How do you like your pull?

[Bigfattyt]

I like a harder pull. 8 or so is about right.

 

[r redden]

I also like a 5-6 pull I realize it's probably in my head put a real weak pull to me makes me think weak knife. To hard seems to always break my nails and as Carl said it feels like I'm fighting my knife.

 

[Jack Black]

I like a harder pull. 8 or so is about right.

Me too, a good stiff pull is what I grew up with, and what I am most used to. In the winter, when it's cold and wet, I generally carry something with a blade I can pinch open in my coat pocket.

 

[Pennacnp]

For me the desired pull depends on the knife. If it is a single blade lockback then I prefer an easy to medium pull. However, for traditional slip joints then I prefer a tight pull. For some reason this feels more like lasting quality - to me.

 

[NJBillK]

For me the desired pull depends on the knife. If it is a single blade lockback then I prefer an easy to medium pull. However, for traditional slip joints then I prefer a tight pull. For some reason this feels more like lasting quality - to me.

This is pretty much how I feel.
Though if I were speak in more general terms, I prefer a 6-7.

 

[bflying]

I prefer medium to light, but have never tried to calibrate any of mine to actual poundage. I will say that a stronger pull, usually leads to a stronger lockup, giving a little protection if the knife is accidentally used improperly and pushed closed on fingers. Never had that happen, but heard of it.

I also believe that a knife is easier to break-in and "wear" itself into a slightly lighter pull. But not being a smith, I don't know of any ways to tighten up knife that is just too light or loose.

I have a GEC 78 Jack that I could not open without my leatherman when received. Can just barely now (after many hours working the blade back and forth) open without breaking a nail. But just barely, it's still a tough little sucker. Though I've actually come to appreciate it for what it is....a great sturdy blade when open for use. But just recently picked up a GEC made Northwoods Michigan that is VERY easy to open and totally loving it. Even though pull is easy, it has very positive half and full stops. Been in pocket since receipt because it's just so easy and quick to put into action.

My Ka-Bar Dog's Head Coppersmith Barlow came to me with an absolutely perfect pull on both blades. Have no idea what the actual "rating" would be. I understand they are built by Canal Street, so I have really high hopes for this years forum knife. Coming soon maybe?

 

[Dean51]

My Ka-Bar Dog's Head Coppersmith Barlow came to me with an absolutely perfect pull on both blades. Have no idea what the actual "rating" would be. I understand they are built by Canal Street, so I have really high hopes for this years forum knife. Coming soon maybe?

I'll agree the CSC barlows have a perfect pull and mine are smooth. Not at all gritty feeling.
I like a medium pull 5 or 6 but just as important is how smooth it is. Even if the pull is right if the knife feels rough and or gritty it just feels cheap.

 

[Will Power]

I'm of Jeff's opinion. Better heavy than light (which generally equates to being snapless :barf:the hallmark of failure in my book) Hard School in other words

That said, I find that many French knives set an ideal, notably Chambriards: they are really quite easy to open but death traps to close showing an affinity for that other French cutlery masterpiece the guillotine Why this is, I have no idea. Spring tension? Placing the nail nick more towards the tip for maximum leverage? Not sure but it strikes a happy balance, easy enough to open, loud snap on return (watch that edge though)

Dean's point about smooth opening is vital I think. Another reason I don't really enthuse over half-stops....

 

[Carboniferous]

Nothing less than 5 on a small knife, for something bigger than 3.5" closed I like a solid 7 or 8.

I have a Queen sodbuster that's a solid 8, I get kind of a childish pleasure warching people who aren't accustomed to strong springs struggle to open it. It fits the workhorse that the pattern is, though, and there's enough exposed blade to easily pinch it open.

 

[2Dead]

hmm, ill have to get some of those, because the ones i have are definitely closer to a 2, hey 2dead, if you see this, how are the pulls on the other CSC HMTs?

It's been a couple of years since my last new HMT but the 2 newest ones I have/had (from 2013) had stronger pulls than some of the older ones.

I like a pull about a 5-6 the best but can do 4-7 depending on the knife/pattern. Less or more than that then I really need to like something else about the knife to compensate.

 

[Ernie1980]

I like around a 5-6 pull on main blades, less is acceptable on a secondary blade as long as it still has nice snap. For a single blade traditional, I won't keep it if the pull is below a 4. For my mental scale on spring pull, a SAK is a 5 and the chart goes up or down from there.

 

[quattromori]

I like an easy pull. I don't want to fight with my knife to open it, especially if my hands are cold/wet. I like a smooth pull, and don't associate heavy pull with quality. Quite the opposite. I've handled and owned some great knives, to include the original Hen and Roosters made by the Bertram's, and they all had very light pulls, but impeccable quality. Since the dynamics of cutting will keep the blade open, and even friction folders are safe with proper knife handling, I don't feel the need for a spring to keep my knife open in use.

Light is good.

Pretty much what Carl said. Light to medium for me.

Same here. And no half stop please

Fausto

 

[mrknife]

It's been a couple of years since my last new HMT but the 2 newest ones I have/had (from 2013) had stronger pulls than some of the older ones.

I like a pull about a 5-6 the best but can do 4-7 depending on the knife/pattern. Less or more than that then I really need to like something else about the knife to compensate.

yeah, finally managed to get one of those kabar trappers, ended up with a coppersmith but ill get the other on eventually. very curious to see how the pull is. love my hmts but they are so light in pull

 

[Mort Canard]

Like some of the others I find that a Vic SAK is kind of my benchmark for a decent pull. If kept oiled most often it provides nice and snappy walk and talk. Like Jackknife said, "I don't want to have to fight my knives." The GEC #77s from the last few years have been about my max preferred pull.

 

[mrknife]

Like some of the others I find that a Vic SAK is kind of my benchmark for a decent pull. If kept oiled most often it provides nice and snappy walk and talk. Like Jackknife said, "I don't want to have to fight my knives." The GEC #77s from the last few years have been about my max preferred pull.

yeah, im currently not adjusted yet to my 77s. the pulls are still too strong atm. eventually im sure ill get a knife with an even tougher pull

 

[stezann]

It is possible to have the tang tuned for each position. That's another place where custom made slipjoints shine!
I make my knives with a firm but light pull, stronger half and open position, the latter is the stiffer.
The same thing could be done even with a cam tang (no half stop)....of course the spring is flush every position, but the lift and the leverage is different for every transition

 

[BearBug]

I like about a 6-7, if a SAK is our quality control for a 5. I also enjoy half stops with their talk and springyness when done well. I think the 15's are perfect in tension and have great snap into open and upon closure. I love the size of 77 barlows but I prefer the pull weight of the 15. I carry a 54 big jack EDC nearly everyday. It had was around and 8 when new. My right thumb nail kept breaking and still feels like it could. If a little apple juice gets in the joint a little mineral oil helps or I'd use the lifter on my beer scout of crownlifter in the long pulls. I'm not sure if it's broke in a little or if it's because I learned to exclusively use my left thumb nail, but I haven't broken a nail in a while.

I don't mind a strong pull if it's pinchable. if the spear is extended I can pinch the 54 clip open no problem. I would prefer the 77 barlows to have the taller clip point blade profile like the 15's or the 54's.

Anyone know how to make poles to vote for these forums?

 

[plk7]

Around a 5-6 or SAK-like. I like the pull of my 15, but I've had trouble with the stiffer pulls of other GEC models. I also had a Moki Fish Owl. Outstanding f&f, a real jewel, but the pull was very weak and it felt weird, for lack of a better descriptor.

 

[black mamba]

I like my pull porked . . . oh wait . . . that should be my pork pulled, as in BBQ!

 

[Ramrodmb]

I like my pull -Heavy to Xtra Heavy. (GEC dont go soft on us) I just hate a wimpy spring.
Mark