Best way to test a lock on a folding knofe

J

Jccrigger

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Jul 15, 2013
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Since I didn't get good comments on the spine whack test I figured is ask what the best way to test a lock on a folding knife would be
 
Lots of people say spine whack testing is the worst thing possible, yet there was recently a video posted in the spyderco forum that shows some bits from their CO production facility and there are employees spine whacking knives they just put together as THE test to see of its done right. Don't strong-man-test-at-the-fair hit it or anything, and think about what your going to hit it against, but I'd consider a REASONABLE spine whack test about the best way.
 
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1) If you are concerned about lock strength, you should be using a fixed blade. Its simple. If you ever think "This might make my lock fail." you shouldn't be using a folder at that time.

Or....2) Get a slipjoint, learn to use it, and you don't have to worry about lock strength.
 
Which knife is it that you are concerned about? And how do you foresee yourself using the knife?
 
In all seriousness...here is how to test a lock:

Cut down with the knives. Don't stab/thrust. That will show you which lock is safest.
 
Yes thanks for the replies and I use a slip joint on a daily basis so I do know the proper way to use a knife I was just wondering about this because it got my curiosity going
 
There are videos of Benchmades being testing by some kind of hydraulic machine in a controlled environment. The test shows how much weight it takes to make it fail. That is the only real way to test a lock's strength, you need a controlled environment with consistent procedures to get consistent results. Any other test such as spine whacks are useless.

[video=youtube;6ZwwLWQk664]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZwwLWQk664[/video]
 
Hammer it with a sledge hammer. Unless you are an adult, in which case I would not worry about lock strength if you use you knives properly. Kids need to destroy stuff, so sledgehammers work pretty well.
 
Blade-fiend said:
There are videos of Benchmades being testing by some kind of hydraulic machine in a controlled environment. The test shows how much weight it takes to make it fail. That is the only real way to test a lock's strength, you need a controlled environment with consistent procedures to get consistent results. Any other test such as spine whacks are useless.

[video=youtube;6ZwwLWQk664]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZwwLWQk664[/video]
Click to expand...
There couldn't be any controlled spine whacks?
Just drop a hammer on your knives always from the same height, same weight and same distance to your pivots. Increase the height until the first knife fails, then the second and so on. This way you can see which one of your test subjects is the strongest.
Use masking tape or some rubber hammer to not scratch the babies :)

Even if its possible I wouldn't do it. While its nice to know what my knives can take, I imagine stressing the lock that way can lead to permanent damage.
 
Jens Schuetz said:
There couldn't be any controlled spine whacks?
Just drop a hammer on your knives always from the same height, same weight and same distance to your pivots. Increase the height until the first knife fails, then the second and so on. This way you can see which one of your test subjects is the strongest.
Use masking tape or some rubber hammer to not scratch the babies :)

Even if its possible I wouldn't do it. While its nice to know what my knives can take, I imagine stressing the lock that way can lead to permanent damage.
Click to expand...

You could always sell it on the Bay and say its "lightly used".... :thumbdn:
 
The best way to test a folder lock is to open it and then try to close it with your hands without unlocking it yourself. If you can't close it with your hands when its locked I can't think of a single way I can properly use a knife that can close it.
 
There are so many factors. But it is in the eye of the beholder. Im also not sure why im even posting in this lock test thread. It must be the beer and great meal I just had.

Any knife that I carry and trust, will do the following or I will not carry it.
I do not use my knife to chop or baton. I use my folder to cut and pierce. A bad lock can fold on you if you poke into something. I do not want that to happen. I do love a fixed blade for their beauty and for hard camping use. Otherwise. Go watch you tube for ridiculous testing.

1. No Blade Play with the exception of a button lock or Tri-ad
2. Lock will not budge with negative pressure
3. Lock will not budge with horizontal and negative pressure at the same time
4. A gorilla grip will not compromise the lock engagement
4. A solid contact with the blade tang or lock face. Extreme early lock up is not my friend on any lock type.

My favorite locks for trust are the following in no particular order. That said any of the following can fail if it has a flaw.
-Framelock
-Caged ball lock
-Compression lock
-Tri-ad lock not to be confused with your standard back lock
-Axis lock

When you gain a certain knowledge and feel for folding knives. You do not need to spine whack to know it will not fail. Simpler tests will let you know.

The only reason I really care. Is that if I ever make a locking folder. I know all of you crazies will be testing the heck out of it to prove it is worthy.
 
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I leave it to someone richer(or dumber) than I to test the locks, post a video, etc. I've never done anything that would make me worry about lock failure.
 
oharal said:
The best way to test a folder lock is to open it and then try to close it with your hands without unlocking it yourself. If you can't close it with your hands when its locked I can't think of a single way I can properly use a knife that can close it.
Click to expand...

This is also what I do, and I do this on every folder I get before I carry it. Open the knife and make sure it's locked. Keep your fingers out of the blade path and hold the handle in one hand. Put steady pressure on the blade spine (I don't whack mine on anything) with the other hand until you're satisfied that you've exceeded any pressure the knife will likely encounter. I've only had two liner locks fail to stay open. The lock bar on both of these ran right back across the tang under very little pressure and unlocked the knife blade. No other lock type has ever failed on me.
 
oharal said:
The best way to test a folder lock is to open it and then try to close it with your hands without unlocking it yourself. If you can't close it with your hands when its locked I can't think of a single way I can properly use a knife that can close it.
Click to expand...

This is the same method I use, but I have read several makers suggest a light tap on the spine.
 
dalefuller said:
This is also what I do, and I do this on every folder I get before I carry it. Open the knife and make sure it's locked. Keep your fingers out of the blade path and hold the handle in one hand. Put steady pressure on the blade spine (I don't whack mine on anything) with the other hand until you're satisfied that you've exceeded any pressure the knife will likely encounter. I've only had two liner locks fail to stay open. The lock bar on both of these ran right back across the tang under very little pressure and unlocked the knife blade. No other lock type has ever failed on me.
Click to expand...

Agreed. The only one that's failed me is actually a titanium framelock.
 
marcinek said:
1) If you are concerned about lock strength, you should be using a fixed blade. Its simple. If you ever think "This might make my lock fail." you shouldn't be using a folder at that time.

Or....2) Get a slipjoint, learn to use it, and you don't have to worry about lock strength.
Click to expand...

/thread

Seriously.
 
Take that locking folder. Put it in your pocket.

When you need to cut something. Take it out. Cuts something. Depress the locking mechanism, and close it. Put it in your pocket.


Repeat for about 10-20 years. Consider the lock tested.


Others have posted, that they like to test the lock with hand pressure (make sure all bits are clear).

What kind of lock is it?

Spine wacking a folder is something I will leave for a knife tester.

I won't ever test my 5 mph rated bumers on my car to see if they will show no damage at 5 MPH.





Not gonna test my airbags. That is what manufacturers do.



I have knives that will pass a spine wack test, and those that won't. I have knives that won't pass a light tap on the spine, and knives that will fold under light hand pressure, with no shock.



Good to know, but I don't feel the need to wack them. Buy a knife with a lock that has been tested and use it.


Unless you are a ninja, because everyone knows Ninja's folders need extensive spine wacking tests, and tons of super aggressive jimping...........
 
I carried a Buck Alpha Hunter folder on a trip around South America. Used it for months as my main knife, most of the time in jungles and mountain environments, I didn't abuse it but I did use it hard (I has a multitool and a fixed blade in my pack, just in case). Anyway, when I was about to head back home I realised that I could close the blade just by pushing on the spine with my hand when the lock was fully engaged. I don't know when it began to fail, maybe it came that way from the factory. At first I was pissed off, and I still won't buy another Buck linerlock, but this is an example that if you're safe with your knives lock are pretty much irrelevant.

I like strong locks, but I don't know if there are any real tests that can be performed by the user without damaging the knife. I just stick to manufacturers I trust.
 
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