Triad lock failure ! Ouch!!

[shinyedges]

The cold steel rep should close this thread. Dude is a troll plain and simple.

 

[philwar]

The cold steel rep should close this thread. Dude is a troll plain and simple.

I second that.

 

[unit]

As an avid supporter of CRK who has never before posted in this subforum, I feel compelled to state that this thread shows SERIOUSLY bad form on the part of KidCongo.

 

[353]

At least CS got a sell out of it, just ordered the Mini Recon 1 with the spear point plain blade. Didn't have a Tri-Ad lock in my collection, so that was good enough excuse to purchase yet another knife!

 

[philwar]

At least CS got a sell out of it, just ordered the Mini Recon 1 with the spear point plain blade. Didn't have a Tri-Ad lock in my collection, so that was good enough excuse to purchase yet another knife!

Please let us know what you think, good or bad. As long as it's honest, it's all good. I haven't handled a mini-Recon so I am interested. :thumbup:

 

[353]

Please let us know what you think, good or bad. As long as it's honest, it's all good. I haven't handled a mini-Recon so I am interested. :thumbup:

Will do! Just hope it doesn't get lost in the postal christmas chaos.

 

[The Whip]

At least CS got a sell out of it, just ordered the Mini Recon 1 with the spear point plain blade. Didn't have a Tri-Ad lock in my collection, so that was good enough excuse to purchase yet another knife!

Good choice! Sorry no one answered your original question, but yes, the Mini Recon 1 is probably the closest in size and style to the small Sebenza. If it's not to your liking, you might also look at the Mini Lawman or Mini AK-47. Cold Steel knives are affordable enough to try out several models to see which one works for you.

For what it's worth, there are definitely counterfeit Cold Steels being sold on E-Bay. You should be OK if you bought from a reputable dealer, but you might do better sticking with knife retail sites in the future. Hope you enjoy your new knife!

-Steve

 

[Kels73]

I'm trying to give CRK the benefit of the doubt by hoping that the Sebenza lock failure was a fluke. It was embarrassing, not just because the CRK lock performed poorly compared to the Triad lock, but also because it performed poorly compared to nearly every other lock that has been subjected to this testing. I wasn't surprised that it lost to the Triad lock, but I did expect it to perform better.

I'd really like to see a response from CRK, but I have a feeling that we won't.

 

[kidcongo]

As an avid supporter of CRK who has never before posted in this subforum, I feel compelled to state that this thread shows SERIOUSLY bad form on the part of KidCongo.

Hmmm, seems to be the popular opinion. However, I am only interested in separating fact from fiction on the triad locks, which had not crossed my path until now. There is a pile of ridiculous hype and propaganda around the CS Triad, same as there is around everything Chris Reeve. I was looking for any dissenting viewpoints on Triad but found none so far. So my conclusion is that Cold Steel lock strength is legit, and worth checking out if the offshore production isn't an issue for you.

I don't really care if y'all think I'm just trolling. It suits me fine, but thanks to the fellas who don't jump to conclusions about my questions, and have convinced me of the CS Tri-Ad lock's merit, even if it was simply by not coming in with other stories of TriAd failure.

The other thing I've learned is the CS fanboys are as vehement as the CRK fanboys, but that is what makes the hobby fun (it is incredibly ironic to me that there are calls to close this thread.....that is 1st rate Butt-hurt from the CS crowd I guess......in my neighbourhood, if you dish it out, you should take it without whining as well). In conclusion, I like my Sebenzas, but am not afraid to admit there is a stronger lock out there. Without question, the Triad is such a lock, unless someone now wants to say otherwise.

 

[philwar]

I'm trying to give CRK the benefit of the doubt by hoping that the Sebenza lock failure was a fluke. It was embarrassing, not just because the CRK lock performed poorly compared to the Triad lock, but also because it performed poorly compared to nearly every other lock that has been subjected to this testing. I wasn't surprised that it lost to the Triad lock, but I did expect it to perform better.

I'd really like to see a response from CRK, but I have a feeling that we won't.

I have no trouble accepting that CRK won't respond, their knives cater to a mostly different crowd, and while I am no fan (owned a 21, only high-end folder I ever sold) their knives are more than good enough for any normal task. CRK's have a jewelry-like quality to them, at least to many people, they're high-end or at least high price. Just a different market segment. And such knives should not be compared to heavy duty users made in Taiwan. I get it.
I own a ZT 0300, another Ti framelock. It must weigh double what the Sebenza does, but it did very well in the test at least, and ZT markets their knives as heavy use. But it still lost to a knife 1/3rd the price. Again, these are all tests CS designed for its own knives. No brand is obligated to live up to CS standards, so the tests are just a datapoint. But interesting nonetheless. I own a lot of Spydercos, and none come close to CS folders in this regard. Do I let it decide what I buy? Of course not. It's just nice to know a Recon 1 is a beastly strong folder, when you have to do something nutty with it.

 

[philwar]

The other thing I've learned is the CS fanboys are as vehement as the CRK fanboys

That is physically impossible. And besides, the attachment and identification people experience to their possessions is directly related to their price and rarity. CS knives are a commodity, CRK knives are semi-customs. That alone guarantees that a CRK owner feels a lot more ill when his knife performs badly than a CS owner.

 

[kidcongo]

I agree with what you are saying, totally. The thing is, I never really even considered cost when first looking into Tri-Ad reliability. I was just interested in whether it was all hype. Clearly there is a lot of value there with the Triad, keeping in mind it's overseas labour and production you are buying.

 

[BellaBlades]

I think a simple firm sqeeze and push cut or similar would engage the lock to a good % more on the 21. It would have done totally different id think on both tests. The same reason I think a deeply engaged strider with its stickier lock would do far better. I also love the grab and liner strength on my Emerson for the same reason and I see the liner buckling under the tang far before it would ever slip off on my particular specimen.
I think the weight hang should be done to one knife and the other test on another so that the damage does not effect the individual tests.
These are just my thoughts. I certainly dont have the time to test these knives. Or the money to fund them. These tests dont really tell me anything I dont already know or decide what I carry, but when a knife bust into pieces those are fun to pick apart and see what happened.

The Tri Ad will take more abuse THAN MOST LOCKS without permanent damage. I dont see a failure happening on a CRK, that is why we dont hear about it. Same with the Tri Ad.
I mean, I use my Ti lock as hard as I use any knife, besides chopping. Prying and push cutting with alot of effort. I dont see any issues there either. And its a medium duty knife at most.

And of course USA made is always best but just is not that realistic all the time.. Id love to get a Finn Wold for Xmas, but I really need a new snap on or husky tool set.

Thats my ramble. Been home all day watching crazy little girls and watching the giants stumble AGAIN>

 

[philwar]

I think a simple firm sqeeze and push cut or similar would engage the lock to a good % more on the 21. It would have done totally different id think on both tests. The same reason I think a deeply engaged strider with its stickier lock would do far better. I also love the grab and liner strength on my Emerson for the same reasons.
I think the weight hang should be done to one knife and the other test on another so that the damage does not effect the individual tests.

They always have a second test knife in case it doesn't survive the spine whacks and overstrikes. They didn't even attempt the overstrikes with the Sebenza because they are tougher than the spine whacks.

The weight hang tests are always done with the second knife... I think.

The Tri Ad will take more abuse without permanent damage. I dont see a failure happening on a CRK, that is why we dont hear about it.
I mean, I use my Ti lock as hard as I use any knife, besides chopping. Prying and push cutting with alot of effort. I dont see any issues there either. And its a medium duty knife at most.

I agree. The Sebenza will do what the vast majority of people ask of it and more.

And of course USA made is always best.

That is always a strange and baseless thing to hear for literally 95% of the planet, especially the part that produces blades as good or better than the US. If you prefer a US made blade for tax- and job reasons, I concur. As far as quality is concerned, Taiwan made blades take a back seat to no one.
And no, I'm not from Taiwan.

 

[BellaBlades]

I said the best in the USA, but not realistic. Being the important important part.

I had no idea that he does over strikes that would have done some damage.
Like I said the Tri ad is built for abuse. Thats about it.

I realize why did not come on here for a few months. Its crazier than a nut house.

I could have a little Taiwanese history in my blood. We are all sliced from the same wheel of cheese. Eh?

 

[B.F.U]

I agree with what you are saying, totally. The thing is, I never really even considered cost when first looking into Tri-Ad reliability. I was just interested in whether it was all hype. Clearly there is a lot of value there with the Triad, keeping in mind it's overseas labour and production you are buying.

The company is based in the U.S.

God forbid we support free and fair trade.

 

[philwar]

I had no idea that he does over strikes that would have done some damage.
Like I said the Tri ad is built for abuse. Thats about it.

Erm, no, it's built to lock up a folding knife as reliably as possible. It is IMO the best method designed so far.

I realize why did not come on here for a few months. Its crazier than a nut house.

I am genuinely interested why you would think that.

I could have a little Taiwan in my blood. We are all sliced from the same wheel of cheese. Eh?

In the end, absolutely.

 

[BellaBlades]

I dont like quoting. By "thats about it" I meant it as a general term of including reliability not as the only thing it offers. My mistake. I am a lazy typer.
But I think we basically agree on the same thing that they are built for abuse and durable and praise the thing. Best, one of the best. But certainly your favorite. I dont have a favorite, favorite designs and favorite lock being frame, or Tri ad. With the liner and compression in third.
Would I ask for my CQC 13 with the tri ad lock , for sure. Ive done equal positive reviews on the Tri ad lock, compression lock, and a few liner and frame locks.
The second part,.Really its kids and work that kept me away for a few months. But things just seem really touchy in certain areas. Not to sound creepy lol.
I was just suggesting a way that may have altered the outcome for the sebenza in a positive light.

 

[philwar]

I dont like quoting. By "thats about it" I meant it as a general term of including reliability not as the only thing it offers. My mistake. I am a lazy typer.
But I think we basically agree on the same thing that they are built for abuse and durable and praise the thing. Best, one of the best. But certainly your favorite. I dont have a favorite, favorite designs and favorite lock being frame, or Tri ad. With the liner and compression in third.
Would I ask for my CQC 13 with the tri ad lock , for sure. Ive done equal positive reviews on the Tri ad lock, compression lock, and a few liner and frame locks.
The second part,.Really its kids and work that kept me away for a few months. But things just seem really touchy in certain areas. Not to sound creepy lol.

Fair enough, thx for explaining.

I was just suggesting a way that may have altered the outcome for the sebenza in a positive light.

I was surprised at the outcome. As stated, I'm no CRK fan, but if I were, I'd agree with that. And to be honest, I think it should be able to do better than it did, although I am sure that Andrew Demko performed the tests honorably. He also seemed to indicate this story is not over yet.

 

[The Whip]

I agree with what you are saying, totally. The thing is, I never really even considered cost when first looking into Tri-Ad reliability. I was just interested in whether it was all hype. Clearly there is a lot of value there with the Triad, keeping in mind it's overseas labour and production you are buying.

OK, I'll answer your questions. No, the Tri-Ad advertising is not hyperbole in any way, shape, or form. The lock really does take all the abuse it's touted to take. Just search "Cold Steel lock test" in YouTube and you will see plenty of evidence. If other factors keep you from wanting to purchase a Cold Steel knife, that's fine. But there is no secret conspiracy to hush up all of the Tri-Ad failures. They simply aren't occurring.

And no, if you've successfully used a Sebenza in all manner of work for years, there is no way you're going to close a Tri-Ad lock on your fingers accidentally. It just won't happen.

If you'd like to buy a Tri-Ad-equipped knife but don't like the idea of Taiwanese manufacture, then get in line with all the rest of us and wait for the release of the 4-MAX. It will be less expensive than a Sebenza but will be stronger than any folding knife has a need to be.

If you came here to bash Andrew Demko, you're in the wrong subforum. He seems like an incredibly smart, fair-minded, talented knifemaker and designer and we think pretty highly of him around here.

If you came here to observe the bashing of Chris Reeve and his knives, you're also in the wrong subforum. We think pretty highly of him as a knifemaker and designer, too. In fact, unlike other comparison tests in which the competitor knife at least managed to get out of the gate, Cold Steel did not publicize this Sebenza test, either here or in its own forums. I wouldn't have known about it at all if it weren't for your thread. But I'm certainly glad I saw it, as it was the final nail in the coffin in my years-long inner debate about whether to purchase a Sebenza and/or an Umnumzaan. (For what it's worth, they've just never felt right in my hands, either, and always struck me as too little bang-for-the-buck, which is why I've been on the fence for so long.)

Frankly, I'm astonished and more than a little disconcerted by how poorly the Sebenza performed. Reeve invented the frame lock; you'd think he'd know how to get it right! Doesn't Chris Reeve Knives do any testing at all? With year after year after year of Blade magazine Manufacturer Quality Awards given to CRK (without even an acknowledgement of Cold Steel or the revolutionary folding-knife safety that is the Tri-Ad), it's irksome to see that a CRK folder can't even take hand pressure without the lock failing. As a lifelong knife user, the disingenuousness of that disparity is galling.

I hope you enjoy your Code 4, kidcongo. If the handles turn out to be too slick for you, try a Recon 1 or American Lawman.

-Steve