How do button locks work

L

Longden

Joined
Jun 22, 1999
Messages
579
All this talk about the Synergy and its button lock has me wondering exactly how the lock works. A search thru the forums just turned up testimonials, but I couldn't find the dirty details.

I suspect it's a liner lock (albeit with tight tolerances) with the locking liner protected by the handle and accessed only via a button?

Or is it a significantly different mechanism like the lockbacks and axis?

Also appreciated would be any links to knife lock lore and history. I've heard a ton about the Axis and rolling locks, but I'd like to know more about how the Sawby lock compares to the center-handle lockback mechanisms popular on Spydercos and other knives. Thanks.

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Longden Loo - Ventura, CA
Technology's the answer, what's the question?

 
I have a Synergy and it's no liner lock.The handle kind of forms a lip around the button to prevent accidental closures.I do'nt know exactly how the lock works but the pivot screws turn along with the blade on opening and closing.There is a slot in the tang but it's on the opposite side of the button.I think the only way to open or remove the blade would be with a special tool for the pivot screws.Mine has six small holes.The handle is one solid piece(milled)so theres no way to open the handle.
If someone knows excatly how the lock works I would like to know also.
 
If anyone has time to spare ... I still would really like to know the mechanics of how this lock works (or is everyone off to SHOT?) Thanks.
 
I suppose I could give it a shot since I have 3 of them.There are 2 half-circle like cutouts on the blade opposite each other on the outside edge of the pivot area.One is shallow and serves as the detent when closed.The other goes almost all the way through the blade.There is a pin inside the handle which engages these cutouts opposite the button.I belive the mating surfaces of the pin and hole are tapered so as they wear the lockup stays tight.The pins on mine only engage half the depth of the cutout at this time.

Clear as mud?
I could be wrong,Jim's the one who could definately tell you.Probably off to the show.

Ray
 
Thanks Ray. Sounds like the pins act like something between a locking liner and the rolling lock. Does the button push against the pin and lift it out of the cutout?

If so, then the strength of the lock must depend on the shearing strength of the pin.

Any description of the pin material? If it wedges itself into the cutout, then it seems susceptible to wear as with the liner/tang on a liner lock.
 
Yep the button pushes the pin out of the cutout.I don't what the pin is made out of.The thumstuds act as a stop against the handle engaging in a slight notch.The pin engages the cutout barely 1/32 of an inch before the thumbstuds and handle meet.So I think wear should be minimal.Only time will tell.

Ray
 
Button lock / taper lock wear is probably the most wear resistant of all lock types. The pin slides in and out of a notch in the blade and sees little, actual wear or rubbing between the two parts. These are among the strongest lock types also. The lock strength does mainly depend on the shearing strength of the tapered pin, but most reputable auto companies use heat treated parts, which are VERY strong. This type of lock is probably one of those, more dependent on not being "gunked" up with pocket lint or the like, but the locking mechs. are usually nicely tucked away by the handle or the blade itself.

-AR

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- AKTI Member ID# A000322
 
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