Question about CRKT "Lawks" feature...

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Mar 21, 2011
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Is it really necessary? Seems a bit redundant to me. I'm really interested in the Hissatsu, but that extra lock kind of turns me off. Anyone want to chime and try to talk me into or out of it? Any info is greatly appreciated. Brains of Bladeforum, clue me in. Thanks.
 
The original LAWKS feature (manual) was pretty good. I liked having that extra bit of security especially on a rather thin liner lock (CRKT point guard). However, I quit buying anything CRKT when they started putting that stupid auto-LAWKS on everything. I want to be able to open AND close my knife one handed and the auto-LAWKS made that very hard to do. Then I discovered axis and arc locks and that was the end of that.
 
The liner on the folding Hissatsu looks to be thick enough to give some security on its own, so the auto-LAWKS is mostly there as a redundancy. My M16-14 has a similar liner and it's both strong and solid in lock-up. The auto-LAWKS is an extra step to get used to when closing the blade, but unless you are left handed or arthritic or using the knife in cold weather when your dexterity is impaired it should not be a deal breaker.

I think the auto-LAWKS is mostly there for liability purposes and to reassure people who spent the last half-hour watching spine tap fail vids on YouTube that the knife is not going to crumple in hard use.
 
I have a CRKT model M18 which has the manual Lawks safety which is OK but I got the M04 and it had the auto Lawks, pain in the butt to close so it went back. Their Summa model does not have the lock at all and is great.
 
Yes, it can be removed or the spring can be removed to make it a manual LAWKS. I've also seen lefties claim that closing auto-LAWKS knives one-handed just takes a little practice.

To be honest, I usually use two hands when closing a frame or liner lock just for added security if I have both hands free, so I don't think twice about it. One-hand closing is less important to me than one-hand opening.
 
Good to know. Thanks for the info, SeaxyBeast. I just really like the look and idea of the Hissatsu. We'll see if I actually get one.
 
I removed mine in my car while at a stop light. I was trying to open a package and couldn't close it one handed so, at the next light, i removed it with my leatherman charge. Honestly, it seems faster now.
 
I don't understand the hate of Auto-LAWKS. I have absolutely no trouble closing my M16 one-handed. I also don't understand how being left-handed would change that. Essentially all you're doing is operating a flipper and a liner lock at the same time.

I've heard that disabling the system can be as simple as a drop of super-glue if you were so inclined.
 
I don't understand the hate of Auto-LAWKS. I have absolutely no trouble closing my M16 one-handed. I also don't understand how being left-handed would change that. Essentially all you're doing is operating a flipper and a liner lock at the same time.

I've heard that disabling the system can be as simple as a drop of super-glue if you were so inclined.

Yes, but the Folding Hissatsu has no flipper...
 
I don't understand the hate of Auto-LAWKS. I have absolutely no trouble closing my M16 one-handed. I also don't understand how being left-handed would change that. Essentially all you're doing is operating a flipper and a liner lock at the same time.

I've heard that disabling the system can be as simple as a drop of super-glue if you were so inclined.

I get in a lot of trouble with CRKT fanboys (not saying you are one) but I just don't see the need. My door has just one lock and so should my knife. If CRKT is worried about the strength of their lock then re-engineer it; don't make it more complicated. I guess that is my big gripe (seeing that I'm a righty); it is inelegant and over engineered in an unuseful way. It obviously isn't a hard use knife (speaking of my M16) being made of AUS4 so I don't need the double lock.
 
I get in a lot of trouble with CRKT fanboys (not saying you are one) but I just don't see the need. My door has just one lock and so should my knife. If CRKT is worried about the strength of their lock then re-engineer it; don't make it more complicated. I guess that is my big gripe (seeing that I'm a righty); it is inelegant and over engineered in an unuseful way. It obviously isn't a hard use knife (speaking of my M16) being made of AUS4 so I don't need the double lock.

i am no fan boy of any brand, but wasn't walker (the guy who invented the liner lock) also one of the inventors of the lawks setup? i think it was Mr. Lake and Mr. Walker. maybe i am mistaken and if so i apologize, but if i remember that correctly, wouldn't that cover your point about engineering and such? i don't think they or licensed brands who utilize their trademarked or patented whatever inventions would do them wrong or under engineer them.

personal preferrence, now that i agree with. some like the lawks and/or autolawks and some do not. i can see both points of view. i personally like them and find both easy to use one handed...i am often perplexed by those who say they have to use two hands or find it cumbersome, using one hand. if one is left handed, i get that, but i shoot lefty and i learned how to use all the controls on a pistol, shotgun, and rifle shooting lefty even on guns that aren't ambidextrous, so i can't imagine someone not being able to adapt, but what do i know?
 
Totally get what you're saying dude. But I shoot lefty too and the platforms I've learned and used are way more ambi friendly than the lawks system. I've tried making myself do it with my friend's m16 and it is just too awkward. I hate being a lefty. Oh well.
 
I don't understand the hate of Auto-LAWKS. I have absolutely no trouble closing my M16 one-handed. I also don't understand how being left-handed would change that. Essentially all you're doing is operating a flipper and a liner lock at the same time.

I've heard that disabling the system can be as simple as a drop of super-glue if you were so inclined.

:thumbup: I also have no problem with auto-lawks on my m16.
 
I'm also a "lefty" and I have NO problem with any of my M16 or M21 folders with autolawks...Practice with it.
 
LAWKS = Lake and Walker Knife Safety.
I'm also a lefty here, and I do prefer the CRKT's without the LAWKS, (I AM a fanboy of CRKT and Benchmade) but I think it's good for a little something extra.
My CRKT Apache II without LAWKS is just fine without it.
 
I don't have a problem with it on my Triumph. And my hands contain a dozen titanium screws so they aren't near as nimble as they used to be.
 
I don't see LAWKS or AUTO LAWKS as an additional lock. The little piece that prevents the liner from closing is so thin that I recon it will bend under the right amount of force. The way I see it is that the LAWKS system just prevents you from accidentally disengaging the lock. It can happen with liners.
 
I've got a few CRKT knvies with the LAWKS feature, and I don't really mind that; I never use it, but it doesn't bother me that it is there. Auto LAWKS sucks complete ass and I've removed it on both my Desert Big Dogs. Its a simple process on the M16 series, I am looking for info on removing it from the folding Hissatsu because that is the knife I'm really interested in carrying. I've got a Heiho now and it only has the regular LAWKS so its GTG.

If anyone has instructions or 1st hand experience removing the Auto LAWKS from a folding Hissatsu please post.
 
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