How do plunge locks compare to other locking systems?

D

di$TOrTed

Joined
Aug 9, 2013
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Hey everybody, I've been lurking on here for quite awhile but it seems I need some advice from you knowledgeable knife gurus so here I am. Sorry if I seem a little newbie, I just recently started growing my knife collection in the past year or so ever since I wanted something different from my Gerber Evo that I carried for years. I know Gerber isn't a popular name with knife enthusiasts, and after getting a Kershaw and few Spydercos, I can see why; the fit and finish surpasses the Gerbers that I own. That being said, I haven't had a problem with any of them and I try not to shut out a brand. Anyways, I digress.

How do plunge locks compare to other folding knife locking mechanisms?

I own knives with liner locks, wedge locks, and lockback mechanisms but never a plunge lock. I tend to prefer the liner locks as they are easy to use and they seem fairly tough to me. However, I am not super hard on my knives but I do like the peace of mind that comes from a strong locking knife.

I ask this because I was surfing the web and came across a knife I love. And I mean LOVE. It's the new Gerber Propel AO. If a knife manufacturer came to me and asked me to design a knife the way I wanted it, that would be it minus the plunge lock.

So how are they as far as taking some abuse and not failing? Do they wear well with time? It seems to me like they might be more susceptible to wear since the plunge won't fit as snugly in the cutout on the blade; whereas on a liner lock as it wears it will still push itself tightly into the blade tang.

It's a pretty large purchase for me $$$ wise so I want to get all the details I can before I drop the money on it. (hopefully this will be my last knife purchase for awhile, but I said that about 4 knives ago :P)

Also, I'm assuming the S30V model is probably the way to go for an extra $20 over the 420HC model correct? However, for my needs I will take corrosion resistance and toughness over edge-retention if the 420HC is noticeably better with those two attributes over the S30V.

Thanks!
 
I own one button lock. My main observations would be it's very easy to unlock and provides fairly solid lock up. I can't really say how it will wear in over time, my one button lock is a gentlemen knife (boker elegance) so it doesn't see much use. my only real complaint would be the detent (compared to liner locks, axis locks, mid-locks and slip joints) could be very easily opened with a very very slight wrist action. That being said because the knife in question is assisted I don't think you'll have the detent problem. That's just my take. :)
 
I own the Gerber Propel A/O in 420HC and really really like it :thumbup:

Except for the pocket clip, which is poorly designed/positioned, but that could be said of a lot of knives. And the torsion spring. The first thing that I did upon receiving my Propel was make it tip-up carry and remove the spring-bar, as any sensible person will do. Why? 1) Because the torsion bar makes it too difficult to deploy! Barehanded, it hurt your finger/thumb pad, and gloved it isn't reliable. 2) Because the torsion-bar prevents you from being able to flick that knife open and closed more easily than an Axis-lock Benchmade. Removed, the knife opens and closes better than any Axis-lock knife I've handled, even with thick work/winter gloves - simply depress the button, twist, release button. I have it tightened to eliminate side-to-side play and it still falls closed of its own weight if held correctly. It isn't ambidextrous like the axis bar, but it is much mroe user friendly :thumbup: It has become my "Go to" work knife on my property.

The Propel also includes a safety that can lock the knife both closed as well as open like the Benchmade Barrage series. I haven't beaten on it enough to comment on lock-wear, but the design suggests that it won't wear as well as the Axis-lock, but I'd trust it over a liner-lock ANY day - much stronger, longer wearing, reliable, user friendly.

As to S30V vs 420HC, my use recommends 420HC for ease of resharpening and lower price, plus I prefer black to tan. I have a quick video waiting to edit and upload, but I want to get a few more shots of working with the knife before I post it, my apologies for the delay.

I recommend the Propel, would recommend it more highly if the liners were skeletonized, the pocket-clip were better designed, and the spring weren't there to increase the price. Also, many prefer a plain edge, un-coated blade, and non-tanto *shrug* But as for the lock, I'm happy with it, happier than I am with my CS Recon 1 Triad-lock or my Benchmade 520 SBK Axis-lock knives (closest comparisons). I have no complaints with the steel. My $0.02
 
I have a Hogue EX-01 with a push button lock, it works fine, very solid lock up, but it's sticky.
 
Just bumping this thread because I finally uploaded a video of the Gerber Propel A/O, comparing it to a Benchmade Presidio 520SBK and (briefly) CS Recon 1. This isn't a cutting-video, just description and more flipping than i normally do (No, I do not consider knives to be yo-yos, it is done here for demonstration purposes only). I am still hoping they come out with a cheaper non-assisted version of the Propel. But it is a great work knife:

[video=youtube;vEGP9yAigYg]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEGP9yAigYg[/video]
 
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