Cold Steel's Atlas Lock Test featuring the new Engage 3.5"

raz-0 said:
Since I'm too lazy to read up on the link policy re: shops, and too polite to just say screw it, here's a screen cap.

engage_3ins35vn.jpg


I don't know if the grumpy face was for not believing me or not liking the take on blade size. I mean they aren't alone in this. the 3.5" CJRB krag I got is almost exactly the same size with the same 32.5" claim.

Here is the krag, ad-15, engage, and manix 2 XL all lined up at the end of the grip. The first 3 are 3.5" according to manufacturer. The last is 3.85".

engage_comp.jpg


Here's measuring from the flat front of the grip as best I could. I'm being a tad generous here as I'm catching the start of the slope.

engage_length.jpg


It feels a lot smaller than the AD-15, which over delivers. However, closed length loses nearly a half inch over the ad-15.

I like the knife, I just think it'd be better to call it a 3.25" or 3.375" Cause it's about 3 3/8" for all practical purposes.
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Thanks for the size comparison. Based on that I might have to try this one after all.
 
All the video I can see of the 3.5 inch version certainly looks like it is G-10, not plastic, scaled.
I think the most important question (that someone already asked) is does it self adjust for wear? The shark lock (on which it certainly seems to be based) has some minimal wear adjustment, but I don't know how much. Considering the amount of metal-to-metal contact in both the shark lock and this, I don't expect either of them to wear very quickly. Reliability for both (Atlas and Shark), as well as the Tri-Ad, seems to be pretty bullet-proof, dynamically. I'd certainly trust all three. I've beat the snot out of my AD-10. Well, I guess not completely. I haven't thrown or battoned it. But I have used it whacking branches in cleaning up the yard, just like I usually use a fixed blade. Not a bit of slip.

As far as static load, I'm not sure that means anything. Yeah, I would believe the Atlas is stronger than the Shark, since it is using two pins instead of one to carry the load. Distributes the load better, theoretically. But I usually use my knife with my hand, and i'm sure my wrist is going to break at several-hundred pounds less than 800, 700, or even 600 pounds (the numbers I usually see quoted for the Tri-Ad in various knives). So static load capability over a quarter-ton seems to be similar to altitude above or runway behind: It isn't much use to me.

The one thing I see on the Atlas that I DON'T think I would like is the location and lay-out of the lock release. It seems like it would be a ... void... in my palm, and would irritate the pi** out of me. With the tri-ad, I don't even know it's there until I need it. The shark lock is ALMOST as unobtrusive, believe it or not. I usually end up using it like a thumb ramp, if at all, which reinforces its reliability. This seems to be in a worse spot.

HOWEVER... all that being said.... it seems like it is a good lock... and I'll probably have to buy one eventually. Especially if the scales are G10.
 
Wasatch11253 said:
Here’s a closer look at the scales on mine. Feels like G10. Nice texture.




vBnmwOx.jpg


A4JsqV6.jpg
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No way is that plastic. If you're uncertain, though, the one way you could tell for absolute certain is to take another knife and try to cut it. Grivory/Griv-Ex/plastic will actually cut. G10 will be more of a chip-out. Me personally, I wouldn't bother. As far as I'm concerned, that's G10.

How does the lock feel in that location?
 
dogboye said:
No way is that plastic. If you're uncertain, though, the one way you could tell for absolute certain is to take another knife and try to cut it. Grivory/Griv-Ex/plastic will actually cut. G10 will be more of a chip-out. Me personally, I wouldn't bother. As far as I'm concerned, that's G10.

How does the lock feel in that location?
Click to expand...

With a full grip it seems barely noticeable, especially with the thumb up on the back of the blade.
 
jbmonkey said:
kinda wonder why cs didn't test the atlas over the 800lbs, that the tri-ad will do. they are calling the atlas lock the strongest lock in that video said by the stick guy.

not that it matters really, but im left wondering if it can do the 800lbs?...but 720 is plenty and then some regardless.
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Tri-ad patent is gonna run out pretty soon .

GSM needs to market the Atlas as new , better , and stronger ...and exclusive ! ;)
 
DocJD said:
Tri-ad patent is gonna run out pretty soon .

GSM needs to market the Atlas as new , better , and stronger ...and exclusive ! ;)
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good point there Doc. id like to see more tri-ad use across different brands...much liner liner locks and frame locks currently.
 
Once then the shine comes off , and prices hopefully fall , I'll try this Atlas out ...someday , maybe .

But AD10 for ~$100 vs current price for Engage = nope !
 
I am definitely waiting for the price to come down,im still undecided on the blade and handle shape,as well as the lock release placement ; i think the lock itself is cool,just not sure about the rest....
 
paul brown said:
So Wasatch, what are your thoughts opening and closing it compared to the tri ad??
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Personally I like this new Atlas better. I have a tendency to fidget a bit with these and the Atlas takes the cake there. The action has softened up just a bit, that is with me opening and closing the thing probably a couple hundred times a day.
 
Wasatch11253 said:
Personally I like this new Atlas better. I have a tendency to fidget a bit with these and the Atlas takes the cake there. The action has softened up just a bit, that is with me opening and closing the thing probably a couple hundred times a day.
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Sounds promising. Or, I guess I should say, sounds threatening.
To my wallet.
 
I'd be worried about having to tug on the handle to remove a stuck blade then discovering in a unfriendly way the blade is unlocked. gotta risk it for the biscuit I guess
 
EveryDayIsHalloween said:
Lock failure video

Not to stir up anything but this is a concern and relates to the atlas discussion
Check out failure examples at that YouTube link.
I guess these would be considered failures in a sense. You be the judge
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That’s not good, the spring is too soft. This is why the shark lock is less prone to failure, since the lockbar has to move back and then up in order for it to fail, while Atlas is straight back.
I’ve seen tests of axis lock(specifically the contego) failing the same way when its glass breaker was being used.
 
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