Cold steel tri ad lock vs Spyderco compression lock (stonger lock)

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ukknifer

Joined
Jan 30, 2010
Messages
424
Hi
If my understanding is correct, then these locks are similar.

Are they equally strong or is one stronger than the other?

Thanks
 
They're not really similar. The Compression lock wedges the lock bar between a pin and the blade. The Tri-ad is a lock back with a pin in between the blade and lock bar. I would guess the Compression lock is stronger (Sal has said failure comes when the pin busts through the handle)--but again, just a guess.

Here's a post by Sal that seems to imply the Compression is equal or stronger http://www.spyderco.com/forums/showpost.php?p=633016&postcount=60

I think if you break either, there's something wrong with what you're doing, not something wrong with the lock :p
 
My Ti ATR compression lock has a thick lockbar of titanium holding the blade from closing. It looks like pretty much the whole knife would have to collapse before the blade closed accidentally.

Most quality locking systems are way more than adequate. Ease of opening and closing means more to me than being able to hang a freight train off the handle.
 
Both are strong beyond all practical purposes. The question is redundant, IMO.
 
Only two companies have that answer and neither will tell the public because neither will talk about the other in a negative way. ;)

So we will never really know.
 
I'd vote Tri-Ad lock on my CS Spartan. I don't have any proofs whatsoever, it's just a gut feeling. Given the 2, I'd choose the Tri-Ad lock. Spartan has a overbuilt thick lock, perhaps this is the cause of my judgement. Can't imagine what kind of task is involved to break the lock on my spartan.
 
beluga said:
I'd vote Tri-Ad lock on my CS Spartan. I don't have any proofs whatsoever, it's just a gut feeling. Given the 2, I'd choose the Tri-Ad lock. Spartan has a overbuilt thick lock, perhaps this is the cause of my judgement. Can't imagine what kind of task is involved to break the lock on my spartan.
Click to expand...

I think on both the blades or the handles would break before the locks failed....
 
I think i actually prefer the compression lock, it's smaller, not nearly as invasive into the tang as triad, and easier to use.
 
I trust my custom Demko.
 
Sal tests knives, and from all my impressions and thoughts, is a truthful guy.....if he says their no stronger I tend to believe that many times over the CS HYPE.....compression for the win(for all intents and purposes the tri ad is just a more intricate compression lock)
 
i think both lock systems are more than enough for the knifes needs, i only have one of each lock style and the knives are very different, a spartan and a superleaf

i like the tri-ad just alittle better just because its more traditional as a lockback than the compression lock, and sometimes the compression lock is alil harder to close but my knife is pretty new so i dunno if it will break in ( my spartan was also pretty stiff at first )
 
I'd like to know too. Saying that both are enough for all knife needs is not really saying anything. It's not about sufficiency, it's about which one is stronger whether you need that strength or not.
 
ukknifer said:
Hi
If my understanding is correct, then these locks are similar.

Are they equally strong or is one stronger than the other?

Thanks
Click to expand...

They aren't similar. As far as strength goes, they are both strong enough to withstand regular use (opening your mail, cardboard boxes, food prep). There are a lot of people on the forums that are terrified of getting a scratch on any knife, they collect and enver use them. I sincerely doubt most average people would need to use a folding knife in a circumstance where it would break a lock and cost someone their life as the result. Ankerson and A.P.F. have the right idea - they are both very strong and can handle any daily use you can dish out. ;)
 
In post #13, tricker wrote, "(for all intents and purposes the tri ad is just a more intricate compression lock)" This is a good point, IMO. Although different, both these locks (in order to fail) require the blade to squash a small robust chunk of steel between the tang and a stop pin, or to rip the stop pin out of the handle, or to break the blade. This is the key to their high strength. The Axis lock is similar in this regard, as well, and it fits that Sal has stated that it also is in the top strength tier of locks sold today.

Another good point was made by Sal that many here seem to not understand, or have forgotten. Any given lock design can be made stronger or weaker by varying the size and geometry of the parts. A big huge heavy lock will be stronger than a smaller, lighter lock of the same design. The strongest lock is not the real goal for me, but a lock that is strong enough for my needs, with a margin of safety, easy to open and close, and proof against accidental unlocking under foreseeable conditions. Reliability, ease of cleaning, and durability are also important factors. The Axis, Compression, and Tri-Ad locks are all very strong and do well in these other departments, so it comes down to personal preference and availability in the end, just like everything else in life.
 
RevDevil said:
I sincerely doubt most average people would need to use a folding knife in a circumstance where it would break a lock and cost someone their life as the result.
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I read that as circumcision..... Not sure what that says about me as a knife collector.
 
I wonder why compression locks aren't utilized more in folding knives. One handed opening and closing is easy and if the lock is strong as people say then it would seem to be a good
alternative to more popular liner lock which I find is easy to wear over time.
 
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