Compression Lock

Lenny

Lenny

Gold Member
Joined
Oct 15, 1998
Messages
2,487
I'm looking to pick up a Para Military.
However, I've never used the compression lock thingie before.
Is it truly a 1 hand closer?
Or do you have to press the blade against the back of your leg to close?
How is the knife w/respect to QC?
Thanks,
Lenny
 
I have a Vesuvius, and a Salsa with the Comp Lock. I have no problem closing them one handed(left or right). I guess you could use your leg, but you don't have to.
Hope this helps.


Blades
 
I just posted a review of the Paramilitary in the 'Knife Reviews" forum.

The Para is an excellent knife with great ergos, strong construction and a strong lock - but I really didn't care for the compression lock.

I found it impossible to inertia-open the Para without assistance from either thumb-opener or lock release.

One-handed closing is quite possible, but I found it quite clumsy.

Basically, I liked every feature of the Para EXCEPT the compression lock.
 
It closes one handed fine but you disengage the the lock with your forfinger instead of your thumb.I just can't seem to get used to this.I do not like the compression lock and with useing it on the Para instead of the liner lock like on the Military was like fixing something that wasn't broke.
 
I figured so much.
Never had a prob with liner locks.
Lenny
 
I only have a Lil' Temperance with the compression lock.

One way to close it one-handed is:
  • Turn the knife so the edge is facing down, then press the liner to the side with your thumb.
  • Put your index finger in the blade hole and partially close it a tiny bit.
  • Then turn the knife on its side and close the blade the rest of the way with your thumb.
I also use this first method to close lockback Spydies with stiff blades.

There's a neat way to close it that feels weird and requires some dexterity, but it works really well for me:
  • Turn the knife on its side and choke way up on the handle. Then press the liner to the side with your middle finger.
  • Partially close the blade a bit by pressing down on the spine with your index finger.
  • Then close the knife the rest of the way with your thumb.
This second way is very similar to closing a liner-lock. The benefit is that you don't have to change grips to turn the knife and your fingers aren't in the path of the blade as you close it.

If the pivot on the knife isn't too tight, you can do an inertial closing of a compression lock as well. Press the liner to the side with your index finger, then fling the blade closed with a wrist flick.
 
I'm very pleased with the compression locks on my Parmillitary and my Ti Salsa. If you can't inertially open/close your Paramilitary, try loosening the pivot just a little. Then practice a few thousand times while watching your favorite movie.
 
Lenny,

Yes, it can be closed one-handed, just as Cerulean describes. But find it easier to press the spine against my leg while disengaging the compression lock with my thumb (fastest and safest for me).

But RE "fixing what ain't broke": While Spydie has done a great job with the Mil's QC, the liner lock inherently remains the weakest locking mechanism (excepting oddities like the twist ring on Opinels and the like). The compression lock isn't a just a liner lock moved upstairs; it is fundamentally stronger by design because it changes the way the locking bar is engaged, and the way pressure is applied to it. (LOTS of threads on this, so I won't repeat here.)
 
I find unlocking and closing the Lil T and the Gunting (both sides compression locks) to be really easy.

Just shift your grip down, unlock the lock with your middle finger, and then push the blade halfway down with your index finger.

Shift your thumb up, and then bring the blade back home.

Really easy.

-j
 
I don't have a Paramillie (yet), but I do have a Vesuvius and a Salsa, both with compression locks.
I find them very easy to operate one handed. For an inertial opening, I squeeze the handles and the compression lock between my index finger and the thumb, than I open the knife using a wrist flick. The same movement can be used for closing the knife.
I find the compression lock very strong and reliable. The only (minor) thing I dislike is that sometimes it pinches - no joke, it really does.
 
I went to the local knife store last night and spent some more time with the Paramilitary,Yojimbo and ATR. Anyway, I finally got the hand of closing a compression lock one-handed. It's not difficult. It's similar to one-handed closing of the mid-lock on an Endura -- except the you move the lock to the left instead of pressing down. Don't let any perceived difficulty in closing the compression lock keep you from buying one of these excellent knives.

Of the topic, while at the store one of the clerks went to great lengths to explain to me why he didn't like Spydercos. Grrrrr! :mad:
 
Keith,

Yep, it's not bad once you get the hang of it. I really like the CL.

I don't understand how local knife stores stay in business. Prices way over MSRP (I saw a plain large Seb for $600 the other day...) and completely uneducated and rude salespeople.

Give me a good Internet store any day.

-j
 
storyville said:
Lenny,

Yes, it can be closed one-handed, just as Cerulean describes. But find it easier to press the spine against my leg while disengaging the compression lock with my thumb (fastest and safest for me).

But RE "fixing what ain't broke": While Spydie has done a great job with the Mil's QC, the liner lock inherently remains the weakest locking mechanism (excepting oddities like the twist ring on Opinels and the like). The compression lock isn't a just a liner lock moved upstairs; it is fundamentally stronger by design because it changes the way the locking bar is engaged, and the way pressure is applied to it. (LOTS of threads on this, so I won't repeat here.)
Click to expand...

Storyville, May I note that the theoretical weakness of the liner lock is theoretical only, at least when dealing with a properly adjusted version of Spyderco's liner lock. I have repeatedly asked if anyone has ever encountered a failure of the liner lock on one of the Spydies with the adjustable pivot, assuming the pivot is properly adjusted. So far, nobody has said that they have.

As far as flicking open or flicking closed a Compression Lock knife, may I also suggest that if you can do this, your blade pivot is adjusted too loosely and you run a real risk of the knife coming open in your pocket on tip up carry. I would also note that such looseness may well lead to the knife being seen as a "gravity blade" by a peace officer, with the resulting legal problems that you would rather avoid. You may well win in the end, but the hassle will be great.
 
I'm GLAD the Paramillie wont flick out. Wont get me in too much trouble. (Handled one in Paragon's yesterday and didn't wanna put it down)
 
Hi Keith. That is often a problem with salesmen. Fortnately there are a few knife salespersons that have the passion for knives and the knowledge and undertanding to make intelligent offerings. Many even hang out here a bit ;) .

But, unfortunately, many are ignorant, think they're experts and share their ignorance based on their personal opinions of what they like the "looks" of.

Hard to sell Spyderco on "looks" or to novices that purchase based on "looks".

sal
 
Blade tension adjustment was mentioned here. Is the screw actually for adjusting? Or is the Para using the eccentric pin adjusting thingy? I noticed on a new Para I was able to fit an allen key head into the non clip side hole. But not into the clip side. Sal, can you explain here? Thanks.

N2
 
Nakano 2 said:
Blade tension adjustment was mentioned here. Is the screw actually for adjusting? Or is the Para using the eccentric pin adjusting thingy? I noticed on a new Para I was able to fit an allen key head into the non clip side hole. But not into the clip side. Sal, can you explain here? Thanks.

N2
Click to expand...

N2, I cannot speak to the Paramilitary, but my StarMate and Military both have the adjustable eccentric pivot that allows the blade tang/liner lock interface to be adjusted. To adjust them, you must take the knife apart, while simply tightening the screw increases the friction in the pivot. Having had the "Horn" on my Gunting hang up on my pocket and start to open the blade, I am religious about keeping the pivot tension snugged down.
 
Still need some info on this blade pivot adjustment on the Para. Anyone else with experience? SAL??

N2
 
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