New Knife for Overseas Deployment: Axis Lock or Back Lock?

[S-3 ranch]

we don’t know his mos !
#2 he wants a spyderco or benchmade
imo stick with a liner lock or back lock, in any brand that doesn’t use 8cr13mov unless serrated blade

 

[353]

Don't have a lot of confidence in the axis lock as the only BM I have had a break in one of the omega springs after only 3-4 months.

Can't speak for the compression lock.

The back lock from Spyderco is a true and tried lock that has my full confidence hands down. This is what I would go for.

 

[Niddhogg]

I carried a Spyderco Military, a ZT301, a Sebenza, and a Spydie dragonfly at different times while I was in. Never had to worry about the Sebenza's strength or edge retention, but then again I never really had to worry about either with the spydercos. I personally preferred the Military to the PM2 (haven't seen or used a PM3, can't say one way or the other.)

If he's gonna be toting a rifle or be behind a MG, I'd really recommend picking up a leatherman MUT-- this was the best like $60 I spent as a machine gunner. That, a spyderco, and a busse and he'll be ready to open any MRE wrapper that gets in his way! As for having multiple blades, etc. I really dug having something on my belt, something in my pocket, and something on my kit-- never know when you'll need something sharp, and when you need it now it's best to have it handy.

 

[jstn]

Of the ones mentioned My vote is the PM3. I have an original Para in D2 and the lock up is just as good as the day I bought it over 10 years ago. The compression lock is insanely durable and secure. The design is as low maintenance as a liner lock only more secure. I love my Benchmades but there are way to many springs that could break or foul rendering the lock useless. I'm guessing over there it would be near impossible to fix a broken omega spring.

However, I would also suggest looking at an Emerson for ease of maintenance. My Mini CQC 15 is without a doubt the easiest to maintain and uses really common tools to disassemble.

Thanks for sharing this. I’ve always suspected the Comp lock would have great longevity but haven’t heard many firsthand accounts. Strong, reliable, easy to use, and long lasting makes for an excellent lock!

 

[mmyron1]

Thanks for sharing this. I’ve always suspected the Comp lock would have great longevity but haven’t heard many firsthand accounts. Strong, reliable, easy to use, and long lasting makes for an excellent lock!

Honestly I've many types of locks fail on me. The exception is the compression lock on my Spyderco. Always been 100% reliable and rock solid.

 

[afishhunter]

Hard to open one handed when you are carrying something in the other. Think of opening a MRE bag that you are carrying while walking.

Can always add a screw-on stud or thumb bar.

Normally though, an MRE isn't opened while you are marching/walking, just as the older C Rations weren't.

FWIW the Buck 110 was quite popular in Viet Nam. Pretty much everyone from post scribes and clerks to front line troops had one.

Question for N Nephron44 :
What knives or multi tools (if any) that are not issue, does his commanding officer allow?
You need to know that before getting anything.

 

[Danke42]

Hi welcome to the Infantry. We can guarantee you will never have to open a ration bag while on a route march.

No just kidding, we'll have you do that all the time; just be thankful you have something to open.

 

[afishhunter]

Compression lock is the spring and the lock, back locks have lock and a springs/spring bar.

Lockback: A notch on the tang, and matching tab on the lockbar.
Not counng the blade and spring, the lockbar or "back bar" of you prefer, is the only moving part.
(I'm going by the Buck 110/112 and Old Timer 5OT to 8OT lockbacks, not a mid lockback, which I have never had in hand.)

 

[Trailer_Ape]

OMG! I probably could have let it slide, if just the OP said "PM3" but now that people are replying and saying "go with the PM3", I am sorry, I have to say it...... there is no such knife. Not unless it just came out and is not even listed in their "reveal". There is a Paramilitary 2 (aka PM2) and a PARA 3. There is NO Paramilitary 3 (aka PM3). I know, I have OCBD really bad, it is one of my many issues, y'all can hate me for it, it is ok.

That said, here are factors I would consider. Keep in mind - I am not military, I have had to lug a lot of gear tho (rifle, pistol, coms, etc). If he already has a FB and a multi tool, that means two things: (1) probably wants a small light folder because he carries enough crap (2) it probably will not get used for jobs the FB or multi tool are better suited for (less abuse). That said, 2 of your options offer one handed closure, one offers it along with ambi ability. That is what I would focus on. Short answer - Para 3 if he is right handed, Grip if he is wrong handed.

 

[jnaught]

Lockback: A notch on the tang, and matching tab on the lockbar.
Not counng the blade and spring, the lockbar or "back bar" of you prefer, is the only moving part.
(I'm going by the Buck 110/112 and Old Timer 5OT to 8OT lockbacks, not a mid lockback, which I have never had in hand.)

I think discounting the spring from the mechanism is where we differ on this. I agree that it is a simple, reliable mechanism, but I consider the spring to be an essential part of the locking mechanism and a moving part. That brings the part count to two in the renditions I have handled (including the Bucks you mention, the Spyderco in question, and the Cold Steel's discussed). Single-moving-part lockback mechanisms do exist, but are not common.