Lockbacks with "wear-in" room to combat vertical play. (other than Tri-Ads)

[afishhunter]

strange. my old fasioned Schrade LB7/7OT/6OT and Buck 110 lock backs have never developed any vertical play, even after decades of use (in the case of the Schrades, only got my first 110 this year.)

 

[Nullity]

strange. my old fasioned Schrade LB7/7OT/6OT and Buck 110 lock backs have never developed any vertical play, even after decades of use (in the case of the Schrades, only got my first 110 this year.)

As I mention earlier in the thread, the Buck has a more rounded, wedge-like shape compared to Spyderco's almost parallel, hard-edged mating surfaces. In theory, the Buck design should have less play, but less maximum strength compared Spyderco having some play, but more strength. (Google "buck 110 clear")

To my ignorant eyes, most lockbacks do not lock up deep enough, but I am basing that more on emotion than logic. The triad on my CS AM locks up like a quarter inch or more. Though, that deep lockup definitely affects how hard it is to open. All good, just different.

 

[BellaBlades]

Ive had three AK models and they all had an audible click or play in the lock even if you pushed the bar in hard with your thumb. 2 were aus-8 and one in XHP. It was minimal but enough to bother me. Every lawman, recon and voyager I have handled were rock solid after use and had no blade play.