How tough is Arc-Lock?

H

Hadji Flip Me Over

Joined
Mar 1, 2010
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As many of you well know, SOG uses a system called Arc-Lock to deploy many of their folding blades. They boldly claim on the front page of their website that Arc-Lock has been tested to hold up to 1,000 pounds of pressure.

I'm not worried in the slightest about the system failing under normal use because the heaviest duty my Vulcan ever sees is cutting open a plastic label on a package, but can Arc-Lock hold a candle to other company's (like Cold Steel's Tri-ad lock, for instance) locking mechanisms?
 
I dont know, it would be interesting to see a head to head test. I had a Sepc elite1 that I tested the lock a little bit but did not put near 1000lbs.
 
I'd love to see a test as well. I can't ever seeing putting the knife through that much pressure but it would be nice to know it could.

I'd also like to see how it fails when the limit is reached.
 
Because of the design,I would say the Sog arc-lock would be weaker the the BM.
 
Whether or not the arc lock is weaker than the axis lock, the arc lock operates more smoothly. Given that both are strong locks, I prefer the arc lock simply for being smooth.
 
I must say that my sog visionary 2 (the bigger size) is very smooth. I am surprised it does not get more attention. With more substantial liners I actually like it over my benchmade griptillian even though it does not have a hole.
I think the visionary is the new griptillian... jsut hasnt become so popular yet.

Ive never had a problem with my arc though.

I can imagine the lock holding up to 1,000 but I think that this must be the complete failure weight. Im sure that before it reaches 1,000 pounds it will have bent or been damaged somehow. I dont know how the handle itself could hold that weight without failing... I guess it depends how far out you put the weight. 1000 pounds at one inch is a lot less than at 3-4 inches.

Even though the lock is a small piece of steel I am sure 1000 pounds wouldnt make it shatter or anything. I think for it to fail would mean that the steel would have to actually sheer and rip apart.
 
a 1000 lbs sounds like any folder would crumple. if it doe'st fail when you're wearing gloves & hit the blade as hard as you can on a table top i think one should be satisfied with the lock safety.
 
I was debating between purchasing the Visionary and the Vulcan and went with the latter only because I think it has better ergonomics.

I did see a test of a Cold Steel folder (maybe the Espada?). It was clamped in a vise and one of the guys put 600 pounds on the blade with no signs of bending. I would love to see that same test with one of SOG's strongest folders.
 
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