How is the pull rating defined or calculated on a traditional knife?

L

Lastmohecken

Joined
Jul 20, 2013
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I have used knifes all of my life, but I have not been involved with knife collecting per say. Some of the terminology escapes me, on the board. I have noticed that when someone is describing a slippy for sale, they will often say something like "this blade has about a 6 pull". I assume this has to do with how hard it is to open the blade, maybe.

And if so how is this calculated? Is there a scale in use somewhere, etc? If I am totally off base, please explain this to me, so I can understand.

There maybe old threads on this but a search didn't bring up any answers.
 
Thank you, that needs to be made into a sticky IMHO.

That's about what I thought it was and very helpful if I decide to purchase a used knife online, now that I know for sure.
 
Thanks again, fellows. On slippy's I probably lean towards the strong side a little bit. I definitely want a good snap both ways on travel, and good resistance against accidental closing.
 
Bigfattyt said:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...d-Traditional-Pull-Scale?highlight=Pull+Scale


Here you go.
Click to expand...

I noticed this gets used quite a lot on this forum.

The Scale:

10 - unable to open by hand
9 - able to open but breaking a nail likely
8 - able to open but very stiff, tough for edc use
7 - firm pull, edc range
6 - ideal edc range
5 - nice for secondary blades, tad light for a main blade
4 - starting to get too light for use
3 - maybe acceptable on very old knives
2 - barely closes
1 - does not stay closed

Seems very open to interpretation..
What number would it be if you can barely open it without using the nail nick?
And what number would it be if you can only open it with using the nail nick?

I think maybe a Victorinox 91 mm (6?) or Alox (7?) could be given a number since they seem to be made all alike and would make a good reference.
 
It's going to be different for everyone because of varying hand strength and nail care. There isn't really a feasible way to standardize it. SAKs are often referred to as a 5 on the scale as a reference point.
 
dannyp said:
It's going to be different for everyone because of varying hand strength and nail care. There isn't really a feasible way to standardize it. SAKs are often referred to as a 5 on the scale as a reference point.
Click to expand...

I assume that's a normal 91 mm SAK not a Victorinox Alox then :cool:
 
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