Military durablity lock

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knife_nut73

Joined
Jun 25, 2006
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I have a question for those long time users of the military. I was wondering about how durable the lock is as it seems liner locks fail quicker or don't last as long from what I've read. Especally flicking the knife. Spyderco's liner lock is rated to be the most well constructed but I was curious about the experience from long term users.

So how long have you had it and what have you done to it over the years? How's the lock?
 
I have no problems with mine.I own 3.Yes they are well constructed, the fit and tolerances is what makes them last.They just pop right into place everytime unlike other brands that seem to wedge rather then pop in.They are also made out of Ti.
 
That's news to me. I have seven, and the liners are steel on all of them. My oldest user is a 440V model that I bought second hand. It has obviously seen some hard use, judging by the scratches in the blade, and I haven't babied it since I got it. The lockup is still as good as it is on my D2 Millie, which is actually better than it is on my S90V Millie.

I will say that flicking your knives open, while not quite as abusive as beating on them with a hammer, is not good for them and will accelerate wear.
 
I have three of them, two are well used (EDC'd for about five months each).
Lock bar tension is pretty strong, and it doesn't travel much after the first few weeks of use.

As you've probably read, the Military has one of the best designed liner locks of any knife anywhere. The lock bar is curved so it meets more flush with the blade tang, and the blade tang is curved so the lock bar sits in a bit of a dish, helping prevent it from slipping out. That along with strong tension keeps it pretty secure. Now, a liner lock will still wear in faster than any other type of lock (in my opinion). Just this one has a much better chance of being reliable.

The Military hasn't given me any reason to worry in normal use, I can't say the same thing for other liner locks I've handled (very little tension and a lot of lock bar travel).
 
I've never liked liner locks at the best of times.

However, if they ever make a Military with a compression lock, I'm buying.
 
I've had mine for 6 months now and have beat the hell out of it, it still locks up like the day I got it. The action is smooth, the release is easy and the lock is solid, I'm my book it qualifies for the definition of perfect. Plus it looks and feels great.

If you want a compression lock you could also get the Para.
 
I've used my Military pretty hard over a couple of years or so, and it is the best knife I own. The Military has the best linerlock in the business, in my experience. Only some Benchmade models come close.

Clay
 
I prefer frame locks over liner locks, but my Military is the strongest liner lock I have ever seen. My Military is one of the few folders I use as much as my everyday fixed blades, and it holds up. A tank!
 
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