a problem with all linear locks

L

lreed

Joined
Dec 7, 2001
Messages
538
Including the compression lock and frame lock. That is the knife is solely held closed by the ballbaring. And when the blade slides out of the initial closed position by accident, as there's no other force holding the blade, the blade will very likely keep open or open wider. On the other hand, lockback folders doesn't have such problems.

I am right now looking at the black millie and paramillie, they look fabulous, but cannot make decision for that problem, especially the military, as it has a heavy blade.
 
liner locks make up for it in lock strength.
from my experience the little metal ball usually holds on just fine (in a quality knife of course).
 
If it has a Torx pivot pin, you can adjust how freely the blade moves. Both the Millie and Para have them. Also, inadvertent opening is more of a concern for tip-up carry, of course. Both the Millie and Para clip in the pocket tip-down.

But as always, go with what works for you --

Glen
 
Maybe you mean "potential" problem....I have never had a good liner lock - including the Lum that I carry consistently - open accidentally. You are right, a lockback, is less likely to do that....but, in my experience, it is a long shot.

Thom
 
The Paramilitary does not use a ball bearing detent to keep it closed. There is a area on the tang that's machined out and the lock bar fits into it, keeping it closed. I think it's a much better approach than the ball. If you've ever looked at a ball on a well-used knife under a magnifier, you'll know what I mean.
 
I haven't had a linerlock open on me either. Some have deeper detents than others though. A lockback can probably accidently open too if it has a weak backspring or poor design.

The way the compression lock (at least on the Para and Lil Temperance) stays closed is really cool. The liner springs back into the blade like a linerlock. No extra parts are needed.
 
I've owned a handful of linerlocks and the only one I have had open on me was a CRKT kiss. Of course there are really no handles for the blade to fold into, so I assume that was part of the reason it opened. If you get a quality linerlock with decent tension on it I wouldn't worry about it inadvertantly opening on you. :)
 
I think I am a little frightened by my previous experience with the sere2k and ti-salsa, both opened in my pocket more than twice and cut my finger. Both are tip-up while Sere2k got extra long thumbstud and salsa has cobra hood. Still not really sure about whether I should give military a try: I know it's tip-down but rumor on this forum says it's freaking sharp! ;)
 
Well the only Spydie liner lock I have had any problem with at all was a Salsa and it was a compression lock not a liner.
My favorate Spydies are both liner locks.The Military and Starmate.
The Salsa also cut me a time or two,I belive it was the hood that was causeing it to open.
 
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