PM2 Compresssion Lock vs the Cold Steel Holdout 2 Triad Lock

Tdhurl1103

Tdhurl1103

Joined
Dec 6, 2012
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Saw this over at the Cold Steel sub, and though you might want to check it out.

[video=youtube;6eFuENF5c08]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eFuENF5c08&feature=youtu.be[/video]
 
I actually like lock tests unlike most people here, but I don't mistrust my PM2 because of these tests, triad locks are stupidly overbuilt. I think its important to mention a benchmade axis lock failed the spinewhack test


Here is the manix 2 lock test for anyone curious

[video=youtube;9rvon6CoeHk]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rvon6CoeHk[/video]
 
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Very interesting. The triad lock smokes the compression lock! I thought the Spyderco would do better than it did.
 
I didn't watch the whole video. Does it ever say what makes the comp lock fail? It seems from looking at it, that it would be much sturdier and less prone to failure.
 
So it has a stronger lock who cares? Now let's see a test between the two for what a knife is used for cutting and see who wins!
 
jstn said:
I didn't watch the whole video. Does it ever say what makes the comp lock fail? It seems from looking at it, that it would be much sturdier and less prone to failure.
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I'm pretty sure it slipped off no damage though, during the weight test it deformed and slipped I believe.

The triad is definitely the superior lock for strength, though its questionable if you'd ever need it.


For those interested though I don't feel like linking them all they tested a benchmade, as well as a zt 301 and 350, the 350 which is a linerlock failed miserably, the 301 framelock survived spine whacks and held up to 270 surprisingly.


Clanton said:
So it has a stronger lock who cares? Now let's see a test between the two for what a knife is used for cutting and see who wins!
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I'm guessing you only own slipjoints?
 
Realistically, what situation will one be in that requires a backward spine whack of 30 pound forces? and to have downward force of 90 pound plus? I am sure both spyderco and cold steel can produce a knife that will hold 500 LB force but for what?
 
Clanton said:
No slip joints but I do have a few PM2's
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My PM2 is my favorite knife, I don't trust linerlocks as I've had a junk one that would shut for any reason, and a kershaw skyline that would shut if dropped into wood point first, and almost took my finger off when stuck into a tree if not for the choil.

I'm with you that having a tougher lock doesn't make it better than the PM2, but its interesting, personally I don't think I'll use my PM2 to hammer nails so I'm not worried.




wiredbeans said:
Realistically, what situation will one be in that requires a backward spine whack of 30 pound forces? and to have downward force of 90 pound plus? I am sure both spyderco and cold steel can produce a knife that will hold 500 LB force but for what?
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That's kind of the debate. In my experience the lock is tested in stabbing an object, and accidentally whacking the edge in tight spaces, as that's impossible to test reliably, that's why the worst case tests interesting in my mind. However obviously the real question is, in actual use does the stress on the lock even get CLOSE to the force applied here? There's a certain point where a heavier lock just adds expense and potential difficulty in operation with zero reasonable safety improvement.
 
i still love and trust my para 2,i think in the real world one wouldn't wack the spine like that! on any folder!or use it for a pry bar,i really dislike these kind of test,because they just don't prove much in the real world..
 
blanex1 said:
i still love and trust my para 2,i think in the real world one wouldn't wack the spine like that! on any folder!or use it for a pry bar,i really dislike these kind of test,because they just don't prove much in the real world..
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Yes they do, I can be reasonably sure that a lock that survives worse case abuse will survive much less intense real life use. However testing common "real world use" doesn't tell you what would happen to your fingers if something uncommon happened severed fingers are a bad way to find out.

Of course lock strength is only part of it, I don't worry about my military though I mistrust liner locks for the sole reason that if it were to fail the choil would protect my fingers, Any lock can fail in a freak accident, but a choil won't. And there is a difference between someone say whacking a knife unrealistically hard against a 2x4, and clamping the knife down and hitting it with a hammer etc. One could theoretically happen even if extremely unlikely, the other is so far exceeding even a freak possibility that its pointless.


Id take a fairly tough lock , but one that locks up tight with no play and can easily be deployed and operated over one that can hold a million pound any day.
 
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Compression lock may not be as strong, but it's exceptionally reliable and very easy to operate. I actually really appreciate a strong lock, a folder is a broken fixed blade and I want the least broken ones, but sheer strength isn't the only important aspect of a lock.
 
Would be nice if any of the knife tests had some sort of usage baseline for comparison. What would it take to achieve the sort of force they are applying to the lock in normal use with the knife gripped in your hand?
 
I trust this test about as much as I trust a tobacco corporation saying their product is safe.

Unbiased third-party testing is needed.
 
Not necessary.
If it were a real concern they could always add in a lawks type device to keep it engaged, but I would never desire such a thing on my PM2 or other knives.
 
SeaxyBeast said:
Would be nice if any of the knife tests had some sort of usage baseline for comparison. What would it take to achieve the sort of force they are applying to the lock in normal use with the knife gripped in your hand?
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Not a pure usage comparison, but it would be nice if they converted the weight to inch pounds of torque.
 
I'm really glad to learn of the video. Everyone on the internet knows that lock strength is more important than the steel, the heat treat, the grinds, lock ergonomics, handle/overall knife ergonomics and stupid stuff like that. Who cares how a knife cuts or how it long it stays sharp, or whether using it for a couple of minutes blisters up your hands? Lock strength is everything. Someone should link the YT video where a bald guy grew all his hair back by sleeping with a Triad lock knife taped to his head every night.

Spectre said:
I have to say it's hard to think of a more pointless test than that spine whack
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Well, not totally useless. You can get lots of YT clicks, and revenue, by whacking your spine(s).
 
Personally I wonder if the result would be different if the liner on the compression lock was titanium instead of steel.
 
Spectre said:
I have to say it's hard to think of a more pointless test than that spine whack
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I don't think it is pointless...if you want to damage a knife!!!Also I wonder how that would feel to your hand...painful I am sure!

An actual useful test would be to see how much force you can put on a knife in the cutting direction.
I don't know about you but when I use a folder I try not to put enormous stress on the lock.I like to keep my tools a long time...

Note in some of the tests they do how much the handle flexs.I don't know about you but if I feel flex....I back off!!!
 
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