Button Lock

[pug]

How does William Henrys Button Lock work? What do you think of it?

Thanks
Pug

 

[orthogonal1]

I'd think it works like any other button lock. A "pin in a hole" design.

Not real big on these myself, but I would like to hear from others concerning this type of lock.

Durability, strength, etc.

 

[STR]

I have seen several of these high quality little gents knives over the years. One just recently that I installed a pocket clip on for a member here. These W&H folders are very well built with premium materials and the locks are strong but and a big but in my own mind; these locks can be accidentally released pretty easily if you go to doing much more than opening the mail or maybe picking out a splinter or cutting some string. In certain grips the button is quite easily depressed just by a firm grip or accidentally rubbing your thumb over it as you move it thus freeing up the blade so the uses are limited even though the knives are very well made and of premium first class quality as I already said.

As far as fit and finish these are up there with the best I've seen but I'd trust many of the other choices of locks over these if you use your knife and really lean into when you do. These are not the most heavy duty of folders but for what they are designed to do and who they are designed to sell to (gentleman) they are a first rate choice for a 'Sunday go to meetin, sheeple friendly knife'. Maybe some of their knives have locks for the buttons I couldn't tell you. Of the ones I've seen they all were very easy to depress the lock and it didn't have to go in very far at all to free up the blade.

The ZDP189 steel coming in some of these little gems is first rate though. I'm sure as long as you are conscious of the lock as you use the knife that it would be fine for most tasks like whittling or stuff you use any other knife for but the first time you forget you may find that your knife just bit you.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=50826&d=1136598720

STR

 

[dannyvi]

STR is right. I own one of this folders and they are first rate! So far I have not unlocked this accidentally, but I am careful. The beauty of the button lock (they are strong)is that they are located near your thumb unlike framelocks or liner locks you have to twist your thumb all the way down to the bottom of the knife. Like any other knife locks they have their disadvantages. From various test reports of the WH button locks I have not read any downside to it. Maybe WH should make a slight depression where the buttons are like some automatic folders where the button is almost level with the plane of the handle.IMHO

 

[DGG]

What's the difference between a button lock and the lock on a Gerber "Paul" knife that has a button? I thought the "Paul" locks were supposed to be like bank vault doors as far as tighness and security.

 

[GarageBoy]

The paul locks around the pivot and you don't just press a button, you press and rotate

 

[STR]

Yes. The little William and Henry folders with the button locks are exactly like say a Protech or Microtech automatic/switchblade in the way the knife locks and how the button works. They just don't have a spring to activate the blades.

It would really help on those if the buttons were recessed down into the handle to prevent the accidental depression of the lock button when using it. The way they are if they were an auto you would not want to carry it with the button sticking up like it does.

STR

 

[pug]

Thanks for your replies.

I have a CF William Henry with a liner lock which is a fantastic piece of work. I also like my ZDP Calypso Jr. a lot. So a combination just sounds like a fantastic idea to me, but I'm not sure the lock is the right thing for me. I know the knife is not meant as a heavy user. But I think STR is right, as soon as you forget to be careful, you might hurt yourself even when using it lightly.

I've never had any knife with a button lock. I'm still not sure how it works exactly. I get it that if you push the button the blade is released. But how does it work mechanically?

 

[dannyvi]

I did send an email to the William henry company about recessing the buttons so the won't accidentally get pressed even while in the pocket.

 

[holst035]

I like the button lock very much. Opens and closes with a little flick of the wrist, with no fingers in the way. Locks up tight. My bf 15 has not bit me till now. Great buy!

Great every day carry, not aggressive looking, great slicer, very comfortable carrying with the pocketclip. Even friendlier looking than my bm 690.