Question about lock on meerkat

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photonjunkie

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Feb 2, 2008
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273
Hello All,

I curious about how much resistance is required to slide the scales on the meerkat to lock/unlock it. I'm assuming there a detent to overcome initially before the scale moves so that it doesn't squirm around as it's being used.? I'm intrigued by the lock but I don't know how positive the lockup is as compared to a lockback or liner-lock.

Your opinions would be appreciated as I'm thinking about picking up one of the current sprint run.
 
It's the same as Spyderco's popular lockback. In fact, that's what it actually is. The scale is simply modified to depress the lockbar. Slick idea. Once you get the hang of it, unlocking becomes second nature. There is no detent to hold the blade closed. It is held closed by lockbar pressure. You don't have to manipulate the scales to get the knife open. Simply open the knife like normal. Hope this helps. :o
 
I just re-read your post... I've never experienced "scale squirm" while using the knife. I suppose it would be possible under a grizzly grip but the scissoring action takes place so far back on the handle that it would physically difficult to perform this accidentally.
 
Thanks Harry Callahan. That helps a lot. I didn't realize it was essentially a modified lockback.
 
Never had the slightest problem with mine, in fact the sliding mechanism is rather tight on mine and needs a deliberate effort to get it to unlock.
 
I'd call it more a modification of an AG Russell "one hand knife" lock. Backspacer, mainspring, and lockbar are one single piece. Rotating the scale lifts the lock out of the notch in the blade.

Takes quite a bit of pressure to rotate the scale, chances of it happening accidentally are as close to zero as you'll ever get.

Paul
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My Personal Website ---- Beginners Guide to Spyderco Collecting ---- Kiwimania ---- Spydiewiki
Dead horses beaten, sacred cows tipped, chimeras hunted when time permits.
WTC # 1458 - 1504 - 1508 - Never Forget, Never Forgive!
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I just received my Meerkat and am happy to report it's very easy one hand open/close for left-handers. For us Southpaws, after moving the clip over to the other side, we reverse what right-handers do using our middle finger instead of the thumb to slide the scale down and use the index finger to push the blade shut. It took me about a minute to get it down. Solid design. Would prefer an ambidextorous Navigator but one takes what one gets.
 
Active Verb said:
I just received my Meerkat and am happy to report it's very easy one hand open/close for left-handers. For us Southpaws, after moving the clip over to the other side, we reverse what right-handers do using our middle finger instead of the thumb to slide the scale down and use the index finger to push the blade shut. It took me about a minute to get it down. Solid design. Would prefer an ambidextorous Navigator but one takes what one gets.
Click to expand...

I have two Meerkats exactly because there is not an ambi Navigator.
 
tradja said:
I have two Meerkats exactly because there is not an ambi Navigator.
Click to expand...
I take the clip off my users, so to me the Navigator is more ambi than the Meerkat.

Paul
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My Personal Website ---- Beginners Guide to Spyderco Collecting ---- Kiwimania ---- Spydiewiki
Dead horses beaten, sacred cows tipped, chimeras hunted when time permits.
WTC # 1458 - 1504 - 1508 - Never Forget, Never Forgive!
It's easy to grin when your ship comes in and good fortune and fame are your lot, but the man worthwhile is the man who can smile with his shorts twsited up in a knot. - Morey Amsterdam
 
The Deacon said:
I take the clip off my users, so to me the Navigator is more ambi than the Meerkat.

Paul
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My Personal Website ---- Beginners Guide to Spyderco Collecting ---- Kiwimania ---- Spydiewiki
Dead horses beaten, sacred cows tipped, chimeras hunted when time permits.
WTC # 1458 - 1504 - 1508 - Never Forget, Never Forgive!
It's easy to grin when your ship comes in and good fortune and fame are your lot, but the man worthwhile is the man who can smile with his shorts twsited up in a knot. - Morey Amsterdam
Click to expand...

I like clips most of the time, and I find the Meerkat lock to be as ambi-friendly as an Axis. Still, I am sorely tempted to just carry an clipless almite Navigator in the bottom of my pocket.
Oh, and photonjunkie, there is no real detent to overcome before the scales move. Just as there is no detent when unlocking a lockback.

Sounds dicey, I know, but you'll have to check one out to appreciate it. IMHO, it's a novelty that doesn't wear off.
 
tradja said:
I like clips most of the time, and I find the Meerkat lock to be as ambi-friendly as an Axis. Still, I am sorely tempted to just carry an clipless almite Navigator in the bottom of my pocket.
Oh, and photonjunkie, there is no real detent to overcome before the scales move. Just as there is no detent when unlocking a lockback.

Sounds dicey, I know, but you'll have to check one out to appreciate it. IMHO, it's a novelty that doesn't wear off.
Click to expand...
Ah, another potential convert to the dark side. :D

I agree about the Meerkat lock, you really have to handle one to understand it, but the chances of accidental release are probably lower than those of any other lock. Your thumb and forefinger need to be at that back of the knife, and move as if you were rubbing them together or turning a nut. The only grip you might want to avoid would be left handed reverse edge out. If anything, it is somewhat difficult to close one handed.

Paul
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My Personal Website ---- Beginners Guide to Spyderco Collecting ---- Kiwimania ---- Spydiewiki
Dead horses beaten, sacred cows tipped, chimeras hunted when time permits.
WTC # 1458 - 1504 - 1508 - Never Forget, Never Forgive!
It's easy to grin when your ship comes in and good fortune and fame are your lot, but the man worthwhile is the man who can smile with his shorts twsited up in a knot. - Morey Amsterdam
 
Just got my Meerkat yesterday and I gotta say if anyone is on the fence about this knife for any reason, buy it now! I found myself closing it without any thought at all. I would buy any of spyderco's other models in this lock style if they ever came out. It's not a replacement for a 3" blade but would probably do 99% of what an EDC needs to do and is so much more fun. It feels great in the hand also, no dainty 3 finger grip required.
 
Thanks for all the responses everyone. I received my Meerkat. I had seen a lot of pictures before buying, but the blade was a still smidgen smaller than I anticipated. But as Hoopster said, it is still a very useful size. After using it for a bit I have to agree that it's unlikely I could accidentally release the lock during normal use.

But it's has me thinking about the Cricket, especially after seeing gajinoz's photo - similar blade size but a more compact handle. Oh, and I also purchased a Byrd Wings Slipit to give as a gift - also a really nice little useful package.. I might have to get one eventually..... Yikes, I'm screwed aren't I? :( :p
 
I was so stinkin' im pressed with the Meerkat when it arrived. Wow. It is a great piece.

SPC64JPBG.jpg


It really shocked me when I took it out of the package because I didn't know it was a hidden lockup when I first picked it up. I looked it over top to bottom and then read the instructions.

Sorry men. I had to do it. :)
 
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