Case Tribal lockback

The Mastiff

The Mastiff

Joined
Apr 21, 2006
Messages
5,611
I finally found one in Cv so I ordered it. I like it. It's well built and the F&F is up to standards. In comparison to the Copperlock it is IMO a better lock design that unlocks easier and is less clumsy. I have had Copperlocks that ranged from not great to almost impossible to depress the bar far enough to unlock. The Tribal lock works more like a good lock back should. Anybody else have any experiences to pass on?

Joe
 
The Mastiff said:
I finally found one in Cv so I ordered it. I like it. It's well built and the F&F is up to standards. In comparison to the Copperlock it is IMO a better lock design that unlocks easier and is less clumsy. I have had Copperlocks that ranged from not great to almost impossible to depress the bar far enough to unlock. The Tribal lock works more like a good lock back should. Anybody else have any experiences to pass on?

Joe
Click to expand...

What makes the copperlock different from regular backlocks?
 
I have two Tribal Locks (mint green and patriotic). When I visited the Case factory last August they said they had some initial issues with the Tribal Locks being difficult to depress to disengage the locks but they were reworked and are better now. Both of mine have good F&F with blades centered. I like their size and weight.

The patriotic Tribal Lock also free falls to 90 degrees when I depress the lock but the mint green does not. Perhaps over time but the mint green stays safe at home and has not seen much use overall besides being fondled.

I have a mini Copperlock in the patriotic kirinite and it is as smooth as butter to open and close. When I press the lockback to close the blade free falls past 90 degrees. I figure this smoothness is because it is a smaller knife with a smaller back spring and lock bar so less overall tension to operate the lockback.

The two patriotic versions are in my pocket frequently.

,,,Mike in Canada
 
Ratbert is correct, according to the Case website. It's an exclusive for [one of their dealers].
Interesting thing is that even on their own site, the photo shows it with SS blade. Look at the tang.

bdj3QnC.jpg
 
Last edited by a moderator:
"Interesting thing is that even on their own site, the photo shows it with SS blade. Look at the tang."

They have both. SS and CV in black Synthetic I think . The one I bought does have the CV stamp .

As far as the Copperlock, I have no idea why but both of mine have to be pressed unusually hard to unlock. My mini copperlock isn't nearly as noticeable. They do not compare well in that regard to other lock back knives. I have probably 70-80 lockbacks of all different makes spanning the 1960's to this year. The finish on them looks good though. Typical Case.
 
I bought one of the stainless versions. It seems to be a well made knife. I like the design of the pattern but I wish they made a bit smaller version of it. I don't find myself carrying it due to the size.
 
The Mastiff said:
I finally found one in Cv so I ordered it. I like it. It's well built and the F&F is up to standards. In comparison to the Copperlock it is IMO a better lock design that unlocks easier and is less clumsy. I have had Copperlocks that ranged from not great to almost impossible to depress the bar far enough to unlock. The Tribal lock works more like a good lock back should. Anybody else have any experiences to pass on?

Joe
Click to expand...
IMG_2382.JPG

Can't figure out how to get the image in this response.
Anyway, I own eleven Case Tribal Lock knives. And six (6) of them are impossible to unlock. Yes, they are stuck open. And of course Case customer service is closed for the weekend.
Need less to say I won't be acquiring any more tribal locks in the foreseeable future.
Note: I had bought ten without opening but one or two. Took delivery of one today and in showing it to my wife I opened it, and could not close it. So I finally went back to all my tribal locks and was really disturbed to find so many defective.
 
bisbob said:
IMG_2382.JPG

Can't figure out how to get the image in this response.
Anyway, I own eleven Case Tribal Lock knives. And six (6) of them are impossible to unlock. Yes, they are stuck open. And of course Case customer service is closed for the weekend.
Need less to say I won't be acquiring any more tribal locks in the foreseeable future.
Note: I had bought ten without opening but one or two. Took delivery of one today and in showing it to my wife I opened it, and could not close it. So I finally went back to all my tribal locks and was really disturbed to find so many defective.
Click to expand...

When on the factory tour at case I was told they had issues with the locks initially but they have been reworked and corrected. I am sure Case will make it right when you reach them as they have acknowledged the problem publicly. I have three and they are all fine to open and close.

,,,Mike in Canada

PS: I too wish they would make a smaller version like they did with the Copperlocks.
 
I had a smooth bone and bonestag Tribal and they were both great examples. Lockup was solid and minimum blade play. The materials and f&f on mine were superb. I wish they made the same exact pattern but in smaller sizes though. The Tribal is a great looking pattern.
 
Duper said:
I have two Tribal Locks (mint green and patriotic). When I visited the Case factory last August they said they had some initial issues with the Tribal Locks being difficult to depress to disengage the locks but they were reworked and are better now. Both of mine have good F&F with blades centered. I like their size and weight.

The patriotic Tribal Lock also free falls to 90 degrees when I depress the lock but the mint green does not. Perhaps over time but the mint green stays safe at home and has not seen much use overall besides being fondled.

I have a mini Copperlock in the patriotic kirinite and it is as smooth as butter to open and close. When I press the lockback to close the blade free falls past 90 degrees. I figure this smoothness is because it is a smaller knife with a smaller back spring and lock bar so less overall tension to operate the lockback.

The two patriotic versions are in my pocket frequently.

,,,Mike in Canada
Click to expand...

When my local knife shop received the first shipment of tribal locks, I found that some were slightly difficult to unlock after simply opening the knife and immediately trying to close it. However, if I pushed on the spine of the blade with my thumb after lockup, it was nearly impossible to unlock and close. You pretty much had to put pressure on the edge of the blade against a table while pressing to unlock it at the same time to disengage it. Almost every single example the shop had received was the same way. It was a disappointing introduction to what looked like a promising pattern. Also, we found many pin cracks at the pins near the lock bar/back spring. I do like the pattern, but it seems like they rushed this one a bit before working out the kinks. I too, would love to see one in 154CM.
 
Last edited:
Really love me a tribal/zulu, the lock version has been a great variant and a much more affordable way to scratch the itch for what I have found to be a rather rare and expensive pattern in general. I have tried out three covers, all seem to have been about the same as far as the fit and finish, and the locking is stiff but I don't mind it, no other lockbacks really to compare it to either. I would love for the tip to not be blunted as much, and for a better selection of covers/shields but I guess those are both standard desires with Case across the board. Only held onto the Antique Bone out of these, I like the slimness, will probably try another cover option or two, would love to see more woods and jigged bone in these, and a satin finish would be killer.

zdMRo7e.jpg
 
Case has not been putting out many new cover choices for the Tribal Lock. I guess their popularity has waned. I own three and think the are good pocket knives. Making a mini version down around 3.5 inches could revive the model.

,,,Mike in Canada
 
Duper said:
Case has not been putting out many new cover choices for the Tribal Lock. I guess their popularity has waned. I own three and think the are good pocket knives. Making a mini version down around 3.5 inches could revive the model.

,,,Mike in Canada
Click to expand...
A 3.5 inch Tribal Spear (no lock) would really get me excited.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top