Should Buck adopt the Tri-ad lock when the patent expires?

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pinnah

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Jul 28, 2011
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This was noted in the General Forum.

The Tri-ad lock patent is ending soon.
https://patents.google.com/patent/US7469476?oq=ANDREW+DEMKO

I would never, ever purchase a knife from Cold Steel, but I think the Tri-ad is a good evolution of the lock back. I'll wager it would instantly fix the lock rock problems seen in the Spitfire and would add huge amounts of durability to knives like the Bucklite Max.

Should Buck set aside the "not invented here" syndrome and adopt this?
 
General opinion is sure to be that the 110 and 112 should be left alone, and rightly so. However, I for one would find the triad a welcome addition to some new modern offerings. I'd also welcome it in a newly designed classic styled offering that played off the styling of the 100 series although I doubt that would ever happen as it would cut into the market share currently dominated by the 110 and to a lesser extent the 112.

I'm interested to see others opinions
 
I don't know what the "Tri-ad" lock is.

The only lockbacks I have experience with are the Buck 110/112 and the Old Timer 6OT/7OT, and the Uncle Henry LB7.
Personally, I don't think the 110/112 needs any "improvement".
The lock works, and none of my 110's or 112 has any blade wiggle/wobble in any direction when open or closed.
 
Deere Man said:
General opinion is sure to be that the 110 and 112 should be left alone, and rightly so. However, I for one would find the triad a welcome addition to some new modern offerings. I'd also welcome it in a newly designed classic styled offering that played off the styling of the 100 series although I doubt that would ever happen as it would cut into the market share currently dominated by the 110 and to a lesser extent the 112.

I'm interested to see others opinions
Click to expand...

I agree with everything you've written expect the last bit. I suspect that the new slimline 110/112 won't cut into traditional 110/112 sales much. I suspect I'm on the tailing edge of the generation willing to carry the classic 110 other than those few younger guys who get bitten by the traditional bug. I suspect that the new 110/112s will open up the 110/112 heritage to a whole new generation of people who demand a thin pocket clip carry and would never consider a belt holster or rear pocket carry. My hunch is that if Buck put a Tri-Ad style lock on that modern slim-line 110/112, perhaps as an upper end variant, it would seal the deal for a bunch of younger guys.

Speculation on my part, obviously.
 
I know nothing of the lock you are referring to Dave, but Buck Knife Company makes LOTS of knives - sure couldn't hurt to have a new model with a top-end lock if one is available. However, If I was Buck Knife I wouldn't touch the 110 or 112 - they sell well enough to traditionalists (like me) who prefer them as is. OH
 
I’d leave the 110 and 112 alone, but the triad is an excellent upgrade for a back lock. Very secure feeling.
 
I like the tri-ad lock myself. demko has done a fantastic job taking a good lock and making it better and stronger.

I'd like to see buck chase an advancement in locks. nice to leave the 110s and such alone but a version with a tri-ad I wouldn't mind at all. that said most wouldnt want a traditional knife with an upgraded lock design...so dont think it would sell well, but dont know havent done the market research.

then again the pocket clip 110s sell out pretty fast and everytime. then demand higher dollars on resale than 110s equal in materials. even though traditionalists dislike them. so who knows...
 
I'm not a cold steel fan, not my cup of tea. From the test I watched with weights dangling. The 112 maxed the test out. I don't know if I've seen a lock failure noted on here. They have the g&g lock on the Marksman. Hella strong.
But new ideas or new knives are always welcome.
 
Daniel said:
Is there a problem with their locks now?
Click to expand...

The issue isn't about how well a Buck lockback resists strong closing forces.

The issue is their ability to withstand strong cutting forces without developing vertical blade play (aka lock rock). Some Buck lock backs have been prone to have this problem right out of the box (eg Spitfire, Bucklite Max).

The Tri-Ad design puts a stop pin between the blade and the lock bar, which protects the lock bar assembly from strong cutting forces.

I would like to see both the Spitfire and new Slimline 110/112 with a Tri-Ad style stop pin. I would expect them to stand up to repeated hard cutting much better.

As others have said, I would leave the classic 110/112 alone (other than adding aluminum frames and flat grind drop points as options in the custom shop).
 
As much as I hate to admit, a somewhat budget, foreign made Cold Steel walks all over Buck as far as a solid lockup with the Tri-Ad lock, they are amazing. I would love to see Buck offer that lock, but it would be tough to produce with the precision CS does at a reasonable price in the US. Nothing wrong with Bucks locks, work perfectly fine, but the Tri-Ad is just stronger, tighter and more durable. Yes Buck, please make it happen!
 
Rebel Nimrod said:
As much as I hate to admit, a somewhat budget, foreign made Cold Steel walks all over Buck as far as a solid lockup with the Tri-Ad lock, they are amazing. I would love to see Buck offer that lock, but it would be tough to produce with the precision CS does at a reasonable price in the US. Nothing wrong with Bucks locks, work perfectly fine, but the Tri-Ad is just stronger, tighter and more durable. Yes Buck, please make it happen!
Click to expand...
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Rebel Nimrod said:
As much as I hate to admit, a somewhat budget, foreign made Cold Steel walks all over Buck as far as a solid lockup with the Tri-Ad lock, they are amazing. I would love to see Buck offer that lock, but it would be tough to produce with the precision CS does at a reasonable price in the US. Nothing wrong with Bucks locks, work perfectly fine, but the Tri-Ad is just stronger, tighter and more durable. Yes Buck, please make it happen!
Click to expand...
Comments deleted
 
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Makael said:
F___ No.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the link, I enjoy watching those tests.
All I can say is I have three Tri-Ad lock CS knives and if I try them side by side with 110/112s it’s apparent they have a more precise, solid feeling lockup. Have you done this and got a different result? Serious question, I would like to hear your experience.
Does it matter in use? No. Are Buck’s locks strong? Yes. Heck I am still happy carrying and using my slip joints!
 
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