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Button Locks
- Thread starter k20c
- Start date
- Joined
- Aug 27, 2004
- Messages
- 12,955
Most that I've tested from William and Henry and Boker/TreeBrand have always been impressively strong. Where they can show some areas of concern lie in things like the pin fit so some of the lesser quality ones have a bit of blade play at times but due to the fact that all I've seen with this have been older I'm not sure they were this way when new. It may be wear related.
The other area of concern for me when I have played seriously with these in the shop cutting various mediums with one is that the reliability of the lock in use seems to be largely related to the position for the button release and whether there is a lock for the button that prevents the blade being accidentally released during hard white knuckle grips from some uses. I found several times with one William and Henry folder that it seemed to me to be more than a possiblility that the button could be pushed in to accidentally release the lock mecahism if you did not stay conscious of it.
The old lever lock style autos with this type pin for the lock, although not a button per say are still much the same in function other than this and I found that the fold over lever really made for a very strong reliable combination taking the worry for accidental release or the need for a lock for the button and making them unnecessary. The force required to shear even a pin the size of a 2-56 screw (pocket clip screw) would be quite high. Some of the pins I've seen when taking these knives apart have been much bigger in diameter than a #2 screw size.
It may also have to do with how much the depth of contact is but most pins and blades I have examined seem to sink down in there pretty good for a good secure contact.
I've often wondered to myself if Paul Poehlmman did not get his original idea for the Presto lock on the lock he patented from one of the original button locks he examined and found ways to improve on. One day if I meet him that is one of the questions I want to ask him.
STR
The other area of concern for me when I have played seriously with these in the shop cutting various mediums with one is that the reliability of the lock in use seems to be largely related to the position for the button release and whether there is a lock for the button that prevents the blade being accidentally released during hard white knuckle grips from some uses. I found several times with one William and Henry folder that it seemed to me to be more than a possiblility that the button could be pushed in to accidentally release the lock mecahism if you did not stay conscious of it.
The old lever lock style autos with this type pin for the lock, although not a button per say are still much the same in function other than this and I found that the fold over lever really made for a very strong reliable combination taking the worry for accidental release or the need for a lock for the button and making them unnecessary. The force required to shear even a pin the size of a 2-56 screw (pocket clip screw) would be quite high. Some of the pins I've seen when taking these knives apart have been much bigger in diameter than a #2 screw size.
It may also have to do with how much the depth of contact is but most pins and blades I have examined seem to sink down in there pretty good for a good secure contact.
I've often wondered to myself if Paul Poehlmman did not get his original idea for the Presto lock on the lock he patented from one of the original button locks he examined and found ways to improve on. One day if I meet him that is one of the questions I want to ask him.
STR
Good to know that the strength of the lock will probably exceed any use I put it to. I am concerned that the location of the button is such that I might advertently depress it during use with potentially disastrous results but I will just have to exercise due caution.
I imagine a frame lock is one of the more sturdy locking mechanisms. I hope to get one from you some day.
Gary
I imagine a frame lock is one of the more sturdy locking mechanisms. I hope to get one from you some day.
Gary
- Joined
- Jun 6, 2005
- Messages
- 3,531
I have a William Henry button lock that has very positive lock up with no play at all. It feels very sturdy, but STR is very correct about remaining conscious of where the button is during use. They are quite easy to disengage unintentionally by letting your thumb wander onto the button. I would not want that to be the knife on me in a high stress scenario, but it is a fine lock for any regular tasks.