Buck 110 Pro lock update?

[DocT]

On a back lock, when cutting hard, the forces pushing the blade upwards, push the tang downwards, and will force the lock bar to pivot with the tang, unless tolerances are very tight.

 

[pinnah]

I wonder this too.
I have a knife with no retention mechanism of any kind that doesn't close on me during use because force pushes the blade in the open position when cutting.

First, failures due to hard cutting forces are a wear and tear issue. That's hard to test for as you need a way to repetitively cycle the knife and that's expensive in a testing situation. I would think that warranty claims and looking at failed knives would give better indications. Of course, we don't have access to that information so all we're left with is anecdotal field reports from our peers - word of mouth - about knives that get loose with hard use vs those that hold up better.

Second, wear and tear from hard cutting and unexpected closures aren't unrelated. With most locks, as they get worn out and sloppy from hard cutting they become more prone to sudden closures.

 

[DocT]

Back locks are less prone to problems than other lock types, in general. They last for a whole lot longer than a liner or frame lock. I have seen back locks fail because the lock bar was poorly heat treated and broke and once saw a tang break. However, those were really not the lock itself. I have long and experienced reasons to trust a good quality back lock more than most other locks (the CBBL is still being tested, but looks very promising).

One thing I like about a good back lock is the bias to close. It is simply safer to carry. Anyone who has had a folder open in their pocket or purse will know what I am talking about. I once saw a guy drop a liner lock and it hit the floor, bounce and opened, and stabbed him in the top of his foot. That is not going to happen with a back lock.

 

[Hickory n steel]

I probably rant too much. I just think people put way too much into a lock. Most are more than enough to be safe.

I completely agree with you 100%.
I know of many people who's cutting tasks don't require a lock at all, hell they'd probably have no problem with a non locking opinel.
I think the standard Buck lockback is plenty strong for the majority of people, especially the non knife nuts.
Just think of how many people you see who are perfectly satisfied with their gas station linerlocks, they don't know they're bad and their fingers are unharmed.
It really shows how little locking strength actually matter for most people, and how a lot of knife nuts are just irrationally hung up on this.

I don't speak for all people and don't claim to, but it's pretty apparent that people make way more out of lock strength than they probably aught to.
This is just an observation of course.

 

[afishhunter]

I agree, Hickory n steel .
For hundreds of years folk used slipjoints and friction folders "their whole life" without losing a digit. And, they probably used them a lot harder than we do.

I think a blade lock has replaced safe knife handling skills for a lot of people.