- Joined
- Aug 12, 2006
- Messages
- 1,302
This is just my observation as to the dynamics involved in how the flipper works on MY 0560. Be forewarned that this could be a boring read.
1) Lockbar pressure against the tang. The more "bent in" the lockbar is, the greater the pressure excerted against the tang and the inherent increase in friction against the tang while opening. In contrast though, the more pressure the lockbar excerts the more it is able to hold the detent ball in the tang hole.
2) Detent. The deeper the detent ball sits in the hole the stronger the detent. A stronger detent allows for a build up of kinetic energy to be stored between the tang and the ball holding the blade closed until a breaking point is reached. The more kinetic energy that can be stored before this breaking point, the greater the inertia upon release. Technique can overcome a weak detent by storing the kinetic energy in your finger but IMHO that should not be a designed characteristic of a flipper.
3) Pivot. Should be designed to reduce the friction which impedes the inertia of an opening knife. The bearing system for the pivot on the 0560 is awesome. Easily demonstrated by disengaging the lockbar, removing contact with the tang and observing how freely the blade swings. My only complaint on this sytem is that tightening the pivot restrains this free movement but centers the blade. Loosening the pivot to where the blade moves freely allows the pressure from the lockbar (while closed) to push against the blade shifting the blade off center.
4) Geometry. The physical relationship between the flipper (fulcrum), the pivot, and perhaps the detent. I can't comment here as I am by no means a mechanical engineer and for all I know the setup on the 0560 may be perfect.
So my ideal setup would have less lockbar pressure to reduce friction and not work against blade centering. This would also make unlocking easier (not that there is a problem). A strong detent for reasons mentioned above. The detent I have now does not allow my knife to pass my only flipper litmus test. Holding the knife where, if opened, the blade would point up and using no build up in pressure through my finger, can I fully open the knife? No. My R.J. Martin snaps open. So does my XM. Is this a fair comparison? Why not? The basic mechanics are all the same and 0560 does have quality materials, fit and finish. Do those of you who complain of how strong your detents are pass this test? Probably so.
Is wanting a stronger detent a warranty issue? They would probably take care of it but how? Bending the lockbar in on this setup is not the answer. I have tried. I doubt they would put in a larger diameter detent ball. Would they drill out the detent hole to allow it to sit deeper? I could do that. In fact as I write this that seems like a good idea. While closed, there is a visible gap between the lockbar and the tang and the detent ball is visible which means there is room for adjustment there. We shall see.
After deliberation I'm not going to mess with the detent hole. Outta my league.
BTW - Another reason for the disassembly was to remove the oil that the knife came soaked in. Out of the box the lock was very sticky but once I carefully wiped down the lockface it disengaged very smooth.
1) Lockbar pressure against the tang. The more "bent in" the lockbar is, the greater the pressure excerted against the tang and the inherent increase in friction against the tang while opening. In contrast though, the more pressure the lockbar excerts the more it is able to hold the detent ball in the tang hole.
2) Detent. The deeper the detent ball sits in the hole the stronger the detent. A stronger detent allows for a build up of kinetic energy to be stored between the tang and the ball holding the blade closed until a breaking point is reached. The more kinetic energy that can be stored before this breaking point, the greater the inertia upon release. Technique can overcome a weak detent by storing the kinetic energy in your finger but IMHO that should not be a designed characteristic of a flipper.
3) Pivot. Should be designed to reduce the friction which impedes the inertia of an opening knife. The bearing system for the pivot on the 0560 is awesome. Easily demonstrated by disengaging the lockbar, removing contact with the tang and observing how freely the blade swings. My only complaint on this sytem is that tightening the pivot restrains this free movement but centers the blade. Loosening the pivot to where the blade moves freely allows the pressure from the lockbar (while closed) to push against the blade shifting the blade off center.
4) Geometry. The physical relationship between the flipper (fulcrum), the pivot, and perhaps the detent. I can't comment here as I am by no means a mechanical engineer and for all I know the setup on the 0560 may be perfect.
So my ideal setup would have less lockbar pressure to reduce friction and not work against blade centering. This would also make unlocking easier (not that there is a problem). A strong detent for reasons mentioned above. The detent I have now does not allow my knife to pass my only flipper litmus test. Holding the knife where, if opened, the blade would point up and using no build up in pressure through my finger, can I fully open the knife? No. My R.J. Martin snaps open. So does my XM. Is this a fair comparison? Why not? The basic mechanics are all the same and 0560 does have quality materials, fit and finish. Do those of you who complain of how strong your detents are pass this test? Probably so.
Is wanting a stronger detent a warranty issue? They would probably take care of it but how? Bending the lockbar in on this setup is not the answer. I have tried. I doubt they would put in a larger diameter detent ball. Would they drill out the detent hole to allow it to sit deeper? I could do that. In fact as I write this that seems like a good idea. While closed, there is a visible gap between the lockbar and the tang and the detent ball is visible which means there is room for adjustment there. We shall see.
After deliberation I'm not going to mess with the detent hole. Outta my league.
BTW - Another reason for the disassembly was to remove the oil that the knife came soaked in. Out of the box the lock was very sticky but once I carefully wiped down the lockface it disengaged very smooth.
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