knife locks and muscle memory

Landshark99

Landshark99

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Joined
Jan 19, 2007
Messages
901
Could be me just getting old, but now having so many knives with a variety of locks, there are frame/liner locks, button locks, compression locks, axis/ball bearing locks, shark locks, Paul locks, and back locks. I find my hand's first reaction sometimes, is to look for the frame lock on say the shark lock knife, etc. It only happens for a second but I guess it must mean have way more frame locks. Just wondering if it is just me.
 
Huh, I usually am very aware of my locks, but had a similar thing happen with Wharncliffes when I first started using them (speaking of a Mora, so the round wooden handle made everything even more symmetrical). You're used to the knife being shaped the other way around, so I've come very close to cutting my thumb choking up on the "spine" holding the knife upside down.

I reach, if anything, for a tab on the back like a comp lock or back lock. My favorites.
 
While I don't rotate my EDC enough to keep me confused, I am sure it's possible.

It is certainly true for firearms. I wouldn't suggest a different handgun for every day of the week, as muscle memory is definitely a thing when it comes to knowing instinctively where the slide release is, or the mag catch, or the safety (shush, Glock lovers) etc. Beware the man with one gun.....
 
Definitely not just you! I do the same thing with flashlights, too.

It's part of why I've pared down my knife collection and spend more time carrying each of them.
 
I had a hard time flicking my Spydercos after using flippers for about a year. These days, I make sure they are in the rotation.
 
Never had this issue, with knives or guns. My rotation has frame and liner locks, CBBL, shark lock, button lock auto, OTF, compression lock.

Back lock is the only one not in my rotation.

I go to the range with four plus pistols. One has 3 dot, 1 trapezoid, 1 a red dot, the 4th both a bullseye and a laser. I have no issues switching.

However my brain is wired weirdly. Before my brain tumor/surgery at age 12 I had an eidetic memory. Now once I learn something, I never forget. However, the brain tumor and then 3 years ago 2 strokes screwed up the short term memory.

Being partially blind increased my other senses so I can tell immediately upon touch what knife I'm touching.
 
Right now, I'm a back lock (*Buck 110s and Cold Steels)/liner lock (Ontario RAT-1s and CRKT M16s)/button lock (*Kershaw Launch)/Shark Lock (*Demko 20.5s) guy.

...and yes, I have a HARD time transitioning.


I ventilated my palm pretty well the other night (*and relieved some of my high blood pressure), transitioning from a Demko 20.5 to a Buck 110 Slim. (The pronounced clip of the Buck bit me pretty good)

I also find myself trying to "flick" a Shark Lock after carrying a CRKT M16 for a few days. 🤷‍♂️
 
shane45-1911 said:
While I don't rotate my EDC enough to keep me confused, I am sure it's possible.

It is certainly true for firearms. I wouldn't suggest a different handgun for every day of the week, as muscle memory is definitely a thing when it comes to knowing instinctively where the slide release is, or the mag catch, or the safety (shush, Glock lovers) etc. Beware the man with one gun.....
Click to expand...
Been carrying the same type of pistol for 9 years now. Muscle memory is a thing.

To the OP: I can definitely see how it's possible. I think I've done the same thing.
 
I have more framelocks than any other lock, seems to be my preference.
I can open and close my sebenza really smoothly and quick.
Learning on my new shirogorov, it's much faster so I'm trying to slow it down hehe
 
My thumb automatically goes for the frame lock (or liner lock) when holding a knife. I guess I’m conditioned.
 
Landshark99 said:
Could be me just getting old
Click to expand...
Nope , me getting old too ! ;)

Yeah and it does seem to get worse with age . Slower to adapt to new/ different UI controls , nowadays .

For critical equipment , I try to stay with what I already know ,unless it's really worth the greater energy and effort to retrain reflexes .
 
How a knife is closed doesn't concern me much - if at all.

How a knife opens - is a major concern. ;)
 
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