Should the compression lock idea just be abandoned?

JudasD · #41

I doubt the OP is trolling. Seeing that he has joined in 2005 i would think he is asking this question seriously. Personally i really like the compression lock and it is my #2 favorite. If i take a step back and pretend that i do not like the compression lock i would say that it is still nice to have the option. To make a comparison; In reality i loathe the backlock and I personally only own two backlock knives and never plan on buying any others. This does not mean that i wish it was removed from the industry. Many folks love backlocks and to remove backlocks would remove their buying choices. One could make the argument that backlock works just fine so why bother with any other lock? This argument can be made across all aspects of life: chevy works great why bother with ford, hamburgers are great why bother with steak, etc. It is all about choice and i for one am glad that comp lock is an option that i can choose.

JD

dbcad · #42

DeathBySnooSnoo wrote:All it would do is take a little more effort to unlock and make it much more comfortable for all hand sizes. And since it takes nearly no effort now, that shouldn't make a difference at all in the functionality of the lock.

longer length of the locking insert would make it much more vulnerable to twist :) I believe one of the underlying principles of the design is that all of the forces are close to the pivot and are in a straight line :)

Slash · #43

#'s don't lie. You're definitely in the minority here...as with me. I just wouldn't use a word as strong as hate.

phillipsted · #44

enduraguy · #45

Jeeze. Talk about being "that guy".

dbcad · #46

Let the guy eat pocorn, time for me to get a sandwich.

Blerv · #47

It's not a bad thing to have an opinion. As Slash mentioned its more the delivery.

I'm pretty ambivalent to locks, steels, etc. Model decides all else for me. To avoid a certain product because of a certain feature can limit your enjoyment of an exception to the rule.

The Deacon calls right handed locks "wrong handed" and in the same breath acknowledges some are too good to pass up. Cento Memory, Sage1, and many more.

dbcad · #48

The OP hasn't bothered to respond to 3 pages of his thread :confused: I did enjoy teaching myself more about the compression lock though :) A beautiful, elegant design

DeathBySnooSnoo · #49

dbcad wrote:longer length of the locking insert would make it much more vulnerable to twist :) I believe one of the underlying principles of the design is that all of the forces are close to the pivot and are in a straight line :)

Possibly, but I don't think that moving the tab back about 1/2 an inch would really have that big an effect on the twist. It's not like the length of the lock bar would be any longer, just the tab moved a bit.

I just would like it much better if the tab and cut out weren't under my thumb.

Evil D · #50

Well it's my second favorite lock design, second only very slightly behind the captured ball bearing lock, and it just so happens that the CBBL doesn't come in any models that i like so the compression lock is basically my favorite. I i could get a Para 2 with a CBBL i'd be in heaven. I find the compression lock extremely easy to use..my 9 year old son has no problem operating one and he was doing so at age 7 also.

Sht · #51

I don't see how the comp lock is lefty friendly, but that does not matter to me cause I'm "Right" handed. Yes it keeps your hands out of the path of the blade, your not a retard so that should not matter. Is it on of the best locks out there? **** yea! IMO it 3rd only to a frame & liner locks.

Toddles · #52

I don't dislike any one particular lock style over another as they all get the job done just fine. But, if you asked me to choose one I'd pick the compression lock.

Don't like it; don't buy it.

Joshua J. · #53

I will agree that the Linerlock is easier to use initially. Take the Military for example, you get to push on a nice wide bar with the pad of your thumb and your index finger is natrually positioned to start closing the knife at the same time (it's not as fast as pinching the Compression lock, but is more comfortable).
I would say that we need a Compression lock Military with a similarly sized cut out for the lock release but whether or not that would work out eganomically is a good question (would you be ok with having an inch of one scale missing on the spine of your folder?).

SolidState · #54

I love compression locks and find them incredibly easy to use but really hard to design a knife around. I have been doing my darndest to modify my knife design to utilize a compression lock. Dialex and Michael Janich have climbed that ladder, and I am working to follow in their footsteps in knife design.

dennisap · #55

I don't have a lot of folding knives. I've handled some from a store or some of my friend's knives in the past, but I like the compression lock. Still, I am looking into getting a Delica and a trainer (backlock), and other even smaller Spyderco knives (that might have different locks).

KardinalSyn · #56

I disagree. The compression lock works just great for me. The only lock I don't like so far is the ball bearing lock simply cos I have to be overly alert when disengaging the lock. Don't like close encounters with the blade at all.

Brock O Lee · #57

The compression lock rules. I would love to see more of them.

dbcad · #58

DeathBySnooSnoo wrote:Possibly, but I don't think that moving the tab back about 1/2 an inch would really have that big an effect on the twist. It's not like the length of the lock bar would be any longer, just the tab moved a bit.

I just would like it much better if the tab and cut out weren't under my thumb.

I see your point snoo :) It would be an interesting experiment :)

JB3 · #59

Liner locks may be my fav right now, but the compression lock is a very solid, well made, lock. Have to disagree with the OP on this one.

The Mastiff · #60

I didn't like the lock when I first saw it. It was different. Now I like it better than anything other than a well built back lock like the Endura, Caly 3, Police 3, etc,

For me it was just a matter of getting over the fact it was something I hadn't experienced before ( in 20 years of knife collecting and use). Now it gives me a secure feeling when in use. That is a compliment!

Joe