sharkattack wrote:Why can't the next gen Millie or Para use a lock back? They are simple, dependable, secure, and Spyderco makes some of the finest ones out there.
I've read numerous threads about people having blade play in their Paras, that it's prevented me from buying one. Having blade play or having to adjust a high end knife, to me, is not what I want. I just want to open it, use it, close it and not even think about it. That's what I love about my Spydies, all lock backs, they are rock solid and have never failed me.
When the question of why the Military is a liner lock was being debated on Bladeforums, Sal's contribution was pretty succinct. "You can make a liner lock lighter." That is what the Military is all about - light weight, high strength, big cutting power. To make a lockback as strong, I think they would have to add larger liners, a heavier lockbar, heavier spacer/spring holder, etc. It would become more like the Manix than the Military we know. I like it the way it is.
If you let the internet tales of bladeplay keep you from trying a certain knife, you are going to miss out on some fine pieces. Some people will whine about an amount of play that I can't even feel, let alone worry about.
But then my perception of what constitutes a high end knife is probably different than yours. What I call high end knives don't come off assembly lines. They are made piece by piece, one at a time, and each part is hand fitted by a craftsman. Spydies are good, but they are still production knives. Some will have more clearance between parts than others. I trust Spyderco to make it right if it doesn't meet their standards. If your standards are higher than theirs, well it may be time to look at other makers.
Sorry about the rant, but I have read way too many bladeplay whines that turn out to either be the result of knife abuse or someone's unreasonable expectations not being met.
I don't believe in safe queens, only in pre-need replacements.