Question for Sal

S

shady A.M.

Joined
Jul 28, 2004
Messages
654
This is only my second post but I am a long time lurker to this particular forum. Actually, I have been a long time knife user, but since I started reading this forum I have become a true Spyderco convert (sold all my other knives and carry only Spydercos, with the exception of one Strider)

There have recently been a few posts about the new pivot screws either breaking or stripping. I personally have had a problem with a Para pivot breaking because I tighted it a little too much. My question is this: If knives like the Yojimbo and Dodo are MBC rated how come they don't have more substantial pivots like the Lil' Temp or Gunting? It would seem to me that if a knife were going to qualify for an MBC rating pivot pin strength would be an important issue. I also would think that you would standardize the hardware for MBC rated knives. Please don't take this as criticism I just would like to hear your opinion. Btw, I own a Para, Lil' Temp and Dodo. The Lil' Temp is probably my favorite, but I find myself carrying the Para to work everyday. I think they are all excellent designs and look forward to putting them to work everyday.
 
Hi Shady AM. Welcome to the Spyderco forum. Thanx for the input. I know we're working on it, but I'll send the info to the knifemakers.

sal
 
MBC rating, i've read a lot about the rating but is it really tested in a way? I can't find any data on how the nice people of Spyderco make the difference between non MBC and MBC. Does this involve destruction testing? I have a Karambit, great knife, but when deployed it still looks a little unnerving to see the curved blade in the vicintiy of my fingers. I think the Karambit is also MBC tested, but how do u do this? Is it comparable to the lock strength testing by Cold Steel? I have seen independend test where the lock strenght was tested and Spyderco's are VERY tough. But is it possible to give data about lock strenght to your customers? :)
 
I know that Spyderco tests just about everything you possibly can test in a folding knife: corrosion resistance, edge holding, lock strength etc...

I believe the MBC rating means the lock can withstand 800lbs per inch bladelength, but I could be wrong on that exact number.

Wouter
 
I believe it is 200 lbs/inch. Therefore the Chinook can withstang a force on the lock of 800 lbs. Thats why the strength has to vary with blade length. The blade acts as a lever, multiplying force against the lock. 800 lbs is a lot of lock strength for the chinook, but would not be terribly much if a folder were made with a 10" blade, due to to mechanical advantage given by the lever.
 
From what I have read on this forum I came to understand that the MBC rating is a combination of factors that make it a reliable knife for martial blade use. I'm not sure what type of labratory testing they do on their knives (strength, corrosion, etc.) but I think the determining factor is lock reliablity. I thought the idea of MBC was to design a defensive/offensive blade with a strong lock that cannot be easily disengaged. I have yet to see a Spyderco knife with a linerlock and an MBC rating (I don't think the Kerambit is MBC rated because of the framelock). All Spyderco MBC rated knives that I know of either have a lockback, ball-bearing, or compression lock.

If you handle a Paramillie and a Lil' Temp. side by side there is a considerable difference in the overall construction of the knives. I love my Para and I edc the hell out of it (in fact I can't put it down) but the Lil' Temp. inspires confidence IMO that is only rivialed by my SNG (Sal please do a Lil' Temp with compression framelock!!! It would be the only knife I'd ever own!!) One of the major differences between the two is the full steel liners of the Temp and the over sized pivot pin. Recently, I had the pivot pin of my Para break off quite easily when I tried to tighten it. These are the same pivot pins that are used on the Yojimbo and Dodo. My question to Sal was: If a knife is going to be MBC rated shouldn't they have standardized hardware? For example, I would like to see the same pivot pins that are used on the Gunting and Lil Temp also used on the Yo and Dodo. Although, I think Sal answered my question adequately.
 
shady A.M. said:
FI'm not sure what type of labratory testing they do on their knives (strength, corrosion, etc.) but I think the determining factor is lock reliablity.
Click to expand...

Spyderco uses Q-Fog to test corrosion resistance. They have a computer-controlled breaking machine which breaks locks in a controlled, repeatable way - Spyderco does a lot of lock testing for other makers (results are confidential). They also have a machine which tests edge retention. And they recently came up with something for testing kydex sheath retention. There might be others I don't know about.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top