I saw a video from a guy with a larger Bantam who had the lock fail on him. So I just thought: let's see if my knife has the same weakness 'under the hood'. Not a very scientific approach, not setting up a laboratory with a pressure robot pressing down on the lock and measuring in slow motion how long it takes for the lock to fail ... nope. So I thought: let's just ask the walhalla of experts if this is normal or not and learn from it.
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Bantam BBW lock fail?
- Thread starter AnnyD
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- Mar 10, 2011
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- 7,893
I love the logical thinking and advice. I don't really like the 'you're a dumbass' suggestionsbut I guess it comes with ... the Knife Tribe? ;-) And maybe it holds some truth.
After pondering my endeavors for a while, I've come to understand that this is not a fair test for this knife. I'm glad I did it (and I bet some of you are jealous I did it and you daren't do it to your knife
I think I was sort of expecting (or hoping?) it to be less easy to push through the lock, AND I realized that it's hard to come up with a situation in which I will apply such pressure on the knife in a real life situation. I have also found Mini Grips on youtube that had lock failure, people who were very happy with their little Bantam and had carried it around for years, et cetera. And in hindsight, the anatomy of the knife (plastic handles) calls for this flexibility in the system.
If I regard it as a little companion that helps me cut paracord, open boxes and things like that, it's just fine. I changed my ideas and expectations.
I also think that what has triggered me to test the knife (in a bit of a weird fashion I suppose) is to really get to know the anatomy of knives, how to value them and trust them - or not! - how to use them safely. I find it fascinating that this little thing can cut through an apple, but also do harm and wound when used with other intentions, or when making an erroneous judgement or being clumsy. I'm intrigued by this power it holds.
Thanks for all your input!
AnnyD, It's your knife, and your entitled to do whatever you wish with it! It's OK to test something to failure point, I have done it myself to see just what to expect. Posting said test on a product loyal forum board will inevitably bring backlash responses, regardless of which particular product you are testing. Sounds like to me that you learned quite a bit actually, and learning is good! Just always remember to keep any part of you away from where the blade may go in any type of use situations, no matter what lock or safety device a knife may or may not have.
- Joined
- Apr 19, 2005
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- 5,533
Well folks we have not had someone pull the chain for a while, so guess we shook some dust off our coat. I think she stirred up some discussion and you people did well. Always glance at the users name and profile details when thinking about your answers to questions. The days of rage replies I hope don't sneak back around.......Had a laugh over someone telling a moderator they are long winded.
More tests likely to follow. I wonder how many strokes on a fine stone it would take to sharpen a Bantam blade down to nothing...... ;-)
300
More tests likely to follow. I wonder how many strokes on a fine stone it would take to sharpen a Bantam blade down to nothing...... ;-)
300
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@300Bucks
The implication of being stupid is honing my character, more than my knife
I have replaced this knife with another brand, but I did love this Buck knife for its blade (sharp, agile, great balance in thickness/cutting edge slimness), the overall feel in hand (compact, light), one handed opening was a joy to do, a great little knife, a bit 'stubby' and I loved that about it. It's a shame that so many knives are a lot more expensive in the Netherlands (this BBW is about $ 30 here) so the price to quality ratio becomes different. If I got this knife for $ 12 on Amazon I would feel different about it I guess. (Notwithstanding the discussion about the lock)
Is there a Buck knife that would have a comparable feel (a bit stubby, light, a nice 'hunting' curve in the design) that is a bit more expensive and a bit more sturdy? Can you suggest a model?
The implication of being stupid is honing my character, more than my knife
I have replaced this knife with another brand, but I did love this Buck knife for its blade (sharp, agile, great balance in thickness/cutting edge slimness), the overall feel in hand (compact, light), one handed opening was a joy to do, a great little knife, a bit 'stubby' and I loved that about it. It's a shame that so many knives are a lot more expensive in the Netherlands (this BBW is about $ 30 here) so the price to quality ratio becomes different. If I got this knife for $ 12 on Amazon I would feel different about it I guess. (Notwithstanding the discussion about the lock)
Is there a Buck knife that would have a comparable feel (a bit stubby, light, a nice 'hunting' curve in the design) that is a bit more expensive and a bit more sturdy? Can you suggest a model?
Andy, I'm glad you asked. Have you looked into the Buck Vantage? You can usually find the large select model for around $20 and it's a great knife. Its a liner lock instead of a lock back and has an awesome lowrider pocket clip to the knife sits in your pocket very low. The pivot is adjustable as well. Bucks 420Hc steel will take a razor edge too. I'm actually thinking of doing a video soon where I'm going to shave with mine. Don't give up on buck knives. They are a great product and their warranty service is second to none.
Agreed. But, if you ask me, no folder should be used that way. It has a very solid lockup though
- Joined
- Apr 19, 2005
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- 5,533
Well Hello again Andy, you are welcome to the Buck forum anytime to talk about Buck knives. If someone were to come here and post threads in the attempt to bait responses by forum members then a bunch of folks, including me, would not like that. So far your original post has just had a good discussion. Your original question was is my test unreasonable. My answer as a Buck knife person would be yes. It is unreasonable because the knife was not designed to take that type of stress.
Most of the folks here will support you in your right to test Buck knives and will enjoy hearing about your methods and findings. Your intelligence is not being questioned. Members of this forum have the right to question your purposes and methods. In the past we have had BF members who enjoyed creating a ruckus and did so on purpose. It was eventually stopped. I hope you are testing knives and discussing the findings and are then defending your findings when folks disagree with your test or conclusions. Posting threads to stir up emotions for personal enjoyment will not be tolerated from anyone, new or old. So far this thread currently and from a few weeks ago has not gone too far. Good discussions are good discussions, I will seek you and those who respond to threads to always act in a responsible and upright manner. Enough said to everyone.
My test opinion is stated above and I agree on the Vantage. 300Bucks
Most of the folks here will support you in your right to test Buck knives and will enjoy hearing about your methods and findings. Your intelligence is not being questioned. Members of this forum have the right to question your purposes and methods. In the past we have had BF members who enjoyed creating a ruckus and did so on purpose. It was eventually stopped. I hope you are testing knives and discussing the findings and are then defending your findings when folks disagree with your test or conclusions. Posting threads to stir up emotions for personal enjoyment will not be tolerated from anyone, new or old. So far this thread currently and from a few weeks ago has not gone too far. Good discussions are good discussions, I will seek you and those who respond to threads to always act in a responsible and upright manner. Enough said to everyone.
My test opinion is stated above and I agree on the Vantage. 300Bucks
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BellaBlades
Gold Member
- Joined
- Jul 12, 2013
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- 6,160
Every knife has its limit.
At work, my main helper has a buck spitfire and and two bantams. The spitfire fails easily with a firm tap an the hand. That goes the same for the one that I gave away. The bantams are great light weight, light duty knives and I have yet to see either one to fail. He has carried two at a time for the past year, and they have been put through their paces. Same with every 110 I have seen. I love that model.
At work, my main helper has a buck spitfire and and two bantams. The spitfire fails easily with a firm tap an the hand. That goes the same for the one that I gave away. The bantams are great light weight, light duty knives and I have yet to see either one to fail. He has carried two at a time for the past year, and they have been put through their paces. Same with every 110 I have seen. I love that model.
Hi.
Sorry for digging up a semi old thread and hijacking it....
But how does a lockback like the bantam fail?
Is it because the plastic liners deform and the blade tang slips off the lockbar?
Is it a poorly designed / machined lockbar to tang fit?
Does the lockbar or blade tang break?
Sorry for digging up a semi old thread and hijacking it....
But how does a lockback like the bantam fail?
Is it because the plastic liners deform and the blade tang slips off the lockbar?
Is it a poorly designed / machined lockbar to tang fit?
Does the lockbar or blade tang break?
Thanks everyone. And to clear one last thing up, my name is not Andy, I go by the nickname "Anny D", my real name has "Anne" in it
@Mora2013 the knife feels very smooth. I think that's also its vulnerability. I didn't analyze it any further than that, so that would be an interesting thing to find out.
@Bighaze51 I've been playing with the idea of getting a Vantage (small), I think this will be my next addition to my family of blades! Cheers!
@Mora2013 the knife feels very smooth. I think that's also its vulnerability. I didn't analyze it any further than that, so that would be an interesting thing to find out.
@Bighaze51 I've been playing with the idea of getting a Vantage (small), I think this will be my next addition to my family of blades! Cheers!
The internet has created a lot of wrongly educated (to put it politely) "knife" people. It all amounts to: "I broke a knife, should it have broken?" ANYTHING can be broken if you break it, again, not rocket science.
My Buck BHW has never failed when I have used it as a folding knife.
If you don't like lockbacks which is what a Bantam is, the back is what locks it, then look into liner locks (yup, the liner locks it) but make sure the liner is thick and is slanted / where it meets the blade.
Mora2013, lockbacks can be designed poorly if the locking bar is too soft, is not cut right, or does not connect up properly with the notch in the blade. On really cheap knives, the sides flexing can also be an issue.
AnnyD, I want a Vantage too but am waiting for one of the higher end steel models. I think the blade shape is sweet!
My Buck BHW has never failed when I have used it as a folding knife.
If you don't like lockbacks which is what a Bantam is, the back is what locks it, then look into liner locks (yup, the liner locks it) but make sure the liner is thick and is slanted / where it meets the blade.
Mora2013, lockbacks can be designed poorly if the locking bar is too soft, is not cut right, or does not connect up properly with the notch in the blade. On really cheap knives, the sides flexing can also be an issue.
AnnyD, I want a Vantage too but am waiting for one of the higher end steel models. I think the blade shape is sweet!
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