Oldest mass-produced locking mechanism?

sph3ric pyramid

sph3ric pyramid

Joined
Jul 24, 2002
Messages
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I'm doing a paper on the evolution of the locking production folder, for my high school International Baccalaureate requirements.

My exposure to locking production folders in general has been recent, so I'm not really clear on the history behind them.

What would be the oldest mass-produced locking mechanism that would be most representative of older folders before the transition to modern folders?

I've decided to use the Buck 110 as my benchmark as it's considered a classic folder before the development of one-hand opening lightweight folders (modern folders). So, in that case, I would be using the lockback (with placement of release at end of handle, not sure of what this is called) as the benchmark.

What about the ring-type lock on the Opinel folders?

I've cross-posted this over in the Blade Discussion Forum as well, but the suggestion was made that I might receive better responses from knifemakers. It would great if some sources for your information were mentioned as well.

Mods, if you think this isn't in an appropriate location, please close this one and not the one in the general discussion forum (for better exposure).
 
Check the US Patent office's website as source for old knife designs. Here is a link to a search that I did for "Knife" and "Locking". It only pulled patents from 1975 forward, but if you look at them, the will each have a section that references other patents. Some of these patents go back to the 1890's or earlier. You would be surprised at the different locking mechanisms use on knives in those days. There will also be an image button on the page that will give you scanned in images of the patten diagram and description. Be patient because these images are large and take a while to load. Here is the link:

US Patent Office search for "Knife" and "Locking"

Hope this helps. -chris

__________________
Chris Crawford Knives

 
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