For those curious about the difference in the Tri-ad lock vs traditional lockbacks

kawr said:
It would be no problem for a company like Spyderco to increase the amount of engagement in their lockbacks but that would mean sacrificing ease of use. Anyone who owns a tri ad lock will probably agree that its much harder to close compared to a traditional lockback.
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The reason I suspect is due to the placement of the pin (fulcrum) on the lockbar (lever) in relation to the release point. If it were closer, it would not be so hard. Kind of like the old Buck 110s.
 
Tsujigiri said:
A lot of truth in that. Plus, I don't see people complaining about how their "flimsy" Spyderco lockbacks have failed. The Tri-ad is a good idea, but it's kind of a solution to a problem no one had.
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Spyderco is not the only factory to make lockbacks, even if theirs are better than average. Lockbacks do fail (ie the 'problem no one had?'). Tri-Ads not so much, especially not if subjected to the same use as a conventional lockback.
 
stabman said:
My butt is fine, thanks for asking.;)

You don't want an "actual answer" though...your mind is already made up that locks are unnecessary.
Unless you formed this opinion yesterday, nothing anyone says will persuade you.
If they injured themself, then you'll say the were cutting incorrectly.
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Relax.:) Calm down. Different strokes and all. :)

We all know if you want a knife that won't fold on you carry a fixed.:);)

That tri-ad does look pretty tough.:thumbup:

But we all do know, if the knife folds up on you, you are doing something wrong.:):):):);)
 
I do think that the Tri-Ad design is superior to the normal Lockback design, I just think that Cold Steel (despite being the originators) do not implement it as well as it could be. Once they start licensing it out to other manufacturers, I'd be interested to see how it is refined.
 
Fanglekai said:
I guess I don't really see the point of having such a beefy lock. If you're using your knife to cut something the way you're supposed to a lock isn't even necessary, which is why a lot of people, myself included, still use slipjoints.
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I wasn't aware there is a specific way I'm supposed to be cutting. But even someone who is will make a mistake sooner or later. Wouldn't it be nice if your folding knife wouldn't then fold on you, like, when you really really wouldn't want it to?

It's kinda hilarious really. Tsujigiri says the Tri-Ad lock is a solution to a problem that didn't exist (but locks in general seem ok by him. Must be a Cold Steel thing). You are in effect saying all locks are a solution to a non-existent problem.
Maybe all folding knives...?
 
I know alot of people feel you dont need a lock that strong, blah blah

but from the looks of the design, wouldnt the Tri-Ad last longer over years of wear and tear ( not abuse, just friction from opening/closing and whatnot )
 
I do love slipjoints as well - have two on me and usually at least one. If I'm cutting the plastic off a microwave popcorn bag, slicing the tape on a box, or whittling on a small stick outside then a slipjoint is nice. If it's stuff that would suit a fixed blade better then a locking folder is a much better substitute than a slipjoint.

There are a lot of jobs outside of the average day to day that would kill a slipjoint or seriously injure the user eventually.
 
mrdavidross321 said:
I know alot of people feel you dont need a lock that strong, blah blah

but from the looks of the design, wouldnt the Tri-Ad last longer over years of wear and tear ( not abuse, just friction from opening/closing and whatnot )
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It definitely seems like a design that would take wear well.
 
This thread is making me paranoid about using my Endura - the only lockback in my current arsenal.
 
jacksterp said:
This thread is making me paranoid about using my Endura - the only lockback in my current arsenal.
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Don't be.
I have an Endura trainer that has been through more "incorrect" use angles than you could ever do with a knife in real (or even stupid) use.
I even stabbed the blunt trainer at a rising angle into a wood telephone pole, which puts ridiculous forces against the lock---no problem at all.:)
It has been clubbed out of my hand during training, it has flown across the room after being knocked out of my hand by impact disarms, bashed into the cement floor of the basement in the process at times...all it needed was sanding down to remove the nicks.
Don't worry about the lock.
 
Thank you for the excellent pictures :) I have never seen the triad lock or even heard what components it was made up of. Very interesting seeing the two side by side :thumbup:


Edit: I realize I worded that badly; I have an American lawman so clearly I have experienced the triad lock, but I have never seen a diagram or picture of the lock itself :)
 
Great pics of the lock, seen it and used a couple of Tri-Ad locking knives, but never seen it exposed like that. My only beef with the design is that the Tri-Ad Locking knives all seem to be very thick - I don't know if it's something in the lock that makes it a necessity or a direction Cold Steel is going in, but I don't remember the old Voyagers being quite so thick.

To be fair, I've done side-by-sides between the new Voyager medium and my Delica, but not a new and old Voyager.
 
Thank you for the picture ,I have not seen many pics of the Triad lock that one could see the workings so well. I can see what people are saying ,worries about how stong is this or that lock . I used an endura 1 everyday for ten years never had it unlock or "scare" me and even if it is retired I thing it is a strong and trustworthy lockback. I will however say I really like my American Lawman and I think the triad lock is something I would like to see on the Endura 5, even if I would have to depress the lockbar a little farther.
 
like em sharp said:
Great pics of the lock, seen it and used a couple of Tri-Ad locking knives, but never seen it exposed like that. My only beef with the design is that the Tri-Ad Locking knives all seem to be very thick - I don't know if it's something in the lock that makes it a necessity or a direction Cold Steel is going in, but I don't remember the old Voyagers being quite so thick.

To be fair, I've done side-by-sides between the new Voyager medium and my Delica, but not a new and old Voyager.
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I think that's because the new voyager has nested liners.
 
like em sharp said:
My only beef with the design is that the Tri-Ad Locking knives all seem to be very thick - I don't know if it's something in the lock that makes it a necessity or a direction Cold Steel is going in, but I don't remember the old Voyagers being quite so thick.
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They are thicker for more strength. The design makes it so pressure/energy is transferred throughout the entire knife so a thicker handle makes it less likely to fail as the weak link. It also makes a big difference in applying force to an object you are wanting to cut or score.

Thin handle is nice for the pocket but a thicker handle is better once the knife is outside of the pocket.
 
Nice comparison photo! As far as the need vs. don't need debate...who cares! If all knives had the same features, we as knifenuts, would be very bored. Variety is the spice of life! :D
 
kawr said:
I just picked up a new version medium Voyager as well and the biggest problem is that you have to press the lock much farther in to unlock it. Although its not stiff it gets annoying have to press the lock completely in to disengage.
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Annoying or reassuring? The depth of lock is to prevent accidental disengagement. Spyderco's solution was to add the David Boye detent, Cold Steel's was to just increase engagement; both work to achieve the same goal, a solid lock that wont fail in adverse conditions:thumbup:

-sh00ter
 
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Fanglekai said:
Why so sensitive? This is a forum and people have different viewpoints. This is in general knife discussion. I'm confused as to why the tri-ad design is necessary and that's what I wrote: if you use a knife the right way you don't even need a lock. Please don't get butthurt because I asked a question that I really would like to hear an answer to.
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You never asked a question in your original post. It was just 3 statements.
 
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