ArcLock...From Spencer Frazer/Designer

S

Spencer Frazer

SOG Forum Moderator
Joined
Apr 13, 2000
Messages
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Thanks everyone for your enthusiasm for our new ArcLock and products. We are as excited as you are at being able to launch so many great products this year. I have been working on a superior lock for 5 years. It isn’t so easy to come up with something unique, functional, and cost effective. The simple designs always get taken first, but in this case ‘simple’ is what makes the Arc Lock great. Below are some of the reasons why we have introduced this innovation.

The ArcLock is basically a rotating cam that intersects the knife tang. Once engaged, the harder you try to force it closed, the more it wedges. Physics are a beautiful thing. This combined with ambidextrous one hand opening and closing, a very strong blade retention in the closed position (important safety issue) that is easily overcome, and a completely unique action sets it apart. When showing this lock we always invite the customer to "watch the dance" of the lock button which travels back and forth in a type of lunar fast motion. Check it out. Also did I mention that opening is like lightening. You can also unlock the blade (with a little practice) by holding back the button and flipping it closed in an instant. Easy come, easy go.

Independent testing by an outside laboratory of the ArcLock came back with outstanding results. The lock was tested with pressure applied 1/2" back from the tip on the spine of the knife and did not fail until 338 pounds of pressure was applied. That equals 1,183 pounds of pressure directly to the lock before it failed….a significant achievement.

The design of this lock is self-adjusting over time. As it wears, it becomes more secure with greater contact surface interfacing between lock and tang and the angle of interference becoming greater. Relative to fouling by debris, the open design allows the user to see directly into the guts to make sure that the lock has moved into the forward position. It also allows itself to be more easily cleaned and/or blown out.

Sergiusz: Thanks for the recognition of the unique Vision blade design. We worked hard at coming up with something that borders on sculpture and yet is so functional. We refer to the blade shape as a "geometrically facetted" blade design but we welcome everyone’s own interpretation. As a matter of fact, I am always listening to you the user, for your inputs on what you like. We at SOG try to have a unique perspective on all that we produce, from multi tools to folders to fixed blades and we continue to be customer driven. Although I have a very busy schedule, I will try and get back periodically to discuss our new offerings. Thanks for listening.

Spencer Frazer
Chief Designer
SOG Specialty Knives & Tools, Inc.
 
To confirm: that's 338lbs measured one inch back from the tip of a 4" blade length specimen?

If so, not bad at all. Certainly strong enough for a personal defense piece. REKAT claims 700lbs 1/2 way to the tip of the 5.45" blade Sifu...in looking at the Arc versus the REKAT Roller, the Rolling lock in theory is probably a bit stronger. But not enough to make the difference a serious shopping point, and it doesn't factor in possible differences in "clog resistance". You've got an ergonomic advantage due to ambi access.

I look forward to owning and reviewing the PE2, and if it's any good it'll be a backup and deep-cover piece in my lineup.

I don't think REKAT has a whole lot to "fear" from SOG at this point, but Benchmade sure as hell better look over their shoulders. Given numerous reports of spotty QC, and their unwillingness to expand a very limited product line, I think SOG can take a good-size bite out of 'em and I hope you do. CS is mostly below your level of targetted price/performance except that the PE2 could really hurt Gunsite sales
smile.gif
.

Jim
 
Hi Jim,

Thanks for the kind comments. They are very much appreciated. Your review of the PE2, when it comes out, will be quite welcome here.

Though the "techie" stuff goes over my head, I can restate and clarify the ArcLock stats you are requesting. Pressure was applied at the half inch (0.5") point back from the tip (not at one inch) on the spine of the knife. The blade is being advertised at 3.75 inches long.

Hope this helps!
smile.gif


Ron@SOG

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Website: www.sogknives.com
Email: ron@sogknives.com
 

"Like lightning", huh?

Well guess what? I'd bet that all of your new Arc Lock knives are not going to be allowed into regions that prohibit "flick" or "gravity" knives. This is exactly what occured with Canada Customs and the (very similar it seems) Benchmade Axis Locks. They were deemed to be far too easy to flick open, and like the law or not, they are. (I tried one out in a local shop before the "ban.") There is no need for a folder with a thumb stud to be that loose IMO. Up here knives that open "by gravity or centrifugal force" are technically prohibited weapons.
I am sure that this type of stupid regulation is, or will be in force in more areas (of the US) sooner or later as the sheeple try to regulate knives.

SOG and other manufacturers had best watch out with these fantastic new locks. Once the legislators get a look, it could be all over. How about a sort of 90 degree "pause" in the action that prevents flicking/acts as a safety when closing the knife? This would be good for product liability concerns, and when the knife is opened with the thumb as designed, rather than abusive flicking, one would not notice it much at all...

Are there any U.S. states yet that specifically prohibit gravity or flick knives? Something to think about.
 
Hi Mr44,

Thanks for the comments. The action is not completely a "gravity knife." It does stay closed quite firmly. There does need to be either a decisive pull (or flick) on the thumb stud to get the knife started then allowing the action to be light and smooth as silk, or releasing the lock and allowing gravity to open it. My older Vision and Pentagon Elite with liner lock actually could be more easily "flicked" open or tossed from the completely closed position than the new ArcLock knives. What Spencer was referring to was that as you flick out the blade with the thumb stud, there is an outstandingly smooth and seemingly accelerating action which happens. I think it has to do with the cam pressing against the tang by spring force and the tang tapers slightly, you get what feels like assisted opening action.

Canada has so far not restricted any of our products to date. Since we ship to virtually every country in the world, I don't know of any country where legality has been an issue which stopped entrance of a product.

SOG and our lawyers do keep an eye on trends of legalization and potential problems which might occur. So far, so good.

Ron@SOG


------------------
Website: www.sogknives.com
Email: ron@sogknives.com
 

Cool! I hope to see and play with an ArcLock Vision at my local dealer soon then. I fondled an old-style liner lock Vision awhile back and was blown away by the grind, fit and finish, and the overall good feeling that the knife gave me. The only downside was his full retail price, and of course the serrations
smile.gif


PM
 
Like the REKAT Roller, the Arc should be 100% "guaranteed legal" per California rules.

See also Penal Code 653k and 12020 subsection 24. These can be looked up at: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov

I also have a "California knife page" that currently focuses on the Sifu. If the PE2 proves a worthy alternative on a budget, it'll get some mention here too. Meanwhile, there's links to other BF threads dealing with CA rules in more detail. http://www.ninehundred.com/~equalccw/blades.html

Jim
 
Hey Guys,
I was wondering, other than the vision and sculptura. Is there any other arc lock blades you guys are coming out with. I have knives with backlock, liner, and compression but no arc lock. I have a tomcat and I am loving it. If only that was arc lock, it be so cool.
 
Hi FC Yuk,

Oh, Arc-Lock knives would be:
  • Vision Series
  • Pentagon Elite Series
  • AccessCard Series
  • Scultura
We do have a concept knife that may be coming out next year called the TeamLeader that will incorporate both our Arc-Lock and our assisted opening technology. This is not the SOG TeamLeader of lore, but a new one that you can read about here.
 
I loved that Teamleader from the moment I set eyes on it.

Ron, give me your word you will work tirelessly to prevent the SOG powers-that-be to change that blade to a sabre-ground tanto. The blade is perfect -- no touchy!

Joe
 
Oh, and the Team Leader is the perfect knife to introduce your new working steel, VG-10. :) Or at least 154-CM/ATS-34.
 
Hi Joe,

Good to see you visiting the SOG Forum.
Originally posted by Joe Talmadge
Oh, and the Team Leader is the perfect knife to introduce your new working steel, VG-10. :) Or at least 154-CM/ATS-34.
Click to expand...
Are you trying to use the power of suggestion here? ;)

Blade shape: I don't know yet. I think this one's a winner and you're going to get what you want. But we're working right now getting existing models to market, so this model is not "fast tracking" at the momment. I might see more prototypes late fall, early winter as we gear up for SHOT 2003.
 
The locking mechanism probably wouldn't be legal in California, but of course, what is anymore?
 
I'm not quite so sure about that, Longbow. I believe that our new assisted opening technology is California friendly (from what I've heard).
 
Ron,
It should be cool knife, looks very elegant on the pictures and has just right dimensions.
I’m strongly supporting Joe’s demand!
More, no serrations, please, please!
 
Yes, no serrations! The product folks at SOG are going to have to fight every instinct they have, with all their strength, in order to avoid putting on a tanto, sabre grind, or serrations. Make it so, Ron, or I shall return and taunt you with more sarcasm. :)

Joe
 
The Teamleader looks pretty nice, as do some of SOG's other new offerings. But, I won't buy a knife with assisted opening(AO), whether from SOG or from Kershaw,etc.

Reason 1: Legal problems. Even if theoretically legal, assisted opening might still be a problem in practice. No thanks.

2. Need. I don't need it. One-hand-opening with a hole or stud is fine with me. I've tried Kershaw's assisted opening, and while it seems to work okay, I prefer opening with a hole or stud.

3. Reliabilty. I have doubts about the long-term reliabilty of assisted opening, regardless of who makes it, regardless of the guarantee that comes with it. It just rubs me the wrong way.

The assisted-opening knives would be fine without AO.

No Assisted Opening For Me.
 
Hi Marty,

You are certainly free to find knives that meet your needs and put smiles on your face. That's what knife buying is all about. :) You should see my knife collection! :D

Let me, though, quickly address the legality issue. Right now, there is a lot of misunderstanding regarding assisted opening knives. With very few exceptions, there are no laws restricting them (even in California), as they do no fall under switchblade/gravity knife laws. Also for you (living in Canada), assisted opening technology has been approved by the Canadian government as legal and can be imported.
 
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