Are liner locks the new lockback?

[biogon]

How do we scrutinize our liner locks to make sure they are the "more right" category? I don't wish to hit the spine too hard in case that will trigger it to close on me the next next next time I use it. Neither do I want to stick it into a hard cardboard and stress it laterally by twisting it. Can we just visually inspect it and do some less stressful tests that will not weaken further an already considered weak locking system.

IMHO, this is flawed thinking.

1- If the linerlock on your particular knife is going to fail, it is better that you find out NOW rather than later.

2- If light spinewhacks and lateral twisting is going to make the lock fail permanently, then that lock has something SERIOUSLY wrong with it and should be repaired or retired.

A well-designed and well-executed linerlock will laugh at some spinewhacks and lateral twisting when new. After some use, you may find that it begins to fail. Either the stop pin or lockbar must be serviced at this point.

It's like saying that you don't want to use your car's brakes hard because it may ruin them. Well... what about when you -need- to brake hard?



-j

 

[Joe Talmadge]

Heartily agree w/ biogon. If the lock is so fragile that a few spine whacks or some torquing will kill it, throw that knife away right now and get a better one. Such things do not hurt an acceptably-done lock.