M16/M21: The thumbstuds absorb some side impact/load?

[new_pal]

Recently bought M16-14M and M21-04. Had an observation: when the blade is deployed, the thumbstuds will rest against the curved recess in front of the handle. This seems to enhance the pivot by absorbing some of the side load or impact (eliminating the "prying force" at least from one side). I think the design is patented by Mr. Carson or CRKT since I don't see any other knives having such feature. Wonder if someone has tested and quantified this advantage (if it is considered an advantage)...

 

[orthogonal1]

No, Mr. Carson nor CRKT have that feature patented.

Other makers use it, such as Darrel Ralph (first to come to mind).

As far as absobing prying force (moment, torque, choose your term), probably a negligible amount. Not much of a lever arm (distance of contact point of rotation to the pivot point -somewhere about the blade pivot pin/screw) as compared to knife tip or handle end (whichever is greater). A moment is a free vector, don't yah know.

This feature is often incorporated as a replacement for the stop pin behind the blade, in the frame.