Military Lock question

Y

YourHuckleberry

Joined
Jul 18, 2015
Messages
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Hey, Spydie fans,

I recently picked up a new Millie and am a little speculative of the liner lock. It looks like the lock just barely slides in against the bottom of the tang. I don't have anything for comparison since the only other Spydercos I own (PM2 and Salt1) use the compression and lockback locks. I'm hesitant to try and knock it against something because a) I like my fingers and b) I may return it.

Unfortunately, since I'm new, I can't post attachments yet, but will do so when I can. In the meantime, have any of you run into this same issue?
 
If the entire width of the liner is touching the tang you are good to go.

If it's not I would return it, or send it in.
Good luck.
 
As Ken said, as long as the liner is all the way on the tang, you're good to go.

If not, the first question I'd have would be: how are you opening the knife? I ask because brand new liner locks don't always engage properly if opened too slowly and gently. That's not to say you have to snap them open with full force crack-the-whip arm motion, but, like closing car doors, you do need to do it with some authority since being too gentle won't get the job done.
 
Like Ken said and try opening it hard a couple of times and it will usually settle and not move much at all later.
 
Like others have said, if the full liner is in contact with the tang its good to go.

Use it and the lock will wear/settle into place.

I stink at pics and only have a cell camera, but here is my Military's lock-up.

8 months of use at work. Lock hasn't moved since month 3 (?).

I also haven't cleaned it in a week [emoji15]

2drbbwx.jpg
 
IMO if the lock is in full contact with the lock face of the tang and no more that is perfect lock up. It is what most here call early lock up.This is what I look for on all linerlock and framelocks. It gives some play for wear and seating in as the knife gets some use. Nothing worse than buying one with late lockup only to have the linerlock travel all the way across and touch the other scale after a month or so. I did have this happen on one of the original Wengers once. It did not develop blade play but had no more room at all for wear.
 
Here is what is IMO near perfect lock up on a framelock.


And on a couple linerlocks

 
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Grab the knife like usual and carefully depress the lock with the other hand and slowly rotate the blade toward the hand holding the knife. For me the choil hits my finger, not the blade. YMMV
 
First of all I want to wecome "YourHuckleberry" to the BF Spyderco subforum. And we are glad you brought your concern here to talk about it. First off over the years I've heard a lot of so-called experts chime in a say how bad linerlocks are>> Well I've owned several Military models and I'm currently EDCing a newly aquired M390 Military Sprint model and I've owned and used several C-36 Spyderco Military models over the years and I've never ever had any of the locking mechanisms fail on me>> and trust me there were two Military models in particular that I literally abused because I used them so hard and in harsh environments as well. I'm even surprised that my 440V full Spyderedged model didn't fail on me because I worked it like a draft horse and it never failed me. Albeit I always kept them sharp, maintained and well lubricated in spite of my hard usage.

The whole issue of liner locks being bad is sort of an annoying sore subject to me because I believe that linerlocks truly get a bum rap most of the time. The advice that those guys gave you are spot on. However if you are not 100% confident in the mechanical operation of that knife then by all means send it in to Spyderco Warranty & Repair department to have them check it out for your peace of mind.

Now I will admit that the linerlocks are not my top favorite like the Ball Bearing Lock and Compression Locks are but the ones I've used of Spyderco's I've never had a problem with them. Good Luck and glad to have you aboard and please keep us posted.

One more item>> I've had a Benchmade model 640 Boguszewski Spike model since 1996 and I've used the hell out of that blade over the years>> and yes you guessed it!!! it has a liner lock which also never failed me. Case Closed!!
 
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I recommend not adjusting the pivot. That can lead to troubles of your own making and they will be non warranty if they are from your doings. Generally if a person is new enough to have to ask questions about lock up they shouldn't be taking their knife apart especially when it's a non problem that changes as the knife breaks in and the lock seats itself.

The Millie is not designed to be the strongest folder ever made with the largest pivot and thickest blade and liner but it will be one of the longest lived liner locks with correct use and very little maintenance.

If you wait to wear it out from use before you purchase another knife you might never buy another knife. They just keep going.

Welcome to Spyderco forum Huckleberry. :)

Joe
 
Liner locks are the only locks that have ever failed on me. That being said the two occasions were very hard use situations. One was a kershaw blackout and the other was my 440v millitary. Both times i was twisting and prying with the blade, and it caused the lock to slip and close. The militaries design prevented me from being injured, its a good knife. If you use your knife like a knife and understand its limitations it will serve you well. I still carry that military and trust the lock for normal cutting tasks. If only it came with a tip up option.
 
Great advise given hear, I really can't add much. I have seen the locks stick slightly and need to be flipped awile to work off the roughness
 
Ive also seen liners fail, and I highly highly doubt the military lock is as reliably or as strong as a frame,ball bearing lock etc. However you can't equate your average liner lock with the one on the military anymore than you could assume a native 5 must have play because a gas station backlock did. If I remember correctly Sal has put a lot of time and effort into finding the ideal steel, heat treat and lockup for the military. Anyone who has handled a military usually notices the almost violent CLICK the linerlock makes as it springs into place.
 
First off, thank you all for your input and help. I'm not sure it's how I'm opening the knife that's causing it (I have large hands and deploy the blade rapidly, but not so quickly as to use the whip-cracking motion.) What u812 said makes sense: maybe it's just because it's a new knife and hasn't "broken in" just yet. Regardless, here are a couple pictures of the knife. Again, I apreciate your help.

20150718_122542-2_zpsj78zj2dv.jpg


20150718_122542_zpsnypstgt9.jpg
 
For me that lock up is dead on perfect. I pass buying knives that is much more than that.
 
I'd consider that ideal lockup. 100% of the lockbar is engaged but just barely. I'm not picky but it doesn't get better than that in my opinion. Enjoy it, the military is my number one choice for folders.
 
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