Buck Knife Lock Strengths

[mps]

Jeff, I'm impressed that you all test as many as 35 knives at a time.

When you or your R&D dept. or whomever, designs a specific knife, what parameters do you use to determine what the lock *should* be capable of withstanding?

What lock strength differences would be expected of such different locks as an old 110, a new 110, a Buck Selector, a 560, a 532 Bucklock, a Crosslock and an Odyssey? Also, how much does handle material play a part in determining lock strength?

At what point do you decide, "Ok, this is a strong enough lock for this particular type of knife?"

Thanks,
mps

 

[mps]

I'm really most curious about the relationship of spine thickness and rocker bar notch depth and length if anyone can provide some details.

Thanks,
mps

 

[Jeff Hubbard]

Everything goes back to the 110. That has proven itself over the years to be a solid lock. We use that ratio of rocker head depth to blade channel width for all sizes. Typically we need a little more engagement the bigger the blade (like the Goliath)
We have developed a matrix over the years of models and their strength. We feel that if we can exceed a 110 on a new design we are there.
I would expect the 110/560/532(lockback)/112/Selector to perform in relation to the 110 in proportion of size. The crosslock and odysseys are a different animal.
In a nutshell.....
Jeff

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Jeff "Without data it's just another opinion" Hubbard