The opinel locking ring is more of a C in cross section, not a full solid ring. So the lock strength will be determined by the resistance of that C shape from opening further. Since it's just stamped metal, it's relatively weak compared to modern locks. Cold steel made an updated version, the twist master, which was still not a super strong lock.
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The opinel locking ring is more of a C in cross section, not a full solid ring. So the lock strength will be determined by the resistance of that C shape from opening further. Since it's just stamped metal, it's relatively weak compared to modern locks. Cold steel made an updated version, the twist master, which was still not a super strong lock.
Thanks Marcinek. I've had no interest in tearing up an Opinel just to see it fail, and I guess I could see given enough pressure that the ring becomes loosened from the handle frame or something.
One thing I like about it is you see the whole lock... it's right there and you see how it engages and disengages, etc. You don't even have to wonder if something is failing internally because there are no hidden internal parts to fail. This, unless I am mistaken, really is different from every other lock I've seen.
Thanks Doc, that makes sense, I didn't think about it like that.
Did Cold Steel do their typical testing on the Twist Master? Just curious if you know. I actually saw a few Twist Masters on the forums... even though they are really just updated Opinels they look neat and I kinda wish I owned one.
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No, I don't think you or your statement about the Opinel's locking system are idiotic at all.
That locking system is more than adequate, I am sure the blade would fail long before the ring would considering the tasks a knife is designed to do.
I personally don't get the whole sharpened pry bar market. Perhaps for SEAL or other military elite that have to watch every oz of gear they carry? To me, knife is for cutting and a pry bar is for, well?
Exactly. I mean, I guess if I were in a highly unlikely, dire situation... maybe I could see using it that way, although I could not then be surprised if I broke the knife. And even in such a situation, what would I be prying open? A jammed emergency door? Elevator door? I don't even know.
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I think the little flipper tab lever thingy looks like it gets in the way of opening the knife. Kind of awkward, imo. I get by with slipjoint folders (otherwise I'll go grab a fixed blade) so brute lock strength in a folder doesn't mean much to someone like me.
Still, I admire your innovative spirit, FFK!
-Brett
Still, I admire your innovative spirit, FFK!
-Brett
Cypress
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I'm really unsure as to what feedback he's looking for, as he said it's already patented. As with the previous thread, almost every post FFK has produced seems to be an attempt at stirring up market hype, and NOT "looking for feedback" as he claims.
Once again, it's already patented. The only feedback he can use at this point is market interest.
Once again, it's already patented. The only feedback he can use at this point is market interest.
Working on it, actual testing....cost $. There is a believille washer(or compressive material) under nut with a max deflection of .010"-.013".
That keeps overcenter cam surface tight(self adjusting). When the FFK is locked, all the surface effectively jammed each other...it's a domino effect. If you pry, the force applied is off center from pivot pin(axis of rotation) and no movement in tang area. If you apply force on spine(vertical direction) the right angles on tang mating surfaces as well as the predetermined crossectional angle(V shape) "jam", not allowing rotation.
That keeps overcenter cam surface tight(self adjusting). When the FFK is locked, all the surface effectively jammed each other...it's a domino effect. If you pry, the force applied is off center from pivot pin(axis of rotation) and no movement in tang area. If you apply force on spine(vertical direction) the right angles on tang mating surfaces as well as the predetermined crossectional angle(V shape) "jam", not allowing rotation.
RamZar
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The ergonomics look impractical, awkward and uncomfortable.
Realistically, I wonder how much "stronger" of a lock it'd be, compared to what's out there now including secondary locks, without reading into the various marketing buzzwords in this and related threads.
I like the idea of new locks for folders.
Realistically, I wonder how much "stronger" of a lock it'd be, compared to what's out there now including secondary locks, without reading into the various marketing buzzwords in this and related threads.
I like the idea of new locks for folders.
Once again, continuing to sell your idea, not get feedback on it.
The same could be said of a lockback. In fact, sicce the lockback has steel on both sides, as opposed to your "steel on the one side, just the thumb doohickey on the other," that the pivot on a lockback is MORE robust than yours.
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I think you guys are just jealous you did not think of it first. This thing is in it's infancy let him work on it and see where it goes instead of trying to crush his dreams.
I don't think that's it.... but I wish him best of luck.
Personally I'm happy with lockback knives, but to each their own.
Yes, the blade would permanently deform. Over-center locks are used everywhere because they're simple,strong and reliable. They work in the worst of conditions. Yes the cam contact surfaces could be widened to spread the torque more evenly. Yes the cross-pin that holds the lever onto the pivot pin needs to be robust .090"(440C). Yes the thumb lever should have a generous amount of Vanadium(4%).
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I think the light in which he introduced his product has rubbed some people the wrong way. For a blade that has yet to actually undergo any physical testing to be touted as the "strongest folding knife" to the largest collection of knife enthusiasts in the world comes off as overzealous, at best.
It's sort of the same reason a lot of people have a chip on their shoulders about Emerson claiming to build the "#1 Hard Use Knives in the World", except the FFK is little more than an untested prototype. I think if he would have just presented his product and let the community judge for itself, he would have had more positive results.
That, and BF subscription holders tend to take offense to people overstepping their membership boundaries, which is what closed the "Strongest Folding Knife" thread #1.
I'm just spitballing here, but as a guy on the outside looking in, that's how it looks to me.
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Mike,
I think you have a tad of the paralysis of analysis. You can pay money to have a lab run a bunch of tests that will give you a bunch of statistics that really won't mean squat to the average buyer!
Send five knives to five different people, Contractor, Soldier, Handyman etc that use knives everyday in their work and hobbies and have each of them fill out a one page question ire. Have the camera rolling as you put your knife through its paces showing how well your locking system holds up to all of the hell you can dish out!
That's how you will show if your system/knife has a niche to fill in the market. Not from a lab giving you a bunch of numbers.
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