Other knives with Victorinox style backsprings?

[Governator]

Here is a question from someone new to traditional non-SAK folders. Are there manufacturers or models whose slipjoints open like a Victorinox, meaning smooth and relatively easy pull with a solid snap at the end?

What I have observed so far -- granted with my limited experience -- is either hard pull all the way (almost breaks my nails) with good lockup at the end, or very flabby backsprings. There are some which are in the middle but still not quite as smooth as a SAK. Maybe it is operator error on my part Victorinox seems to have it dialed in, sort of best of both worlds, and consistent. I think you know what I mean. It is probably more than just backsprings.

Is it a matter of trying multiple pieces of the same model (quality control issue) or are there manufacturers and models known to have different backspring and opening styles?

 

[jackknife]

Victorinox is kind of on a plane by itself, as far as consistancy of fit and finish, and the amount of torque to open a blade. They have the most automated and high tech knife factories in Europe, maybe the world, so the polish on all the internal bering parts is on a very high level. I've always thought of them as a yardstick of slip joints. Is it as smooth as a sak?

I don't know why, but many of the traditional knife companies make near thumb nail busters, if not out and out thumb nail busters. Even when I was a kid, there was pocket knives we passed on because of this. Like our old scoutmaster told us; Some day your hands are going to be very cold, or wet, or both, and you have to open your knife. Thats not the time to have to fight with your knife to get a blade out.

I have noticed that a great deal of the European knives and some U.S. knives are a little softer on the springs. Buck slip joints sometimes are a bit soft, and the old Bertram made Hen and Rooster knives from Germany up to the mid to late 70's had what can be called "gentle sprngs". Some Case's are also decent.

 

[JB in SC]

It's pretty tough finding a (non-custom) slipjoint with spring tension comparable to a Vic; seems most buyers want a strong snap. My experience hanks up with jackknife: older Bucks (and Hen and Rooster) have softer tension.

I've had this one since the mid 70's I guess...

Notice that the nail nick on the main blade is correct for a left hander (which I am).

 

[Governator]

Back in my (recent) "tactical" days I did spend money on customs, so this is an option here too. I just haven't delved enough into slipjoints to know who makes the customs, what prices ranges look like, etc.

What made me put an end to my tactical collecting was Victorinox: you can get an incredibly useful and well polished knife from them for twenty bucks - the value for money is just amazing.

From Victorinox now I am moving to other slipjoints since I like a variety of looks and also natural scales materials. But I have been spoiled by the quality of SAKs