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Info on Air SOG lock strength?
- Thread starter SkagSig40
- Start date
Cliff Stamp
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- Oct 5, 1998
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I have not used that knife, but lock backs in general are fairly stable and are not prone to spine whack failures. The usual concern with such locks is white knuckle release and that isn't that common an issue either.
-Cliff
-Cliff
Cliff Stamp
BANNED
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- Oct 5, 1998
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Squeeze the handle.
-Cliff
-Cliff
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Every folding knife that came back to SOG under my tenure, regardless for the reason it was returned, received the spine whack test (among other lock-oriented review) to assure the lock was in working order (I can only assume this activity is continuing). Unless there was either lint (or other debris) in the lock mechanism or the lock was actually broken, it never failed. In other words, the lock back is a solid locking device. If it did fail and was not easily cleaned/repaired, it was replaced with a new knife.
Regarding the spine whack test, this is how I administered it. I would grip a knife firmly (yes, with white knuckles) near the handles butt with my fingers out of the path of a closing blade. I would strike the edge of a table violently as near the tip as possible (usually at the 1/5 point, depending on the knife) to create the maximum amount of failure without losing control of the knife. This was repeated a minimum of 2-3 times; more if the knife came in for lock related issues and we could not replicate the lock failure. I would hit the knife violently enough to make a loud noise down the hall out to the reception desk and completely tear up the front edge of my work desk. Each of my employees who tested locks had similar damage on their work desks.
The only instance in which Im familiar where a properly working lock back would fail during operation is when the user would grip the knife too firmly, the fatty part of their hand would slightly depress the lock release, and back pressure was applied to the knife spine (very unusual circumstances).
Hope this helps.
Regarding the spine whack test, this is how I administered it. I would grip a knife firmly (yes, with white knuckles) near the handles butt with my fingers out of the path of a closing blade. I would strike the edge of a table violently as near the tip as possible (usually at the 1/5 point, depending on the knife) to create the maximum amount of failure without losing control of the knife. This was repeated a minimum of 2-3 times; more if the knife came in for lock related issues and we could not replicate the lock failure. I would hit the knife violently enough to make a loud noise down the hall out to the reception desk and completely tear up the front edge of my work desk. Each of my employees who tested locks had similar damage on their work desks.
The only instance in which Im familiar where a properly working lock back would fail during operation is when the user would grip the knife too firmly, the fatty part of their hand would slightly depress the lock release, and back pressure was applied to the knife spine (very unusual circumstances).
Hope this helps.
Oh well.
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- Mar 23, 2000
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Hey Chris,
Good to see you too. I'm laying low in the SOG forum, leaving it to others to care for.
I did forget to say that the Air-SOG is just about my favorite daily use desk knife. I used to have half a dozen spread around my office.
Take care!
Good to see you too. I'm laying low in the SOG forum, leaving it to others to care for.
I did forget to say that the Air-SOG is just about my favorite daily use desk knife. I used to have half a dozen spread around my office.
Take care!
Cliff Stamp
BANNED
- Joined
- Oct 5, 1998
- Messages
- 17,562
The spine whack test has developed into the heavy hits described in the above by Ron, which probably give the test its name and overall poor reputation as abusive, but these in fact are less of an indication of lock security as the whippy hits which generally cause more problems for sloppy locks.
A heavy spine whack test is more of an indication of brute lock strength. A light and fast one deals more with lock seating issues and overall robustness of design and can actually be used to seat loose locks. Unfortunately this aspect of the testing has become lost as the intentions of the tests were misinterpreted.
The heavy spine whack has its uses on some knives, but for some folders it is abusive and unnecessary as the knives were never intended to take a heavy reverse load. The lighter whippy test should be used on any knife used for dynamic use, and cannot harm even lightly made knives as the impacts are no where hear the level to thickly dent wood.
-Cliff
A heavy spine whack test is more of an indication of brute lock strength. A light and fast one deals more with lock seating issues and overall robustness of design and can actually be used to seat loose locks. Unfortunately this aspect of the testing has become lost as the intentions of the tests were misinterpreted.
The heavy spine whack has its uses on some knives, but for some folders it is abusive and unnecessary as the knives were never intended to take a heavy reverse load. The lighter whippy test should be used on any knife used for dynamic use, and cannot harm even lightly made knives as the impacts are no where hear the level to thickly dent wood.
-Cliff
Ah the beloved spine whack thread..... its been a while.
Both my Air Sog and the meticulously crafted Chinese rip off I used to own passed mild spine whacks to my satisfaction.
For such a light knife you really can't ask much of it in this regard.
I loved the Air Sog design at first sight and gave one to my little brother for EDC. Its a wonderful design. Surprising you don't see more like it.
Years later I saw a near exact replica which I can only assume was made to specs in the same factory after the contract ran out. I guiltily ponied up 5 bucks more to satisfy my curiousity than to patronize the knock off industry.
It passed a mild spine whack and appeared to be made identically to the Air Sog. Eventually my girlfriend killed it but it seemed pretty well made.
Spooky
I'd get another Air Sog in a heartbeat.
Both my Air Sog and the meticulously crafted Chinese rip off I used to own passed mild spine whacks to my satisfaction.
For such a light knife you really can't ask much of it in this regard.
I loved the Air Sog design at first sight and gave one to my little brother for EDC. Its a wonderful design. Surprising you don't see more like it.
Years later I saw a near exact replica which I can only assume was made to specs in the same factory after the contract ran out. I guiltily ponied up 5 bucks more to satisfy my curiousity than to patronize the knock off industry.
It passed a mild spine whack and appeared to be made identically to the Air Sog. Eventually my girlfriend killed it but it seemed pretty well made.
Spooky
I'd get another Air Sog in a heartbeat.
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- Feb 1, 2001
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- 2,671
Well I got mine and I must say it is a nice knife! The blade is thicker then I thought and overall it is a very strong knife! I did the spine whack test on it and it held no problem even when I really hit it hard! Glad I bought it and it is much better built than the Gerber EZ Out it will replace! I just wish it had a pocket clip!