Pocket carry and lock reliability

[HFinn]

Today I came across something that worries me. I have a Spyderco Tasman Salt. It is a lockback knife as you know. I pulled it out to use it and it would not lock, no matter what I tried. I blew in it with no effect. Kept it under the tap and ran water in it and out popped a tiny piece of lint.

If the lock had to operate no matter what and a piece of lint can jam the mechanism this is a little worrying. Are other types of locks less prone to jam with dirt in them, like liner- or frame locks?

After this I will clean my knives mechanisms regularly. Also a pocket sheath or holster makes sense, because it can keep dirt and lint out while carrying the knife.

 

[dogstar]

If it does not lock, treat it as a friction folder, cut what you need to, clean it when you have the opportunity.

 

[killgar]

No matter what type of lock it is, or who makes it, any mechanism can fail, or be caused to fail by foreign objects.

This basic principle of mechanics applies not just to knife locks, but also to guns, cars, planes, and anything else that relys on moving parts working together under close tolerances.

I once had a lockback folder fail to lock as you have described (pocket lint), but it's not something I worry about. Usually I carry a liner or frame lock, and although I don't recall ever having those locks fail to engage, I don't doubt that it's possible.

Ones activities will also play a part when it comes to the chances of a knife failing to lock as a result of foreign obstruction. The presence of pocket lint is common, but if a person is working outside in the dirt (dirt, dust, pebbles), or on a construction job (dirt, dust, dry cement mix, drywall, sawdust), it's possible for a variety of material to find it's way inside ones folder and cause problems.

A sheath might help, but unless it completely seals the knife from the outside world there will still be the potential for foreign material, especially small stuff like dirt and dust, to get into the knife.

I've worked some very dirty jobs with folders clipped to my pocket or in a belt sheath (Buck 110), and the simple fact is that there is only so much you can do to keep a folder clean. I just check my knife regularly, moreso if I believe it was exposed to foreign material, but I don't lose any sleep worrying about it.

 

[VictorLouis]

Had the exact same experience happen to my Calypso Jr. when carried loose in the pocket. LINT! It's now carried in a pocket wallet to help mitigate that sort of thing. My pocket clipped Spydie is tip up, so hopefully a piece wouldn't be able to wedge into the lock recess.

 

[Ernie1980]

I have never had a lock fail in any sort of way, but if you don't take care of them you will. Coworkers and family have brought "broken" knives to me to repair and they are just dirty. My friend once complained about a slip joint that would not close, and there were two rocks in the area where the blade sits! Just keep it clean and you won't have any worries.

 

[T. Erdelyi]

If ya want a knife with a lock that can't fail, get a fixed blade other than that the two first replies are the best advice,

If it does not lock, treat it as a friction folder, cut what you need to, clean it when you have the opportunity.

... and the simple fact is that there is only so much you can do to keep a folder clean. I just check my knife regularly, moreso if I believe it was exposed to foreign material, but I don't lose any sleep worrying about it.