Is it a linerlock or a slipjoint?

KrisNZ

KrisNZ

Joined
Aug 28, 2012
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12,136
Hi all, this may sound like a silly question, but being a new and but 100% convert to traditional's, do I refer to my Northfields #73L a linerlock or a slipjoint? Thanks to all in advance.

Kris,.
 
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(I said I thought it was a slipjoint, I was wrong)
 
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Looks like it's both a traditional slipjoint, which has a backspring, and supplemented by a locking liner 'safety'. A very traditional pattern that's been around for a very long time. The lock, by itself, isn't solely responsible for keeping the blade open (backspring tension does that), but it just serves to keep the blade from being forced closed. It's just there to block the blade from closing, and doesn't even have to be in flush contact with the tang to do so. A lot of 'traditional' linerlock knives have some gap between the lock and the blade tang, when the blade is open. It doesn't introduce any play or slop in the joint, because the backspring tension holds the blade firmly in the open position. This is unlike a modern linerlocking knife with no backspring, on which the lock itself is the only thing exerting pressure on the tang to keep the blade open, and also serves to keep it from being closed inadvertently.


David
 
Obsessed with Edges said:
Looks like it's both a traditional slipjoint, which has a backspring, and supplemented by a locking liner 'safety'. A very traditional pattern that's been around for a very long time. The lock, by itself, isn't solely responsible for keeping the blade open (backspring tension does that), but it just serves to keep the blade from being forced closed. It's just there to block the blade from closing, and doesn't even have to be in flush contact with the tang to do so. A lot of 'traditional' linerlock knives have some gap between the lock and the blade tang, when the blade is open. It doesn't introduce any play or slop in the joint, because the backspring tension holds the blade firmly in the open position. This is unlike a modern linerlocking knife with no backspring, on which the lock itself is the only thing exerting pressure on the tang to keep the blade open, and also serves to keep it from being closed inadvertently.


David
Click to expand...

Sounds a lot like the system on the 111mm Victorinox series.
 
Django.cj said:
Sounds a lot like the system on the 111mm Victorinox series.
Click to expand...

Lots of traditional patterns are built the same way, from Case (the Russlock, Trapperlock and an older linerlocking sod buster 2138L), Schrade (several, including the 125OT Folding Hunter), Camillus (several) and most every traditional 'electrician's knife' featuring a locking secondary screwdriver blade. Moore Maker has a large trapper pattern with it, and there are many more, I'm sure... :)


David
 
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I have several, David is right with his description. GEC do a really nice job of it by putting the lock tab a little bit away from the tang so that it doesn't interfere with your grip. I think it's the best of both worlds, making a very safe knife without any wear issues.

Sam
 
I very much agree Sam I prize my GEC 73s with this, it's a very safe and convenient arrangement.

Queen Cutlery also offer some liner/slip patterns, I have an excellent Teardrop and Copperhead in D2. Rough Rider have some locking Sodbusters that aren't bad either.

On the other hand, Böker offer a Copperliner without the backspring and with a thumtab. Frankly, this is a lethal knife as it can and does open in the pocket! This is what unnerves me about pure linerlock knives, yes they lock up well but can be dangerous I feel.
 
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willgoy said:
This is what unnerves me about pure linerlock knives, yes they lock up well but can be dangerous I feel.
Click to expand...

The problem with many modern linerlocks. I own one, a fine knife made of very good materials, but I dont trust the lock to hold it closed. Therefore I took off the clip and made a pocket sheath.
 
Obsessed with Edges said:
Lots of traditional patterns are built the same way, from Case (the Russlock, Trapperlock and an older linerlocking sod buster 2138L), Schrade (several, including the 125OT Folding Hunter), Camillus (several) and most every traditional 'electrician's knife' featuring a locking secondary screwdriver blade. Moore Maker has a large trapper pattern with it, and there are many more, I'm sure... :)


David
Click to expand...
The case trapperlock has no back spring. It has a spacer that looks like a spring, but it only contacts the blade when closed, at the kick.
The liner lock is a precision fit, with a detent in the half open to mimic a half stop. It is a modern linerlock that looks like a traditional.
There is another detent in the closed position, and the fit is tight, giving some friction to the action. I like mine a lot, & have no worry of it opening by accident.
 
mtangent said:
The case trapperlock has no back spring. It has a spacer that looks like a spring, but it only contacts the blade when closed, at the kick.
The liner lock is a precision fit, with a detent in the half open to mimic a half stop. It is a modern linerlock that looks like a traditional.
There is another detent in the closed position, and the fit is tight, giving some friction to the action. I like mine a lot, & have no worry of it opening by accident.
Click to expand...

Thanks for that. :thumbup:

I have the Russlock, which does have a backspring, but was fooled by checking some pics of the trapperlock. Don't have one of those, so thanks for the correction.


David
 
I have a Schrade 194OT (I think that's the model no.) that seems to be a slipjoint with a liner "safety" if you don't like the term "linerlock" for the mechanism. You have to depress the latch to close the knife, but it behaves like a slipjoint otherwise.

I have one of Mike's GEC 85 SFOs on the way with a "linerlock". Since I don't have it in hand, I don't know exactly how it functions.

Ed J
 
I think to carry in pocket without clip a linerlock has to have backspring or some additional safety. That's it as I don't want to go off-topic.

I used to have a Queen Teardrop too. The problem with the linersafety is that it is really uncomfortable to close it and I always donot see the need of safety on such a knife .
 
TLARbb said:
I have a Schrade 194OT (I think that's the model no.) that seems to be a slipjoint with a liner "safety" if you don't like the term "linerlock" for the mechanism. You have to depress the latch to close the knife, but it behaves like a slipjoint otherwise.

I have one of Mike's GEC 85 SFOs on the way with a "linerlock". Since I don't have it in hand, I don't know exactly how it functions.

Ed J
Click to expand...

Yes I'd say too,a slipjoint with a "back -up" lock
 
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