Folder durability

C

Commodorefirst

Joined
Dec 30, 2000
Messages
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What about grit/mud/etc in the different locking mechanisms. If out using my LCC or BM 730, SERE 2000 or SOCOM, any difference in the lock types in the average campsite? Any one locking type design better than the other in regards to grit and grime?

 
Interesting question. My gut reaction is that the simpler the better in a dirt/mud situation, so I'd kind of lean toward the liner lock. It's going to be much easier to wash out than an Axis lock.
 
I would tend to agree. My linerlock knives are quite easy to clean.
I read a field test of the SERE 2000 and they reported that after getting the knife very dirty, they just had to rinse it of and it worked very smoothly. This report was in the latest Tactical Knives.
 
Actually in that situation I would prefer a Frame Lock like the Sebenza or Benchmade 750.

The lock is less prone to some of the Liner Lock's reliability issues (Torque, White Knuckle Grip, etc) and is also very easy to keep clean.

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AKTI Member No. A000370
 
I go camping a lot (nearly once a month for a weekend up to a full week during deer season). We use a wide range of knives in camp (slipjoints, linerlocks, traditional lockbacks, automatics). Only once have I seen a lock have problems and that was after the guy used his Buck 110 style lockback to field dress a deer without cleaning it afterwards. He soaked it in hot water to flush the crud, relubed it and it was as good as new. BTW, our campsites are primitive sites in the local National Forest. The only running water is the nearby creek.

Chris
 
The guy who really knows is Jeff Randal, and he swears by the SERE 2000. I've done a little mucking about with the Benchmade Axis lock, and it took a lot of build up and still worked well also. A lot of mud would gum up the Axis pin, but a lot of mud will stop just about any locking folder.
 
Well, curently thinking that the LCC MA is my current hard use everyday knife, the SERE 2000 is the "If I only had one in the woods period folder," (I read the tactical report too) and the MT SOCOM elite MA is my daily defense carrier. The mini socom is the backup. ..... Hmmm that leaves the 730.... Gosh I love my new hobby! Decisions Decisions. But seriously, I do think that the LCC MA Combo will be my abuse and use knife for everything.

I am a practical user of good tools. My firearms I treat the same way. I have some collectors, but most I use some everyday and some just once in a while. The everyday stuff gets used hard but not abused.

TTT for more responses.



[This message has been edited by Commodorefirst (edited 01-13-2001).]
 
I think a balisong would be the easiest to clean and take care of in the boonies.

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Mykl
Anxiously awaiting my BM 42A
 
Using my knife five days a week in the manner you described, I would tell you The Axis lock is my first and last choice.


I have used a dozen different linerlocks all in very adverse conditions such as mud, sand, gasoline, two-cycle oil, levering objects to the point of blade flex, ect..

I have noticed that under these stresses that some liner locks disengage especially when the the dirt, levering combination is applied.

I have used four axis locks daily, for eight months. I always carry two because even though they are shaving sharp in the morning the are both butter knife dull by lunch.
I usually have to resharpen my knives every day or they are totally useless.

With all this use, I will say that there is no question in my mind that the true winner in lock integrity is the axis lock.
Not once have I ever noticed any signs of the lock loosening or loss of lock integrity.

While oils and gas can make the linerlocking bars in some linerlocks slip when mixed with torque and dirt it doesn't affect the axis lock.

I must say that I have not used Sog's lock, or REKAT's lock. However, I would venture to say that they too are better than linerlocks due to their design.

I also understand that not everyone uses knives like described above infact it is on the abusive side, but that was kind of the original question so I decided to post.

Cleaning the axis is as simple as running under water so your creek will do. Hope this helps.

Later, Jeff

[This message has been edited by salamander (edited 01-13-2001).]
 
I can't imagine there being anything much easier to keep clear of obstructions than a frame lock. the pivot area may get dirty like other knives, but with a frame lock theres no space between liner and scale for dirt to get into, since there is no liner. Most have an open spine which gives a straight through shot at the lockup area. You can probably blow out most dirt that would get caught in there. Stuff like mud can be easily rinsed out since water can run straight through the lock area.
For a heavy dute camp knife, my vote goes for a BM 750. I use mine daily outdoors and haven't had any trouble what so ever.

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I may not be the sharpest knife in the drawer... but I've got the sharpest knife in the room.
 
This is getting interesting, thanks for your comments. Looks like several think the liner lock with the LCC, and some think the Axis lock with the 730. One strong vote for a frame lock.

Reason for the question with dirt/grime, hard but reasonable use, is I don't wan't to do this to all of my new purchases, just a couple. All will be used in a mundane manner, but for the tougher jobs want to limit it to just a few.

Salamander have you used an LCC, or SERE 2000?

Matt, thanks about info on 750
 
That is a Negative, Commodorefirst.
I have not used a SERE 2000 or an LCC.

I have however used two Microtech SOCOMS.

I found that they faired O.K. for the use mentioned above but certianly not as well as the Axis lock models.

The only real problem with them is that if you hit the back of the blade on accident, even slightly, the blade would slam shut.

I found out too late and one day while setting the knife down on a tile countertop the knife closed on me.

After I got stitches I sold them both.
Along with all of my other linerlocks.

The funny thing is that I never trusted the linerlock design from the first time I saw it. But had no idea that they were so dangerous.

There is even a statement in a knife mag stating to the effect that they shot down many custom knife maker profiles when they found out that their knives failed even under light useage.

Have fun and try to keep all you fingers
smile.gif


Later, Jeff

 
It's pretty hard to go wrong with a quality lock-back. They are simple and easy to clean. However, if you know you may be facing more "extreme" conditions, a fixed blade would be a better choice.

Paul
 
I second Paul's suggestion for a fixed blade for those kind of chores. But who am I to talk? I mostly use folders too.... so anyway,

A while back someone did a test with several different well known folders, covering them in mud to see how well the locks did; I remember he posted a lot of pics in that thread. Does anyone remember this? Could someone find it and post a link?

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Jason aka medusaoblongata
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El mundo es mi cenicero.
 
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