Spyderco Compression Lock

N

NRG

Joined
Dec 16, 2003
Messages
177
Well, I have been eyeing the ATR...but don't know about the compression lock. Anyone have any info? Are these locks more prone to fail than a liner or are they better? I never had a knife with one and I'm too sure about it. Thanks...
 
I just played with a Paramilitary for a few days.

The lock is strong. The knife structure is strong. The knife ergos are great. The knife quality is excellent. It's really a fine knife.

My only reservations about the compression lock:
- Inertia-opening is difficult-to-impossible without thumb-opening or lock-release assistance.
- One-hand closing is possible, but a bit clumsy for me.

Both the lock and the structure of the Para appear stronger than my Military.

I posted my review in the 'Knife Reviews' forum.
 
The theoretical strength of a compression lock is extremly high...much higher than a liner lock. The way the compression lock is executed in general by Spyderco makes it a very strong lock indeed of the strongest locks available anywhere. As executed in the ATR in particular, makes it one of the strongest locks anywhere. It is MBC rated which means it will withstand 700 pounds applied 1 in from the pivot.

Also speaking from experience, they are really, really smooth.
 
Structurally very strong, in principle the only way it can fail is if the pivot pin or stop pin somehow shears off, or rips out of the Ti slabs (or, in the case of the Paramilitary, G10 scales and nested steel liners). It isn't just a liner lock placed on top; the blade tang does not apply pressure against the front of the locking bar (which can potentially cause a liner lock to flex or disengage). Instead, it "sandwiches" (or compresses) the bar from above and below after it has moved into position, the tang from below and the stop pin above. It can only be released by actually pushing the bar out of the way; and the likelihood of that happening by accident is pretty slim, given its location.

But as with everything else, it's good to try it out in a store, if possible. Many folks don't care for the location of the compression lock, or disengaging a lock from above. Lots of great advances in folder locks lately; the compression lock is the one I like best.
 
The lock on your Dodo is called the "Ball Lock". The Compression lock on the ATR is an entirely different animal.
No balls on that one. :eek: :D
 
I have a Ti ATR and can't possibly say enough good things about it. The action is smooth the lock up is perfect, no slop and easy to disengage. Money aside you would be hard to find any knife that is much of an improvement over the action and lock up of the ATR I have. And yes I do like my ATR just a little.
 
Thanks guys...:) I went ahead and bought an ATR. I got the stainless one with the VG-10. If I enjoy this one as much as I think, I'll be graduating on to the Ti and S30V :D. Design wise...definetly one of my favs of the past year. Thanks for all the input...
 
I guess my Vesuvius gave me a bad opinion of the Compression-lock.

I don't think I'll buy another one.
 
BlindedByTheLite,

A quick question if you don't mind.

What do you think of the ball lock on your Dodo?

I had a really difficult time with mine at first and am still curious about others' experiences with it. I love the knife, BTW, just not so sure about the locking system on it. :D

Thanks and all the best,
Mike U.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top