Why Locking Blades?

[Bill1170]

Me? :p I frequently carry a small fixed blade, instead of a folder. Maybe because I can here and no one even looks twice; maybe because I couldn't when I lived in CA.[/QUOTE]

Sorry about my lack of clarity. What I was referring to was the type of person who, in the big city, carries a large hunting knife in an exposed sheath like one might see on a woods walk. I have no issue with fixed blades carried in a pocket sheath, out of sight, but the state I dwell in does have a problem with that. I do not like wearing exposed sheaths in the city because of the attention they attract. Luckily for me, there are well-built folders I can legally carry that will do what I need of them.

Just today I was fine-tuning a scribe cut in some trim with my PM2 and reflecting that it would be a dangerous operation with a nonlocking knife. I also had to reduce some appliance boxes at my jobsite to fit in the recycle cart. I have a razor-sharp Vic. Tinker in my back pocket, but never use it for cardboard breakdown. I've had too many close calls doing that in the past.

[Boberama]

Can you folks stop knocking on Suzie for her views of gun laws? We all have different comfort zones and adhering to the law makers understanding of safety is NOT a bad thing. They generally work well for protecting the bulk of society.

Slipits were primarily made for the UK (hence the clever name), but people can own and enjoy then stateside. Surprisingly enough it doesn't make them any less cowboy to do so. :p

I'm not trying to be a forum bulldog or anything. We all have the same rights and responsibility to get along and talk about our geeky hobby. If you want to be antagonistic there are plenty of other forums that promote that crap.

Yes.^

I confess I was too lazy to read the whole thread so I have no idea how the guns came up in the first place.

This is a knife forum. Keep on track. :D

[SuzieQ]

Can you folks stop knocking on Suzie for her views of gun laws? We all have different comfort zones and adhering to the law makers understanding of safety is NOT a bad thing. They generally work well for protecting the bulk of society.

Thanks. And jeesh, I really didn't think a side note in a single comment would end up like this. I realize restricting access to weapons is a big bone of contention for some people. I just didn't know it would explode like this and couldn't imagine being steamrolled like that. Newbie mistake. I apologize for obviously providing the tinder for getting this discussion so far off track. Won't happen again.

On another note regarding the original topic: I think it's good to have locking blades for certain tasks but since they are still basically folding knives it can't hurt to be cautious anyway. And knowing your way around a non-locking blade probably helps when you - for whatever reason - don't have a locking blade at hand.

[The Deacon]

The more I think about it, the more I think the folks most likely to have problems are those who switch back and forth between knives with different mechanisms. There's a safe way to use any type, but to at least some degree, each type required it's own technique. As an example, I've become so accustom to putting moderate but constant pressure on the thumb ramp while cutting that using something like the FRN UKPK, with a ramp, no lock, and a relatively soft action, would be downright dangerous for me. Safe closing technique differs between lock types and even between models with long and short tangs.

[wongKI]

Okay, let's avoid the politics (Where I live, guns are flat-out banned, and knife laws aren't the kindest, so y'all count your blessings, if you consider them such )

To sum up my thoughts on this:
-Day to day, I can certainly function without a locking knife and have done so. The same would go for anybody in my circumstances (urban setting, little that needs to be cut).

-There are a few tasks, however, which do require a locking knife. For example, freeing my new graphic calculator from its clamshell pack. A few times, the blade got stuck when I tried to pull it out, and while I could have safely extracted a non-locking blade, it would have been a lot more difficult.

Thus, locking knife. As long as I'm coming up against a task that needs it-I'll use it. (And I can't run the risk of being "the knife guy" and not having a suitable knife :D )

On a side note, going to be away at a Scout camp starting tonight, and most definitely I'm bringing a locking blade :D )

[v8r]

Just a little food for thought....if you let them take your second amendment right away what is stopping them from taking the rest?

I also answer a question with a question why not locks?

[SuzieQ]

The more I think about it, the more I think the folks most likely to have problems are those who switch back and forth between knives with different mechanisms.

Interesting point. Haven't thought about it that way before but I can see it. I'm most familiar with backlocks and non-locking knives. And I guess for lack of practice I'm always kinda clumsy with liner- und framelocks.

[Waco]

The more I think about it, the more I think the folks most likely to have problems are those who switch back and forth between knives with different mechanisms. There's a safe way to use any type, but to at least some degree, each type required it's own technique. As an example, I've become so accustom to putting moderate but constant pressure on the thumb ramp while cutting that using something like the FRN UKPK, with a ramp, no lock, and a relatively soft action, would be downright dangerous for me. Safe closing technique differs between lock types and even between models with long and short tangs.

I'm still trying to get used to the compression lock on my new Para-Military. I can open and close my Endura without even thinking about it. Unlocking the Para is a completely different motion and I've dropped it once or twice closing it one-handed. Also, it clicks once right before it locks and again when the lock engages. The first click could fool someone who used to a back lock that only clicks once.