Could someone tell me how to properly close a ring lock before I slice myself again

C

Cyblade

Joined
Aug 16, 2001
Messages
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I just got in my Cold Steel Kudu and was trying to close it when next thing I know I'm bleeding all over the place and theres a slice running down my finger from top to bottom. I've never has this happen with any other type of lock and I'm not messing with this thing again until I know a way to do it safely and easily.
 
That reminds me of a local boy who posted on a BBS that he had bought a keyboard vacuum and the first time he used it he cut his lip. I didn't know what to tell him either....

Well, you understand you have to hold onto the knife with one hand and pull on the ring with the other and that will unlock it and the blade will be free to close, right? I suggest you do it slowly, and think about it. Take a grip on the knife and think about whether that's the grip you want to have when the blade closes. If not try a different grip.

People have been using ring locks for around 2,000 years, but there don't seem to be any written instructions available....
 
IIRC, there is an instruction sheet included with the Kudu.

Interestingly, the method shown is a little different than the one shown by Ragnar.
closing-okapi.jpg

I found that with the Kudu, it's easier for the right hand thumb to push on the spine closer to the pivot of the blade.
 
You and me both, brother. I got my fingertip caught between the blade and handle of my big Okapi while not paying attention. I use Ragnar's method for closing, as I don't exactly trust Cold Steel's. Nothing about wrapping my hand around the handle of a closing knife seems really smart to me. Then again, I did get eight stitches for my own stupidity.



It is a nice knife though. My Kudu is a lot smoother and feels more solid than the Okapi. The 4116 stainless has about the same carbon content as 1055 plain steel, and won't pit when exposed to blood splatter not that I'd know from personal experience.
 
The instructions that Cold Steel gives you are crap. Use Ragnar's method; you won't get cut. I've used Okapis before and every time, everyone I've seen using them, used the middle-finger-in-the-ring method. I even had to show the knife dealer whom I bought my Kudu from the method, since he followed the included instructions and said that he got cut. No idea what Lynn Thompson was smoking when he had those instructions drawn up. Even with the ratcheting blade, it's just not safe to stick your hand in the blade channel when closing a knife.
 
I grew up using Okapi's and we all start with the middle finger through the ring procedure. Then, as you grow up its considered manly to break the attachment for the ring off and close the knife by lifting the spine lock with finger strength... Not very clever, guess its a local thing ;)
 
I've never cut myself with my Okapi but I really don't like the ring lock much. It's interesting because its different but not my cup of tea.
 


wow, are they TRYING to make you cut yourself? I can't believe those are real with all the litigation these days.
 
What would happen if you put your middle finger in the ring and let the knife "hang" in the ring. Then you press down with the other fingers. The result should be that the lock opens and the knife close without any fingers on the wrong side.

It looks like Cold Steel has stolen the instructions from a hand grenade :)
 
nodh: That was what I'd always figured too, but I've never handled one.

I share Kazeryu's astonishment at CS' instructions. Frankly the only folder I've ever felt comfortable having my hand covering the slot while closing is my Endura... and that's because it has a choil designed specifically to prevent the blade from closing on your fingers. It took me some time to get used to a liner lock...
 
I am surprised that you cut yourself with the CS knife. Mine closes in about six distinct click steps. I really like the CS version of this knife.
 
I think that's what those detentes are for. I find CS instructions aren't as reckless as they may seem, as the blade doesn't actually snap shut at any point. However, if using Ragnar's instructions with the Kudu will make the blade disengage much more suddenly unless the right thumb is closer to the pivot instead of near the nail nick as shown.

What would happen if you put your middle finger in the ring and let the knife "hang" in the ring. Then you press down with the other fingers. The result should be that the lock opens and the knife close without any fingers on the wrong side.
Click to expand...

Yeah, that'll work, too.
 
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