111mm preferences?

Lee D

Lee D

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I recently gifted a OHO Trekker to a friend for a camping trip, and soon realized that the only large Vics I have left in my collection are the Hercules and an Adventurer. No liner locks (never took a liking to Vic’s version), and both with nail nicks...the way I like the big Vics. Am I the only one here that likes these options, or am I an oddball? :D
 
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No, I can totally see the appeal of the slide lock or the button lock on larger Vics, personally, I don't mind the linerlock and actually prefer the OHO. And 111mm OHO trekker is one of the favorite to take outdoor, generous of you gifting your friend with that.
 
Because of how I carry and use them I actually prefer the version with the nail Nick. I have two of the hunter models that have the slide lock and I don’t mind that at all. they are generally going to be in a pack or a belt sheath in the one-handed opening option isn’t something that I have needed or wanted on those particular knives.
 
And, without discounting the knives' quality and versatility, doesn't the Vic linerlock operate opposite to the direction in which most linerlocks move?
 
about the slide lock...
https://www.sakwiki.com/tiki-index.php?page=Locking+Systems
"....Victorinox in response to the Strength of the Slide Lock. Aug 2008...
However we found them to be insufficiently robust and sturdy for the fire brigades, the rescue services the police and army forces. For this reason we developed a knife (0,83-0,84) of the same shape and size but much stronger, with thicker rivets and blades, Liner-lock for the blade and powerful screwdriver. In this range you will find the Victorinox lock blade for one hand opening (e.g. Rescuetool )..."
https://www.sakhome.com/379770025
"...The new changes from 2011 can now be seen on the knives and it is very easy to distinguish by just looking inside on the spring. You cannot see the slider anymore! The affixture for the key ring is also changed..."
therefore i trust the reliability and safety considerations for the liner lock system
in military use from the time of the earlier
fielded new GAK which was evidently good
enough for the swiss to follow suit
albeit slight mods as their new swiss soldier.
the liner locking system is my top choice on a victorinox, even though it is better utilized
by a left handed person :)
 
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I didn’t realize they’d changed to a liner lock nearly ten years ago. Evidently I’ve had these two 111s longer than I thought. lol
I have the ESEE molle sheath attachment and a sheath for the folder, so my Hercules now tags along with the Junglas when I camp. I’ve never noticed any sign of weakness in the lock, but it is mainly there for food prep and opening canned grub.
 
I don’t use the blade for anything I wouldn’t use a non locking blade for so it’s not an issue for me. I just assumed they went with the liner lock when the newest Soldier model was made in an effort to standardize the parts they were using.
 
The helmsman, is my choice.
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I like my Rucksack and have been tempted to try an Outrider, just not sure about the bulk of the additional layer. Its a good length I think, better for food prep than the shorter ones.
 
gadgetgeek said:
I like my Rucksack and have been tempted to try an Outrider, just not sure about the bulk of the additional layer. Its a good length I think, better for food prep than the shorter ones.
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The outrider is a great all round tool but it is a big bulky.
 
I have a thing for the 111mm family. Started with a Rucksack in the mid-90s, added a OH Sentinel Clip (plain edge) a few years ago and recently a OH Forester with the grippy scales. The slide-lock Rucksack has never let me down as my main folding woods knife, but I do like the OH convenience, and the southpaw liner lock is more of a Vic quirk than a real pain. Besides, the back spring is so strong on these knives that I’m happy doing a 2-handed close and still being able to count to ten without taking off my shoes.

Got a Rangergrip on the way. Will the 130mm monster dislodge the 111’s from pride of place? We shall see!
 
Meneldor said:
I have a thing for the 111mm family. Started with a Rucksack in the mid-90s, added a OH Sentinel Clip (plain edge) a few years ago and recently a OH Forester with the grippy scales. The slide-lock Rucksack has never let me down as my main folding woods knife, but I do like the OH convenience, and the southpaw liner lock is more of a Vic quirk than a real pain. Besides, the back spring is so strong on these knives that I’m happy doing a 2-handed close and still being able to count to ten without taking off my shoes.

Got a Rangergrip on the way. Will the 130mm monster dislodge the 111’s from pride of place? We shall see!
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Which Rangergrip? I've had my eye on the 55 for a while.
 
allenC said:
How does the Helmsman differ from the Skipper Pro?
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Mate ,
The helmsman has 2 handed blade full serrated, pro has 1 handed conbo.
Helmsman has has multi use marlin spike, pro has traditional round spike.
Helmsman is sidelock, pro is a linerlock.
Hope this helps.
Mitch
 
I own only 3 locking Vics. The oldest is the Cowboy with a slide lock and nail nick. I think it’s considered rare now.

The second is a Trailmaster with nail nick and liner lock.

The third is the current Soldier with thumb hole and liner lock.

I like the nail nicks, but I also like the Soldier’s opening hole.

As for the locks, I like Victorinox’s liner locks. Even though they work opposite of standard liner locks. Besides that, they are more similar to the really old, pre-Walker liner locks on knives I had in the 1970s, like my large Schrade/Old Timer folding hunter, and my old Craftsman single-blade trapper, although those liner locks were brass. The similarity is that the locks are backup safeties to the backsprings. In the locked-open positions, there is naturally some play, but IMO, they are highly unlikely to fail. It takes a purposeful effort to unlock them. They are less likely to ever accidentally close on you or wear prematurely than many modern liner locks from some other companies.

Jim
 
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