Spyderco SuperLeaf Short review/overview

singularity35 said:
This is how it looks on the inside. The similarity to a liner lock is superficial.

paramilitarylocknh5.jpg
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This is Mr. David Lowry's photo.
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I see your point, and I understand the difference in mechanics, but I don't think the two locking systems are that drastically different. I would say that the compression lock is an evolved variation of a liner lock.
 
WhitefeatherTX said:
I see your point, and I understand the difference in mechanics, but I don't think the two locking systems are that drastically different. I would say that the compression lock is an evolved variation of a liner lock.
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Basically a compression lock bears the forces on the lock bar's sides rather than the end like a liner lock does.
 
I think that the main difference is that the liner lock takes the stress on a long, thin piece of metal while the compression lock takes the stress on a relatively short piece and transfers the load onto the stop pin.

I dunno but taking the ratio of thickness to length of a liner lock and the ratio of thickness to length of the piece of metal taking the stress on the compression seems to me to be the factor that makes the difference.

I would think that a 1/2 inch piece of metal would be harder to bend than a 2 inch piece of the same thickness.
 
Very interesting. Thanks everyone. Appreciate the link to Spyderco as well. Sounds like it is stronger and more out of the way than a liner lock. Might have to pull the trigger on this one.
 
There is a dramatic difference in strength in most cases. In order to defeat a compression lock, you have to shear the stop pin, crush the locking tab, or blow the stop pin out of the liners. Ain't happenin'. Linerlocks depend on many variables but in very few cases approach the bullet-proof strength of the compression lock.
 
I got my Superleaf a few days ago. Knife is sharp, but the blade is not centered. Tinkering with the pivot and handle screws do not solve the problem. A bit disappointing, my Spydercos had been perfectly centered so far.
 
i cant get this knife out of my head, this will definitely be my next knife purchase. spyderco keeps rolling out must buy models.
 
JNewell said:
There is a dramatic difference in strength in most cases. In order to defeat a compression lock, you have to shear the stop pin, crush the locking tab, or blow the stop pin out of the liners. Ain't happenin'. Linerlocks depend on many variables but in very few cases approach the bullet-proof strength of the compression lock.
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Thanks. I think you just sold me on this knife. First Spyderco for me. Never been a fan of their blade profiles. But this one is nice... and I like the sounds of a strong lock.
 
JNewell said:
There is a dramatic difference in strength in most cases. In order to defeat a compression lock, you have to shear the stop pin, crush the locking tab, or blow the stop pin out of the liners. Ain't happenin'. Linerlocks depend on many variables but in very few cases approach the bullet-proof strength of the compression lock.
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And Finally! The complete explanation as to why the Compression lock is Far more dependable than a liner lock..... Szabo folder, Paramilitary, Dialex Jr, Yojimbo 2 and Superleaf..... you won't have to worry about blade retention with those models.
 
Very interesting info about compression locks -- thanks!

I love the SuperLeaf. The lock is outstanding. The handle fills the hand nicely. And the blade has that cool, Strider-like shape while the SL has none of Strider's well-known issues.

For me, the perfect SL would have sculpted G10 or CF scales. I was practically distraught some months ago when I missed a chance to buy a modded SL with sculpted scales on the Exchange.

I have since been lucky enough to find another, similarly modded. It's my third SL and each is perfect. Another outstanding folder from Sal and his Spydie crew.
 
I picked one of these up not too long ago and I love it. It feels like a big daddy tenacious with better ergos. The teflon washers make this one of the smoothest knives i own.
 
minimize said:
I like this knife a lot but know nothing about the compression lock.
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In my humble opinion, the compression lock is about as much fun as eating a caramel apple at the fair. I love to hold the open blade, hit the lock, and watch the blade snick beautifully into home base. It's a strong lock; it doesn't stick; it's excellent. My favorite of all locks. Just keep your fingers out of the way. The compression lock, on the SuperLeaf is not quite as easy to operate as it is on the Para2, since the G10 is not cut out as nicely, giving your index finger lesser access to the lock.
 
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