomics with this lock; hot spots, pinching, etc?

I read the thread by Evil D, I believe, titled something along the lines of "falling out of love with the compression lock" - which led me to making this post.

Thanks in advance for any insights.

[sal]

Hi Civilian_G-10,

Welcome to our forum.

sal

[civilian_g10]

Thanks for the welcome Sal.

[vivi]

never been an issue for me. I've used the Military 2 for plwnty of harder use tasks with nothing but good things to say about it. I find it much more ergonomic than the original Military in regards to the cut-outs for the locks.

My thumb always goes well forward of the lock, and it never bothers my palm.

[civilian_g10]

never been an issue for me. I've used the Military 2 for plwnty of harder use tasks with nothing but good things to say about it. I find it much more ergonomic than the original Military in regards to the cut-outs for the locks.

My thumb always goes well forward of the lock, and it never bothers my palm.

Thanks for the input vivi. I wondered how it would effect the webbing between the thumb and index finger. Seeing as how it's essentially hollow in the middle, I was curious if it would feel relatively solid in the palm as well.

[Klbsa]

It’s not noticeable, I am still partial to back locks myself, but the compression lock is pretty good and stays out of the way for me.

[zhyla]

I don’t think folders are great for applying a lot of force for long durations. If you’re cutting stuff for 5 hours a day get a fixed blade or one of those old school utility knives with the big smooth handle.

[kobold]

Basically every other lock will beat a comp lock when it comes to comfort.
(possibly an unpopular opinion?)

[derangedhermit]

I don’t think folders are great for applying a lot of force for long durations. If you’re cutting stuff for 5 hours a day get a fixed blade or one of those old school utility knives with the big smooth handle.

Yep. Get the right tool for the job. In this case, two (small, inexpensive) tools: a box cutter and a strap cutter. And replacement blades.

[vivi]

I carried an S60V Military 1 at my last warehouse job and it worked great for breaking down cardboard, opening packages and cutting pallet straps.

one advantage a Military or similar folder has over a box cutter is you can cut 6+ sheets of cardboard at once stacked together instead of just one or two at a time. For me that meant I could work faster.

[Doc Dan]

For me, I don't like liner locks so the Comp Lock is an improvement in that regard.

[Evil D]

I get hot spots in my palm near my thumb webbing. I guess I have sissy hands. It really only happens during very hard cuts and for extended periods and of course in a hammer fist grip so all the force of the cut is coming from the palm of my hand. I do like to be as far forward on the handle as I can be for better leverage and that puts the lock right in my palm. It's annoying but not enough to make me stop buying them. I've also found that the CME button add-ons help to fill the lock cutout and makes this a little less of an issue. I really would love to see the compression lock change to the button style all across the catalog because that would solve this issue entirely for me.

[Evil D]

I don’t think folders are great for applying a lot of force for long durations. If you’re cutting stuff for 5 hours a day get a fixed blade or one of those old school utility knives with the big smooth handle.

I agree but the problem for me is a lot of times I'm using a knife that hard for some kind of testing purposes, testing a steel or a new knife model or whatever. But I also just like to know that my folder can get the job done if needed. I did just get a Zoomer a while back and it's light years better than any folder can possibly be. But I can't always carry a fixed blade so sometimes it's gotta be the folder.

[Foehammer]

Personally it has never bothered me during extended cutting sessions. Perhaps mind over matter in some cases? Although everyone has different hands, and ideas of comfort too.