Is the Sage 3 lock 'tough' to release?

[iwolf81]

Hello all,

In a cautious attempt to reach a 'super-saturation' point with Spydies, I've been looking closely at the new Sage 3. However, I've been reading a few reports of its lock being difficult to retract. Is this the general case, or just a few isolated incidents?

I'm looking for a new user that could be easily flicked closed with one hand. The Manix2 FG, Poliwog and Meerkat fit this bill; I'm hoping the Sage 3 could as well.

Thanks!
Ira

[yablanowitz]

I'd have to say it varies from knife to knife. My Sage3 is easier to release than either of my Manix 2's. Others report theirs are harder. Unless you live where you can try before you buy, you pays your money and takes your chances.

[Beanie-Bean]

Hmm...I'd say that the Sage 3 lock is easier to release than the Manix 2 I have.

[The Mentaculous]

The spring tension to overcome is definitely lower than on the Manix 2, but it does initially "stick" a little bit inside the tang. Overall though, I don't have any trouble disengaging the lock on mine. I've been EDCing it since I got mine last week, and I don't have a callous or blister on my thumb, so it can't be that bad :)

I'd definitely recommend picking one up, I'm loving this knife, both aesthetically and functionally.

[Javascript]

I can see that we could get deep into the why's of this. Is the spring of the M2 heavier than the spring of the Sage3--perhaps someone from the crew could tell us if the springs are the same.
Do the locks, including the cage/buttons/your fingertips, rub on anything when pulled? The buttons seem to require more effort to grip before pulling. Does this contribute to the sensation of pulling harder to open?
Length of travel of lock different? Spring compression would be harder for longer travel, given equal springs.
Being as objective as I can, the O-Man2 and S3 I have here at work are very close, with the edge to the S3 for ease of unlocking, even though I'm actually squeezing harder.
Received my S3 last night, and first blush inspection is giving me warm fuzzies for this knife.

[SmoothOne25]

its about the same. it may be a little tight when you first get it. play with it all night and it gets easier. i dont see any difference in ease vs the m2

[gull wing]

Mine is, some can operate with one finger.
Unless you can try a Sage III out first, you might want get a Sage I or II. Sage I & II are both a dream to operate.

I got a Sage III Thursday past, it was and is a bear to unlock. Now there isn't anything defective with the knife, (spring is not stiff)but those little buttons are too short to get a hold to. I have to use my thumb and index and pull.
Sore fingers! :D :eek: after 1,000 openings.

[Javascript]

Didn't have time to set up a comprehensive test--my boss frowns on personal projects that last all day--so a quick and dirty but reasonably good test, using a calibrated force gauge, gave the following measurement spans at full spring compression/maximum travel in the unlock direction:

Orange Manix 2: (3.7 to 3.9) lb force
Sage 3: (3.6 to 3.8) lb force

Considering the noise in the multiple measurements, these values are identical.
Would be interesting to see the factory spec on these springs.

[The Deacon]

Didn't have time to set up a comprehensive test--my boss frowns on personal projects that last all day--so a quick and dirty but reasonably good test, using a calibrated force gauge, gave the following measurement spans at full spring compression/maximum travel in the unlock direction:

Orange Manix 2: (3.7 to 3.9) lb force
Sage 3: (3.6 to 3.8) lb force

Considering the noise in the multiple measurements, these values are identical.
Would be interesting to see the factory spec on these springs.

Am sure you're correct, but I also think what Gull Wing mentioned is true. Just like a trigger shoe can make it feel like a gun has a lighter trigger pull, the larger thumb tabs on the Manix 2 can make it feel easier to open than the small metal buttons on the Sage III.

[araneae]

I would say mine is easy to unlock.

[mikerestivo]

My Sage 3 feels harder to open because my fingers don't get as much grip on the lock studs as the Manix 2. The actual force required to open push open the lock may indeed be the same, but it also requires more thumb and finger "oomph" for me to grab the buttons.

Either I am getting used to handling the lock or it is loosening up, but it seems easier to open now that I have played with it for a few days.

[ROBB]

I think if the lock studs were just a little longer the Sage 3 would be easy to unlock one handed.

[gull wing]

Some of us then, agree, it's not the spring, but access to the buttons/studs that are at issue.

What can we do? Sending it back will not work(there is nothing defective).
I've let mine "rest" the last two days, perhaps it will grow larger buttons :D .
I'm going to pick it up again this afternoon, wish me luck :eek: . A beautiful knife like this, boy, I sure don't want it to be a drawer queen.

[Javascript]

You're right, it comes down to human factors. I did note, for me, that in a two-finger grasp a rapid squeeze and pull is much less painful than dragging it out. However, a one-fingered release is just painful no matter how fast I do it.

[dsmegst]

I find it easier to disengage compared to a Manix 2. My CTS-XHP Manix is well broken in and that's still a tiny bit stiffer.

[JNewell]

I think if the lock studs were just a little longer the Sage 3 would be easy to unlock one handed.

But it would probably catch on clothing, wear out pockets, etc.

You're right, it comes down to human factors. I did note, for me, that in a two-finger grasp a rapid squeeze and pull is much less painful than dragging it out. However, a one-fingered release is just painful no matter how fast I do it.

I think perhaps relieving the scales to improve access to the lugs might be a solution. Mine hasn't arrived yet, so I am just speculating. There were a few people who modified the scales on the Manix 2 to improve access to the "cage," for the same reason.

[The Deacon]

I'm inclined to think that if the release buttons were shaped like those on the Gerber versions it would be easier to operate, but relieving the scales might help.

[gull wing]

Picked up the SageIII, and nope, it didn't grow horns. Still hurtfull to open.

Deacon releaving the scales around the buttons could help a little, but I don't know if you could go "deep" enough. The scales are already recessed to accept the liners, not much to go on.

Hang on till tomorrow, I MAY have something working on this. :rolleyes:

[vicbastige]

My whole SIII is cherry. Smooooooth open and lock-up, one thumb release similar to an axis system. Mine is going nowhere for the foreseeable future.

[JNewell]

I would say mine is easy to unlock.

Against all odds, the mailman actually delivered today...so I now have mine, and it is easy to unlock also.

OT: I love that blue G10. :D