How are SAK locking blades?

D

dip_n_ride

Joined
Apr 23, 2008
Messages
154
I haven't seen any threads about SAK lockers specifically, so I was wondering how their blades lock up (what type of lock, blade play, etc.)? I remember when I was much younger, before I started buying spydercos, benchmades, etc., I always wanted one but never got around to buying it.

Anyone have any opinions?
 
Its basically a liner lock, at least on the ones I've seen. Seems plenty secure for average EDC activities. JMO.
 
For the Victorinox line; they're really like the older take on a liner lock: A real back-spring ala slipjoint, with a tang blocking liner. My versions that are not one-hand openers have half-stops as well.
 
I've had a couple and wasn't impressed. Yes, the blade does lock securely, but I just can't get past the large amount of up and down blade play. Doesn't bother my wife at all so she yoinked my Rucksack and uses it camping and backpacking.
 
I had three so far and love them. There is some vertical play but it is so little that it doesn't bother me.
 
The liner-lock for the blade must be pushed in the opposite direction of most knives to unlock the blade. It takes awhile to get used to.

One would be wise to not bet one's fingers on the SAK lock. Use it like a slipjoint and be glad for the extra protection.
 
Hi,

I have a Vic Rescue Tool with a locking blade. Like comoah, mine has not quite a 1/16" vertical play. And as a slip-joint, the blade doesn't get much help from the back spring on mine. In fact, I sent the first one back because I felt it was defective with that much vertical play. The replacement one is no better.:grumpy: I'm told that it's supposed to be that way.

The liner lock is opposite of "normal" liner locks. Making it ideal for us lefties:D

Personally, I wouldn't trust one for use on scene, and I won't recommend them either.

dalee
 
I have a One Hand Trekker model and I'd say the locking is very poor. A lot of bladeplay and the blade wasn't very sharp from the factory. Can't expect a lot from a $20 multi tool I guess.
 
Thanks for the replies everybody, I was always curious about the slider on the handle... how do those work exactly?
 
the 84mm wenger packlocks are a bit clumsy in design; but IMHO it's probably the only locking system in SAKs which doesn't have blade play.
A member from this very forum has some of the information you seek.
-http://www.sakwiki.com/tiki-index.php?page=Locking+Blade
 
I have a one handed Treker that I have carried daily since late 2001, still locks up about the same as when I got it. Works well, and have not had any problems with it.
 
mongomondo,

That's a surprise to me. I never see a SAK brand new that's not sharp, and having checked 20-30 knives of the same model at a dealer, the level of consistency is so high.

This is not to say lemon doesn't exist ;)
 
Like the others have said, the liner lock versions DO have play in them when locked open. IMHO, the lock is there "just in case". Of the several i have handled, none of them seem to have any more play than a standard SAK. The play you feel is just the back spring wanting to let the blade begin to slip into its closing mechanic.

Just use them like a SAK, and don't expect a framelock level of lock up. I like them quite a bit. I have a OHO Trekker and a regular Fireman. I've asked for a Hercules for Christmas:)
 
berzerker said:
For the Victorinox line; they're really like the older take on a liner lock: A real back-spring ala slipjoint, with a tang blocking liner. My versions that are not one-hand openers have half-stops as well.
Click to expand...

I've had an Adventurer since I bought it new in around 1991 or so. GREAT knife. When I moved to Prague in 1993 with only a backpack, that and a Classic were the only knives I brought. Served me very well for many years. Now it mostly resides in my kitchen drawer and helps with little stuff around the house and is my go-to beer opener.
 
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