Queen MM: To Lock Or Not To Lock, That Is the Question

markksr

markksr

Joined
Mar 15, 2007
Messages
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Well, the title really says it all. I might finally get the Queen Mountain Man that I have been wanting for quite some time (but something else always pops up... so many knives, so little money :( ) and I just wondered which most people preferred.

And more importantly, WHY?

I mean, if Queen bothers to make 2 knives that are so very similar there must be a decent demand for both models.

So please, share your thoughts (and maybe even some pictures:)) with me.
 
locks on non combat knives are really a personal thing. most experienced users do'nt really need same but i think lots of us just like the xtra mechanics to tinker with. hunting & utility usage doe'nt require any rapid handling or extra quick movements.personally i am a klutz at times & like the xtra security to cover my mistakes. 99% of people will rarely have a necessity for locks.most ole timers i know do'nt ever use lockers.
 
On the mountain man (and other coil spring lockback models) it is a fine line between getting enough backspring pressure with acceptable resistance. Since the backspring is more of a locking rocker bar in the lock model, it really doesn't apply much tension for snap. Thus they shim the joint when peening to keep free flow in the joint; most times this means in open position there will be some discernible movement if you do the old 2010 fingertip test.

Since the non-lock model is a true backspring, they peen it much tighter because they have to torque to push it open/closed now. Thus if a tad of blade play bothers you, get the non-locking model.

Mike Latham
CollectorKnives.Net
 
+1 on what knifeswapper said. got both. the locking mm has noticeable blade play that is annoying to me. the slippie is very tight and sees a lot of use. it is your call, the lock on mine holds the blade adequately when i use it, but the slippie just feels more solid and "walks and talks".
 
Thanks guys, good info so far. Does the non-locking model have half-stops?
 
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I was convinced I wanted a locking Mountain Man until I read about the common blade play issue. I recently checked one out in person and, though well made and finished, it exhibited the often mentioned blade play. Slight, but perceptible, and a deal killer for me.
 
Non locking all the way if the blade play issue is that bad. No blade play plus a strong backspring = a great knife to me.
 
From what I understand, it does not have half stops. I wonder is the spring tension tighter due to the blade size? I was considering one of the non locks as well, or the Grandaddy Barlow.
 
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