Lockbar Spring Preference: Heavy or Light?

[gnlw]

I notice that some of my Spydercos, such as my Police 3's, have really heavy lockbar springs. However, some, like my really old SS Police or even my Chinook II, have lighter springs. I personally prefer a heavy spring because it makes me feel very secure that the blade will not open accidentally when the knife is in my pocket. What's your preference? Also, does a heavier lockbar spring somehow increase (or decrease) a lock's strength? Thanks in advance for any replies.

[Jazz]

I got rid of an original Manix because the spring was weak feeling. It didn't feel like it was securely holding the blade shut. I like them to do their job, and do it well, so strong for me please.

- best wishes, Jazz.

[The Deacon]

I'm with you, I'll sacrifice "flickability" for certainty my knife will remain closed until I open it any day. As for strength, I would think that in normal cutting spring tension would not have much, if any, effect unless it was extremely light. On the other hand, for cutting that involves impact, like chopping, a heaver spring should be more resistant to allowing the lockbar to bounce.

In all but extreme cases, I don't think spring tension has much effect on

[D1omedes]

I don't like too much spring pressure on my lockbacks. I have a Mini Persian and am not a fan of how tough it is to depress the lockbar on that knife. My fav's are my Caly's. That's enough spring pressure, IMO.

[Blerv]

Like everything in life, moderation is usually the key. Too light it becomes dangerous, too heavy it becomes a chore.

Self-close is one of the best features of a backlock so if given a choice between the extremes i prefer the middle to stiff side of the scale.

[gull wing]

I like a light spring(not wimpy). Since a Native III I had a while back that I couldn't open with one hand, I'm pickey about spring.

[jimnolimit]

i prefer med/heavy-heavy lock back pressure. i don't like blades that are too easy to open.

my byrd cara cara 2 G10 has a good spring tension.

[dalefuller]

I like a heavy pressure on all types of locks, backlocks, liner locks, frame locks, etc. I really prefer to have to work to unlock a knife. I also like some resistance when opening a knife so that it doesn't foick open or close by gravity when the lock is disengaged.

I don't like nothin' moving 'til I give it permission to do so and a kick in the butt to help it along.

[angusW]

Not too stiff and not too light. My G-10 Endura is perfect but my blue FFG Endura is harder to disengage which means I don't like using it quite as much.

[razorsharp]

not too stiff, not too light, like the delica and caly

[jackknifeh]

Once the knife is open and locked, if the lock bar spring is weak it shouldn't have anything to do with the lock strength on a properly designed and manufactured knife. Until the lock bar is pushed the lock should hold.

I'd prefer a stronger spring (little bit) to minimize the posibility of the lock bar being pushed easily under use. A little more pressure needed will make me feel safer. Now, if it's a ball bearing lock easier might be my answer because to release it you need to pull both buttons together. That accidentally happening would be hard to imagine.

Jack

[gnlw]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I wonder why different models have such varying degrees of spring strength. Maybe it's geared towards the target buyers? (lighter duty use vs. heavier duty use, importance of "flickability", etc.?) I've also heard somewhere that lockbars can "bounce" if subjected to abnormal abuse. I wonder if a heavier spring prevents this alleged "bounce"? Anyway, just some thoughts.

[D1omedes]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I wonder why different models have such varying degrees of spring strength. Maybe it's geared towards the target buyers? (lighter duty use vs. heavier duty use, importance of "flickability", etc.?) I've also heard somewhere that lockbars can "bounce" if subjected to abnormal abuse. I wonder if a heavier spring prevents this alleged "bounce"? Anyway, just some thoughts.

Those are some good thoughts. I do know that a knife designer also has a say. Ed Schempp likes a very strong spring on his lockbacks and Spyderco is fine with that.

[gnlw]

I like Ed Schempp's designs. I bought a Rock Salt right before they were discontinued. I like the Persian's design, but I haven't bought one because I need a left-hand clip. If the Persian is ever issued with a left-hand or ambidextrous clip, I'll be getting one (especially now since I now know that the spring is strong).