Pull rating on slip-joints?

thales2015

thales2015

Joined
Jul 19, 2014
Messages
2,199
Hello

I'm just starting to get into traditional style knives, especially slip-joints, and wonder if someone can educate me regarding "pull" ratings. i.e. what does it mean when someone rates a slip-joint's pull at 5 as opposed to, say, 7?

Much thanks for your time.
 
Nail breakers are like 9 or 10. 5 is average with some resistance. But knives vary and one person's hard pull is just about right for some else. Saks are like 3-4.
 
It means how strong the spring is. Pull is when you pull the blade from the handle with your nail or fingers. A 5 is a medium strong spring that holds the blade closed well and snaps open without killing your nail when you open the blade.

I would think an ideal pull would be 4-7.
8+ is a strong spring and might be difficult to open the blade. Also called "Bear trap" for extra strong springs.
Less than 4 is a little weak and might not stay open during regular use.

Hope this helps.
 
I was under the impression that SAK mains were conisidered about a 6. So, you can see it is subjective, LOL.
 
VictorLouis said:
I was under the impression that SAK mains were conisidered about a 6. So, you can see it is subjective, LOL.
Click to expand...

Agreed, I would rate the SAK at about a 6. IMO it is the ideal pull. A pull of 9 or 10 is not advisable, and an 8 cannot be pinched open (only opened with nail nick). I think 5-7 is the ideal range. It certainly is subjective, kind of like calling pass interference in a football game. :D
 
I could be talked into a higher pull rating on Saks. They are close to ideal or just a tad soft for me.
 
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