CUDA Lock Test

[Titan]

Phil -- if I recall correctly, you mentioned in one of the old threads that the CUDA can take around 450 in/lbs of force to break. I'm curious to know how you tested it to reach this finding?

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"It is better to understand a little than to misunderstand a lot." -- Anonymous

 

[Phil Gibbs]

Titan,
Sorry I do not recall that post. Could you remind me where you read it?
Sadly I am in need of some more "Mental Floss"

 

[Titan]

Phil -- oops! It's not 450 but 375! Here's your post:

Our lock testing of the CUDA had them failing at approx. 375 in/lbs of torque with the failure being the lock tab fully engaging to the opposite side of the tang & buckling. Severe impact tests were also performed with similar results.

The thread is here

www.bladeforums.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/000955.html

 

[Phil Gibbs]

Titan,
That sounds more like my post on the topic!
Test involves hanging 100# weight approx. 3 3/4" from pivot.

 

[Cliff Stamp]

Phil, just a note of appreciation for you being so direct in reply to a question on lock strength. Its a trend I would like to see more makers follow.

-Cliff

 

[Titan]

Phil -- thanks for your forthrightness. Do you think the CUDA's lock strength is sufficient for its intended use?

 

[Phil Gibbs]

Titan,
Yes I do.
Although "strength" is a topic of perspective!
My CUDA tests at 375# forced several of the samples to "Fail". My definition of failure is that the liner lock bar moves all the way over to the other liner & the liner lock starts to crumple. At this point the knife is difficult/impossible to close. Warranty repair would consist of replacing liner lock & any other parts that may have been damaged (at no charge, of course).
None of the locks I tested "defeated". My definition of defeated is when the liner lock moves away from the blade allowing the knife to fold close.
I am reviewing several approaches to increasing the 375# results.
Perhaps you should consider the Bob Terzuola CQB1 Fixed Blade CUDA if your are planning on using your knife as a hammer!

 

[clocker]

Was the mini-CUDA tested as well? What might the results be?
I've got a mini-CUDA some time ago

and I've made it my everyday carry ever since.
It's one great knife

 

[Titan]

Phil -- ditto with clocker's question.

Mr. Janich (sp?) wrote in his 99 Combat Knives article on the CUDA about the thin liner as seemingly weak for defensive application. Do you think a thicker or harder liner material would make it crumple well above 375? Although there is no standard figure yet, I think a number quality folders (e.g., Military, Sebenza, SOCOM) are hovering around 450-500 in/lbs based on Spyderco's testing.