Spyderco ATR questions

eyeeatingfish · May 20, 2006

I was looking at the spyderco ATR online.
http://spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=195

I havent found a good description of what VG-10 is. Its from spyderco so i know its at least a decent metal.
Also what is a compression lock. I cant really tell from the picture or explanation.
Other than that it seems like a good knife. If i can find one in a store and it feels nice im likey to buy it.
Thanks for the info.

GarageBoy · May 20, 2006

The compression lock appears to be a liner lock mounted on the top side of the knife, but is much more. When you open the knife all the way, a bar slips in behind an L shaped groove in the tang on the knife. The bar wedges the blade against an anvil pin. There is no slipping when properly done like a liner lock. In order to defeat it, you hafta shear the anvil pin or cause a lockbar collapse

howlin wolf · May 20, 2006

there is no liner. The lock is part of the frame of the knife. Like Striders, Sebenza's etc. For some reason the lock is at the top of the knife which makes closing with one hand a contortionists trick for me. But YMMV.

I love the knife and am saving for all models available. I own a stainless steel plain edge and did I mention that I love it?

Knave · May 20, 2006

I EDC a titanium model. It's very attractive and built like a tank. You can't go wrong with it.

GarageBoy · May 20, 2006

Well, I called it a liner as a cover all answer. It's so easy to close one handed. Pinch with your index finger on the lockbar, thumb on the opposite side with middle finger to stablilize and give it a downward flick. Close rest of the way.

SIFU1A · May 21, 2006

i edc a ti ATR and really like it, no probs with closing /etc, in fact no probs at all. i have a lotta folders and edc either the ti ATR, a crawford perfigo, or a custom emerson CQC8 which puts the ATR in pretty good company imho.

howlin wolf · May 21, 2006

GarageBoy said:
It's so easy to close one handed. Pinch with your index finger on the lockbar, thumb on the opposite side with middle finger to stablilize and give it a downward flick. Close rest of the way.

I should have figured this out but I suppose it's like teaching an old dog new tricks

I tried what you describe and it works flawlessly. thank you :thumbup:

eyeeatingfish · May 22, 2006

dont quite understand. I really dont like liner or frame locks because your finger is in the way of the blade. Does this lock type allow you to close it without ever putting your fingers in the way?
I guess ultimately i have to go and just feel it. I never buy a knife i have never held.

smcfalls13 · May 22, 2006

eyeeatingfish said:
dont quite understand. I really dont like liner or frame locks because your finger is in the way of the blade. Does this lock type allow you to close it without ever putting your fingers in the way?

Yes.

Your finger will never in the path of the blade.

howlin wolf · May 22, 2006

the easiest way to keep my fingers out of the way is to use two hands. If I'm using one hand with any knife and I'm distracted, it can easily bite me.

JD Spydo · May 23, 2006

Knave said:
I EDC a titanium model. It's very attractive and built like a tank. You can't go wrong with it.

Knave is absolutely right. If you are wanting to get a Spyderco ATR then just go ahead and get the Titanium Version. Just ask Blackninja here on the Forum if you don't believe me. The Ti version has a great S-30V blade and the handle is a bit bulkier and grips much, much better. It is a total mystery to me as to why the Titanium ATR didn't become a flagship knife for the Great Spyder Factory. The stainless model will only frustrate you. Get the Ti version and get it over with>> don't second guess. Take it from a old Spyderhead

alejandrino · May 23, 2006

It is much easier to close a framelock or a linerlock with one hand than a complock(my own opinion). The more expensive model(titanium handles) work more like a framelock as the whole locking side is thickness is the lock itself. The cheaper models are more like liner locks with a thinner lock. Some people like it,some don't. I have noticed that people have cited that they a have plays on their complock, but they still love it! I have af ew with complock and no complaints. Unles you use both hands to close the knife(any knife) your fingers will get in the way.

eyeeatingfish · May 23, 2006

So i went to my local knife shop and helt the ATR. It was nice and hefty, but just didnt quite feel right. I did like the compression lock though.
But i did see the stretch.
http://spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=166
I really liked this knifes shape and design. Didnt like the rubber inserts, felt like they might pull out after a while. Also i dont get why its $164. Its not their more expensive steel right? Its not a real big knife, though i would really love to get it if the blade was just a little bit bigger. So why the high price compared to other similar spydercos?